So, I just got back from Nusa Penida—if you haven't been, let me tell you, it's meant to be on your bucket list. Seriously. You know me, I'm always up for an adventure, but I went into this trip not really knowing what to expect. People keep raving about the best things to do in Nusa Penida, but there's something about hearing recommendations that makes it all feel a bit… pre-packaged, you know? Anyway, here I am, freshly back and completely swept up in the magic that island has to offer.
This spot? Total surprise.
The first place I headed to was Kelingking Beach. I had seen a million photos, but nothing could prepare me for the real deal. When I got there, my eyes practically forgot to blink. I mean, the cliffs, the turquoise water—whoa. It's like nature just went, “Hey, let me flex a little.” But here's the thing: I nearly turned around after the first climb down. It's like a straight-up mini-mountain that had me gasping for air (and I thought I was in decent shape). Halfway down, I wondered if I'd bitten off more than I could chew.
I stood there, sweaty and panting, feeling that familiar doubt creeping in. What if this isn't worth it? But one glance at the beach below, and I just… couldn't. I convinced myself to keep going, and honestly? It was one of the best decisions I made. The view from the bottom was like stepping into a postcard—crystal clear waters and white sand kissed by the sun, with towering cliffs looming on either side. I even grabbed my beach towel and just lay there, soaking it all up.
The afternoon that changed my whole mood
Then came the afternoon that really flipped everything around. So there I was, just roaming around like a lost puppy, not even having a particular plan. I ended up at Broken Beach. First of all, what a name! It drew me in, but when I got there? Wow. I mean, you stand there looking at this natural rock formation and the way the blue water crashes against it feels like a scene from an epic movie. I almost wanted to shout, “I'm alive!” (Okay, maybe I did shout it… once or twice…).
And while I was busy soaking in the view, I heard some laughter from behind me. I wasn't planning on talking to anyone, but a couple of travelers started chatting with me. They were from Australia, and beyond just making me laugh, they suggested we jump into the water. I thought, “Why not?” So we waded around for a while, all of us a bit carefree. I had no plans to swim that day, but at that moment, who cares? We ended up floating and splashing around, forming this random little community for a couple of hours. That spontaneous fun really lifted my mood.
I almost missed this, no thanks to my bad sense of direction
So my sense of direction is about as reliable as a broken compass. This wasn't my first trip where I'd wandered off thinking it might lead to something great. And, of course, I did that again in Nusa Penida. I was trying to find Angel's Billabong, but accidentally took a wrong turn and, well, I might've found myself in a little village instead.
But, turns out, that detour was a gift. I stopped at this small, absolutely charming place for lunch. The owner was this sweet older lady who barely spoke English but served up the most incredible nasi goreng I've ever tasted. The spices, the crunch of the vegetables—it was honestly a highlight. I could feel her warmth wrapped in every bite. And as we shared a laugh over my awkward attempts at Bahasa, it struck me how easy it is to stumble on the best moments when you're least expecting them.
After lunch, I finally found Angel's Billabong, which is like nature's own infinity pool. The water sparkled so beautifully that I was tempted to dive right in. The vibe was different here; quieter, almost reverent. Traveling gives you moments that make you reflect, and standing there, I realized how much I love these spontaneous adventures, the unplanned things that shape the experience.
The meal I won't forget
Another meal—oh my goodness—was somewhere I stumbled into on the way back from the cliffs. It's this tiny little warung right by the shore. I didn't even know what I ordered; something about a curry caught my eye, and I'm basically a sucker for anything curry. But you know how sometimes you get a meal and it just hits all the right spots? It was bursting with flavors, each spoonful richer than the last. I sat there, watching the waves crash while I devoured this bowl like I hadn't eaten in weeks.
And maybe it was the curry or the sea breeze, but in that moment, I felt so incredibly content. It's those simple meals, the kind that seem ordinary but feel magical, that create the best memories. I marked that little warung in my head; I want to come back someday and recreate that moment—I want to share it with someone special when I can.
Reveling in the mistakes and detours
Looking back, it's funny how so many “mistakes” turned into the best parts of the trip. That day I got lost looking for Angel's Billabong? Best detour ever. Almost skipped out on swimming in that perfect cove? What was I thinking? It's the unpredictability of travel that keeps me coming back for more; those moments when you can either panic or laugh it off and just embrace whatever unfolds.
I mean, isn't that what life is all about? The times when things don't go as planned can often lead to experiences that move you in ways you didn't expect. And Nusa Penida? It's got this energy that pulls you in, challenges you, and rewards you in ways that feel so genuine.
I'm still wrapping my head around it all over my morning coffee. I'm not entirely sure if I shared all the best things to do in Nusa Penida, but I think I just gave you a taste of the stuff that made my heart race, my spirits lift, and my stomach savor every moment. Maybe one day you'll hop on a plane, wander paths unplanned, and find your own unexpected treasures. And believe me, you won't regret it.
