All you need to know before a trip to Nusa Penida

After you enjoy the bustling party of Kuta or Seminyak for some time, you might need a quiet and relaxing retreat. Nusa Penida Islands might be what you're looking for. Check out our ultimate guide to traveling on this beautiful Bali island.

Getting to know Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is actually a district in Kelungkung Regency of Bali Province situated right on the South East of Bali island which includes the three islands of Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and the largest of them all, Nusa Penida. 

There are arguably some differences between these islands, depending on your vacation preferences. If you’re into shopping, surfing, and socializing, then you will love Nusa Lembongan with its great surf spot and restaurants, while Nusa Penida will provide a more adventurous experience. However, the development of accommodations, commercial establishments, and other facilities over the years has already fulfilled the visitor's needs during their stay on Nusa Penida island.

Nusa Penida is the biggest out of the three Islands in the southeast Bali

Image from Google Maps

What we will cover in this article is the island of Nusa Penida, famously known for its various natural wonders, including stunning ocean-view cliffs, unsullied beaches, and adventurous diving spots.

What to prepare?

Expect to involve yourself in many water-related activities, which is why we recommend some water-friendly preparations. For the basics of a tropical island trip, you must prepare swimwear, sunscreen, a camera, towels, sandals, extra clothes, and extra cash.

For cash, you just need to bring a few to moderate amounts, enough for getting you across and renting a vehicle, as there are already many ATMs and money changer services on the island.

Do not bring too much cash to Nusa Penida

Image from Freepik

If you are on a tight schedule, it is best to prepare a trip plan so that you can tick every destination on your list in Nusa Penida. You can visit the island at any time of the year, but the best time for a Nusa Penida vacation is during the dry season from May to September. During these months, the weather is very pleasant with a temperature of about 250C.

How to get there?

There are several options for transportation from mainland Bali to Nusa Penida island.

• Roro Ferry (Roll On Roll Off). If you’re the type to savour your journey, enjoy a longer trip, or simply want to travel the whole of Nusa Penida with your own beloved ride, then you can try this Roll on Roll off ferry. This ferry only sails twice a day at 08.30 a.m. and 17.30 p.m., and to ride this ship, you first need to board from Padangbai Port in Karangasem Regency, in eastern Bali which will take you an hour trip to reach Nusa Penida island. It usually costs 35.000 IDR for an adult and an additional 30 thousand if you also bring a motorbike or scooter and 250.000 IDR for a car.

The ferry from Padangbai can bring heavier loads including your vehicle

Image from Alamy

• Traditional boat. The second alternative option for crossing to Nusa Penida is by sampan or jukung which is usually used by the fishermen. This traditional means of transportation will take 1 hour to reach Nusa Penida Island. There are many crossing points that can be used to cross to Nusa Penida by traditional boat, namely through the port of Kusamba which will land at the port of Toya Pakeh, the port of Banjar Bias will land at the port near Nusa Penida sub-district office, the port of Tri Buana that will land you at Tambak port, and the port of Kusamba village will land at Tambak port as well. The fare to cross from Kusamba harbour to Nusa Penida is IDR 55,000 per person.

Traditional sampan from the beach of Karangasem

Image from Unsplash

• Fast boat. This is the most common and popular means of transportation from the mainland to Nusa Penida. These fast boats docked and go from Sanur, Denpasar, which is probably closer to your hotels and villas and will cut your trip by half to reach Nusa Penida compared to the previous two transportation. The tickets are ranged from 75.000 up to 200.000 IDR.

A fast boat from Sanur

Image from Flickr

What you can do Nusa Penida

There are tons of activities you can do once you off the boat.

1. Take a stunning photo of the iconic cliff at Kelingking Beach. It is one of the most famous spots in Nusa Penida, even Bali as a whole. Featuring many stock photos of Bali’s tourism, Kelingking Beach's main attraction is the rocky coastal cliff that is overhanging the azure Indian Ocean. With more effort, you can enjoy the white sand beach the whole way down the cliff.

The iconinc cliff at Kelingking Beach

Image from Freepik

1. Snorkeling or diving at Crystal Bay. This is the most well-known spot for scuba diving on the island which also provides fins, masks, and snorkels on-site. Coupled with the beautiful sunset on the sandy beach, it will be an excellent conclusion for your day trip.

A view from a warong in Crystal Bay

Image from Unsplash

1. A real-life aquarium at Gamat Bay. Although smaller than its sister bay, Crystal, the Gamat Bay will offer a more immersive underwater experience, with the all-year-round flock of manta rays, mola-mola (sunfish), and sea turtles. The sea current on this spot is rather strong, so the bay is more recommended for professional divers. But you can still see the mantas or mola-molas passing through from the top of the cliff.

Gamat Bay is a wild size aquarium

Image from Alamy

1. A social hub at Penida Colada Beach Bar. To finish off the list, you can enjoy the most popular bar on the island, located right on the beachfront of Nusa Penida. Tropical beverages coupled with stunning views of the ocean are perfect to conclude your trip to Nusa Penida island.

A tropical drink by the northern coast of Nusa Penida

Image from Unsplash

On February 14th, 2024, the Indonesian province of Bali implemented a significant policy change affecting international tourists. The provincial government introduced an entry tax aimed at foreign visitors, signaling a shift in the tourism landscape of one of the world's most beloved destinations. This measure, intended to protect Bali's environment and culture, carries implications for both the tourism industry and the preservation efforts on the island.

Background

Bali, renowned for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality, has long been a magnet for tourists worldwide. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, tourism played a pivotal role in Bali's economy, contributing approximately 60% to its annual GDP. However, with the pandemic's impact disrupting travel patterns and highlighting the need for sustainable tourism practices, Bali's authorities have taken decisive steps to balance economic prosperity with environmental and cultural preservation.

The Entry Tax: How Much You Need to Pay

The entry tax, first announced the previous year, officially came into effect on Wednesday, 14th February 2024 –Valentine's Day, marking a significant milestone in Bali's tourism management strategy. Under this new regulation, foreign tourists entering Bali from abroad or other parts of Indonesia are required to pay a fee of USD 9.62, equivalent to approximately 150,000 Rupiah, charged in Indonesian currency. Domestic Indonesian tourists are exempt from this fee.

How and Where to Pay

Things to anticipate before celebrating New Year’s Eve in Bali

As one of the most visited places in the world, Bali will always be packed up on New Year’s Eve. Therefore, you should always be extra prepared when planning to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Bali. Here are some of the things you need to keep in mind:

Reservation ahead of time

Book everything in advance. Due to the heavy flow and occupancy, famous places will be full on New Year’s Eve, so you must book your seats ahead of time. Check the websites or social media of the places/attractions you want to visit and reserve them now. It’s better to be too early than one minute late.