One and Done: Why My Nusa Penida Trip Was Both Memorable and Final
- Felicia Richard
- Nov 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 26
When my friends and I decided to visit Bali in August 2023, Nusa Penida was high on our list. Known for its jaw-dropping views and pristine beaches, this island just off Bali's coast promised an adventure we couldn’t resist. On our third day in Bali, we set out for what turned out to be one of the most unforgettable experiences of our trip. Our driver took care of the tickets purchase the day before as well as booking a driver/tour guide for us in Nusa Penida, allowing us more time to explore Ubud on our second day.
The day began with a morning ride to Sanur harbour, where we boarded a speedboat to Nusa Penida. At the harbour, we were definitely not the only tourists eager to get to this well-known island -- so consider this as a heads up to you if you're a crowd hater (but I mean, almost everywhere you go in Bali will be crowded af). The boat journey took around 1 hour and the weather was sunny all the way through.
Blue, blue waters at Crystal Bay
First stop at the island was Crystal Bay. Though we were short on time to snorkel, simply relaxing on the sandy beach and soaking up the tropical vibes was the perfect way to kickstart the day.
As we made our way back to our car, some of us wanted to rinse off the sand by getting a quick shower at the beach area. Now, this is the one thing that I'd probably dislike about Bali in general -- you've to pay for almost everything here, even to wash yourself in a public loo.
Sea breeze and stunning vista: Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach
Next, we stopped at Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach. The natural infinity pool at Angel’s Billabong was mesmerizing, and the archway at Broken Beach made for the perfect photo backdrop.
I must say, the view at Angel's Billabong was by far my favourite out of all the spots we stopped by the entire visit. The rugged beauty of these sites, coupled with the tranquility of the surroundings, felt like stepping into a different world.
The Famous Kelingking Beach
Before we ended the trip, we drove to the famous Kelingking Beach. I'll spare you the details on the road condition - that would probably one of the few reasons why I won't be making any repeat trip to Nusa Penida anymore.
Nevertheless, seeing this T-Rex-shaped cliff and the blue, blue waters surrounding it made up for the arduous car journey. Standing at the edge, taking in the sweeping views of the ocean, I couldn’t help but marvel at nature’s artistry.
The trek down to the beach was steep and challenging, so we opted to admire it from above—a decision I didn’t regret, given the breathtaking scenery. Again, this spot was jam-packed with tourists but thankfully our tour guide was very useful in making ways for us, ensuring each of us get our instagram-worthy shots of the famous cliff.
After lunch at a local restaurant (I feasted on Indonesian nasi goreng my entire time in Bali - there was just something about their well-seasoned fried rice), we made our way back to Bali island. However, the journey back wasn’t as idyllic. The boat ride was choppy, with waves tossing us around like a rollercoaster at sea.
Would I recommend this trip? Absolutely. Although you'll be spending on average half an hour in the car getting to one spot to another, the views alone make it worth it. But I’d advise against it for pregnant women or the elderly due to the physical demands and bumpy boat ride. Looking back, the one thing that made my stance on no-return to Nusa Penida would be the crowdedness. Granted, I was also one of the contributors to said crowdedness.
For those ready for a mix of adventure and awe-inspiring beauty, Nusa Penida is a destination you won’t soon forget - more than a year later in my case! For me, the combination of sea breeze, sun-soaked moments with friends, and those unbeatable vistas made this island adventure one for the books—even if I don’t plan to repeat it!
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