INTRODUCTION
I’ve always wondered why everyone wants to go to Nusa Penida and goes crazy about it?
Okay, I understand, Instagram and social networks certainly play a role in this.
Nusa Penida has been ‘viral’ for many years, thanks to the impressive photos and videos made by influencers. Almost every day, this island is being visited by, I would say, thousands of tourist pilgrims from all over the world.
Like the famous Bali Swing, it is probably part of our global consumerist (un)consciousness,
and a conformity that is difficult to eradicate. Subconsciously and instinctively, it is always safer and more comfortable for everyone to belong to a tribe, or a ‘consumer mass’, than to be an isolated and separate individual. A ‘black sheep’, thinking with its own head.
But leaving the psychology of the masses and its power over our behavior aside, truth be told, there is indeed a lot to see on Nusa Penida. Beautiful rock formations, fascinating views, and beaches that, at least they say, are among the most beautiful in Southeast Asia.
The problem that I personally see is that Nusa Penida is (still) a relatively ‘hostile’ and difficult to navigate kind of environment. The infrastructure and roads are poor, compared to the actually very average roads in Bali, and most of the beaches are located far down, deep below the steep cliffs.
Of course, you can go down to Diamond, and even Kelinking Beach, it is not a ‘mission impossible’. However, a mission that does require significant amount of time, effort, and your skills. Because the staircases in most cases are not truly adequate, or even complete to the end.
If you are inclined to hiking and love adventure by the way, this might be the right place for you.
PRACTICAL, SHORT ADVICE
Be sure to take at least a one-day tour to Nusa Penida, especially if you’ve never been there. You’ll see fascinating landscapes, take a number of impressive photos, and if you dare to go down to one of the beaches (I would personally suggest Diamond, because the descent is a bit easier), you’ll have a completely unforgettable experience of untouched and wild nature.
Nusa Penida is a relatively large island, which is divided into a western and eastern part. It is possible to visit a relatively small number of locations in one day, especially if you spend time going down to the beaches and climbing back up. Usually, the western part of the island is visited first, but a combination of locations from both parts of the island is also possible.
If you want a complete and safe solution for going to Nusa Penida, contact us either via Instagram, WhatsApp or email.
NUSA LEMBONGAN, BASICS
Less popular and social media-focused Lembongan is actually much more practical, walkable, and easier to explore and get around, say by cheap, rented motorbike (smaller trucks are available, but not cars), and has a much wider selection of cafes, beach clubs, and places to relax.
Additionally, from Lembongan you can cross the bridge to a smaller, but also interesting island known as Nusa Ceningan.
VERDICT
If you want a more laid-back and pragmatic experience with some nightlife, go to Nusa Lembongan.
If you’re more interested in stunning landscapes and sports adventure, go to Nusa Penida.
BALI e-BOOK!
If you are visiting Bali for the first time, or need more general information about travel, customs, etiquette, the best restaurants, cafes or photo spots in ONE PLACE, we have prepared a full-color electronic guide (in English, Croatian and Serbian), currently 45 pages long, which you can find here.
Looking for accommodation on Nusa Lembongan?
You can find a few recommended options right here.
By BALI MANGA
English 
Hrvatski 