Photo: Chainwit. (CC BY 4.0)
Sea and islands · Bali
A day on the island of Nusa Penida
Cross to a nearby island of untouched cliffs and turquoise coves. Its waters are among the few places in Bali where manta rays can be seen all year.
Bali
The experience
Nusa Penida lies south-east of Bali across the Badung Strait and covers about 203 km². The fast-boat crossing from Sanur takes 30 to 45 minutes depending on the current, and we arrange a private boat rather than the crowded public ones.
The island is known for its raw scenery: Kelingking Beach, below a headland shaped like a dinosaur's head; the rock arch at Broken Beach; Angel's Billabong, a natural pool at the ocean's edge; and Crystal Bay for swimming and snorkelling. It suits anyone who enjoys adventure and photography.
Mantas and sunfish
At Manta Point you can see giant manta rays in most months of the year, by snorkelling or diving. From about July to October comes the season of the oceanic sunfish, the mola, near Crystal Bay; the water is cooler then and the currents stronger, so we arrange dives with certified guides who know these waters.
The day can be a full one, with a driver and guide on the island, or half a day on the boat to swim with the mantas. We pack a light lunch, water and towels, and choose the timing by the sea conditions.
Where to stay
Stays close by
Beachfront
Jimbaran and Uluwatu
AYANA Resort Bali
Between green forest and deep blue sea above Jimbaran Bay, AYANA pairs refined design with Balinese tradition. Several pools, a 2.2-hectare spa and restaurants that run from seafood on the sand to Japanese.
Price on requestExplore
Beachfront
Nusa Dua
Ayodya Resort Bali
In Nusa Dua, Ayodya pairs royal hospitality with Balinese grace, looking over the Indian Ocean and 300 metres of Mengiat Beach. A 70-metre family pool, a kids' club, and Ayodya Palace for more privacy.
Price on requestExplore
Private villa
Jimbaran and Uluwatu
Bulgari Resort Bali
On the cliff edge above the Indian Ocean, Bulgari pairs Italian style with Balinese craft in villas and mansions, each with a 24-hour butler. Add the Serpenti Pool Club, Il Ristorante – Niko Romito and The Bulgari Spa.
Price on requestExplore
Bali
More to do
Nature
The rice terraces of Tegallalang and Jatiluwih
A walk through stepped rice fields, early, before the crowds. We take you to Tegallalang near Ubud and to Jatiluwih, part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Discover
Wellness
Balinese spa and traditional massage
End the day with a treatment built on traditional techniques and natural oils and spices. We book it at one of the island's best spas, or in your own villa.
Discover
Culture and heritage
Sunset and the Kecak dance at Uluwatu
A temple on the edge of a 70 m cliff and a chorus of men telling the Ramayana as the sun goes down: one of Bali's finest evenings.
Discover