What do you dream about when it comes to a perfect travel destination? For me what makes a place magical are the picturesque landscapes, palm trees slowly dancing in the wind, restless waves crashing against rocky beaches, gentle sun reigning over untouched nature. Ah!…and the people.

Nusa Penida, the best kept secret of Bali

I arrived in Nusa Penida after 30 minutes boat ride from Bali in a place considered a gem of nature where silky blue waters, white beaches covered with colorful shells and high costal cliffs still remains a secret for the foreign travelers.

Once I step on the deck I found myself surrounded by few local drivers trying to bargain a ride to the hotel and that’s the moment when I realize that I haven’t done my homework well and the island it’s so much bigger than I expected it to be. I accept one of the offers even though I know it’s a rip off but Hey! I am in Paradise and I wouldn’t waste any other second of the day.

Low budged…no problem

4 stars hotels with 20$ per night, 1 hour balinese massage for 5$ and dinner for 1$ how could you ask for more?

Everything is cheap and you can have a great holiday even with a limited budget but keep in mind that Nusa Penida is not a luxury destination. The place is still underdeveloped and the infrastructure sucks but look at the good side of the coin: you can have the entire island for yourself as the place remains untouched by the mass tourism.

The best way to explore the island it’a by motor bike as the streets are narrow and poor maintained. If you can’t drive it yourself don’t worry…there are plenty of non accredited tour guides that can give you a ride.

Kelingking beach

Hard to pronounce and even harder to reach it, this is the most spectacular place of the island, recently discovered by the travel bloggers seeking for fame. The road is extremely difficult and not only once I was about to make a turn back but the view from the top it worth the effort.

You can get an incredible view over the beach from the top of a tree, climbed daily by the tourists eager to capture the best photo of the trip. I am one of them and even though heights are not my best strength I am ready to take the risk. WOW! I am speckless.

After more than 50 countries ticked on my list I am kind of hard to impress but the white sand beach and the land shaped as a dragon head took my breath away.

The view from the top is incredible but if you want to hike down to the beach be prepared for 45 minute incredibly steep and not very safe path. I gave up instantly, only after few stairs when I start feeling faint under the torrid sun of the afternoon.

Don’t forget that you have to climb back as well!

I refresh myself with a well deserved coconut before departure, ready to explore the rest of the island…love it’s in the air and this is all that matters.

Check out Nusa Penida day II