Is Munduk Bali Worth Visiting? (Direction, Things To Do, Unique Attractions, And More)

BY  Sibashree Aug 23, 2025

The tourism scene of Nusa Penida, Bali, right now looks like a Bollywood potboiler. There is action, there is drama, and some special entries that will blow you away.  On one hand, there has been an ongoing construction work of a glass elevator at the Kelingking Beach of Nusa Penida. The beach is famous for its T. rex cliff. However, the trek to the beach involves steep ascending and descending, making the process physically demanding.  The glass elevator will, no doubt, resolve the problem. Still, the local people here are worried that the elevator will ruin nature, promote unnecessary commercialization of the beach, ruin the charm of the Kelingking Beach, and cause disastrous impacts in the long run. Furthermore, with rapid tourism development in Nusa Penida, the century-old practices of seaweed cultivation by women of Nusa Penida are impacted. The women cultivators are now working with tourism operators and coral conservation groups to minimize the impact on their livelihood and, at large, on the ecosystem of Nusa Penida.  With these major environmental concerns, Nusa Penida continues to surprise us with incidents like the rare sighting of a great white shark at Pura Ped, a dive site on the northern shore of Nusa Penida.  Swedish divemaster Fabian Clinton recorded the incident in March 2025, and Sarah Taylor, a dive master of the same group, said,  ‘The whole encounter was just amazing, unbelievable. There are no other words to describe it! ‘Seeing something in the blue, a shadow that none of us knew what it was (we thought it was a whale shark!) but when we did realise, we very quickly skipped back – what a great dive, a once-in-a-lifetime experience!” Do you also want to experience the wonders of a Nusa Penida tour? Let’s plan a beautiful trip to this beautiful island in Bali, Indonesia.  Where Is Nusa Penida Island? (With A Brief Idea About Its Geography And Landscape) Nusa Penida is a beautiful island in the Bali Province of Indonesia. It has an area of 200 km². Also, it became a part of a 20,057-hectare protected maritime zone in 2010 along with Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Furthermore, Nusa Penida is the largest among the Nusa Islands.  Nusa Penida is home to 576 species of reef fish. It has 296 species of coral.  However, this data is like the tip of the iceberg to understand the biodiversity of the region. So, it is a favorite hub of diving enthusiasts, professional scuba divers and snorkelers.  The popular scuba diving points in Nusa Penida are: Manta Point Toyapakeh Crystal Bay Blue Corner Gamat Bay PED (Ped Village) Manta Bay The best thing about Nusa Penida is that it continues to maintain its pristine charm, despite the construction of the glass elevator and other commercialization efforts to support tourism.  So, even today, you can explore much of its biodiversity, including the 150-meter-high cliff on the Western Coast running into the sea.  On the other hand, the North Coast of Nusa Penida looks amazing with the views of Agung volcano, and it is also the epicenter of seaweed cultivation in Nusa Penida.  And of course, Nusa Penida has beautiful beaches such as Gamat Bay, Crystal Bay, Kelingking Beach, and Atuh & Diamond Beach.  How To Get To Nusa Penida? Nusa Penida is well-connected to various ports in Bali. You can especially take a boat ride from Padang Bai and Sanur.  Here are more details about how to reach Nusa Penida from Bali and India.  How To Get To Nusa Penida From Bali? You have to take a boat or ferry ride to Nusa Penida from Bali. The popular ports from where you will gets boats to Nusa Penida are: Names of Bali BeachesHow Long Is The Boat Ride From Nusa Penida To Bali?Sanur Beach40 MinutesPadang Bai30-60 MinutesKusamba20 MinutesSerangan45-60 Minutes The ferries running from different ports in Bali to Nusa Penida are equipped with life-saving jackets and other safety equipment. So, it does not matter whether you are traveling solo or in a group.  What Is The Cost Of Traveling To Nusa Penida From Bali?  The cost of traveling to Nusa Penida from a Balinese Port depends on the port you are traveling from.  