So, I just got back from this incredible trip to Nusa Penida, right? Honestly, I didn't know what to expect—people kept telling me about the “best things to do in Nusa Penida” like it was the ultimate travel secret, but all I had were these vague Instagram pictures and a couple of travel blogs rattling around in my head.
But let me tell you, it's a whole different world out there. I could barely get my bearings when I got off the boat from Bali. My plan… or the lack of one, really? Just winging it. The ride over was choppy, and I was feeling a little seasick. As we pulled into the harbor, I started to doubt everything. What if I made a mistake? I mean, I didn't even book a place to stay—just figured I'd find something once I landed. Smart, huh?
This spot? Total surprise.
The first thing I did was meet up with a few other travelers I'd met on the boat. We decided to rent scooters—a decision that felt bold and slightly reckless. I hadn't ridden one in years, and truthfully, the whole thing was a recipe for disaster. But there we were, helmets on, awkwardly squashed together on this tiny scooter, darting around the roads of Nusa Penida.
I'll never forget the first glimpse of Kelingking Beach. I mean, wow. You've probably seen that iconic T-Rex shaped cliff on social media. I was standing there, absorbing the sheer size of it, when I felt this unexpected surge of awe. Then I looked down at the beach itself—these glistening turquoise waters crashing against the white sand. It was stunning, but it's like a double-edged sword because the vista felt so unreal, you know?
I may have slipped right off the edge of the cliff, head in the clouds, if one of my new friends hadn't nudged me back. We took a few pictures because—duh—but honestly? Standing there, feeling that sea breeze and taking it all in was probably the best part. As touristy as it was, it felt oddly grounding, like I was exactly where I needed to be.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
So, after that thrill, we cruised around searching for a place to get some food. I can't tell you how many wrong turns we took. We were lost, but it felt okay—like the island was asking us to just chill for a bit. We eventually stumbled upon this little warung (a tiny local restaurant) that had a view of the ocean. Honestly, I wasn't expecting much. I was just hungry.
What they served us changed everything. I don't know if it was the long ride or the beautiful view, but the Nasi Goreng I had was life-changing. I know it sounds dramatic, but just trust me. The flavors had this magical balance; it was spicy yet savory, with bits of chicken and fresh veggies. And the sunlight peeking through the palm trees? It was an Instagram postcard moment waiting to happen.
I started talking to the owner, a sweet older woman who was just so enthusiastic about her cooking. She brought me out some homemade sambal—like, wow. I could have spent the entire afternoon there, just chatting with her and soaking in the simple things. Sometimes, the best experiences come when you're just not trying at all.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
Ah, and let's talk about that little mishap. After lunch, I was feeling pretty high on life, and I decided we should check out Angel's Billabong. Sounds beautiful, right? Well, before I knew it, I had led us on an exploration of the wrong side of the island. We ended up on this super bumpy road that felt like it was leading us nowhere. At one point, I seriously thought we were going to run out of gas and have to camp out by the roadside.
But you know what? It was a serendipitous detour! We stumbled upon this secluded spot with hardly anyone around. We parked, took a little hike through these cliffs, and there it was—a hidden beach that wasn't in any guidebooks. It felt like we had discovered a secret that was meant just for us.
I still couldn't believe our luck. That little stretch of sand? It was quiet, almost ethereal, and the sound of the waves crashing made it feel like we were in our own bubble. My friend hopped into the water, and I spent a while just watching, soaking it all in. The sun was starting to dip lower, casting this golden glow. I realized that sometimes, the detours, the wrong turns, they lead you to the most beautiful moments.
Tying it all together
As my trip went on, each unplanned moment felt like an adventure. There was that time we tried to navigate to Broken Beach and ended up walking down an unmarked path. It was a longer hike than we anticipated, and I almost wanted to throw a mini tantrum, but we just laughed it off and ended up having deep conversations about life, our dreams, and all the nonsense that was weighing us down. Looking back now, those moments of doubt turned into something soulful, something real.
Nusa Penida taught me that sometimes you really don't need a plan. You just need an open heart, some good food, and a sense of adventure. Sure, the best things to do in Nusa Penida might have been the popular spots like Kelingking Beach or Angel's Billabong, but the magic? It was hidden in all those little unplanned experiences along the way.
And as I sit here sipping the last bit of my coffee, I can't help but smile. I can still hear the waves crashing in my mind, the laughter of friends, and the warmth of the sun on my skin. Just thinking about it makes me a little misty-eyed, you know? It was one of those trips that sticks with you, reshaping your thoughts about what traveling really should be about—finding joy in the unexpected, in shared moments, and just, well, being.
