Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Close
It is a dream to be here. Come and visit the island of the gods - spend your holidays with us. Fill out the form and send us your request, we will get back to you as soon as possible. We can only promise you great moments and unforgettable holidays with us.
Just 8 kilometres off Bali's south-east coast lies this small, largely unknown group of islands, offering dreamy getaways in the crystal-clear, shimmering turquoise sea and on pristine sandy beaches. Even the crossing in a speedboat or - even more beautiful - by outrigger boat is a refreshing adventure. Besides Penida, it is especially the small Nusa Lembongan that attracts day tourists. It is also a good place to spend the night, as there are several nice guesthouses right by the sea.
The limestone massif that runs through the island core of Nusa Penida rises to a height of 529 metres. None of the islands is of economic importance; the water-permeable karst soil is hardly suitable for agricultural use. The modest main occupation is therefore fishing. Visitors to the island are mainly drawn to the north coast, an ideal spot for surfers, divers and snorkellers. In the past, Penida served as a place of exile for criminals convicted in Klungkung. The Balinese, who believe in ghosts, are quite suspicious of the island. They suspect that it is home to the sinister giant Jero Gede Mecaling, who is said to have succeeded several times in crossing the Badung Strait with his entourage of spirits, bringing fear, terror and destruction to Bali. Only after the Balinese had made a similar-looking demon figure and erected it on the coast, did the giant take flight. Even today, when the Balinese carry huge demon figures through the villages on the eve of the Nyepi New Year and then to the coast to burn them there, it is not least to the fearsome giant.
The island's main town: Sampalan
If you arrive on Penida Island from Kusamba, you will step onto solid ground again at Sampalan. Apart from a market near the harbour, there are no sights to see here.
Pilgrimage destination: Pura Taman Dalem Penataran Agung
Between Sampalan and Toyapakeh, on the north coast of the island, is the harbour village of Ped der Pura Taman Dalem Pentaran Agung. The sacred temple shrine stands in a man-made, square lotus pond about 50 metres from the beach.
Temple height with exceptional ambience: Goa Karangasari
About 5 km southeast of Sampalan is the Goa Karangasari cave, also called Goa Piri Putri. The entrance to the cave system is somewhat hidden, the opening itself measures only 2.5 metres in diameter. Inside, the 15-metre-high cave is impressive, with a series of small side caves leading off from it (don't forget to bring a bright torch or hire one from the locals who offer to guide you along the road in front of the cave). If you measure the whole cave, you will come to the opposite exit in a steep rock face. Inside is a large Hindu temple with several altars. Ceremonies are also held regularly in the cave.
Manta Point Bali: Kelingking Beach
The Karang Dawa Viewpoint is the most famous viewpoint on Nusa Penida. Since the viewpoint became world famous through Instagram, it can get really crowded here! A path leads from the cliffs to the beautiful Kelingking Beach. However, it is not so easy to reach, as the path is more in the category of "very adventurous". Therefore, be sure to wear sturdy shoes.
The place is also one of the best manta ray spots in the world! There are many offers for snorkelling and diving excursions, because the probability of seeing a large manta ray live here is 98%! The manta rays reliably hover here at all times, as they let themselves be cleaned by small fish on the reef on the steep coast.
Fantastically beautiful: Angel's Billabong & Broken Beach
Angel's Billabong is an infinity natural pool right on the cliff. Its green-blue colour is captivating, and you also have a fantastic view over the sea from there. Its direct neighbour is Broken Bay, a bay with a huge round hole in the middle of the landscape. It is filled with shimmering turquoise seawater, which is then poured into the sea through another hole. However, both places are not suitable for swimming due to the strong currents. But you can walk around the bay and look at the clear water, the sand and the cliffs. Or you can just sit on the grass for a while and enjoy the view and the sun.
Bathing paradise with barriers: Beaches
On Nusa Penida you will find many beautiful beaches - secluded and isolated or central with beach bar flair. Rugged cliffs, white sand and clear water, but often the road is quite bumpy and the descent to the beach extremely strenuous. There are several accessible beaches on the west coast, including Toyakapeh Beach, where swimming, snorkelling and diving are tempting. However, the tides are quite strong here. There are occasionally dangerous underwater currents and sharks are sometimes sighted. The famous Crystal Bay is quite easy to reach, but its beach is also very busy! The bay is perfect for snorkelling and diving, and with a bit of luck you can meet the rare mola molas here. As many excursion boats from Bali and Nusa Lembongan come here during the day, it is advisable to come in the late afternoon or early morning when it is a bit quieter. On the other hand, bathing is not possible on the south coast of the island. On the other hand, the strong surf on the steep cliffs that drop abruptly into the sea, up to 200 metres high, is impressive.
Empty beaches and a great underwater forest
The island (population 3500) thrives on day visitors who come to snorkel, swim, surf and dive and return to Bali in the late afternoon. There are few cars, people travel by tricycle taxi. The main town on the island, which measures about 4 x 2 kilometres, is Desa Lembongan. Decorated stone walls surround the houses, in the gardens you see mangoes and bananas. The women of the island harvest seaweed from the sea, which is used as fertiliser or finely ground for cosmetic and medical treatments and sold to chemical factories. The ruins of the Hindu temple Pura Pancak are located on a 50-metre-high hill. From there you have a good view over the island, the sea, Bali and the volcano Agung. The main attraction, however, is the “Underground House”, which a man spent 15 years carving out of the ground, with chambers, corridors, stairs, kitchen and bathroom; shafts bring air and light. Budget accommodation can be found at Sanghiang Bay and the Nusa Lembongan Resort offers comfort and relaxation. A footbridge leads to the neighbouring island of Nusa Ceningan.
