Giri Putri Temple

Giri Putri cave located at Karangsari, Suana village, Nusa Penida. Has a length of about 310 meters and there are 6 places to pray / pelinggih, they are : Pelinggih Hyang Tri Purusa, Pelinggih Hyang Wasuki, Pelinggih Hyang Giripati, Pelinggih Hyang Giri Putri, Pelinggih Payogan and Pelinggih Hyang Amrita Shiva, Sri Sedana / Queen and Goddess Kwam Im Syahbandar . If we visit Giri Putri cave temple, while down in the parking and then cross the street, directly opposite the road, there’s pemedek (people who coming for praying) staircase-steps (stairs), amounting to 110 steps. Up above, meets the first pelinggih (Pelinggih Hyang Tri Purusa) in the form of a Padmasana which is directly in front of the mouth of the cave.

After praying at Pelinggih Tri Purusa, pemedek continued to enter the area of Goa Giri Putri. The first impression for anyone who come for the first time to this temple is, it will definitely feel scared, worried and thought could not enter because when he saw a small cave mouth only can be crossed one person. However, these thoughts will disappear, when pemedek already entered the cave area. Small mouth of the cave will only pass about 3 meters. The rest, pemedek be amazed by the wonders that exist and certainly did not expect that the cavity of the cave is very wide and high, is expected to accommodate up to 5,000 persons pemedek.

Peguyangan waterfall

Peguyangan Waterfall is one of the nicest places to visit in Nusa Penida. However, many visitors never get to see it as it’s not on the day trip itineraries of most tour operators.

Peguyangan Waterfall is on the Southeast coast of Nusa Penida island (the other Nusa islands are Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan) which is off the coast of mainland Bali.
It is important to note that the name of this waterfall is often abbreviated to “Guyangan Waterfall Nusa Penida” Address: 6G99+FRR, Batukandik, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia

How To Get To Peguyangan Waterfall, Nusa Penida Island?
You will first need to get to Nusa Penida from Bali. You can get a ferry or a fast boat from various ports on the mainland.

You can join a day trip to Nusa Penida too, but it’s unlikely that the Peguyangan Waterfall will be on the tour itinerary as it’s a bit out of the way and most people see the Peguyangan Waterfall Nusa Penida under their own steam or better to do this if you stay at Nusa Penida for 1 night or 2 nights.

To get there you will need to rent a motor scooter, we don’t recommend riding scooters in Bali and if you are going to do it – we recommend that you ensure you are 100% road-legal and have insurance.

The roads on to Peguyangan Waterfall Nusa Penida are not great and it’s all too easy to fall off and hurt yourself. However, there’s nothing like the traffic on Nusa Penida that there is in Bali, so if you go slow, you should be safe.

This attraction is a bit out of the way on Nusa Penida island and you will want a full tank of gas to make sure that you get to this location and then back again.

If you do get stuck on your journey, then the locals will usually be happy to help you out – but there’s no guarantee that you will encounter any locals out here.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Peguyangan Waterfall?
The best time to visit this waterfall and, indeed, all waterfalls in Bali, is at the end of the rainy season when the water flow is heaviest.

Is There An Entrance Fee For Peguyangan Waterfall?
There are no entrance fees at this site and you can visit Peguyangan Waterfall for free.

However, you are expected to pay 5,000 IDR if you want to park in their parking area and an additional 10,000 IDR per person before you start on the blue stairs as a sarong rental fee.

What To Expect At Peguyangan Waterfall
This waterfall is part of the Pura Segard Kidul & Guyangan temple complex and as such it’s a sacred place. You will be expected to wear a sarong while you on the grounds here in Nusa Penida.

There are monkeys running about the place and while they are not quite as cheeky, aggressive and thieving as those at some of the better-known attractions in Bali, you should still be cautious around them – they are wild animals.
It’s best to avoid injury or bites in Nusa Penida as there’s not much in the way of a health service.

There are three natural rock pools at the base of Peguyangan Waterfall Nusa Penida but you are not allowed to swim in them.

The best time to visit is when there’s a ceremony taking place at the temple and the whole area comes alive with offerings and locals in traditional dress.

Steep Stairs
The blue stairs are very steep and you will find that they can get very slippery, particularly those that run from the temple to the pools.

We’d strongly recommend wearing shoes with decent grip to visit this waterfall as you don’t want to injure yourself at Peguyangan Waterfall, it’s a long way from any kind of medical service.

