Download GPX file for this article
-8.7333115.5333Full screen dynamic map

From Wikivoyage
Jump to navigation Jump to search

Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is the largest of three islands off the south eastern coast of Bali, the others being Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.

Understand

Totalling some 247 square kilometres, Nusa Penida is much larger than the better known Nusa Lembongan. However, tourist infrastructure is 'limited here. It is an island of outstanding natural rugged beauty, and (thankfully?) tourism-related development plans have been rumoured and mooted to no effect for many years now.

Due to a lack of natural fresh water, little is grown or produced on Nusa Penida, and even some basic foodstuffs come in by boat. Visitors should therefore not bank on any tourism-related luxury items being available for purchase here, although beware the island is developing fast, so get in while its still a tropical idyll. Plan accordingly — this is as off-the-beaten-track as you can get and still be in the Province of Bali.

Nusa Penida has also become an unofficial bird sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species, including the critically endangered Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi). In 2004 the Friends of the National Park Foundation (FNPF) started an introduction program onto Nusa Penida of the near-extinct Bali Starling. Over 2 years from 2006, 64 birds were released into the wild. By the spring of 2009, 58 chicks had successfully hatched in the wild and in 2010 there were estimated to be over 100 birds. Despite many similar release bird projects in the West Bali National Park that have failed because of poachers, this has been by the far the most successful project to prevent the Bali Starling from becoming extinct and is because the Nusa Penida population actively protects the birds. In 2006 all villages unanimously passed a local regulation making it an offence to steal or threaten the life of the birds. However, T.I.A., and regulations are rarely enforced.

Get in

Map of Nusa Penida

There are public boats from Sanur, Kusamba or Padang Bai in East Bali.

From Padang Bai
  • You can catch the daily public ferry (large boat that includes vehicles). A passenger ticket is approx Rp 16,000 each way.
  • There is also a smaller public ferry speed boat service that typically carries up to 20 people. This departs from Padang Bai beach side every morning. You should be at the beach side by 6:30AM to catch the public speed boat. Buy ticket from ticket office near beach and then wait until the boat has enough passengers for the boat to depart. The ticket cost is about Rp 40,000 each way.
From Benoa Harbour
  • Quicksilver Runs daily cruises from Benoa Harbour in Bali to their monstrous pontoon which floats off the north western shore of Nusa Penida. The trip includes watersport activities centred on the pontoon. Rp 570,000 per person.
From Sanur
  • Caspla Bali Boat, Sanur Beach in front of Ananda Beach Hotel, +62 361 7912299. Speed boat service, 3 times daily to Nusa Penida. Scheduled departure from Sanur Beach at 11AM, 2PM and 4:30PM. Departure from Buyuk, Nusa Penida at 8AM, 12:30PM and 4PM. One way fare Rp 100,000/person and return Rp 200,000/person.
  • Maruti Express, Sanur Beach in front of Ananda Beach Hotel, +62 819 1626 8871. The first and most reliable speed boat service to Nusa Penida. Safe, reliable and fast. Scheduled departure from Sanur Beach at 10AM and 4PM and departure from Nusa Penida at 9AM and 3PM. One way fare Rp 125,000/person and return Rp 250,000/person. Note: Depending on who is manning the ticket desk, they will ask for much more but stand your ground. Locals pay 75,000.....
From Nusa Lembongan
  • Public boats depart daily at 6AM close to the suspension bridge between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan and run to Toyapakeh or Buyuk Harbour in northern Nusa Penida. There are also services from the Jungut Batu area of Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida. All of these can be a little 'worrying' at times and are often very crowded.
  • Charter boats are available, departing from and arriving at the same area as the public boats. If you are staying on Nusa Lembongan, ask at your hotel. If not, go to the shoreline close to the suspension bridge or to the beach at Jungut Batu and ask around amongst the boatmen. Rates certainly vary but expect to pay around Rp 300,000.

Get around

Renting a motorcycle is the most practical option, and this will cost you about Rp 65,000. Look for vendors in Toyopakeh and Sampalan (or more likely, they will find you!). You may be able to find a rental vehicle but they are not common.

Some visitors from Nusa Lembongan arrive with rented pushbikes - make sure you get permission to take the bike off Nusa Lembongan first. You should note that roads in Nusa Penida are rough, hilly away from the north coast, and in remote areas no more than stone-strewn tracks.

Local public transport is in small old bemos or on the back of a truck. These vehicles ply the north coast road with some regularity, but elsewhere on the island do not bank on anything.

See

There are many quiet and secluded white sand beaches along the north and northwest coasts of Nusa Penida. Other geographical highlights include limestone caves, spectacular high coastal cliffs with karst formations and offshore pinnacles in the south and east, and rugged hill tops in the high centre.

