Friday, September 28, 2018

WHERE TO GO IN NUSA PENIDA, BALI - A 3D2N TRAVEL ITINERARY


Kelingking Beach (view from top)
Given the natural beauty of the largest yet the least traveled out of the 3 Nusa Islands on the east end of Bali, you should now very much consider Nusa Penida in your bucket list In this post, I will suggest you a 3D2N itinerary filled with travel tips on where to go in Nusa Penida.

Following the footsteps of the two other more commercialized sisters, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, Nusa Penida is carpeted with limestones, the government is now battling against its infertile land to welcome both domestic and international travelers, paving paths and attracting them to the rugged yet unspoiled, mind-blowing natural vistas on the island. 


Differing from its sister islands, Penida’s vantage points require a bit of trekking and exploration to get to (prepare your stamina, camera battery & powerbank ladies and gents!) however, it is all well worth the trip. Your eyes will be rewarded with refreshing infinite views of unspoiled pearly white sand against the glistening ocean waters in multiple shades of pure blue. Nusa Penida truly a magnificent destination perfect for a short day trip or even a lengthy, more adventurous trip when in Bali. 





View from the Nusa Penida Port (FYI: that's Mola Mola boat that took us to the island!) 
SIDE READ, THE LEGENDARY TALE OF NUSA PENIDA
There is a myth believed by local islanders that before the Majapahit clan came to Bali, Nusa Penida was a thriving island with fertile soil and sought-after crops. The island was ruled by its King who also reigned over Lombok. However the kingdom was defeated by Majapahit, causing them to win over the islands. Therefore, before he dies - the King who was devastated of the great lost cursed the whole island to dry out so that no crops can grow and that the new kingdom will not be able to take advantage of the island's harvest., the curse is still felt until now. That is why the island now relies mostly on its tourism business.

Stunning limestone carst that surrounds the island of Nusa Penida - Atuh Beach

Where to go: 
As a disclaimer, our group took a 3 Days 2 Nights trip to Nusa Penida during October 2017. We spent the nights at Le Pirate in the neighboring island of Nusa Ceningan because we found there was no decent accommodation in Nusa Penida. These are the places that we went to and highly recommend as described per day.



Map of Nusa Penida Island and its destinations (Credits to: nusapenidapoint.com)


D A Y  1


Kelingking Beach 
My favorite destination from the whole trip. Soft, powdery sand beach awaits though you have to take a 30-minutes trip down the steep path. TIP: Wear your sneakers and bring your flip flops when you go down as it provides a safer grip. 
Or you can be just like me, admiring the sights from above and marvel upon the iconic T-Rex shaped land and the azure blue ocean as far as eyes can see.


Broken Beach


Broken beach (Pasih Uug)
A magical and spectacular wonder of nature indeed. An old folk tale said that there used to be an entire village who lived above the beach. One time, the villagers were caught in selfishness and lies, therefore the God punishes the whole village, by creating a massive flood & earthquake that sunken the whole village (and only that village) down, hence created the large hole. Some signs of ancient life such as clay mortar can be found when you dive beneath the Broken beach. 


Angel's Billabong

Angel's Billabong 

So they said that this is where the beautiful angels come down to bathe. Put on your bikinis and swimsuit and soothe in the cool calm water of this naturally formed infinity pool, with clear glass waters and roaring tidal waves making spontaneous and fun splashes from its edge. 



Find me most happy under the coconut tree!
Crystal Bay 
A clean, white sand beach with some food and drink stalls with views over to the sister island Nusa Ceningan. This is the last destination of day 1 where we laid under the beach umbrellas on our bean bags and chill with a cold coconut after a long day exploring the island. Of course, I did not forget to take some shots under these tall pillars of coconut trees that came out really Instagrammable. 



View from canopied umbrella at Crystal Beach

D A Y  2


Snorkeling Day in Manta Point & Crystal Bay 
One of the things that I look forward to during this trip was to actually snorkel with the Manta Rays.
However, the day when we snorkeled it was filled with high tides, hence we are unable to catch any signs of Manta Rays (sad). Nonetheless, we had an enjoyable time, basking in the sea and sun, seeing the colorful fishes and corals and exploring the marine life of Nusa Penida. 


All day snorkeling


D A Y  3



Stunning Panorama of Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach (credits to: JourneyEra.com)

Atuh Beach Viewpoint

This place, this place is just stunning for prewedding shots. Isn't just so romantic?
We went here on our last day, so we were really short on time, so we decided not to go down to the beach and only take panoramic shots from above. If you decide to go down, it might take more time but I heard that the unspoiled beach down there is well worth the trip.



Epic shot at Rumah Pohon Molenteng


Molenteng Tree House / Rumah Pohon Molenteng 
This is a viral tree house that had gone viral for a reason. Its mind-blowing location and its view is just breathtaking, and looks surreal! #ILOVEINDONESIA
Actually, if you are adventurous, you can go there and rent the tiny home for you to stay! 
This treehouse is located just a few steps down from Atuh beach lookout, so its best to go when paired together!

When to go
We suggest to go there anytime, but the rainy season which is in November, December, January. Check the weather forecast before you go! 




Where to stay
Please head to my separate blog post about my INSTA-WORTHY STAY EXPERIENCE AT LE PIRATE NUSA CENINGAN


Yellow Bridge that connects Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan

Getting there
Nusa Penida is located just 30 minutes fast boat ride from Sanur bay in Bali. We recommend Mola Mola Express fast boat as it is not only cheap but also timely and clean. 
Apart from Sanur bay, you can also access Nusa Penida from Padangbai and Benoa. 



Ocean views for days


Getting around
It is encouraged that you rent a car during your trip inclusive with a private tour guide (approx IDR 1,5 million for 3 days 2 nights with Toyota Innova fits 5 people +1 Driver + 1 Guide) or if you are more on the adventurous side, you can opt for the cheaper option that is to rent a motorcycle (70rb per day), however just to remind you that the telephone signal there is really bad, and the road is quite damaged. Let's just say that we trust the locals to drive us to safety rather than putting ourselves at risk. 


Pizza by the beach anyone?

Bubur Ledok, a Nusa Penida's local delicacy
Eat 
Our guide gave us Pizza for lunch and ate by the side road with that unbeatable view.
Unforgettable.
Oh ya, if you're there ask the local to give you some Bubur Ledok, a local porridge delicacy made from potatoes, corn and red beans (no rice) and seasoned with some basil, fish floss and a bit of chilli. Uniquely, this porridge is solid enough to be able to be wrapped inside a sheet of a banana leave!

Travel tips 
  • Sunscreen and after sun treatment (really important!, all of us got burnt even though we used sunscreen at all times!)
  • Own medications (Seasick medicine is extremely important)
  • Bring own snacks  (There are no mini marts on the island, so please do yourself a favor!)
  • Bring enough cash (No atm, no banking machines)
  • Powerbank and camera (drone or GoPro will be superb)
  • Pair of sneakers
  • Also please bear in mind that Nusa Penida/ Nusa Ceningan islands all have a deficiency in clean filtered water, therefore please be mindful of your water consumption.
I am so proud to call Indonesia my home. Its stunning natural landscapes are truly endearing and remarkable. Give local destinations some love and attention. 
#VisitIndonesia #WonderfulIndonesia

Peace out & discover always - x heymegaa



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