Nusa Penida

 

A bubble of escape, frozen in time, just a short boat ride from Sanur.

 

Floating between Bali and Lombok lies a trio of islands still largely untouched: Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and Nusa Penida — the largest and most awe-inspiring of the three. While each island has its charm, Nusa Penida stands out with its raw beauty and untamed spirit. Covering 200 square kilometers of dramatic limestone cliffs, lush greenery, pristine beaches, and vibrant marine life, it promises unforgettable memories for anyone exploring Bali.

For years, Nusa Penida remained off the tourist radar — even Balinese locals were wary of the island. Once dubbed “The Island of Outlaws” in the early 20th century, it served as an exile for criminals, political dissidents, and practitioners of black magic during the reign of the Balinese kings.

 

Today, Nusa Penida has transformed into a mystical, deeply spiritual destination. Like the rest of Bali, it is steeped in Hindu traditions. You’ll find temples, colorful offerings, ceremonies, and sacred dances infused with the same fragrant blend of incense and flowers. The island’s spiritual heart, Pura Dalem Ped, is a revered pilgrimage site. Here, Balinese worshippers leave offerings to King Mecaling, a demon king said to have unleashed plagues and destruction after being banished from Bali. To this day, locals seek to appease his spirit through rituals and devotion.

 

In the north, crystal-clear waters nurture seaweed farms, with the dramatic silhouette of Mount Agung rising in the distance. Inland, rolling hills are dotted with traditional villages and dry fields, plowed by cattle — no rice paddies here, the limestone soil forbids it. But in the south, nature’s grand finale awaits: 150-meter cliffs carved by the sea, hiding wild, untouched beaches below. Turquoise waters, white sand, rugged rock formations, and emerald vegetation — the scenery goes far beyond what photos can ever capture.