Tree House or Rumah Pohon

The Tree House (Rumah Pohon) on Nusa Penida has become one of the most popular attractions and one of the most popular places to stay! It is perched up on the mountain at Thousand Island (Pulau Seribu) viewpoint near Atuh Beach.

It is part of the Thousand Island viewpoint area costing only 10,000 rupiah to park and enter, which is less than $1 USD. The best part about this treehouse is that it is actually a house and you can rent it out for pretty cheap considering how popular this spot has become and how insane the view is.
Imagine waking up to a breathtaking sunrise and a panorama of the sparkling ocean from your window. That’s the unique allure of Rumah Pohon Nusa Penida, a mesmerizing treehouse that encapsulates the untouched charm of Nusa Penida, Bali. Rumah Pohon Nusa Penida sits majestically on a hilltop, overlooking the alluring Thousand Island viewpoint.


How to get to Rumah Pohon
The best part about this treehouse is that it is actually a house and you can rent it out for pretty cheap considering how popular this spot has become and how insane the view is.

If you would love to wake up in this treehouse and watch the sunrise from the balcony with views over the coastline you can book a night or two in the treehouse. I’ll share the details on how to do that later in the blog post. Personally, I would suggest that one night is enough. There is a small restaurant at the top of the cliff near the treehouse so you can buy your meals but other than that you need to bring everything with you.


Rumah Pohon is on the south-eastern Coast of Nusa Penida. The island is quite big and it can take over an hour to cruise from one side to another depending on where your accommodation is located. The roads are improving very quickly throughout Nusa Penida as tourist traffic increases but if you are a novice scooter driver this is gonna be an interesting journey for you! If you aren’t confident in driving, you can rent a car on Nusa Penida with private driver, which is a good option to visit multiple spots safely in a day with a group of friends.Rumah Pohon is on the south-eastern Coast of Nusa Penida. The island is quite big and it can take over an hour to cruise from one side to another depending on where your accommodation is located. The roads are improving very quickly throughout Nusa Penida as tourist traffic increases but if you are a novice scooter driver this is gonna be an interesting journey for you! If you aren’t confident in driving, you can rent a car on Nusa Penida with private driver, which is a good option to visit multiple spots safely in a day with a group of friends.

Kusamba Beach

Kusamba Beach is one of Bali’s favorite sights, famous for its beautiful beach. The boat line belongs to the rural fisherman decorating the black sand that unfolds along the coast.

Kusamba has a beautiful view from the ocean with a splashing wave and a tropical atmosphere surrounded by soft sea breeze. We can see that the fishermen look after the crevasses, send rice, legume, fruit and other materials twice a day to Nusa Penida.

The Kusamba fisherman with the big boat and five crews can squire the heavy material to Nusa Penida at 1.5 ton cargo. They can travel across the sea from Banjar Tri Buana, Banjar Bias Coastal and Kampung Coastal Island for 30-2 hours, depending on the type and the medium-speed transport used.

This boat may also squire passengers who want to enjoy the beautiful coral and white sand on the Bali island cross.

Segara Beach in Kusamba is especially dedicated to the Hindu rituals that often carry out Nganyut’s activity in accordance with the Ngaben ceremony. In this place we can also meet a fish market that usually takes place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

A lot of fish dwells in the strait between Bali and Nusa Penida Island, so it is crowded by the fishing boat’s white sail decorating the sea around Kusamba beach. There are 40 fishermen’s families as the traditional salt maker on the west side of this coast, especially in Banjar Batur.

In fact, Kusamba’s name is not far from Balinese’s fighting history against the Dutch colonist. The Balinese hero succeeded in frightening the Dutch soldier during the war against the Dutch in Kusamba on 23-24 May 1849 and killed the Dutch key man-Letnan General Michiel.

Goa Lawah Temple

Pura Goa Lawah (Balinese “Bat Cave Temple“) is a Balinese Hindu temple or a pura located in Klungkung, Bali, Indonesia. Pura Goa Lawah is often included among the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, or the “six sanctuaries of the world”, the six holiest places of worship on Bali. Pura Goa Lawah is noted for built around a cave opening which is inhabited by bats, hence its name, the Goa Lawah or “bat cave”.
Pura Goa Lawah is located in the village of Pesinggahan, Klungkung Regency, Bali. The large complex of Pura Goa Lawah is located on the north side of Jalan Raya Goa Lawah main road, on the beach of Goa Lawah.

