NUSA PENIDA

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Nusa Penida is an island located near the southeastern Indonesian island of Bali and
a district of Klungkung Regency that includes the neighbouring small island of Nusa
Lembongan and twelve even smaller islands. The Badung Strait separates the island and Bali.
The interior of Nusa Penida are filled with mountains with a maximum altitude of 524 metres. It
is drier than the nearby island of Bali. It is one of the major tourist attractions among the three
Nusa islands.

There are thirteen small islands nearby – Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and eleven even
smaller – which are included within the administrative district (kecamatan), which has the same
name as the main island. It had a population of 45,110 at the 2010 census, covering 202.84 km 2,
[1]
and the official estimate as at mid 2022 was 59,900.[2]

Initially, Nusa Penida was often ignored by travelers. However, things have changed for the
better these days. Right now, Nusa Penida gathers very popular and have a lot of interest from
domestic and international travelers alike, thanks to the rapid development of tourism on the
island. Nusa Penida itself is filled with a great number of breathtaking attractions. Here, you can
explore the stunning vast highlands and roam around the spectacular beaches decorating the
edges of the island.

Beyond the hills and beaches, you can also witness the fantastic marine life inside the pristine
seas encircling the island. The coral reefs around Nusa Penida are well maintained and house
some of the most unique sea creatures in the whole world, providing a special experience for
divers and snorkelers. All in all, those who favor nature sightseeing will totally be pleased to set
foot upon this tiny paradise.

What to do there?
• As you set your foot on Nusa Penida, there are several exciting destinations waiting to
be discovered. One of the most well-known tourist attractions in Nusa Penida you have
to visit is Broken Beach, a magnificent cove featuring an eye-catching turquoise pond
located in the southwestern tip of the island. Also known locally as Pasih Uug, the name
was coined from the giant tunnel found in the wall of the cove, which was formed due
to centuries-long abrasion.
• Around Broken Beach, you’ll be able to capture plenty of amazing pictures, thanks to
the cove’s marvelous landscape. Other than the cliff’s enchanting scape and its lush
surroundings, from this cove, you can also witness the distant open sea which definitely
will be stamped into your memory forever.
• After having fun taking a bunch of lovely pictures, now it’s time for you to take more
pictures around another gem of Nusa Penida, located about three kilometers to the
southeast of Broken Beach. Known as Kelingking Beach, this place features a truly
 unique landscape. Seen from the heights, the beach features vast beautiful sands swept
by captivating waves.
• The cliffs near the beach also resemble a T-Rex with its mouth open. The landscape of
Kelingking Beach is adored by countless travelers around the world. According to
Money.co.uk, there are about 338.000 photos featuring this beach on Instagram,
cementing Kelingking Beach as the Most Instagrammable Beach in 2021.

How can the place be reached?

• The only way you can reach this amazing island is by taking sea transportations. Below
are the available sea transportations you can take from Bali to reach Nusa Penida.
• Fast boats from the piers of Sanur, Kusamba, Pesinggahan, or Padangbai. Other
options include taking a traditional boat, which has a lower price point.
• A ferry (Roro Nusa Jaya Abadi) departing from Padangbai.
• A traditional boat or canoe from Kusamba pier.
• Cruise ships departing from Benoa Bay.
Once you’ve arrived on Nusa Penida, it is recommended for you to rent a car with a trusted
driver to make your cruise around the island feel more comfortable.

History
The Legend of Nusa Penida
• According to legends, the last king of Bali, Dalem Bungkut, had become a
dreaded leader of the “other world”. He became known as Ratu Gede Mas Mecaling,
the Great Lord with golden fangs. According to another legend, Mecaling lived in Bali, in
the small village of Batuan, before being exiled to Nusa Penida because of his black
magic. In any case, he is still feared by some Balinese who do not dare to pronounce his
name aloud.
• Mecaling was feared as a powerful and evil wizard. He regularly sent diseases, which
causes epidemics to the Balinese people as revenge. One day when the Balinese were
celebrating Nyepi, full of joy and laughter, Mecaling decided to deceive them. He
returned to mainland Bali taking the form of Barong, the leader of the good armies and
his army of demons destroyed everything in Bali. Since then, the Balinese New Year,
Nyepi, is a day of silence, no one makes noise or goes outside, to fool the demons if they
come back.
• The origin of the pilgrimage to Nusa Penida
• The next day, the terrified Balinese went to a priest. He summoned Barong to
send Mecaling back to Nusa Penida. The high priests of Gelgel’s kingdom came later on
to Nusa Penida to clean the island of dark spirits and banish Mecaling. However,
Mecaling did not totally disappear and the Pura Ped Temple retains his spirit. This
temple is therefore known as a source of power for those who practice black magic and
also a place of pilgrimage for those seeking protection from evil and sickness. There is a
solemn rite that every Balinese Hindu must perform at least once in this lifetime. During
a pilgrimage to the temple of Pura Ped in Nusa Penida, he must find the balance
between the negative and the positive and that is the only way to reach serenity.
Why I choose here
• This maybe the origin of the legends that surround the history of Nusa Penida. In any
case this bad reputation meant that Nusa Penida has not been as developed as Bali –
you won’t find any shopping malls, MacDonald’s or highways but what you will find is
pristine natural beauty, stunning beaches and coves, a plethora of terrestrial wildlife
species including wild monkeys and the endemic Bali Starling, incredible sunsets and
friendly, welcoming local people.