VISIT NUSA PENIDA, LEMBONGAN & CENINGAN – THE VIRGIN SISTERS OF BALI

NUSA PENIDA ISLAND EXPLORATION (POPULAR WITH BACKPACKERS)

The biggest island – Penida – features secluded white sand beaches in the north and spectacular limestone coastal cliffs, karst formations, caves and offshore pinnacles in the south.

Nusa Penida Island Exploration: Experience 100% Staggering Views

Crystal Bay is the major attraction on Nusa Penida and the perfect holiday hub with good facilities, e.g. sun-brella & chair hire, snorkelling and refreshment.

Broken Beach and the Angel Billabong are other icons of the island. Best seen from the airplane or by a drone – a large cave that has lost its roof over time appears like a huge hole in the land filled with water.

Broken Beach is a large hole best seen from a plane

Nusa Penida is a fairly traditional place, and religion is extremely important for the local people. There are several interesting Hindu temples to visit. If you rent a scooter the best way is to self-drive around the island to explore its wonders.

The most popular activities on a Nusa Penida Island exploration are trekking, mountain biking, snorkelling, scuba diving and bird watching.

Crystal Bay is often said to be the best beach in Nusa Penida

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES IN NUSA PENIDA

• Crystal Bay – gorgeous sandy beach with palms, crystal-clear waters, excellent swimming, snorkelling and sunbaking, there is a bat cave located nearby (access from Banjar Penida)
• Bird Sanctuary – pay a visit to the reserve to see the critically endangered Bali Starling, access from Ped village
• Goa Giri Putri– a stunning limestone caves, unique temple, natural meditation & yoga spot, a sacred site for the locals, access from Suana village
• Pura Penataran Ped – the most significant Hindu temple, it makes an annual pilgrimage to many Balinese who come here to pray here to protect against illness, disease and death (access from Ped )
• Pura Paluang – a quirky car temple is an increasingly popular tourist attraction

Paluang Temple, Nusa Penida

• Puncak Mundi (521 m)– is the highest point on Nusa Penida, climb up for the panoramic views and a temple
• Broken Beach & Angel Billabong – a large cave that has lost its roof over time, no access to the beach below but great for photography also for the frequently spotted manta rays and sea turtles from above! The Angel Billabong can be dipped in instead, but it is a steep climb down about 200 metres away. Totally worth of the effort – the natural infinity pool is magnificent!
• Atuh Beach – the iconic Atuh Beach is one of the most spectacular ones on the island (limestone cliffs, hidden coves and rock formations, white sands, turquoise seas, coral reefs, good swimming)

Steps to the Guyangan Waterfall

• (Pe) Guyangan Waterfall – a cliff with a natural pool and waterfall (access via ladder)
• Tembeling Forest – the only remaining rainforest cool, virgin nature, greenery, birdlife, swimming holes near the beach
• Diving Sites – Penida Bay, Manta Bay (manta rays), Batu Lumbung (Manta Point is famous for submerged Buddha statues), Batu Meling, Batu Abah, Toya Pakeh and Malibu Point (sharks), Toyapakeh (sea turtles)

DID YOU KNOW?

Nusa Penida is regarded as a bird sanctuary for endangered Balinese and Indonesian bird species, including the near-extinct Bali Starling, Java Sparrow, Lorikeet and Sulphur Crested Cockatoo.

Atuh Beach offers breathtaking views

NUSA LEMBONGAN (BEACH HOLIDAY HUB) 

This tiny little dot next to Nusa Penida is an idyllic island and a tropical paradise. Almost no traffic, pristine beaches and marvellous scenery – these are to be found on Nusa Lembongan. The isle is a great holiday destination for those looking for “dolce far niente” and a perfect place to put up your feet, have a cocktail at the hotel`s pool and chill.

Nusa Lembongan is a popular vacation hub

Nusa Lembongan is actually increasing its popularity, and there is a good tourist development – luxurious resorts, hotels and guesthouses. The waters here are much cleaner than in Bali, and that makes corals and marine life thrive.

Surfing, swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving are just what you can do apart from relaxing.

The iconic Dream Beach, Nusa Lembongan

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES IN NUSA LEMBONGAN

• Jungut Batu – originally the major backpackers & surfers location with lots of guesthouses and warungs, new development brought stunning private villas, upscale hotels and restaurants, white beaches, good snorkelling, swimming, sunsets
• Mushroom Bay–  a quaint, sheltered bay popular with wealthier visitors, secluded resorts,  seaside restaurants, lovely beaches, pleasant ambience, sunsets
• Dream Beach – the coastal landscape in this part of the island features low-lying limestone cliffs and dramatic cave formations, especially at sunset, excellent for photography
• Lembongan Village– central region of the island,  traditional culture, eco-tourism
• Laguna Bay – traditional seaweed farming and large algae fields

Extensive algae plantations can be found in Laguna Bay (Nusa Lembongan)

NUSA CENINGAN (IDEAL FOR ADVENTURERS & INDEPENDENT TRAVELLERS)

The smallest and least trodden, Nusa Ceningan is a destination for an adventurous traveller. Connected to Nusa Lembongan via a suspension bridge, the island can be reached both, on foot or by scooter/bicycle.

The island offers brilliant surf, scenic roads and paths, and magnificent sunsets over Bali from the central Ceningan Ridge.

Nusa Ceninagn`s staggering landscapes, beaches and mangroves can be explored in as many as two days independently, and it is a lovely one or 2 day trip from Nusa Lembongan.

The bridge connecting Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan

ESSENTIAL EXPERIENCES IN NUSA CENINGAN

• Blue Lagoon – famous jumping spot, jump off the cliff into the azure seas (4, 6, 8 and 13 metres high platforms!)
• Secret Beach – secluded white beach with a resort where you can have a swim in its infinity pool and try some of its delicious meals
• Mahana Point – popular surfing spot, for experienced surfers only, taverns, great views
• Le Pirate Beach Club is the most popular resort village with great facilities

Blue Lagoon jumping point

WHEN TO TRAVEL

The best time to visit the islands is between May-October, in the dry season. Especially, fans of beach, diving and snorkelling will enjoy the clear, calm waters and bright skies in these months.

The peak season is June-September, the prices go up, and islands often crowded.

HOW TO GET THERE

Fly to Denpasar/Bali.

To Nusa Lembongan, Penida and Ceningan you will have to catch a boat. There are both public ferries and private speedboats from Benoa, Sanur and Padangbai in Bali.

For all international flights visit www.sckyscanner.com or www.momondo.com