Pura Goa Lawah is sometimes included among the Sad Kahyangan Jagad, or the “six sanctuaries of the world”, the six holiest places of worship on Bali. According to Balinese beliefs, they are the pivotal points of the island and are meant to provide spiritual balance to Bali. The number of these most sacred sanctuaries always adds up six, but depending on the region, the specific temples that are listed may vary.

History.
Pura Goa Lawah was established in the 11th century by Mpu Kuturan. Mpu Kuturan was one of the early priests who introduced Hinduism on Bali. The temple complex may start as the center of meditation for priests.

When the Dutch attacked the Klungkung kingdom of 1849 in the War of Kusamba, the temple was one of the key points during the war. The conflict in the War of Kusamba was between the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army led by Andreas Victor Michiels and the Klungkung kingdom led by Dewa Agung Istri Kanya.

Carving at Pura Goa Lawah
The temple decoration evolves as time progress. In the early 20th-century, porcelain ceramic plates attached into the shrines and gates of Pura Goa Lawah are common. This treatment can still be found in other old temples in Bali such as Pura Kehen. Today, the porcelain ceramic plates decoration on the shrines and gates has been reduced.

Temple compound
Bat temple ornaments inlaid with gold at Pura Goa Lawah.
The compound of Pura Goa Lawah is built over a hilly outcrop. It is divided into three areas: the outer sanctum of the temple (jaba pisan or nistaning mandala), the middle sanctum (jaba tengah or madya mandala), and the inner main sanctum (jero or utamaning mandala).

The entrance to the temple complex is marked with a candi bentar gate. A bale kulkul (pavilion to keep a drum) is placed to the west of this entrance. Within the first courtyard of the temple, the outer sanctum or the jaba pisan, there are three pavilions (bale) located in three corners of the temple complex. One of the pavilions is the bale gong, where the gamelan set is kept for musical performance. Access to the middle sanctum or jaba tengah is located to the west of the outer sanctum.

Three paduraksa portals mark the entrance to the innermost sanctum of the temple (jero). The inner main sanctum consists of three meru towers, one of which is dedicated to Shiva. Several smaller shrines are nested into a cave, where hordes of nectar bats rest. The entrance to the mouth of the cave is marked with the candi bentar gates. Other shrines is a bale pavilion adorned with motifs of Naga Basuki flanking its steps. Naga Basuki is a primordial dragon who is believed to keep the balance of the cosmos.

Bukit Jambul

Bukit Jambul is one famous tourist attraction located on the east part of Bali, precisely in Pesaban Village, Rendang district, Karangasem Regency. It would approximately take 1.5 t0 2 hours to reach this famous highland from Denpaar City. Bukit Jambul is derived from 2 words, Bukit means hill and Jambul means crest, hence, the meaning of Bukit Jambul is crest of a hill. It is situated in a plateau area which offers great scenery of hills and rice terrace combined with green coconut trees unfolding the sea also the roads wining underneath the hills. The hill is located 500 meters above sea level, the atmosphere in this area is very cool. Many visitors come to Bukit Jambul when having a tour to Karangasem, it is such a great place to relax and see beautiful natural panorama.

A Story tells that this hill Buki-Jambulwas first discovered by the Dutch who came to Pesaban Village. It was named Bukit Jambul because the shape of the hill looked like a hair’s crest. The crest shape is created by the Bayan trees that are growing on the hill. These group of Bayan trees makes the hill looks like a crest from the distance. On top of the hill, there is an old Hindu Temple called the Pucak Sari Temple. The temple is visited regularly by the locals especially on Hindu Holidays, locals come and to pray to thank God for all the prosperity that has been given to them.

Bukit Jambul is becIndonesia_Bali_BukitJambul_RiceTerracesoming a favorite nature tourist destination, it is an interesting place to visit in Karangasem Regency. Restaurants which offer both Indonesian and international food are provided around the hill area, visitors can have a meal while viewing the scenic panorama of hills and rice terrace.

Kerta Gosa

The Kertha Gosa Pavilion is an example of Balinese architecture located on the island of Bali, in city Klungkung, Indonesia. The Kertha Gosa Pavilion at Klungkung Palace was built in the early 18th century by Dewa Agung Gusti Sideman. Kertha Gosa means – “the place where the king meets with his ministries to discuss questions of justice”.

