Nusa Penida has been receiving so much hype lately. That is because all of the destinations are unspoiled, leaving endless possibilities for exploration and unforgettable adventure. Without the hustle-bustle of nightclubs and tourism hubs, all that is left are silent skies and mesmerizing beaches. However, you will need to cross the island using a ferry or speedboat to reach this small island. You can go to Padang Bai harbor or Serangan Harbor and pay as much as Rp.300,000 per person to cross.
1. Diamond Beach
Widely famous for having a heavenly landscape, Diamond beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Nusa Penida. This virgin, untouched beach has a clear blue and limestone bay with natural cliffs surrounding it. This gorgeous beach was first opened in 2018. Before the stairs were built, it was physically impossible to reach the beach. One thing before you decided to visit, ensure that you visit it during the low tide season. This side of the ocean has a strong current and can be deadly if you are not careful. Other than that, the ocean has a lot of corals and rocks, making it impossible to swim comfortably. And do not expect a safeguard in this difficult spot.
2. Kelingking Beach
Kelingking beach is another famous beach located on the west side of Nusa Penida. Lately, it has been receiving the attention it deserves, so many people decided to hop on the fast boat and visited it. The beach has also received the Traveler’s Choice Award from Tripadvisor in 2019. To reach the beach, you need to climb down a set of stairs from on top of a cliff. However, the view from the top is already mesmerizing enough. If you are planning to visit this beach, try to come as early as 7 AM because it will be less crowded. To enter, you only have to pay Rp.5000 only. That is less than $1! However, the waves are deadly enough to kill people, that is why it is rare that you can go down and step your feet on the sand.
3. Atuh Beach
Atuh beach is a hidden gem in Nusa Penida which is located on the east side of the island. This beach is perfect to experience the sunrise, that is why it is better if you visit as early as possible. It is recommended to come here at 5.30 AM. Just like any other beach, you will need to climb the stairs down, which if you do it in the middle of the day becomes very tiring. There are plenty of warungs and restaurants nearby the beach so you can have nice refreshment and some fulfilling meals while enjoying the view.
4. Manta Point
Manta Point is one of the best tourist destinations there is in Nusa Penida, especially when there is nothing like it in Bali. Located in Tanjung Pandan, Manta Point is one of the furthest diving sites in Nusa Penida. Manta Ray is known for being friendly to humans. That is why you can find a lot of huge manta rays swimming around you feeling unbothered. They can be as big as 7 meters! Not only manta ray, sometimes you can meet the famous mola-mola fish from July to October. So, don’t forget to include this site in your trip to Nusa Penida!
5. Paluang Temple
Paluang temple is another uniqueness of Nusa Penida Island. This temple is extraordinary. You guessed it right, it is famous for the car ornament here. People usually call it Pura Mobil or The car temple. The building of the car has existed since a long time ago, no one knows where the first time it was built. This site is an amazing place to meditate because the atmosphere is just right to conduct religious rituals. It is situated almost to the edge of the cliff, offering a scenic landscape.
6. Suwehan Beach
Suwehan Beach was an isolated beach in Nusa Penida which offers a heavenly landscape of limestone ocean. There is a tall triangle natural rock that becomes the icon of this beach. This beach looks similar to Phi-phi beach in Thailand. The local people named the rock Jineng, while the foreigners called the Volcom. Though it looks very tempting to swim here, the waves can be deadly and there is no swimming guard around here.
7. Thousand Islands Viewpoint
Thousand Island Viewpoint is a not-so-famous spot in Nusa Penida, however, it offers a fantastic landscape of the nearby small islands and the limestone ocean. Though the viewpoint is located on the top of the cliff which seems like it might not be safe, there are small fences around to ensure safety. There is one photo spot with a small tree house hanging by the cliff. From here you can see the sunset, therefore, creating an amazing shot. No wonder this place is often visited by photographers.