For example, if you are traveling from Sanur, the fare will be roughly IDR 130000. On the other hand, from Kusamba, it will be between IDR 10000 and 150000.  Having said that, there are platforms like 12go, which offer a decent discount on the trip rides.  How Do I Go To Nusa Penida From India? If you traveling to Nusa Penida from India, you will have to fly to the Ngurah Rai International Airport (Denpasar) in Bali. The airport is located at a distance of 50 km from Nusa Penida.  Also, as discussed, you can take a ferry from any of the above-discussed ports in Bali to Nusa Penida. Why Is Nusa Penida Famous? There are N number of reasons for Nusa Penida being a crown jewel in the tourism landscape of Bali. With its pristine beauty and a diversity of marine life, it is a part of a maritime protected area.  Furthermore, it is an island where the sea and cliffs meet, creating a perfect juxtaposition. However, talking about its landscape, it is probably now most in focus due to the T. rex viewpoint on the Kelingking beach.  In addition, Nusa Panida has the Bali Starling Sanctuary, which is home to the Bali starlings, which were once endangered.  However, Nusa Panida is not just about diverse landscapes, a rich marine life and underwater activities. It is also respected for its spiritual and cultural importance.  Here, I will mostly focus on these two aspects of the spiritual and cultural significance of Nusa Penida. I will talk about the natural wonders and things to do here in different sections.  Nusa Penida: A Spiritual Hub In Bali  View this post on Instagram A post shared by BALI LIVIN' (@balilivin) Nusa Penida has many temples, which are significant for the Hindu communities living here. Furthermore, these temples have unique rituals.  Goa Giri Putri is one of the most important temples here. The temple is located inside a cave, and you have to enter through a narrow space here. The most interesting thing here is going through the dozen stations for purification. The entire process can take up to 2.5 hours.  The Ped Temple is another important temple, and there are stories about the spirit of a demon being captive here.  However, the spiritual air of Nusa Penida is not just limited to the temples. You will also notice many spiritual festivals and events in several intimate settings in Nusa Penida.  Galungan and Kuningan are the two most important Hindu festivals here, celebrating the triumph of good over evil.  Also, Nusa Penida is a prominent place where animism, a belief that the spirit resides in all objects of nature, is a part of Nusa Penida’s spiritual habits.  Nusa Penida: A Cultural Hub  Nusa Penida is a cultural hub, and it is home to the Jangkang warrior dance and many other dance forms seen in various religious festivals.  Furthermore, Nusa Penida thrives on a strong community spirit.  Also, the women of Nusa Penida have been cultivating seaweeds here for hundreds of years. However, seaweed production has been a major concern in the last 10 years or so due to a change in the weather conditions and a sudden tourism boom.  Nyoman Mitri, a part of a community of seaweed-producing women in Nusa Penida, has said to Mongabay,  “It never used to be like this. It’s only been the last 10 years or so that rain has begun to seriously damage the seaweed.” What Are The Places To Visit In Nusa Penida? From the Teletubbies Hill and T.Rex cliff to the beautiful beaches! Nusa Penida offers more diversity than any other part of Bali.  Here are the most important landmarks of Nusa Penida. Places to Visit In Nusa PenidaWhy Are These Places Special?KelingKing Beach• The T. rex cliff is a limestone cliff resembling a T. rex.Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach• Adjacent to each other, these two places offer the most powerful coastal views. Diamond Beach• Turquoise Waters• Dramatic Sand Cliffs• Treehouse and Staircase ViewpointsAtuh Beach• A Relaxing Beach• Sunbeds are Available for RentPeguyangan Waterfall or Guyangan Waterfall• Hiking through a zigzag staircase, sticking to the cliffside• Dramatic ocean viewsTeletubbies Hill• Perfect for unwinding• Great Sunset views What Are The Things To Do In Nusa Penida?  Hiking, scuba diving, temple visits, swimming, diving, and whatnot! However, it is the beaches of Nusa Penida that allow you to have the maximum outdoor fun.  