The Islands of Bali: Nusa Penida

One of Bali’s southeastern islands, Nusa Penida, is a spectacular place to come and visit while vacationing in Bali. This island paradise has several white sand beaches that offer peace and tranquility along its north and northwestern coasts. This island also boasts limestone caves and breathtaking high coastal cliffs. In the east and south of the island you will find some offshore pinnacles and in the center of the island you will find some rather rugged hilltops.

This island is also home to many interesting Hindu temples. As with the main island of Bali, remember if you are going to visit them be respectful and bring along a sarong if you plan on entering the temples. This island has some places for tourists to stay from low cost rooms to spectacular villas Bali. But there are some rather remarkable places to visit whether you are planning to stay overnight or just for a day trip. A place of great religious and cultural significance is the Goa Karang Sari, also known as Karansari Cave.  It is on the eastern coast and is located north of the Suana village, where you can find a local guide to help you get there, and don’t forget a flashlight. This rather large limestone cave has some unbelievable stalactites and other limestone formations.  Just make sure you are dressed appropriately since the entrance to this cave system is a short climb from the road and are, as with most caves, not known for having even ground to have great footing.

Another place to put on your list of sights to see before leaving your hotel or one of Bali villas for rent is Crystal Bay. West of Sakti village in the Banjar Penida facing Nusa Ceningan, you will find an astonishing white sand beach. The clear waters here are ideal for snorkeling and the beach is the perfect spot for a beach picnic.  This beach is usually quiet. If a nice walk through nature is something you are interested in, then maybe a visit to Puncak Mundi, Mundi Hill, is something that will peak your interest. This is the highest point of Nusa Penida. At the top you will be rewarded with an astonishing view of the island as well as Puncak Mundi Temple. Here you can also see Bali’s attempt at alternative energy.  You can find wind turbines and a solar panel farm on the top of Puncak Mundi as well.

A few of Nusa Penida’s temples should be on your must-see list as well.  Pura Penetaran Dalem at Ped village is another of Bali’s more important temples. Balinese Hindus make a yearly trek to this temple to pray for protection from illness, disease and death. This temple is one of the grander temples on the island which is in contrast to the somber nature of Nusa Penida. You won’t find tourist hotels or villas Bali near this spiritual landmark. Two other rather awe inspiring temples, Pura Batu Medahu and Pura Batu Kuning, can be found along the eastern coastal road near Suana village. These temples are a must see. One last stop that should be included in your itinerary is the Sebuluh Waterfalls.  If you are on Bali during the wet season, make sure you stop here for a rather impressive view.

Whether you see the island as a day trip or an overnighter, make sure that you get a souvenir and plenty of pictures and make sure to pack them away when you get back to the Bali villas for rent so you have them to show off to your envious friends back home.