The first function of the pavilion was for the court of law in 1945. Kertha Gosa was repainted in the 1920s and again in the 1960s. The Pavilion has a section of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, called Bhima Swarga, depicted around the ceiling.

Paintings

Use of iconography
The ceiling of Kertha Gosa is painted in a traditional Balinese style that resembles wayang (puppet theatre). Paintings in the wayang style are related closely to shadow theatre art and have been faithfully preserved to reflect Bali’s Hindu-Javanese heritage in its traditional iconography and content. Iconography was to represent living things through pictures and shadows because it was prohibited to represent any living entity.

Types of characters
All of the characters in the story of Bhima Swarga have a symbolic meaning relating to color and whether the characters are kasar or halus. Kasar characters, like the demons, are rough and coarse. They have big eyes, noses, and mouths. The hand positioning of the kasar characters is upward.

Halus characters, in contrast, are refined and flowing, recognized by delicate hands and fingers. They have small eyes, noses, mouths with thin lips and uniform teeth, and almost no facial hair. Their heads and faces are pointed downward. Bhima, his siblings, and Kunti are all halus characters. One of Bhima’s most important features, assigned only to him, is his right thumb which ends in a long curved nail as his weapon; this is a magical implication.

The angle of the head and body attitude of the characters are also important. For example, human heads and bodies are always in a straight-on position, but kasal characters are represented with eyes and noses at an angle.

Social hierarchy
In the paintings, social standing is portrayed by the hierarchical position of the characters, the size of their body, and the side on which they are placed (left or right of the scene). Siwa, Heaven’s most prominent god, is shown as larger and more intimidating than any other god. Similarly, Bhima dominates the other humans in the story. Bhima’s servants Twalen and Mredah usually appear side by side, with Mredah, Twalen’s son, placed a little below his father.

Age and social class also play a role in the placement of the five Pandawa brothers. Bhima’s power is strictly physical, so his body must be unhindered and ready for battle. Bhima wears a black-and-white-checked sarong that, in Bali, is believed to have magic protective qualities. In Heaven, battle scenes are not bloody, and Bhima is usually in the center of the war panels. His body is much smaller than in hell, showing his diminished importance in comparison to the gods.

The Bhima Swarga painting is a moral epic, depicting wisdom and perseverance, and the ultimate victory of virtue over vice. It is said, “He who with fervid devotion listens to a recitation of the Mahabharata attains to high success in consequence of the merit that becomes his through understanding even a very small portion thereof. All the sins of that man who recites or listens to this history with devotion are washed off.

Construction works
Dewa Agung Gusti Sideman, patron of the arts, supervised the design and construction of his palace in Klungkung – an example of Hindu-Balinese architecture. Kertha Gosa is in the shape of a mandala, a Buddhist-influenced dome-shaped mountain. Kertha Gosa’s first major function was as a court of law and justice. The pavilion was the meeting place for the Raja (Hindu prince) and Brahman judges (Kerthas) to discuss issues of law and human affairs.[citation needed] It is not known whether the Bhima Swarga was painted at the time Kertha Gosa was built. The earliest, and only, record of paintings at Kertha Gosa dates from 1842 and is written in a lontar book (a book that holds prayers, the history of Bali, and epics).[citation needed] Also it is not known whether the paintings were a permanent feature of the pavilion or if they were a temporary decoration for a celebration.

Dewa Agung Gusta Sideman ruled until 1775. He was succeeded by his son, then by his grandson, and his line of descendants continued to reign until the beginning of the 20th century. In 1908, the Dutch attacked Klungkung; it was the last Balinese kingdom to fall. In 1909, Kertha Gosa became the official court of Justice for the region of Klungkung.

Restoration works
In 1960 the entire ceiling at Kertha Gosa was replaced and new paintings were made, still depicting the story of Bhima Swarga but adding greater detail. In 1982 eight panels were replaced

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida boasts a stunning sandy beach that can be easily reached by road, as well as a renowned location for scuba diving and snorkeling. It’s an exceptional spot, highlighted by a remarkable rock formation in the center of the bay, making it a must-visit destination in Nusa Penida.

