Nusa Penida is an island within the Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia. It is located southeast of Bali and separated by the Badung Strait. Nusa Penida is the largest island in the archipelago, which also includes Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Administratively, these three islands are part of the Nusa Penida District, which has 16 administrative villages.
Geographically, Nusa Penida is characterized by hills and coral limestone. The island boasts the highest mountain, Mount Mundi. Some areas of the northern coastline are flat with gentle slopes. Nusa Penida’s water sources come from springs and rainwater collected by the residents, as there are no year-round rivers on the island.
Nusa Penida’s history dates back to the 10th century, with the earliest written evidence being the Belanjong Pillar from 914 AD, which records the island’s conquest by the first Balinese king, Sri Kesari Warmadewa. In the 17th century, the island became part of the Gelgel Dynasty and the Klungkung Kingdom. During the Dutch colonial era, Nusa Penida was known as “Bandit Island” because it was often used as a place of exile for criminals, political opponents, and black magic practitioners.
Nusa Penida is renowned for its rich underwater scenery, with popular dive sites like Crystal Bay and Manta Point. Beyond its exotic natural beauty, the island is also known as a spiritual and cultural tourism destination, with sites like Goa Giri Putri, a sacred cave that serves as a place of pilgrimage and Hindu worship.
The island’s indigenous inhabitants are a sub-tribe of Balinese who speak a unique dialect of the Balinese language, Nusa Penida. Known as the “Island of Blue Paradise,” Nusa Penida offers the beauty of the marine environment, culture, and spiritual experiences that are uniquely Balinese.
Things to Do in Nusa Penida
In Nusa Penida, there are many interesting activities and places to visit, including:
- Visit and take photos at Kelingking Beach, famous for its steep cliffs and spectacular views resembling a dinosaur’s spine.
- Swim and soak in Angel’s Billabong, a natural pool with crystal clear seawater trapped between coral reefs.
- Enjoy the unique scenery at Broken Beach, where a large hole in the cliff connects the sea to a small beach below.
- Enjoy the beauty of Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, with their white sand and beautiful coral formations.
- Relax and enjoy the sunset at the Molenteng Tree House, which offers beautiful views of the blue sea.
- Trek and swim at Guyangan Waterfall, a hidden spot with a natural bathtub overlooking the ocean.
- Soak in a natural pool at Tembeling Beach, hidden within the tranquil forest.
- Snorkeling and diving at favorite spots like Crystal Bay and Manta Point to see the underwater beauty and giant manta rays.
- Visiting Goa Giri Putri, a sacred cave and temple, offers a spiritual and cultural experience.
- Trekking and enjoying the beautiful panoramic views of the cliffs and beaches around the island.
These activities offer experiences ranging from nature adventures, snorkeling, swimming, trekking, to cultural and spiritual tourism.
How get there
To get to Nusa Penida from Bali, the most common and practical way is by fast boat. There are several ports in Bali that serve as departure points for Nusa Penida, namely:
- Sanur Port (Sanur Sunrise Beach) – This is the most popular port with a wide selection of fast boats from various operators. The fast boat trip from Sanur to Nusa Penida usually takes around 40-45 minutes.
- Serangan Port – Another alternative that also serves crossings to Nusa Penida.
- Tribuana Port and Banjar Bias Port in Kusamba, near Padang Bai – Several fast boats also operate from here to Nusa Penida.
- Padang Bai Port – Also a departure point for Nusa Penida.
Fast boats usually operate daily with varying schedules, and the best time to cross is in the morning due to calmer sea conditions. Fast boat tickets typically range from IDR 100,000 to IDR 250,000 per person for a one-way trip, depending on the port and operator.
