Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida, whose name means “island of priests” in Balinese, calls to mind mystery and wonder. Extending out over 200 square kilometers, it is the largest of the three islands, much bigger than Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Despite being located a mere 25 km away from the crowded Bali, Nusa Penida has remained absolute rural and untouched.

Indeed, there are no beach clubs, luxurious resorts, or charming cafes known in the other islands. However, there still is a relatively wild nature with steep coastal cliffs, hidden pristine beaches, and lush greenery. Do not be deceived, though – the wild side of the island does not correspond to the lack of features, and Nusa Penida is home to some of the most peculiar spots on Bali.

Documenting its gigantic cliffs ending in a blue abyss or trying to solve a mystery of a hidden cave, you will not put a camera down.

In recent history, Nusa Penida has come out of the darkness and gradually established itself as a top destination among Bali’s countless tourist offerings. Once an unnoticed unknown, this exotic island now greets a steady flow of tourists, both locals and internationals. It doesn’t take long to see why.

Overrun with natural attractions, Nusa Penida undoubtedly boasts a range of worth visiting places that are as beautifully seen as their neighbors. Between its mountainous highlands with a view and its remarkable beaches, this paradise island has its fair share of beauty.

Yet, what makes Nusa Penida truly distinctive is its subaquatic life. The coral reefs of the nearby seas are full of colors and creatures one would never see elsewhere on Earth. Whether you are an experienced diver or a simple snorkeler, exploring the rich underwater flora and fauna is an incredible and unique experience.

Unfortunately, the island of Nusa Penida is full of difficult paths. The drive on the land is a perilous ride. The narrow, unmaintained roads make motorcycle travel a dangerous affair.

If the road is not broken down , it is narrow and often unsafe. Although many people ignore that fact to drive a motorbike, crashes, especially among foreign visitors, happen relatively often. Therefore, do not forget to put on a helmet and use your horn to signal your approach. Where the road is not wide enough to share, yield the way and by doing so, you will be ready to set out to explore the magnificent Nusa Penida.

History:

Nusa Penida, also known as the “black magic island,” carries the thread of legends and folklore that had been molding its identity for centuries. Long before it became a tourist paradise, with its spectacular beaches and cliffsides, the isle was covered in the mystique of legends and considered by the locals to be a domain of dark spirits and wicked forces.

There is a legend that Nusa Penida was a sanctuary for Macaling – a powerful black magician who was expelled from Bali for the multitude of his evil deeds. Macaling was infamous for his connection to dark energies and for inspiring terrible sickness. Since his arrival in Nusa Penida, he had released a myriad of illnesses, and epidemics on the islanders of Bali, spreading havoc and terror.

During the festive celebration of Nyepi, the Balinese New Year, Macaling used the darkness of the celebration to wreak havoc upon the unsuspecting population. Wearing the suit of Barong, chief defender of the host of good, Macaling led a band of demon-like creatures to ravage the countryside, terror reign and destroying whatever crosses their path. Fearing the end of the world, the Balinese people fled to their priests. The dark master could only be whipped out of existence by the creation of another Barong, only force equal to his power. An epic battle of darkness versus light raged on the continent until the defeated Macaling retreated to Nusa Penida. However, while Macaling was defeated, he was not destroyed, the evil energy still roamed the island, infecting the souls and minds of the islanders . To end the reign of the evil shadows, high priests from neighboring islands created an even more powerful Barong, killing Macaling .

The outcome of this otherworldly conflict echoes through time in the name of the isle, Nusa Penida – The Island of Priests. It serves as a semantic link to the eternal war between darkness and light.

The Pura Ped temple remains the only proof of Macaling’s existence, the only place where pilgrims can come and pray for rebuffing the dark’s influence and illness. A pilgrimage to Pura Ped is the sacred right of the Balinese Hindu faithful. It is a pilgrimage made in order to confront the forces of darkness and reassert its precarious relationship with light and shadow in the great cosmic order.