Crystal Bay, located on the island of Nusa Penida in Bali, is an awe-inspiring beach that can be easily reached by scooter, thanks to a newly-built road from Toyapakeh harbor. Spend your day reveling in the mesmerizing scenery of the beach and the sea. Or simply unwind under a parasol. You may even get lucky enough to catch sight of dolphins. The sunset from this beach is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular experiences in Nusa Penida. With all these amazing features, it’s no wonder that Crystal Bay is considered one of the top 5 must-visit destinations on Nusa Penida island.

Snorkeling at Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay, along with Gamat Bay, stands out as one of the top snorkeling destinations in Nusa Penida. To explore the enchanting coral and marine life of this stunning spot, you can conveniently rent snorkeling gear from one of the beach warungs. Here, you are likely to spot turtles as well as a diverse range of fish and colorful coral. However, it is crucial to exercise caution as the current can be quite strong at the end of the bay.

If you don’t have fins, it is best not to venture too far out. You can use the mooring points of the boats anchored in the bay as a reference. Even though it may be tempting to explore the small temple built atop the rock, don’t go beyond these boats and do not attempt to reach the rock in the middle of the bay. Also, stay away from the right side of the bay where waves could push you onto the corals during low tide.

If you follow these guidelines, Crystal Bay is a fantastic spot to discover the underwater wonders of Nusa Penida. Additionally, it’s an excellent starting point for a boat trip to see Manta Rays at Manta Bay. You can book the trip through your hotel or inquire with a captain at Crystal Bay early in the morning.

Some individuals claim to have seen the Mola Mola while snorkeling. But the ideal way to spot it is through an experienced scuba diving instructor who can safely guide you to the right location. In September 2017, I captured my first Mola Mola on my GoPro camera with Dune Penida dive center. Nevertheless Crystal Bay is a picturesque diving spot all year round, not just during the Mola Mola season.

Crystal Bay beach
Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida is a fantastic beach to spend the entire day lounging on a deck chair, basking in the shade under a parasol. Additionally, you can purchase refreshing drinks, coconuts, and basic snacks from one of the beach warungs. It’s the most easily accessible beach on the island.
However, in 2016, the government conducted a forceful operation involving the army, police, and bulldozers to demolish all illegally constructed buildings. Many locals were shocked.

There were two interpretations of the event. Some believed it was a move to preserve the island’s authentic character. While others suspected that it was a step towards constructing a luxury hotel.The second interpretation seems more probable since construction of a massive resort began in 2020 (and stopped with the pandemic). Despite this, the beach remains untouched for now, so let’s take advantage of it while we still can!

Sunsets
Crystal Bay offers a stunning sunset experience. The sunset typically begins around 5:30 pm, and the location of the setting sun in the bay varies depending on the season. However, if you’re fortunate, you may capture an amazing photo of the setting sun aligned with the small rock arch in the middle of the bay. The sky often glows with red, pink, and orange hues after the sunset.

For a unique perspective, head to the west side of the beach and climb the stairs that lead to the top of the hill. From there, you can witness a breathtaking sunset view. During the day, you can follow the trail down to Pandan beach, which is usually less crowded. For more adventurous hikers, it’s possible to reach Broken Beach in less than two hours, although good shoes and bravery are required.

If you’re looking for delicious cocktails or food, the Amok sunset bar and restaurant is a great option located close to Crystal Bay.

How to get to Crystal Bay
The road leading to Crystal Bay has been fully renovated and is easy to locate. If you are coming from Toyapakeh harbor it will take only about 15 minutes by scooter. At the first significant intersection, identified by a small temple in the center, take a right. And follow the direction marked for Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay. Namaste Bungalows will be on your route. After descending a steep slope, turn right again, and you’ll see the parking lot. Expect to pay a parking fee of 2000 IDR.

For those who wish to walk from Namaste Bungalows or nearby hotels, it will take approximately 30 minutes to reach Crystal Beach. Upon returning, you may prefer to hire a young local to bring you back on a scooter for a reasonable price of 10,000 IDR.

When returning up the hill, be sure to take a left turn at the initial intersection. Otherwise, you’ll end up in the village of Penida, which is a dead end.

Diamond Beach

Atuh beach is a beautiful beach located in a remote cove under steep green cliffs on the east coast of Nusa Penida island. Atuh beach, also known as Pantai Atuh by locals, is a perfect beach to relax and swim for the day. Therefore it’s one of the best beaches on Nusa Penida if you ask us. Located in the next bay to Diamond beach you can perfectly combine these two wonderful Nusa Penida beaches. Both have some of the most crystal clear water and are surrounded by towering limestone rocks. With Diamond beach being a rugged, untouched beach without any sunbeds or warungs, Atuh Beach offers a handful of warungs where you can order drinks, food and rent sunbeds. Read in this complete guide everything you need to know about Atuh Beach Nusa Penida.

