Top 10 Tips to Know Before Exploring Nusa Penida, Bali – Nusa Penida has recently been a material discussion. Its popular name has reverberated all over the world.
As an insider, I always discover new destinations in my home country Indonesia and am so excited about it. I also love to share what I’ve been through with all the wanderlusts and these tips are not exceptions.
Are you ready to explore Nusa Penida? Here are the top 10 tips you should know before exploring Nusa Penida, Bali
1Start from Sanur Harbor
The easiest and cheapest way to reach Nusa Penida is from Sanur Harbor. If you are in Bali and planning to visit Nusa Penida, you’d better stay on Sanur area and cross Nusa Penida the other day.
There are plenty fast boats heading to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan every hour, so no need to worry. The fast boat ticket is IDR 100,000 and you just need to sit for 40 minutes while enjoying the blue sea and taa daaa… you arrive!
Related: 2 Day Itinerary For Exploring Nusa Penida: The Golden Egg of Bali
Other alternatives to reach this island are from Padang Bai, Benoa Harbor, and Nusa Lembongan.
2Use A Waterproof Backpack, Slippers, and Short Pants
Sanur Harbor is not like other harbors in general. The fast boats don’t dock in a pier so you should walk to the shoreline.
That’s why you should put your belongings in the safest place especially when it comes to electronic devices. Sea waves are quite big and sometimes hit you and make you wet.
If you don’t have a waterproof backpack at least you cover your bag with plastic bags. So be prepared!
3Don’t Visit in June
Sounds weird? But it’s true! When I visited Nusa Penida, I found out everything was not as what I expected in terms of the sea journey.
I totally couldn’t enjoy the sea trip. June is the worst month of all when visiting Nusa Penida and other nusas according to our tour guides.
Related: Visiting Angel’s Billabong, Nusa Penida: A Breathtaking View of Nature
They explained that east winds from Australia hit Indonesia especially Bali in June, so no wonder the waves were really big.
We even experienced that our fast boat engine was dead on our way back to Sanur in the middle of the sea! Scary right?
4Make Clear Agenda
Make sure you have known what you want to explore as Nusa Penida has three different areas with their respective natural beauties.
They are in the West, East, and South. It also helps you allocate your energy efficiently.
5Prepare Sufficient Cash
Nusa Penida is the most undeveloped island compared to the other two, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
Cash is a king as you won’t find money changer or ATM Machine. If there’s any, it’s gonna be so far away and difficult to reach because Nusa Penida infrastructure is bloody bad especially in the Western part.
6Explore with A Help of Tour Guide
This is mandatory! You cannot explore this island without any help from the locals or tour guides. This island is untouched and has really bad signals.
You cannot count on Google Maps or GPS, nope! Besides, Nusa Penida is huge and only has 14 villages that scattered far away from each other.
7Choose Hotels That Provide Breakfast or At Least Have A Restaurant
You almost find no restaurants on this island, if there’s any it’s only in the hotel. There are only warung-warung (traditional outlets that sell some food and drinks) and separated very far apart.
The hotel selection is also important as it’s gonna decide which part of the island you’re gonna explore first.
Like my previous trip, I stayed at Coco Resort Penida located in the Western part of Nusa Penida and is quite close to the port. So, my friends and I explored spots in the West first.
8Ride Motorbikes in The West and A Car in The East
The Western part of this island has the worst infrastructure of all, though the actual distance is not that far. So, it’s gonna be efficient and even faster to ride motorbikes here.
On the contrary, Eastern part has better infrastructures but is located quite far away with winding roads. It’s safe to rent a car with a help of a local driver.
9Bring Enough Gears
As this journey is adventurous, so don’t forget to bring your ultimate travel gears like sunblock, UV glasses, a hat, jacket, slippers, and some pairs of clothes.
10Make Sure You are Fit
This is the most important tip. Exploring Nusa Penida really drains your energy, yes literally drains your energy.
Related: 17 Amazing Destinations to Visit on Nusa Penida, Bali
You’ll do much trekking and long walking here. So preparing your personal medicines won’t hurt you, right?
These are my personal tips for all the wanderlusts before exploring Nusa Penida. I Hope you find my tips useful and informative.
Happy traveling!
great article about this beautiful island of nusa penida
Thanks for sharing your thought and for visiting my blog 😉
Thanks for sharing. Nusa Penida always offer the best highlight.
You’re welcome. Thanks for stopping by 😉 Glad you share the same amazing experience
Many places you can explore in Nusa Penida, underwater view is also the best in Bali.
Yes indeed. It’s a great please to have been there, even for only several days