Here, I will briefly talk about the scuba diving points in Nusa Penida and why you will love them.  Scuba Diving Points In Nusa PenidaThings to DoManta Point• Spot Manta Rays• SnorkelCrystal Bay• Spot Sunfish and Mola MolaToyapakeh• Vibrant Coral Gardens• A Diverse Marine LifeBlue Corner• Strong Currents• Ideal for Professional DiversGamat Bay• Ideal for Exploring the Rocky Seabed and Macro Photography• Spotting Rich Marine LifePED (Ped Village)• Swimming through Underwater Caves• Intimate and Quiet Diving Experience Is It Worth Going To Nusa Penida? Yes, Nusa Penida is definitely a place worth visiting. Assessing its importance as a tourism hub, the Indonesian Government has started many initiatives here for sustainable development.  Furthermore, Nusa Penida has been identified as the National Tourism Strategic Area (Kawasan Strategis Pariwisata Nasional or KSPN). So, it continues to open new avenues of revenue and funding in Nusa Penida.  Moreover, Nusa Penida, with its pristine nature and a rich spiritual heritage, is trying to capitalize on the growing demand for eco-luxury among new-age travelers. Nusa Penida Island is undoubtedly a dream destination for travelers. Its pristine beauty and abundant marine life complement each other, and its unique landscapes and rich cultural heritage will leave you captivated.  If you want to treasure this beautiful experience forever, you might as well customize an exclusive travel pin. Simply order online and receive your personalized pin in no time. Custom lapel pins can be engraved with the majestic silhouette of a Tyrannosaurus Rex cliff, or infused with vibrant marine life, embellished with the mystical symbols of a temple.  Every time you look at these pins, your wondrous journey to Nusa Penida Island will be vividly remembered, becoming a cherished memory forever. Nusa Penida Island: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Nusa Penida Island.  Is Nusa Penida A Part Of Bali? Yes, Nusa Penida is a part of the Province of Bali. It is a part of the Klungkung Regency of the Bali Province in Indonesia.  2. How Much Time Is Enough For Nusa Penida? You at least need 2 days and three nights to explore Nusa Penida. However, to explore the hidden gems, you have to spend at least 7 days in Nusa Penida.  3. Can You Swim In Nusa Penida? Yes, you can swim in certain areas of Nusa Penida. Manta Bay, Crystal Bay, Angel's Billabong, and Toyapakeh Wall are safe for swimming. However, be aware of strong currents and always check local weather conditions. 4. How Much Time Is It From Ubud To Nusa Penida? Traveling from Ubud to Nusa Penida involves traveling to any of the Ports by road and then a ferry ride to Nusa Penida. For example, a journey from Ubud to Sanur will take 1 hour and 35 minutes by road and then a 40-minute ferry ride.  5. Is Nusa Penida Safe To Stay And Travel? Yes, Nusa Penida is safe to travel to. However, rugged and unpaved pathways and sudden changes in weather conditions, especially from November to March, remain major risk factors here. Moreover, many of Nusa Penida's beaches and natural pools, such as Angel's Billabong, are not suitable for swimming due to strong currents and rocky terrain. Always follow safety guidelines and avoid swimming in dangerous areas. 6. Where To Stay In Nusa Penida? The Northwest Coast, with areas such as Sampalan, Ped, and Toyapakeh, is the best place to stay in Nusa Penida. The Crystal Bay Area and the Eastern Coast, with places such as Atuh Beach and Batununggul, are the best places to stay for tourists and local residents. Moreover, the Eastern Coast area has the most luxurious Nusa Penida hotels. Read Also: Bali vs Thailand: Which Place is Better? These Exotic Places To Travel Are Unusual: Explore The Must-Visits Around The World 3 Reasons Why Thailand Is The Ultimate Wellness Destination

BY  Sibashree Sep 2, 2025

