Nusa Islands

Kelingking Beach (literally: "little finger") is Bali's quintessential Instagram poster motif — and even more impressive in real life than in photos. A massive limestone cliff juts out into the sea in the shape of a T-Rex head, below a crescent-shaped white sand beach, lapped by impossibly turquoise water.

The viewpoint at the top is easily accessible and offers the famous view. Those who want to go down to the beach must climb down an extremely steep, dangerous path — about 45 minutes downhill over loose rock, makeshift bamboo railings, and narrow passages. The ascent is even more strenuous (1-1.5 hours). At the bottom awaits a dream beach, often deserted — because most visitors don't dare the descent.

Important: Only descend in dry conditions. Sturdy footwear is mandatory (no flip-flops!). Bring enough water (1.5 l per person). Do not go down in rain or shortly after — the rocks become slippery.

Two natural wonders right next to each other on the west coast of Nusa Penida:

Angel's Billabong is a natural infinity pool in the rock — a rock pool formation at the cliff edge, where crystal-clear seawater flows in at low tide, creating a perfect, turquoise natural pool. At low tide, you can swim in it and feel like you're swimming at the edge of the world. At high tide or in rough seas, Angel's Billabong becomes extremely dangerous: waves break over the rocks and have already swept several swimmers into the open sea.

Broken Beach (Pasih Uug) is just 200 m away: A collapsed rock arch has created a circular bay connected to the open sea through a natural stone tunnel. From above, you look into the round lagoon — the water glows in surreal blue and green tones. Swimming is not possible here (no access to the water), but the view is spectacular.

Both places are easily accessible on foot and are on the same road as Kelingking Beach — all three can be combined in one morning.

Crystal Bay on the west coast is Nusa Penida's best swimming beach — and the only one accessible without climbing. White sand, clear water (hence the name), palm trees, a few warungs with loungers and coconuts — that's all you need.

In front of the bay lies an excellent snorkeling reef with intact hard corals, turtles, and a wealth of tropical fish. From July to October, Crystal Bay is one of the best places in the world to spot the Ocean Sunfish (Mola Mola) — one of the ocean's most bizarre fish, weighing up to 2 tons and rising from the deep sea to the reef to be cleaned by cleaner fish.

Crystal Bay gets busier in the afternoon; come in the morning for the best experience. There are simple accommodations right on the beach.

Dream Beach on the southwest coast of Lembongan truly lives up to its name: a small sandy beach framed by high cliffs, accompanied by crashing waves and a dramatic panorama. However, Dream Beach is only partially suitable for swimming — the currents are strong and treacherous. But as a backdrop for a sundowner at the Dream Beach Hut Bar (one of Bali's coolest bars), it is unbeatable.

From Dream Beach, a cliff path leads east to the Devil's Tear: a rock formation where the surf shoots through narrow crevices, creating meter-high spray fountains — particularly spectacular at sunset when the light turns the spray golden.

In the north of Lembongan, there is a surprisingly large mangrove forest, which can be explored by canoe or on an elevated wooden walkway. The mangroves are a nursery for fish, shrimp, and crabs and provide habitat for herons, kingfishers, and, with luck, monitor lizards.

Kayak tours through the mangrove roots are a magical experience — especially in the morning when it's quiet and the birds are active. Tours can be booked through the hotels or directly at the mangrove pier (from 100,000 IDR for 1 hour).

The Mangrove Boardwalk (wooden walkway) is freely accessible and offers a lovely walk through the ecosystem. Information boards explain the importance of mangroves for coastal protection and biodiversity.

The Blue Lagoon on Ceningan (not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon in Padangbai) is a narrow rock crevice where the sea shines in the most incredible shades of blue — from azure to cobalt to turquoise, depending on the light and tides. A cliff jump from the cliff into the lagoon (about 8-10 meters) is the ultimate adrenaline rush of the Nusa Islands.

Important: Only jump at high tide! At low tide, the water is too shallow. Watch other jumpers before you jump yourself, and ask the locals about the current conditions. The jump is not without risk — rocks below the water surface can be dangerous at low water levels.

Right next to the Blue Lagoon is Ceningan's Secret Beach — a tiny, hidden beach, accessible via a steep staircase carved into the rock.

Mahana Point at the southern tip of Ceningan is a surf break for advanced surfers and home to one of Southeast Asia's most iconic bars: The Mahana Point Cliff Bar clings to the cliff edge above the surf and offers Bintang beer, wooden loungers, and a sunset view that is second to none.

From here, you also have a magnificent view of the Ceningan Cliffs — steep limestone cliffs where the waves of the Indian Ocean crash with full force. A narrow path runs along the cliff edge — not for the faint-hearted, but scenically breathtaking.

Manta Point (Manta Bay) on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida is one of the most reliable places in the world to observe manta rays in the wild. The majestic creatures — with wingspans of up to 5 meters — come here to a cleaning station, where small cleaner fish rid them of parasites.

You can observe mantas both while diving (15-20 m) and snorkeling, as they often swim just a few meters below the surface. The sighting rate is over 80% in the main season (April-November). Sometimes there are 5, sometimes 15 animals at once — an unforgettable experience.

Important: Never touch the mantas! Keep at least 3 meters away, do not swim directly above them, and do not use flash. Reputable dive schools thoroughly brief their guests on correct behavior.

Crystal Bay

Famous for the chance to see the Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish, July-October). The dive site has a strong, changing current and is more suitable for experienced divers. The corals in the shallower area are excellent for snorkeling.

Toyapakeh Wall

A spectacular steep wall right in front of the port of Nusa Penida. The wall drops from 5 m to over 40 m and is densely covered with soft corals, gorgonians, and sponges. Here you can see batfish, turtles, eagle rays, and occasionally reef sharks.

Mangrove Point

A drift dive along the north coast of Nusa Lembongan with moderate to strong currents. Large schools of fish, eagle rays, blue-spotted rays, and bamboo sharks. A highlight for experienced divers.

SD Point

Named after the nearby elementary school (SD = Sekolah Dasar). An excellent macro dive site with nudibranchs, pygmy seahorses, frogfish, and ghost pipefish. A paradise for underwater photographers.