Nusa Penida - Bali Om Tours

Nusa Penida, Bali, Indonesia

Nusa Penida is the largest of three islands off the south eastern coast of Bali, the others being Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.

Totalling some 200 square kilometres, Nusa Penida is much larger than the better known Nusa Lembongan. Tourist infrastructure is very limited here but growing fast.

Nusa Penida has also become an unofficial bird sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species, including the critically endangered Bali Starling (Leucopsar rothschildi). In 2004 theFriends of the National Park Foundation (FNPF) started an introduction program onto Nusa Penida of the near-extinct Bali Starling. Over 2 years from 2006, 64 birds were released into the wild. By the spring of 2009, 58 chicks had successfully hatched in the wild and in 2010 there were estimated to be over 100 birds. As with many similar bird release projects in the West Bali National Park that have failed because of poachers, this has been a bit more successful in preventing the Bali Starling from extinction. The Nusa Penida population actively protects the birds. In 2006 each of the villages passed a local regulation making it an offence to steal or threaten the life of the birds.

See

There are many quiet and secluded white sand beaches along the north and northwest coasts of Nusa Penida. Other geographical highlights include limestone caves, spectacular high coastal cliffs with karst formations and offshore pinnacles in the south and east, and rugged hill tops in the high centre.

Nusa Penida has several interesting Hindu temples. When visiting be respectful and always heed local advice.

Crystal Bay, (take the only small road which heads west from the main road at Sakti village and keep going until you hit the coast.). A stunning white sand beach at Banjar Penida west of Sakti village on the north western coast facing Nusa Ceningan. Perfect clear waters and excellent snorkeling. Lovely white sand beach and a great place for a picnic. A truly idyllic spot. This place seems to be one of the more ‘touristic’ spots on the island. This just means that there are a couple of little shops and some tables and chairs next to the beach. Great to relax with a cold drink.

Goa Giri Putri (Karangsari or Karangsari Cave), Desa Pakraman, Karangsari. Large limestone caves on the east coast about 4km north from Suana village. You will need a sarong which can be hired for Rp 5,000, a donation is very much appreciated, Rp 20,000 is considered a good donation. In exchange you will see a very unique temple, and according to locals this temple has great significance for people all over Bali. Climb the stairs and enter the caves via a manhole. Inside the caves there is (electrical) light and a place for meditation. The place for meditation can be entered by tourists, but be sure to take off your shoes and to be douced by holy water by one of the priests (Manku) before entering. The hole place has an awesome atmosphere. Take a bottle for some of the holy water. On public holidays it tends to be very busy with all Balinese who go on pilgrimage here as the place is of great religious and cultural significance. If you are lucky enough to be there on the right day, you might be able to witness a ceremony. The singing vibrates through all of the cave and gives a very mystical vibe to the place. At the end of the cave you can find a small temple which is a buddist temple. This part is next to an exit which gives an amazing view on the hills behind it. Some impressive stalactites and other typical limestone formations can be seen.

Pura Penataran Ped, Ped village (at Ped village on the main north coast road between Toyapakeh and Sampalan.). An extremely important temple to the Hindu Balinese many of whom make an annual pilgrimage to Nusa Penida specifically to pray here to protect against illness, disease and death. This temple is built on a quite grand scale which makes for something of a contrast with the generally rather austere nature of Nusa Penida.

Puncak Mundi (Mundi Hill). The highest point of Nusa Penida at some 521m above sea level. Great views from here. Puncak Mundi temple perches high on the hill.

Pura Batu Medahu and Pura Batu Kuning. Two interesting and stunningly located temples on the east coast road south of Suana. Instead of taking the main road from Suana heading south west, continue on the coast road towards the tiny village of Semaya. You will come to the two temples (Pura Batu Madan first) after about 1.5km and before you reach Semaya.

Broken beach and Angel billabong. Broken beach (Pasih uug) is a large cave that has lost its roof over time. Watch from above as the water come in with the tide, it has a small beach but this cannot be accessed by land. A great place to take photos and giant mantas can sometimes been seen swimming in the sea below. Angel billabong is about 200 metres away, it is a natural infinity pool – best viewed at low tide. Be careful when climbing down to take a swim.

South Coast Cliffs. The whole southern coast of Nusa Penida has spectacular, high white limestone cliffs which will simply take your breath away. Some of the karst formations are really dramatic as are the numerous offshore pinnacles. Try anywhere along the south coast from Pendem, around Bakung Cape to the coast west of Batu Madeg. Allow plenty of time as the chances are you will get lost at some stage. On the eastcoast you have Atuh beach, which is one of those high white limestone cliffbeaches. You will have to drop your scooter off and walk for 10 minutes. You will arrive on top of one of the cliffs and on the southern side there is a beautiful but inaccessible beach called Volcom. You have an amazing view of pinnacles and crystal clear water. Even from this height you can see the coral, and if you are lucky some turtles or mantas. Look for the stairs going all the way down to the beach to this uninhabited sandy beach. Swimming is possible.

Tembeling Forest. Tembeling is the last remnant of virgin rainforest left on the island, it is cool, leafy, green and is home to many birds. Located on the south coast, this little swimming hole is located very close to the beach. You will have to drive with your scooter down on a very steep track with a steep descent next to it. The road is thankfully good enough to keep your scooter on the road. Certainly respect the Balinese roadcode here and honk regularly if you can’t see what is coming. Towards the end the path changes into gravel and it is recommended to let your scooter here as it might be quite slippery, even. Walk the rest of the road and enter this holy place for the Balinese people, there is a Hindu temple there. Climb down the stairs and you will have an amamzing view of the ocean. The pool is formed by a natural spring from the hills. The larger pool is for men only, the official bathing pool for women is located further down nearer to the beach, but is very small and rather unimpressive compared to the other one. Walk to the end of this beach to see little streams of springwater running out of the rocks.
Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Bay) (kelingking beach nusa penida), Bunga Mekar, Nusapenida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771. Secluded, white sandy beach with turquoise waters enclosed by a steep cliff & headland. It is a shore-break beach and the waves are barreling and dumping.