THE QUINTESSENTIAL NUSA PENIDA SHOT 🙄😊

So this is my quintessential Instagram shot 😂 of the famous Kelingking (Secret Point) Beach and its giant rock on Nusa Penida, the island southeast of Bali. The largest of 14 islands in the archipelago, it is dry and hilly. Known for its beautiful natural rock formations and lagoons, the island seems somewhat frozen in time. There are not too many modern comforts, be it hotels, restaurants, other tourist features, or even decent roads. The coastline is mostly what draws in the visitors, since the white sand beaches are gorgeous, and the diving and snorkeling possibilities endless. The island is also known for its temples. Lembongan and Ceningan, two other islands which are part of the 3 main Nusa Islands, are also worth visiting.

You can get there by a short 30 minute boat ride from the mainland seaport of Padangbai, or from Sanur. I did a day trip to Nusa Penida, and would either recommend taking a few slow days to visit 2, or even all 3 of the islands, to really explore them well, especially if you’re into beaches and diving, or skipping Penida entirely. It used to be considered unspoiled and quiet, but has become a real tourist trap, in my opinion. You will have a very limited time on a day trip to explore it well because of the boat schedule, and driving from one point to another in the heat, and on very dusty roads, does not make for a relaxed experience. And there simply isn’t enough time to enjoy the beauty of the beaches or other places of interest.

By the way, this shot was a result of a 20+ minute wait 🤦‍♀️ as there are people going up and down those stairs all the time. You have to wait your turn, then take your shot as quickly as possible as there are many people behind you waiting patiently (or not) for the same thing. Tourism at its worst. Is it worth it? – that is the question.