Beneath the Balinese Sun: Part 2

Nusa Penida: A Canvas of Blues and Greens

October 5, 2025: We woke up early today, preparing for a long day ahead as we checked out from our hotel in Ubud. The hotel kindly packed breakfast for us, which we savored on the way to Sanur harbour. Sanur harbour was chaotic, bustling with ferries and fast boats ferrying tourists to various destinations. After checking in with Maruti for our fast boat, we faced a long wait before boarding. Contrary to the website photos, the boat was cramped and uncomfortable, but at least the journey to Nusa Penida took only 45 minutes. Upon arrival, we paid a small entry fee, and our driver-guide was ready to begin our east Penida trip.

Thousand Island viewpoint

The morning melted into a long, winding ride along narrow roads that took us to our first stop for the day, the Thousand Island Viewpoint. To reach the prime vista, we had to descend down a rugged, steep stairway cut down the face of the cliff. At the bottom, a small platform jutted out, a precarious stage for the spectacle. Though the line for a photo was long—a small concession to the view's fame—the wait was rewarding. The scene that unfolded was a painter's dream of vibrant blues. The view was spectacular, with shimmering blue waters, waves crashing against the cliffs, and a panorama of many small islands scattered across the ocean, giving the name "Thousand Islands." The viewpoint included the famous Rumah Pohon treehouse perched on a cliff edge, an Instagram favorite, though we skipped climbing to it in the midday heat. Instead, we headed to a local warung nearby. 

The long wait and steep descent were well worth the view

Exhausted and sweat-drenched, we collapsed into a simple local warung for a revitalizing lunch. Once cooled and refueled, it was on to the glittering white sands of Diamond Beach. The Diamond Beach shares a common access point with the Atuh Beach, but requires separate cliff descents. We chose Diamond Beach for its more dramatic landscape. 

Diamond beach from a vantage point along the cliff

Diamond Beach is truly a breathtaking sight, offering a spectacular natural canvas that feels almost otherworldly. Nestled on the island's eastern tip, the beach is framed by towering limestone cliffs that rise sharply from the white sand, giving the area a dramatic and secluded atmosphere. The cliffs, richly textured by years of wind and water erosion, form striking diamond-shaped rock formations that give the beach its name. These cliffs not only serve as an awe-inspiring backdrop but also create a striking contrast against the powdery, pristine white sand stretched along the shore.

Diamond beach was indeed our favorite!

The water here is a startling shade of turquoise, so clear and vibrant that it almost looks surreal, shimmering under the tropical sun like a vast expanse of liquid gemstone. The gentle waves lap at the shore with a rhythmic calm, though swimming should be approached with caution due to occasional strong currents. From the beach itself, you can often glimpse vibrant marine life just beneath the surface, adding to the beach’s allure for snorkelers and nature lovers.

 

Diamond beach: A hidden paradise

Accessing the beach requires a descent down a steep, uneven staircase of 166 stairs carved into the cliffside, a journey that not many tourists undertake—most prefer admiring the breathtaking views from the vantage points above, where they can snap iconic photos without the climb. However, those who make the effort to reach the beach are rewarded with a serene, less crowded haven that feels like a secret paradise, untouched by heavy commercialization. The quiet sound of waves, the fresh ocean breeze, and the stunning interplay between crystalline waters and towering cliffs combine to create a sensory experience of peace and wonder. We spent a long, satisfying time enjoying the peaceful beauty before tackling the exhausting climb back up. We heard that the Atuh beach is also amazing, but we didn't dare another climb down!

Climbing up the cliff

Our last stop was the rolling Teletubbies Hills, where we watched a mesmerizing sunset that bathed the hills in warm golden hues, a perfect tranquil end to the day.

Teletubbies Hills

That evening, we checked into a charming small hotel, Wait Garden Cottage, tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities. Unexpectedly, the island experienced a power cut, which turned into a cozy advantage as we enjoyed a candlelight dinner by the pool. The power eventually returned, letting us sleep well after an exhilarating day exploring the wild and beautiful Nusa Penida.

October 6, 2025: After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we set out early for our West Penida adventure. Our trip began at a viewpoint offering a spectacular aerial panorama of the jagged cliffs plunging into the turquoise sea below—an awe-inspiring welcome to the island’s raw beauty.

Viewpoint vistas

Next was the iconic Kelingking Beach, arguably Nusa Penida's star attraction. The viewpoint itself is surreal: cliffs carved by time into a shape resembling a T-Rex dinosaur, jutting boldly into electric blue waters that crash dramatically against white sandy shores. From this elevated perch, you witness an out-of-this-world vista of rugged coastline and sea swirling in vibrant shades of turquoise and emerald. The hike halfway down the cliff involved navigating narrow, steep stairs, amid throngs of visitors, making the experience a bit cramped. The full descent leads to a secluded beach where wild waves meet pristine sands—a reward for the adventurous, though the beach can feel crowded and challenging to navigate during peak times.

 

 

The iconic Kelinking beach

We moved on to Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong, two neighboring natural wonders. Broken Beach amazes with its massive natural rock arch framing a tranquil ocean inlet, where waves meet cliff edges in a perfect blend of power and calm. Angel’s Billabong, just nearby, is a stunning natural infinity pool carved into the rocks, with crystal-clear waters that invite a refreshing dip when the tide is right, offering surreal reflections of the sky and cliffs.

Broken beach

The natural infinity pool, Angel’s Billabong

Our final stop was Crystal Bay, a gorgeous beach with calm, clear waters. Crystal Bay is a peaceful crescent-shaped beach with soft, white sands and gently lapping clear blue waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Surrounded by gentle hills, the bay offers calm, warm waters where coral reefs teem with colorful marine life. Relaxing under the sun with ocean breezes and spectacular underwater scenery, Crystal Bay provides a tranquil counterpoint to the rugged cliffside sights. We luxuriated here for a while, soaking up the sun and enjoying the serene ocean and soft breeze.

Gorgeous Crystal Bay

Returning to the harbor, we found a modest cluster of eateries and souvenir shops. After several days of Indonesian food, we happily indulged in some comfort with an Indian lunch—perfect butter naan and chicken tikka butter masala that tasted heavenly. Checking in for our afternoon fast boat, we faced the familiar chaos and delays of the small harbor. Though the boat was cramped, the unexpected delay turned into a moment to enjoy a stunning sunset over the sea from the deck.

Nusa Penida Harbor

Bidding farewell to Nusa Penida

As we sail to the Bali mainland, the sun sets over the sea

Back on the Bali mainland, we took a cab to Uluwatu and checked into Bombara Surf Camp. A long, tiring day concluded in basic accommodation with no restaurant, but the abundance of nearby eateries saved the evening. After dinner, we retired early, exhausted but fulfilled by Nusa Penida’s spectacular wonders.