3 Incredible Days on Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a quieter, less modernized version of Bali. You can do a day trip or take a few days and bask in the relaxing vibe and astounding beauty.

Patti is a yoga teacher who had been to Bali previously but was leading her first retreat in 2019.  The retreat was 7 days (click here for more information on her retreats) and was packed full of cultural excursions and spiritual healing that checked a lot of our Bali wish lists. This was her first year, so Peggy attended the retreat to lend a little moral support. We extended our trip an extra week for a some sister time and #sisbehaving after the retreat. Starting with Nusa Penida then on to Canggu and Uluwatu. Our extra Bali days will be covered in another post.

We opted to spend a couple nights out on Nusa Penida, a small island to the south of Bali. There are a few bucket list items on Nusa Penida, but otherwise it is a quieter, less modernized version of Bali.  The people are wonderful and welcoming, but it is definitely a slower, less touristy place, with not very good roads (not a place to rent a scooter unless you have extensive riding experience).

Sister side note (ss) – We opted for an Airbnb that had the option to hire a cook for meals (it was pretty remote) and a driver for touring the island so we had these resources at our disposal!

Getting to Nusa Penida

You will need to take a ferry to get there, about a 45-min ride from Sanur. There are several ferry or fast boat options. We used Idola Express and bought our tickets online before we left home.

The other thing we found out about Nusa Penida is that it is even hotter than Bali, and we spend quite a bit of time pretty miserable due to the heat. That being said, it was beautiful and peaceful, and absolutely worth a trip. 

Nusa Penida Day 1

Broken Beach

The true “must see” sights on Nusa Penida are quite far apart, so plan one day to just spend driving around the island. This is what we did.  Broken Beach was first on the list.  The pictures are crazy beautiful, but I didn’t feel that is was that awe-inspiring in person.  Of course, my recollection could be swayed by the heat, and the crowds.  I look back at the pictures and it is truly a beautiful view.

ssn – I did feel that it was awe-inspiring. I was underwhelmed by the other “must-see” location – Angel’s Billabong – see further down.

Angel’s Billabong

Our lovely driver then took us to Angel’s Billabong. It is on the list of Nusa Penida sights but again, it was a little drive and the roads are a bit primitive. It was really one of those, get out, wander out amongst the other tourists, take some pictures and get back to the aircon (lol, that’s air conditioning for those from the US)

Klingking Beach

After a quick lunch at a local warung, we hit up Klingking beach. It is the iconic T-Rex rock that is all over Instagram.  Its crowded and touristy, but it really is an incredible sight to see.  However, the hike all the way down to the actual beach is about a 45 minute walk, coming up it’s over an hour of a fairly steep climb. So if you plan to spend anytime down on the beach, plan your day accordingly.

ssn – We did not go down to the beach. Next time for sure! We just didn’t have enough time and did we mention that it was hot af?

Our AirBnB

Pretty much called it a day after this and headed back to our AirBnB, because I did forget to mention that it was insane!  What an amazing find, the view was spectacular, and I loved just being alone on this hilltop. 

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Nusa Penida Day 2

Snorkeling with Manta Rays

Day two was a complete score for us.  We decided that snorkeling with the Manta Rays needed to happen.  There are numerous companies that provide this half day snorkeling adventure, and if this is your thing, this is a great place to snorkel.  Boats make two or three stops at different places, including Manta Bay, equipment is included.

We, however, had a taxi driver who knew a smaller side company. Our big hang-up was spending half day on a boat, when we were on a limited time schedule.  Instead we got in on this smaller boat, with 10 other people, friendly staff, and only 2 hours of total time.  Obviously, if you are in it for the full snorkeling experience, take the longer boat trips, but we were focused on just making the mantas happen.  And they did! We saw two fairly up close (not close enough to touch, but still RIGHT THERE).

A word of caution, because there are so many tour boats, be prepared for a lot of people in the water at once, and a lot of people crowding every time there was a manta in the area. 

ssn – three things to note, this was Patti’s first time snorkeling so that was super exciting! Secondly, jellyfish babies everywhere and their stings hurt! Thirdly, just being out there on the boat was unbelievably beautiful. Therefore, you are getting lots of pictures!

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After the boat trip, we were famished and ready for a drink.  The cool thing about Nusa Penida is lots of small beach restaurants, all sitting right on the beach.  We ended up at Penida Colada – obviously for the name.  A couple of cocktails and some fabulous local food, and we were happy for the day.

ssn – I still dream of their Dragonfruit Margaritas

Nusa Pendia Day 3

The Cave Temple

Our final day in Nusa Penida, we made a last minute decision before our boat ride back to Bali that we needed to see the cave temple.  This was my favorite part of the island.

Goa Giri Putri Temple was incredible.  You hike up about 200 stairs to the top, get a blessing before going in, and then there is this little hole in the side of the mountain, just big enough to squeeze through.  You back in, duck under this low low ridge, stand up on the other side, and BOOM, big huge cave temple inside the mountain.  I am so glad we made time for doing this temple.  Completely worth it.

ssn – this was such a special visit. The peace and serenity were so moving. And they will rent you a sarong if you don’t have one, so no worries there.

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Lunch with a View

After the temple we stopped for lunch, again, beachside restaurant,  Warung Jukung. Super cute, with amazing Mie Goreng, and a fantastic view.  We definitely felt these little beach spots refill your soul and make you feel completely grateful for your life.

ssn – The seafood Mie Goreng (fried noodles) was the best of the whole trip!

We headed back on our fast boat to Bali for our last few days in Uluwatu (post coming soon).