Nusa Penida has several interesting Hindu temples. When visiting be respectful and always heed local advice.

  • Crystal Bay (take the only small road which heads west from the main road at Sakti village and keep going until you hit the coast.). A stunning white sand beach at Banjar Penida west of Sakti village on the north western coast facing Nusa Ceningan. Perfect clear waters and excellent snorkelling. Lovely white sand beach and a great place for a picnic. A truly idyllic spot and you are likely to have it to yourself apart for the odd local villager and maybe a diveboat offshore.
The rugged beauty of the south coast of Nusa Penida; the high point in the far background is Puncak Mundi
  • FNPF Bird Sanctuary, Ped village, +62 361 977978. The conservation and community development centre for Friends of the National Park Foundation in Ped. Learn about FNPF's Bali starling introduction program and other matters of environmental concern on Nusa Penida.
  • Goa Karang Sari (Karangsari or Karangsari Cave), Sampalan/Suana. Large limestone caves on the east coast about 4 kilometres north of Suana village. Find a local to help guide you and bring a flashlight. Some impressive stalactites and other typical limestone formations. The entrance is a short climb from the road level. Of great religious and cultural significance.
  • Pura Penataran Ped, Ped village (at Ped village on the main north coast road between Toyapakeh and Sampalan.). An extremely important temple to the Hindu Balinese many of whom make an annual pilgrimage to Nusa Penida specifically to pray here to protect against illness, disease and death. This temple is built on a quite grand scale which makes for something of a contrast with the generally rather austere nature of Nusa Penida.
  • Puncak Mundi (Mundi Hill). The highest point of Nusa Penida at some 521 metres above sea level. Great views from here. This area is also home to an alternative energy facility with wind turbines and a solar panel farm. Puncak Mundi temple perches high on the hill.
  • Pura Batu Medahu and Pura Batu Kuning. Two interesting and stunningly located temples on the east coast road south of Suana. Instead of taking the main road from Suana heading south west, continue on the coast road towards the tiny village of Semaya. You will come to the two temples (Pura Batu Madan first) after about 1.5 km and before you reach Semaya.
  • Sebuluh Waterfall. The Seganing waterfall which is very impressive, located next to Cacah Village (part of Sebuluh) or about 5 km from Batu Madeg village.
  • South Coast Cliffs. The whole southern coast of Nusa Penida has spectacular, high white limestone cliffs which will simply take your breath away. Even by the standards of Nusa Penida, the southern quarter is remote and inaccessible. The roads are difficult and in places distinctly hairy. But once you get there it will all seem worthwhile. Some of the karst formations are really dramatic as are the numerous offshore pinnacles. Try anywhere along the south coast from Pendem, around Bakung Cape to the coast west of Batu Madeg. Allow plenty of time as the chances are you will get lost at some stage.

Do

A typical offshore pinnacle on the rugged south coast of Nusa Penida

This is a wild, rugged and largely untamed island which offers plenty to those with an adventurous spirit.

Trekking and mountain-biking are rewarding with amazing coastline views. The terrain away from the coast is hilly rising to nearly 550 m and the vista back to Bali is stunning. Camping is a wise (or only) option for those who really want to explore this wild island away from the populated northern coast.

Absorb the culture. The native people are Hindu as in Bali but the language spoken is an ancient dialect of Balinese no longer heard elsewhere. The architecture and dance is also distinct. There is also a small Muslim enclave in the north which will remind visitors of culture in the more rural parts of Lombok.

Birdwatchers who find themselves with the opportunity to visit Nusa Penida should know that a thriving population of the superb white-tailed tropicbirds breeds on the south and southeastern cliffs of the island. Keep your eyes peeled. Nusa Penida has been designated an island-wide bird sanctuary by Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF). Various endangered Indonesian bird species have been released onto the island, including the Bali Starling, Java Sparrow, Mitchell's Lorrikeet, Lesser Sulphur Crested Cockatoo.

Diving. Nusa Penida is best known as a world class diving destination. There are more than 20 identified dive sites around the island, the most notable including Crystal Bay, Manta Point, Toyapakeh, Suana Bay and Malibu Point. The rich waters around the three islands support no less than 247 species of coral and 562 species of fish.

Many dive operators based in Bali and neighbouring Nusa Lembongan offer specific dive trips to Nusa Penida. Special attractions include fabulous Mola Mola (Oceanic Sunfish) in season and large Manta Rays year round. Mola Mola are migratory fish and most likely from July to October although sightings are reported all year round. There is diving available here for beginners but most of the dives require a decent level of experience as currents are strong and unpredictable.