Great food! Water Adventure! Village Life! Beaches and Salt Water!  You will get all these and more at Amed Bali. The best thing about Amed is that it truly is a hidden gem, and the distance from the airports has saved it from overtourism.  It can be an ideal destination for slow tourism in Bali with authentic Balinese charm and a laidback vibe of a fisherman’s village.  Moreover, a popular free diving and scuba diving hub, Amed Bali, has reef sharks. You can especially spot these creatures near the reefs of Bunutan and Jemeluk. However, here, sharks are not as frequent as in Nusa Penida.  Hi, in this Tour and Travel Blog, I will discuss the following areas about Amed Bali. Table of contentsWhere Is Amed Bali?1. Watching Sunrise At Lahangan Sweet2. Snorkeling And Diving3. A Boat Tour4. Relaxing On The Beach5. Visiting The Tirta Gangga Water Palace6. Watching SunsetWhere To Stay In Amed Bali?What To Eat In Amed Bali?Is Amed Bali Worth Visiting?Amed Bali: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Where Is Amed Bali?  Amed is located in the Karangasem Regency of the northeastern coast of Bali. It consists of seven villages, which have unique geological features with black sand beaches. The sand here is black in color as it gets mixed with volcanic ashes.  Amed is blessed with the view of Mount Agung, and it offers a unique cultural experience with a traditional way of living practiced by the local fishermen.  Overall, Amed stands out as a quaint and more laid-back destination in comparison to many other bustling areas of Bali.  How To Get To Amed Bali? You can reach Amed by bike from Ubud or Canggu. From Ubud, it is a 2.5-hour drive to Amed. From Canguu, the journey will take 3 hours.  However, the drive from Padang Bai is the shortest. It takes only 1 hour and 30 minutes by bike.  The drive along the coastline and through the rice fields is an experience in itself. Furthermore, you will meet many volcanoes and mountains on the way.  Moreover, if you are not comfortable with bike rides, you can use the Gojek app and book a cab to Amed, Bali.  Buses are also available from other cities in Bali to Amed.  What To Do In Amed Bali? The best things to do in Amed Bali depend on the kind of traveler you are. Are you a sunset person? Or, are you more into scuba diving and aquatic activities? Amed has got you covered. 1. Watching Sunrise At Lahangan Sweet What a beginning to the day! Even if you are not an early riser, you will enjoy the sunrise views at Lahangan Sweet.  The Sun rising over Mount Agung is one of the most surreal scenes you will see in your life.  2. Snorkeling And Diving View this post on Instagram A post shared by Irene Carrete ☀️ (@irwne) Crystal clear and calm water, along with the most beautiful reefs, make Amed the ideal spot for snorkeling and diving.  You can rent the scuba diving gear here for as little as $2.50.  3. A Boat Tour You can hire a boat here to go to another place for snorkeling. You can also take the boat and start a journey at Sunrise as a companion of the fishermen here.  Do fishing and enjoy the most unique perspective of Amed from the water.  4. Relaxing On The Beach The beaches in Amed are less crowded when compared to Seminyak, Canggu, and other beach towns and villages of Bali.  So, you can just explore the traditional warungs here and have the best traditional Balinese food and drink.  5. Visiting The Tirta Gangga Water Palace At a distance of around 30 minutes from Amed, Tirta Gangga Water Palace is a beautiful architectural site, and walking through its garden maze is a delightful experience.  The name of the palace shows the deep connection of Balinese culture with Hinduism, as Ganga or the River Ganges is the holiest river in Hinduism.  Furthermore, the water here is full of fish. You can feed them and have some rejuvenation sessions with them.  The entry ticket to the palace is 50K IDR. You can also buy food for the fish here. Carry cash when visiting this beautiful palace.  6. Watching Sunset Amed can give any other destination in the world a run for beautiful sunset views. Jemeluk Bay and Sunset Point Amed are the best places to see the sunset in Amed, Bali.  Blue Earth Village and Joli Best View Cafe are some other notable places to enjoy the magic of the sunset to the fullest.  Where To Stay In Amed Bali? You can stay near Jemeluk Bay or Lipah Beach, as these two are the best snorkeling destinations in Amed, Bali.  Here, you will find homestays such as Warung Ombak homestay, which will offer you accommodation at around $28-30 per night. What To Eat In Amed Bali?  View this post on Instagram A post shared by @sarahs_pl4te Amed is a small town. So, the best way to try the delicacies here is by exploring the local shops. However, you donot have to limit your food choices to Balinese food items only.  