The treacherous climbs and descents absolutely terrified me, but they lead to the most beautiful beaches in the world on Nusa Penida, Indonesia.
You may have seen pictures of these remarkable locations on social media (that of course omit how ridiculous the hikes are), yet these spots prove even more epic in person.
Just eastern neighbors to Bali and not nearly as commercially developed, the small island of Nusa Penida has narrow roads full of character that speak stories. Many residents have stayed here their entire lives.
I zoomed past new houses being hand built (and probably stayed in one), but most of the charm of Nusa Penida is in its original untouched landscape that captivates photographers and people around the world.
Here are (more than) 6 unbelievable places to visit in Nusa Penida.
6. Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong
Broken Beach
Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong are located right next to each other on the coastal cliffs.
You can walk from one stunning beauty to the other within five minutes and take the coveted selfie or fifty. Both carved out treasures are just as gorgeous in person and worth a brief visit, but you cannot swim or walk down to either beach.
Be careful at Angel’s Billabong, however, as several tourists have tragically passed away from standing too close to the edge trying to get a risky photo right before dangerous waves came crashing on to the shoreline.
5. Thousand Islands Viewpoint
While you can’t actually spot 1,000 islands, you are standing on a mini island yourself as you look out to the vast blue and turquoise waters that surround you with floating cliffs.
Thousand Islands Viewpoint will be your first workout with 10 minutes of steep steps up the mountain on the way back. You can pay to sit in those cute swings or cabanas for a photo op, but you don’t need it - the view is already incredible.
4. Tembeling Beach and Forest
The wildest motorbike ride down into the forest led to Tembeling Beach and Forest, where several jewels shine hidden under the shaded foliage of the mountain.
The first gem is an emerald pool where devils can dare to jump from various levels into the deep. I only jumped off the lowest level, about 12 feet, scared to my wits. So worth it!
After cooling off in the pool, make your way down stone steps to a cave full of mysteriously stacked rocks, a natural rock infinity pool, and the beach.
3. Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach
All the way on less traveled east side of Nusa Penida lies the precious coasts of Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, situated on opposite sides of a cliff.
Laced between the two beaches, it seriously feels like you are standing on the edge of the earth.
Atuh beach felt shallow and shelled with eateries and lounge chairs, while Diamond Beach hid behind sloshed choppy waves and shrouded cliff walls.
Though the days I visited burst dark clouds and thunderstorms since March deemed the end of the rainy season, each beach blew my mind with the natural colors and gorgeous shape of the earth.
2. Kelingking Beach
The steepest hike of all 6 on this list, the 45 minute way down to Kelingking Beach starts out chill, and gets sketchy really fast. My heart raced as the jagged gravel stairs began to sprawl straight down.
Despite the heights, the picturesque waters truly glimmer aqua and dazzle deep blue. Kelingking resembles a tyrannosaurus rex floating heavenly between sky and water.
The driver that dropped me off made me promise I would not swim in the water because the current was too dangerous. He wasn’t kidding - the aggressive waves roared high and banged on to the shore sharp and strong. I had to hold on to my suit just standing on the shore…
1. Manta Point
Not my photo - I was too busy scuba diving for only the second time! Try Karma Diving in Nusa Penida.
A last minute decision to splurge on scuba diving with 9 foot manta rays proved to be the unexpected highlight of the entire trip - and well worth the expense, even for a backpacker.
You don’t need a diver’s certification to witness these majestic beings playing 40 feet down in the underwater jungle. Plunging so close to a dozen manta rays at Manta Point flipped my world upside down, leaving this unbelievable natural wonder the best thing to do in Nusa Penida.
Gallery
From the West to the East… gorgeous views and dangerous waters categorized a stormy, thrilling excursion in Nusa Penida.