How to get to Atuh beach Nusa Penida
Located on the eastern side of Nusa Penida island, getting to Atuh Beach is a scenic drive. If you are used to driving motorbikes you can rent a NMax bike on Nusa Penida for about 100 000 IDR per day. With some steep roads it is highly recommended to rent a powerful bike with about 150 cc, so an Nmax is a great option. Always check the brakes before using the bike on Penida island because you’ll use the brakes a lot!

Atuh Beach is clearly signposted along the way. If you follow the navigation of Google Maps it will take you about 50 minutes from the main tourist spot on the island in Toya Pakeh. Drive carefully because there can be potholes in the road and sharp turns.

Entrance fee Atuh Beach
The entrance fee for Atuh Beach in 2022 is 10 000 IDR per person and the parking fee is 5000 IDR per vehicle. This entrance feel includes Diamond beach as well.

On this drone picture you can see Atuh beach and the parking lot and entrance road on the left side of the cliff. When you follow this path there is an intersection to hike down to Atuh beach and the other stairs cut into the cliff go down to Diamond beach which you see on the left side of the picture.

Best time to go to Atuh beach Nusa Penida
Facing east, Atuh Beach gets most of the sunshine in the morning and early afternoon. So that’s why the best time to relax on Atuh Beach is in the morning hours. You can perfectly combine a visit to Atuh Beach after you’ve seen the sunrise from Rumah Pohon tree house for example at the thousand island viewpoint.

You also have to keep the tides into account because with low tide there is not much ocean left to swim in. It will just be the beach with exposed rocks and the ocean will be too far away to take a dip in. If you’re planning to come in the morning you will most likely have high tide, but check a tides app to be sure.

You can perfectly combine Diamond beach and Atuh Beach because it has the same access road. If you want to visit both then be prepared to climb a lot of stairs! For accessing both beaches you have to descend some steep stairs. The stairs to Atuh Beach are safer than Diamond beach which is a challenging walk along narrow stairs cut out from the cliff wall. 

What to expect at Atuh beach Nusa Penida
Coming from the parking lot you will first pass Diamond beach viewpoint which is absolutely worth a stop and photo. This beach is like a perfect postcard so even if you’re not making your way down Diamond beach, a photo is a must here.

If you continue the walk you will see Atuh Beach on your left hand. The stairs down to Atuh Beach are easy to find and you’ll only have to follow them all the way down to get on the beach. Be prepared for some sweat! Especially on your way back up! It’s gonna be a good work out but with a stunning tropical beach to rest and cold coconuts or beers waiting for you!

The Atuh Beach cliff
What makes Atuh Beach so unique is the stunning arch and rock formations out in the water. If you’re at Atuh Beach for sunrise you might be in for some great photographs. But also during the morning when the ocean gets it bright blue color thanks to the sunshine, the interesting shaped rock formations make a fantastic point of interest for photos. The contrast between the turquoise blue water, light yellow sand and green cliffs creates the perfect tropical setting!

Warungs, sunbeds and umbrellas at Atuh Beach
If you’re down for a chill day by the beach then Atuh Beach is without a doubt some of the best and most beautiful beaches on Nusa Penida to do this. What we loved so much about Atuh Beach are the comfortable sunbeds which are for rent in combination with umbrella’s for some shade. The warungs also offer all sorts of drinks from cold coconuts, beers, juices and local food like Nasi Goreng and all sorts of other dishes. After we watched sunrise at the Thousand Island viewpoint and hiked down to Diamond beach, we recharged our batteries for the rest of the day at Atuh Beach.

Swimming and snorkeling at Atuh Beach
The crystal clear turquoise water at Atuh beach looks very inviting to take a dip in. It it definitely some of the safer beaches in Nusa Penida to swim. However, you should always keep the current into account. The further you go out, the higher the chance that the current of the ocean gets stronger. Especially if you go snorkeling, which is actually a great idea at Atuh beach, you might forget how far away from the shore you are. And because there is no lifeguard on duty at Atuh beach, you really have to keep yourself safe.