For example, if you are from the USA or Mexico, you can try tortillas at La Cocina Mexicana.  Similarly, if you want to gorge on fresh fish, you need to visit Warung Asri. It serves the best Gado Gado in Bali, and it offers an amazing view as it is located on the water.  Amed also has some humble yet brilliant coffee shops. So, you now know where all of Amed hangs out! Is Amed Bali Worth Visiting? Yes, Amed Bali is worth visiting, with a wonderful fusion of underwater reefs, bright rays of the Sun, and beautiful beaches.  The beaches here exude a laid-back vibe, while the villages here harbor the most unique community cultures.  So, when you come back from Amed, your heart will be full and your mind full of wonder and awe.  Amed Bali: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)  Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Amed Bali.  How Many Days Do You Need In Amed Bali? You can explore Amed Bali in 2-3 days. However, if you want a more immersive experience with activities such as snorkeling and a cultural encounter, you will need 4-7 days to visit Amed, Bali.  Is Amed Bali Expensive? No, Amed is not expensive. It offers a taste of quite luxury at a budget. A meal for two at a restaurant here will cost you only $30. The overall tour package will cost you something between $200 and $250.  What To Wear In Amed Bali?  Loose-fitting cotton and linen clothes are ideal for visiting Amed, Bali. However, if you are in your beachwear, you will need a sarong to cover your legs, and beachwear is not acceptable in the temples and rural areas.  What Is The Best Time To Visit Amed Bali?  April to October is the best time to visit Amed, Bali, due to mild weather conditions and moderate temperatures. Furthermore, sunny days and low rainfall make these months ideal for outdoor activities such as snorkeling and diving.  Read Also: Bali Beyond The Beaches: Exploring The Hidden Gems Of The Island Planning a Vacation to Bali? Read This Blog! Bali vs Thailand: Which Place is Better?

BY  Abdul Aziz Jan 21, 2021

Surabaya city is located in east java, although this city is not well known by the tourists who normally visit this country, it is the second-largest city in Indonesia whereby jarkata is the largest city in the country. even though this town is not well known the following article will act as an eye-opener to see great things that you would miss if you ignore this wonderful place. surprisingly east java has got quite several attractions which are more appealing to everybody and there is always something for everybody so you don't have to worry when visiting this beautiful place because here you will gain a lot of experience and pleasure as well. Among the many reasons why you should visit this town is to have an opportunity to tour and enjoy the atmosphere of this city life of Indonesia which is a distance far away from the main tourist hub in the country, in here you can also spend your quality time getting around the city and enjoying some delicious cuisine such as curries and spicy soups It is also crucial to note that Surabaya is also a port so you will have a chance to move along the waterfront as well as enjoying the vista sweeping across the water this. this place also gives you the advantage of crossing the famous bridge which normally connects this port with the neighboring Madura the following are the Unmissable Attractions in Surabaya Chinatown One thing you need to understand about the cities in Indonesia is that the majority of the city is difficult to track on foot. so this would be an opportunity for you if you get time within your busy schedule you can head to this place for an afternoon stroll. This place got its name due to a large number of Chinese who came and settled here and they have owned a lot of restaurants and shops there. In this town, you will also find a lot of architecture which is located off the road normally called Jalan Karet. G-Walk this place is located in the west of Surabaya if you want to try some of the best food that is cooked by the experienced chef who has undergone through vigorous training this is the place to be this place have got varieties if very clean food store, as well as a good restaurant that is always located on one side of the