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Places to Visit:

Goa Giri Putri

Without a doubt, Nusa Penida is a rich tapestry of sacred sites and temples, and each of its attractions has a pretty interesting historical and spiritual association. One of the iconic and most sacred sites is Goa Giri Putri, a Hindu temple located inside a limestone cave in Karangsari village. Eager for blessings and holy water, Bali pilgrims pilgrimage to the sanctuary annually to experience the calm and peace of the temple acoustics. Pura Penataran Ped

For travelers willing to explore beyond the beaten path, the magnificent temple complex of Pura Penataran Ped is located a short distance from the northern shore of the island in the idyllic village of Ped. Against the backdrop of serene coastal landscapes, one can walk through anciently decorated shrines and partake in the timeless acts of devotion that resonate through the history of this island.

Pura Paluang

A number of temples dot the rugged coastlines of Nusa Penida, concealing the treasures of culture, tradition, and beauty . Pura Paluang, a peaceful temple village of Karangdawa clinging to the formidable cliffs of this island’s southwestern shores, is distinguished by the shrines that have taken the forms of automobiles. Thus, repurposing the image of the traditional shrine, we receive a witty portrayal of tradition merged with innovation that adds a spark of fusion to these shores.

Broken Bay

On the next stop of our journey, we reached the captivating shore of Broken Bay, known as Pasih Uug in the native language. In this location, nature reveals a sight that reminds of a lunar landscape, with massive crags surrounding a large pool-like space. The spectacle is both captivating and almost surreal to observe.

Broken Bay is a unique natural formation brought to life by the forces of volcanic activity . Its landscape seems like it was taken out of the sci-fi movie, a turquoise ocean pool surrounded by tall cliffs that inspire awe and wonder in all who see it. Walking on the rocky ground, tourists are met by a natural stone bridge to take them above the crystalline waters. Each step from the bridge seems to draw one closer to the bay, teasing us in an almost physical manner. Tucked in between the nearby location of the Angel Billabong tourist visitation area, a simple 15-minute stroll opens the full vista of Broken Bay to all those who would want to experience it. Be it the serene and tranquil taste of shore waters or adventurous dive into the bay waves, the experience is bound to be unforgettable

As the story goes, the history of Broken Beach began with the appearance of an enormous serpent that slithered into the neighboring village, filling the hearts of its citizens with terror and chaos. In an attempt to safeguard their lives, the villagers came together to kill the beast when a wise old man interrupted them, telling them to spare it. Ignoring the man, the villagers went their way, and killed this large snake, and the meat was cut and divided among the villagers around this place.

Again in the afternoon, the old man met with the villagers and accused them of slaughtering the snake and cutting it into pieces for meat sharing. However, to his amazement, the town dwellers insulted and did not buy the narrative of the old man killing their own creature.

The old man gave them a reality check. The old man drove a stick made of coconut leaf in the ground and asked the villagers to pull it out, exposing their dishonesty. As each attempt failed, the ground began to shake, and the seawater surged, taking in the village and its people. After everything was done, the old man disappeared, leaving no one behind as a reminder of the hollowed land and the price of the treacherous heart.

The story of Broken Beach rings true to this time, and its swath rocky cliffs and raging seas serve as a stark reminder to those who dare ignore the implications of wisdom for the greed of stuffing their wallets. The guests that find this most curious bay already bargain on a firsthand encounter with a history that is much more honest than a canvas background but is ironed into time where truth and judgment are usually a piece.

Angel Billabong:

The irresistible beauty of Angel Billabong is not just its natural rock lagoon, but also the captivating myths surrounding its name. This stunning location, according to local folklore, was formerly a prime location for a heavenly being bath, which is where it acquired its heavenly moniker. Watching from the cliff tops overhead as you gaze down on the vibrant emerald waters, one can help but be awed by the captivating seascape before them.

If you’re lucky enough to be texturing at low tide, you’ll have the opportunity to go down and properly stand on the natural beauty of the rock; you may also choose to swim in the hushed lagoon. However, if the waves are high, you can only view everything below you and spread out as far as the eye can see while standing on a rock high overhead.

