Bali - Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is not as developed as Bali is - but it is full of cars and tour drivers. Having arrived at Nusa Penida we were told that Kelingking Beach is closed. Closed to a ceremony. Yes - of course the tourism board of an island which consist of one famous beach closes exactly this beach... This was the only reason we went there - and our driver was clever enough to try to avoid the ride to the beach as it was a beer ending ride on the most busy road we have ever taken. Not to forget that we didn't have a seat in a nice 4WD but rather a plastic car without proper seatbelts.

The first stop was at crystal beach or something like similar. It was neither crystal waters nor was it a nice beach. And as we did not want to take a swim - to the surprise of the driver who enjoyed his first coffee break - we went to the next destination. Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong - probably the most famous landscape on the island after Kelingking Beach. It is good for drone flying as the cliffs and the waves provide a very nice scenery. Furthermore, it is common to spot some Manta Rays, which is not a challenge as the Mantas get chased by several boats offering snorkeling tours. But having a drone, wildlife is always welcomed.

Having arrived at Kelingking Beach, we have arrived at the only stop, which is worth to mention. Kelingking Beach is impressive - better, the scenery is impressive. The interplay of cliffs, a white beach, and deep blue ocean really is a perfect scenery for photography. Having the talent to ignore all other tourists having the same final destination, the rock formations are something we are happy to have seen.

Taking pictures and flying the drone over the cliffs is fun. And indeed, the photographs are instaworthy - but in the end, there is nothing more to do. Of course you could go to the beach, you may even go for a swim... but going for a swim in Indonesia was and will never be on top of our bucketlist as the waters are often pretty dirty.

Maybe we made the mistake and did not see the more rural and original parts of the island. Being there for a day only makes you stick to the day trip tourist groups. Maybe it is a better adventure if you stay on the island and try to explore the island another way. If there is any other way.

We have been there. We have seen the impressive cliffs. We prefer Bali and its charming places. So we probably won't come to Nusa Penida again.
What was impressive is the marketing strategy of that island: the fact that the island has not much to offer - they seem to make the best out of it.

For the rest of our visit to Bali we have been to Uluwatu. As always: a nice and relaxing break. Nice breakfast, relaxing yoga sessions, beautiful sunsets and some good sessions at beach clubs. Just a brilliant place to be.