Broken Beach

Broken Beach or Pasih Uwung Located in Nusa Penida, Bali, Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong are two of the most breathtaking natural wonders you will ever encounter. Although I first visited these sites in November 2015, during my second trip to Nusa Penida, I was astounded by their beauty. The road to these destinations was challenging back then, fortunately, it has since been greatly improved.

Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong are some of Nusa Penida‘s must-visit sites, situated on the southwestern coast of the island near Crystal Bay. Formerly notorious for its terrible road conditions, the route is now much better. Only the last hundred meters serves as a reminder of the past. Those who want a challenge can hike from Crystal Bay to Broken Beach. But the trail can be difficult to locate and can take up to two hours to traverse. Known as Pasih Uug to the locals, the two beaches are among Nusa Penida’s most iconic destinations, alongside Kelingking Beach and Crystal Bay.

What is the origin of the name Broken Beach?
Broken Beach is so named because a portion of the cliff near the seashore has collapsed, creating a circular shape that measures approximately 100 meters. As a result, the area resembles a circular bay. Water flows into this bay through an arch that overlooks the sea. It’s difficult to describe, so please take a look at the photos!

While visiting Broken Beach, you’ll likely spend time walking around the bay and taking numerous photographs. However, please be careful when taking selfies! Some careless tourists have gone to great lengths to capture the perfect selfie and have fallen from the cliff. As a result, local authorities posted signs warning visitors about the dangers of taking selfies.

If you’re lucky, you may spot Manta rays from the arch. The cliff is located above Manta Bay, where fishing boats take guests for snorkeling tours.

Can you fly a drone at Broken Beach?

If you’re aiming for a spectacular aerial shot, I suggest flying your drone at an altitude of around 150 meters and capturing a vertical photo from that height. However, it’s important to avoid attempting to fly your drone beneath the arch to capture video footage. Numerous people have tried and failed and if you go diving there you will see many drones at the base of the arch in the sea.

Why ? Because most the pilot fly the drone too slowly beneath the arch. When the drone lose contact with their pilot below the arch, the drone climbs to its intended altitude for retrieval, it collides with the arch’s roof, causing it to fall and sink.

To fly your drone below Broken Beach arch, you have two options: either fly at maximum speed under the arch and hope that the momentum will propel the drone to the other side, or cease recording before reaching the arch, resume recording on the opposite side, and then edit the footage together later..

Kelingking beach

Kelingking Beach is a breathtaking rocky cliff in the ocean. I had the opportunity to visit for the first time in April 2017, nearly two years after my initial trip to Nusa Penida. At the time, the area was quite secluded… Although it became more crowded with tourists by 2019, it is once again a great time to visit. It is truly spectacular and definitely worth the journey.

Kelingking Beach is one of the most famous spot of Nusa Penida, often featured in advertisements for Bali and Indonesia. Its unique rock formations resemble the backbone of a dinosaur and it’s even nicknamed T-Rex Bay on Google Maps. From the top of the cliff, visitors may even spot Manta rays.

Tourists flock to the esplanade for breathtaking views and drone photography. The popularity of Kelingking Beach has greatly contributed to the tourist growth of Nusa Penida island, particularly through social media. Interestingly, “Kelingking” also means pinky finger in Indonesian, but the reason behind it requires a little imagination.

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Bali Vertical Drone viewPinky finger
More than 400 000 photos on Instagram
The star attraction of Kelingking Beach is the breathtaking viewpoint atop the cliff. While the coastline boasts magnificent cliffs, this one is truly exceptional! A selfie with the T-Rex is a must, but be prepared to share the spotlight with other Instagrammers. As of January 2018, over 13,000 photos had been posted with #Kelingking and over 25,000 with #kelingkingbeach. Fast forward to February 2023, and those numbers have skyrocketed to over 100,000 and 450,000, respectively ! Everyone strives for the perfect photo, some even climb the dead tree (joining the crowds, of course).

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Bali Indonesia burnt cliff
The locals are constantly brainstorming unique bamboo platforms, offering distinct perspectives and backdrops for that coveted photo op. And we increasingly see couples accompanied by professional photographers equipped with drones to capture incredible videos and photos! I recommend heading up the cliff a bit, to the right when facing the sea, to get away from the crowd and capture some nicer photos without the hustle and bustle.