Lose yourself in the peace and quiet of Angel Billabong, let the mesmerizing view of one of Nusa Penida natural wonders become for you the picture you will never forget. And it really is something you will never forget – don’t be shy to take lots of photos with your camera, because with views like that, you don’t need a filter!

Kelingking Beach

The legend and majesty of Kelingking Beach

A hidden location along the rough coastline of Nusa Penida is a place known as Kelingking Beach. According to the legend, the beach was named after a rock formation that looks like a pinkie finger, kelingking in Indonesian language . However, visitors of this natural wonder often see more than just a finger: many imagine a majestic dinosaur in the rock formation.

The beach’s beauty was discovered by audacious people from the Czech Republic and Australia in 2003 . Since then, Kelingking Beach has grown into a fabulous tourist site known for its stunning panoramic views and timeless sandy bays.

Getting Down to Kelingking Beach

If you want to get down to the bottom you need extra caution and stamina as the road is not good, there are plenty of rocks here . This is where a guardrail made of wood is used, it is mounted on the left and right edges of the cliff, so you enable you to stay secure and you can hold this wood to go down . Therefore, the width of the road is about 1 meter, and only one person can enter. If you encounter other guests in the street, you need to lean on your body so that you can pass.

The trip down to the beach, which could take around 30 – 45 minutes for those with decent stamina, is a must-see. It will be equally enjoyable not to make the trip for those who are not up for it; the beaches’ view from above is mesmerizing. The sight of the reclining pristine white sands and clear blue waters from above is quite an experience.

However, one should anticipate that the journey back up could be taxing due to gravity. Renting a boat to the beach from the sea and then alighting on the beach is another option, albeit an expensive one. Even so, standing on the rocky cliffs and gazing down at Kelingking Beach is magical.

Crystal Bay:

The legend goes that the name “Crystal Bay” originated from the hypnotizing spectacle of the sun’s reflection on the water, multiplying and covering the shore like millions of sparkling crystals. The beach soon acquired a respectable reputation among snorkelers; the visibility provided by the water as clear as crystal allows them to catch a good look at the vivid marine flora and fauna.

With the soft and powdery sands of Crystal Bay beneath you, every part of your being is relaxed. The coral island lies at the bay’s center and acts as a natural barrier that softens the waves as they come. Surrounded by hills and coral cliffs on both sides of Crystal Bay, the overall effect is one of peace and quiet. With calm waves lapping at the shore, the conditions are perfect for a leisurely swim.

The beautiful image of the sky attracts visitors to witness one of the best scenes of nature on this beach.

Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach, situated along the southeastern coast of Nusa Penida, Bali, is named for the diamond-shaped rocks that frame the waters meeting its white shoreline. Over time, this beach has developed a reputation as a paradise for photographers due to their quality vantage points, such as the thatched nest, which offers a magnificent panoramic view of the coast.

To get here a small trek is needed, which starts from a wide path with a sign that welcomes everyone to both Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach. Along with Crystal Bay and Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach is one of the gems of Nusa Penida, and tourists come here for untouched nature and incredible landscapes.

The new road built helps you to get to Diamond Beach and nearby Atuh Beach easily. Now it takes an hour or even less from Harbour or Crystal Bay to reach this beautiful places.

Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach feature crystal-clear turquoise waters, dramatic cliffs, and unique rock formations that make them irresistible to photographers and nature enthusiasts, making them one of the top must-visit sites to Nusa Penida.

Diamond Beach has only recently been accessible to the public since late 2018, with a path carved in the cliffs. The path to the cliffs and the safety railings are still being built as of now, but you should be able to walk down with caution. When you make it to the bottom, you will see a seemingly infinite expanse of clean white sand and an Listerine-colored turquoise sea.

But it’s the huge, diamond-shaped rocks that are the star of the show – there’s simply nothing else like Diamond Beach on this planet! Thus, it is one of the most incredible beaches in the world, making it perfect for your Nusa Penida itinerary.