walkway the display of this place, is very fantastic. a lot of youth normally come to enjoy themself in this place so if you like collecting statistics in terms of local fare as well as people watching this is the place you need to be to shorten your afternoon Mount Bromo Mount Bromo is the most popular and widely known volcano in Indonesia and more so in Surabaya .it is located in the eastern part of Java .it is one of the tallest and most hiked mountains. The main activity is hiking to reach Penanjakan Peak and enjoy the alluring sunrise. Hiking takes about one to two hours. Some tourists may choose to hike the King Kong Hill but your journey may be very challenging. Besides that, prepare for unpredictable weather. e.g temperatures drop significantly, hence dress properly, and always be cautious. When climbing ensure you move at your own pace. Masjid Nasional Al - Akbar Surabaya Mosque This is a national and second-largest mosque in Indonesia. A well-decked interior ( with Islamic design motifs and cosmopolitan masterpieces of Islamic art attracts many visitors. Make sure you dress well while visiting the mosque. Around the temple, there is a viewing tower in which visitors climb for a fascinating view of the city below.  Keputih Bamboo Forest Another major family-friendly attraction is the Keputih Bamboo Forest.it was once a garbage dump site but it has been transformed into the current serene bamboo forest. The forest boasts of its fresh air, beautiful fountains, and also accessorized lamps. When visiting this place do not forget to take a photo of the bamboo shoots. Also adjacent to the bamboo shoots is a nice park laden covered by beautiful blooms that make the place attractive and pleasant to the visitors. Ijen Crater Trek Ijen Crater is a volcano crater majestically in the East Java, it is considered as the unmissable attraction in Surabaya and Indonesia .it is a few kilometers from Surabaya(around 6 hrs ).it is best-loved by hikers .they start their hiking journey in the morning and reach the viewing platform by evening, therefore is a challenging hiking point. The ground is very slippery hence it is recommended you come with strong and comfortable hiking shoes and also come along with hiking jackets. Other things required are; a gas mask and a walk into the cloud of sulfuric gas to enjoy the stunning blue flames. Just at the bottom of the crater wait for the sun to rise so that the sky changes crispy blue to pink hues. Hiking Ijen Crater is hard but the experience is memorable  Kenjeran Par Kenjeran Park is yet another attraction that should not be missed when visiting Surabaya .It was formerly known as the slum district of the city, but today it has become one of the main attractions. You can enjoy the beguiling sunsets at the beach, Relax at the miniature water park and also have photoshoots at the Buddhist temple.  Suramadu Bridge Suramadu Bridge is considered the longest bridge in Indonesia. It is about 5438 meters long and connects the Sunda strait with the Java and Madura islands. The bridge boasts colorful lights that appear at night and during the day you will enjoy the stunning views of the ocean.it is also a camping site, usually people camp to take shots of sunset and sunrise. It is a nice place to have a weekend break for both families and friends. Baluran National Park Baluran National Park is one of the largest theme parks in Surabaya.it is located in the southeastern part of the city and situated on 2500 hectares covered by forest and savannah. The park acts as a home for most unique birds as well as rare mammals. Another major attraction here is the beautiful Bama Beach. You will have an opportunity to enjoy the scenic view of a hidden oasis located in the park, the park has a very impressive birdwatching path surrounded by swamps and stunning mangroves along the Bama coastal forest. Conclusion when planning places to visit Surabaya may not be on the list but the truth is that the city has many hidden gems waiting for you. Being Indonesia's largest city Surabaya is blended with a mixture of natural attractions and urban tourism. why not check the flights to Surabaya to witness these hidden gems of Surabaya. Read More: 10 Best Places To Visit In Sikkim 10 Best Places To Visit In Argentina Top 5 Reasons To Visit Malaysia