Pantai Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida BaliCave at the end of the beach
Please avoid any accident at Kelingking Beach
Tourists often showcase their creativity to capture unique photographs, but some may take their adventures too far. In 2019, a press article reported a tragic incident at Kelingking Beach, where a young Russian girl fell off a cliff while riding a scooter. Shockingly, the article mentioned that scooter remained intact at the cliff’s top. Unfortunately, another accident occurred on December 22nd, 2020 and many more since the reopening of the borders. Swimming at Kelingking Beach is now forbidden, after a European tourist drawned in violent waves after trying to rescue another tourist in February 2023.

If you plan to hike down the cliff to the beach (which I highly recommend!), please exercise caution. Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated, wear a hat to prevent sunstroke, and most importantly, wear proper shoes. The first time I descended, I made the mistake of wearing flip-flops, which was a poor choice. Luckily, proper stairs have been installed, making the path much easier to navigate than it was a few years ago.

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Bali waves Beware of Kelingking Beach waves
After descending, you’ll be greeted by a stunning beach. While the allure of swimming may be irresistible, be wary of the powerful waves and currents that can carry you out to sea. Sadly, Kelingking Beach has experienced multiple drowning incidents, making the warnings imperative.

However, don’t let these precautions dampen your enthusiasm – the trip to the beach is well worth the effort.

Kelingking Beach T Rex Beach Nusa Penida BaliDown to Kelingking Beach
Kelingking Beach : do you really deserve it ?
Kelingking Beach is undoubtedly one of the most picturesque beaches in Nusa Penida island, and in my opinion, the most stunning in Bali under the “wild beach” category. Even if you are not inclined to descend to the beach, take a stroll along the narrow path that meanders down the ridge line for a few meters. It’s a quieter spot to admire the panoramic views and click better photographs.

I have a piece of advice for you – take your pictures before descending the trail, as climbing back up might leave you less photogenic. The initial part of the trail, up to the first turn, is relatively easy and gives you a fair idea of the entire trek. You can decide here if you have the grit to hike down to the beach or head to other accessible beaches like Crystal Bay or Atuh Beach, especially if you are with kids.

Some time ago a fire destroyed the vegetation and the elaborate network of ropes and wooden poles that facilitated the descent. However, the trail to the beach has been reconstructed and is much safer now. So, don’t abandon the trek halfway, as the climb up is more manageable than the climb down. The incline is towards you, making it more secure and paradoxically less strenuous.

Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida Bali down to the beachDown to the beach
How long to go down to Kelingking Beach?
It takes 20 minutes to get down to Kelingking Beach. To ensure safety, it is important to wear proper footwear and take caution with each step. Signs clearly state that access to the beach is solely the responsibility of the individual. The ascent back to the starting point may take up to 30 minutes.

How tall is Kelingking cliff ?
Kelingking Beach cliff is around 150 meters high.

Staircase to Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida BaliStaircase to the beach
For those who love records, here are the challenges to beat.
Setting a new speed record for descending to Kelingking Beach: A particularly athletic young man, who didn’t want to leave his girlfriend alone for too long, managed to descend and ascend the steep cliff path in just 20 minutes (according to him). He was obviously very much in love and / or very jealous.

Making a double descent to Kelingking Beach: Another tourist, having returned to his scooter, realized that he had left his keys on the beach. He went down the cliff path again to search for them, and fortunately, he found them!

Going down to Kelingking Beach daily : Local vendors now bring down cold drinks to sell on the beach every day. However, they don’t seem to understand the law of supply and demand as they charge the same price as elsewhere. It’s likely they pack up shop when their cooler is empty, but they may refill it several times throughout the day.

The beach down at Kelingking is stunning. But, as with everywhere on Nusa Penida island, be cautious of strong waves and currents that could pull you away.

How do you get to Kelingking Beach ?
The route leading to Kelingking Beach has been recently renovated and is in excellent condition, except for some relatively large potholes on the side towards the end. It’s quite feasible to navigate the route independently by riding a scooter, but do exercise caution on the road as traffic can be heavy. If you’re traveling in a group of four or more, it may be more convenient to rent a car with a driver.

To get there, turn left after the village of Sakti (the right road leads to Crystal Bay) when coming from Toyapakeh. Then, take the first road on the right and follow the signs. The route is straightforward and signposted at every intersection. It should take about 30 minutes to get to Kelingking Beach from either Toyapakeh or Crystal Bay.