8. Telettubies Hill
Nusa Penida is heaven for unspoiled destinations. Not always beautiful beaches, but also a hill with a spectacular view. Located in Klungkung regency, Nusa Penida this location is perfect to trek, jog, or have a small picnic. Many people take their dogs here since this place is big enough to walk around without any limit. Many people also bring their drones to take a shot from a bird’s perspective. Overall, this place is for you who love to go on an exploration. One thing to remember is not to come during the dry season because the whole view would turn into a dessert.
9. Goa Giri Temple
The Goa Giri is located in Nusa Penida. It is so worth visiting because you would see two different temples inside a cave. The first one in a Hindu Temple, and the second is a Buddhist temple. The Hindu temple is located right inside the cave, so you would see a tranquil landscape of people praying inside this majestic cave. Before you reached the temple, you would have to cross a water source. What a complete experience.
10. The Chill Penida
Nusa Penida has many unspoiled destinations, however rarely have tourism facilities to visit. However, you can try visiting the Chill Penida if you are looking to spend a day relaxing and enjoy some fulfilling foods. Not every day should be spent hopping into a tiring exploration right? This restaurant offers an amazing view of the ocean from a cliff. They also have a serene pool with a small gazebo beside it. The chill Penida is pretty affordable too, as they offer varieties of cocktails as well. The price started from Rp.15.000 only!
11. Crystal Bay Beach
Crystal Bay Beach offers a sweet hideout with an unspoiled crystal-clear ocean. This beach is surrounded by natural cliffs and smaller islands you can see from afar. More like something you can see in Vietnam. Crystal Bay also has a long coastline, so there is always a place for everyone. What else can you do in this beach other than sunbathing? You can snorkel here and dive with Mola-mola fish! Sounds exciting? You can also stay here until the sunset to see the sky turned golden.
12. Tembeling Beach
Though this beach is hidden and still very much untouched, it is one of the most famous sites to visit. The special attraction is located nearby the beach itself, which is a small natural pool with limestone water. The surrounding area is spectacular, whit majestic natural cliffs and lush forestry, expect a tranquil and serene ambiance. After swimming, hop on the white sandy beach to enjoy a special sunset view in the afternoon. However, to reach this beauty you have to get ready to travel through ugly bumpy roads. So make sure you are wearing good quality shoes while traveling here!
13. Seganing Waterfall
Signing waterfall is an underrated natural beauty located just by the beach. Expect an unspoiled destination when you visit, because even the stairs were made from the carved cliff. This may be the only place you can enjoy both waterfall and beach beauty at the same time. The natural water flows through the rocks, giving a serene and tranquil ambiance. There is also a natural pool just below the pool where you can just relax after climbing the stairs. Since it’s pollution-free, you can bring your fishing gear to catch some fish here. Located in Sebuluh Village, this is a must-visit!
14. Guyangan Natural Pool
Guyangan Natural Pool is just like an oasis in the middle of a dessert. No one expected to find a natural water source here, especially when the surrounding areas are pretty desolated. Guyangan Natural pool is very different from others, it is located in between a high cliff, where there is a natural water source coming. With 120 liters/second, this water source becomes a staple for the locals. While swimming, you can enjoy a direct view of the Mediterranean ocean. However, the access through the cliffs is pretty hard, since the stairs were created 80 degrees tilt. Guess how many stairs you have to climb> yup, 870 stairs down! However, I truly believe that it will be worth it because you can’t miss this place!
15. Pandan Beach
Pandan Beach could be one of the most underrated beaches in Pandan. The name pandan beach was given due to the pandan plantations around this stunning beach. Since not a lot of people know this beach, once you come to visit, it will feel like you own the beach all to yourself. This white sandy beach has limestone-colored water, which makes it very appealing. You can enjoy private sunbathing, swimming, and even fishing here. Since the beach is quite empty, there are no public facilities yet such as a toilet or changing rooms. However, there is a small swing here built by the locals. To get to this beach, you will have to climb down a stair from a hill. The stairs are permanent so it is not hard at all. Lastly, this beach is located in Sakti, Nusa Penida,
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Salsabila Nasution