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Bali, Indonesia - Part 2

July 22, 2025

West Nusa Penida Tour

Nusa Penida is a breathtaking island southeast of Bali, known for its dramatic coastal cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and untouched natural beauty. Often called Bali’s hidden gem, it offers iconic spots like Kelingking Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Diamond Beach—perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike. Unlike the busier parts of Bali, Nusa Penida feels more raw and peaceful, offering a slice of paradise with every turn.

We woke up to the sound of our alarm at 4:30 AM. Today was our much-anticipated West Nusa Penida Tour, and our pickup was scheduled for 6:00 AM. We booked the tour through Klook for PHP 3,680.00 per person.

Just before 6:00 AM, our driver messaged us that he was already waiting outside—such a relief that they were right on time. Our package included roundtrip transfers, but since we planned to stay overnight in Nusa Penida, we told them we wouldn’t be joining the return trip. We wanted to explore more, especially Diamond Beach the next day (You can visit it on the same day, but we had a separate reservation at Xtreme Bali Park in the afternoon).

The ride to the port took almost two hours. Along the way, we informed our driver about our DIY return trip. Near the port, there were many small shops selling travel essentials. Since my friend and I were both wearing dresses, we decided to buy matching hats to complement our outfits—IDR 65,000 each. Worth it!

Our driver handled our boat tickets and gave us each a bottle of water before saying goodbye. Around 8:00 AM, our boat departed. The ride took about an hour. When we arrived, a guide was already waiting for us at the dock, holding a paper with my name on it—easy to spot and very efficient. Our guide/driver was assigned exclusively to us.

First Stop: Angel’s Billabong

The drive from the port to Angel’s Billabong took over an hour. Since we hadn’t eaten yet, we stopped at a small restaurant near the entrance and ordered pancit canton with egg (IDR 75,000 per meal). While waiting for the food, we started taking photos—the view was already breathtaking and the lighting was perfect! I even took a moment to snap a photo of my newly published poetry book. (You can check it out here: https://a.co/d/1qW1qm2)

After breakfast, we met up with our guide who led us down to the site. The walk was long and the sun was already high, making it quite hot. The area reminded me of the Blue Lagoon in Pagudpud, Ilocos—but with far more powerful waves.

Angel’s Billabong is a stunning natural infinity pool formed by a crystal-clear tide between rock formations along Nusa Penida’s rugged coastline. Known for its emerald waters and dramatic cliffs, the spot offers a mesmerizing view where the ocean meets the horizon. While swimming is often prohibited due to strong waves and safety risks, the area is perfect for sightseeing and photography (I had to hold onto my hat tightly to keep it from flying away as we took photos). Its surreal beauty and unique rock patterns make it one of the most picturesque—and unforgettable—stops on the island.

The place is vast—much bigger than we expected. I thought we had reached the end of the trail, but there were still more scenic spots to explore. The heat and crowds made it a bit of a challenge, especially with all the photobombers, but the views were worth every step. Before heading back to the parking area, we treated ourselves to gelato (IDR 25,000 for one scoop)—a sweet way to cool down and recharge.

Lunch Stop & Kelingking Beach

Our next stop was lunch at a restaurant partnered with Klook. We were given a menu and I chose a veggie soup dish—light and refreshing after a hot, busy morning.

Next, we made our way to Kelingking Beach. It is one of Nusa Penida’s most iconic and breathtaking destinations, often dubbed the “T-Rex Beach” because of the cliff’s shape resembling a dinosaur head. From the viewpoint above, visitors are treated to a jaw-dropping panorama of turquoise waters, powdery white sand, and dramatic limestone cliffs. The beach below is secluded and serene, but the descent is steep and challenging—best suited for experienced hikers. Even if you don’t hike down, the view alone is worth the visit, making Kelingking Beach a must-see highlight of any Bali itinerary.

We stayed for about 15–20 minutes, enjoying the view and taking photos.

Adrenaline Rush at Xtreme Bali Park

We had a 3:00 PM reservation at Xtreme Bali Park for a bungee jumping activity. If you’re the adventurous type, this is a must-try! The freefall is an experience of a lifetime—liberating, thrilling, and a little terrifying (in the best way possible). You can read the full story of our jump here: 👉 https://mjtravels.blog/bungee-jumping-nusa-penida/

A Cozy Night at Kaje Cottage

After the adrenaline rush, we headed to our accommodation, Kaje Cottage, which we booked via Agoda for PHP 1,532.00 per night. Kaje Cottage in Nusa Penida is a cozy and charming accommodation nestled in lush greenery, just a short drive from popular spots like Diamond Beach and Thousand Islands Viewpoint. It offers clean, comfortable rooms with thoughtful touches like floral decor, an on-site restaurant, and warm hospitality from the staff. Perfect for couples or solo travelers, it’s a peaceful retreat where you can relax after a day of exploring the island’s stunning landscapes.

The room wasn’t ready when we arrived, so we decided to have an early dinner at the nearby restaurant. We ordered a 10” pizza (IDR 120,000)—a comforting meal to end an eventful day.

When our room was finally ready, we were pleasantly surprised. It was cozy and romantic—perfect for honeymooners, really! One bed, floral touches, and a soft canopy hanging above made us laugh. Even the bathroom had an open-air design, which showed just how much they trust their guests’ privacy and security here.