Dive operators

For other dive operators check Nusa Lembongan article.

Buy

There are two ATMs in Sampalan, one for Visa and one for MasterCard. However, it's best to bring enough rupiah with you just in case the ATMs are out of order.

Eat

There are simple local warungs on Nusa Penida and since 2016, there are a few great western style places for a meal, music and sunset drink. In Ped village, on the seafront near Ring Sameton Inn and Octopus Dive, you'll find Wayan's Warung, popular with visitors for it's local dishes. Just next door, blessed by sea breezes, you'll find Penida Colada Beach Lounge where the excellent food (try the grilled fish, veg curry, sandwiches), music, drinks (happy hour 2for1 cocktails 4-7 are a must) and the hospitality from Liza, her local husband Wayan, their toddler William and lovely team are truly world-class. Also in Ped, drop by The Gallery for great art, fair trade island goods, big brekkie, muesli, coffee, French toast and fruit salad. His chips are legendary. Mike, a wonderful welshman and his lovely crew will make you feel right at home. Mike is a veritable font of island knowledge. Opposite the temple in Ped are two excellent local warungs. The one on the right serves really good nasi campur for 10,000rp (get a few takeaway for a picnic) and next door at Yuda's you'll get the best ayam goreng in the archipelago. At 16,000rp, its no problem to order two as it is so cheap and tasty. Asking for extra homemade sambal and a big cold bintang is advised. Sampalan has several good roadside warungs and the night-market serves up satay and local delicacies. Just 1km further east, you'll find Rolling Cafe. Outstanding food and drinks beautifully presented by the wonderfuly welcoming and fun host family. Amazing value for money pizza, pasta, salads, fish, cocktails, veggies and possibly the world's best chicken soup! Great music (Elvis, Buena Vista, dub, classical Spanish, chillout) and free, fast Wi-Fi complete the scene. Try a whole fresh-caught coconut grilled fish for a real taste of Penida.

Drink

Remember to take plenty of water on board. The climate here is hotter and drier than in Bali and you will dehydrate quickly.

Sleep

There are some small, simple homestays and bungalows on Nusa Penida. These are in the north between Toyapakeh and Sampalan. There is nothing even approaching mid-range accommodation though. Visitors to the island often do not book ahead and instead turn up and take their chances.

Visitors wishing to explore the remote, rugged areas of the island in the high centre and south may be able to find informal accommodation with a local family by asking a head of village (Kepala Desa). The only other alternative away from the north coast is camping.

  • Bungalow Pemba, Sampalan (opposite the police station), +62 813 38539435. The government homestay on Nusa Penida with 14 rooms. It is not the nicest of places but has great ocean views.
  • Friends of National Parks (FNPF), Ped village (close to main temple, Ped), +62 361 977978. FNPF's centre offers simple accommodation, including a charming bamboo house, set within its conservation centre for endangered birds, tree sapling nursery, and community library. The centre is across the road from the beach where there is easy accessibility to world class reefs, once you swim over the strip of seaweed farming. Overnighters and volunteers make donations to FNPF to stay in the centre.
  • Losmen Trang, Toyapakeh, +62 852 37643649. Simple rooms close to the beach in Toyapakeh
  • Made's Homestay, Sampalan, +62 852 37643649. Simple single and double rooms in this friendly family-run homestay. About Rp 130,000.
  • Nusa Garden Bungalows, Sampalan (near the hospital on the main road), +62 812 39901421 WatsApp - Tel, . Bungalows set across a nice garden complex are decorated in Balinese style, a 5-minute walk to the beach. The staff are very sociable and are happy to take guests to various interesting parts of the island (temples/waterfalls etc) for free. Nice place to meet fellow travellers willing to step off the Bali tourist trail. Free Wi-Fi. The great advantage is the the European standard of toilets and a strong water to take a shower. They also offer tour around Nusa Penida. Bungalow price is from Rp 125 000 to 250 000, and they have one cheap room Rp 150 000.

Connect

  • International phone operators: 101
  • International Direct Dialing prefix: 001, 007, or 008.

Directory inquiries

  • 108 from a landline or 0361-108 from a mobile phone.

There are no public internet facilities on Nusa Penida and the nearest are at Jungut Batu on Nusa Lembongan.

Go next

The best advice is to get out from one of the northern points in the same way as you came in. A boat to Nusa Lembongan and then onward to Bali or Lombok is recommended although ferries of a questionable standard direct to Bali are available. There is no onward direct service to Lombok or other points east.



This city travel guide to Nusa Penida has guide status. It has a variety of good, quality information including hotels, restaurants, attractions and travel details. Please contribute and help us make it a star!