Nusa Penida is an island located southeast of Bali, Indonesia. It is one of three islands that make up the Nusa Islands, along with Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Nusa Penida is the largest and most rugged of the three islands, known for its dramatic cliffs, stunning beaches, and crystal-clear waters.
Broken Beach is one of the most famous destinations in Nusa Penida, and gets its name from the distinctive arch-shaped cliff that encircles a natural lagoon. The arch was formed through the erosion of the limestone cliffs over time, creating a mesmerizing sight where the crashing waves of the ocean enter the circular lagoon. The picturesque landscape of Broken Beach offers visitors a stunning backdrop for photography and a chance to witness the raw beauty of nature. It is a must-visit destination for those exploring Nusa Penida and seeking to immerse themselves in the island’s enchanting coastal scenery.
In this detailed travel guide, we will explore everything you need to know to make the most of your visit to Broken Beach.
GETTING TO NUSA PENIDA
To reach Nusa Penida, you have a few transportation options:
- Ferry: The most common way to reach Nusa Penida is by taking a ferry from Sanur in Bali. The ferry ride takes around 30 to 45 minutes and costs 100,000 IDR/ticket (6 USD). Ensure you book your tickets in advance, particularly during peak seasons, to secure your spot.
Guided Tours from Bali: There are many tour operators that operate daily tours to Nusa Penida from Bali. There are many different packages available, depending on what you’re interested in. There are even day trips available. There vary in cost depending on the package, so shop around to find the best deal!
GETTING TO BROKEN BEACH
Broken Beach is situated on the western coast of Nusa Penida. After arriving at the main harbour of Nusa Penida, Banjar Nyuh, you have a few options to reach the beach:
- Scooter Rental: Renting a scooter is a popular and affordable choice. Many rental services are available near the harbour. Scooters rent for around 80,000 to 150,000 IDR/day ($5-10USD) depending on the model. The roads in Nusa Penida are very narrow, windy, and filled with potholes. Only rent a scooter if you feel confident driving in these conditions. Expect a 45 minute ride to Broken Beach, and be prepared for some challenging road conditions. Always prioritise safety by wearing a helmet and driving cautiously.
Tour Package: If driving a scooter on the narrow windy roads isn’t your thing, joining a guided tour is a hassle-free option. Numerous tour operators in Nusa Penida offer guided trips to Broken Beach. They typically include transportation, a guide, and visits to other attractions on the island. Head down to Crystal Bay and shop around for the best deals.
WHEN TO GO
Since it is western facing, Broken Beach is an amazing place to watch the sunset. However, you will have to brave the windy and narrow roads of Nusa Penida in the dark to drive home if you stay for the sunset!
Tour groups generally arrive around 9 am, so if you want to explore the amazing formation alone, try to get there as early as possible!
FEES
There is no fee to enter Broken Beach, but if you drive you will need to pay a 5000 IDR ($0.33) fee for parking.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT BROKEN BEACH
Broken Beach is one of the lesser physically strenuous beaches to explore in Nusa Penida. While other beaches such as Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach require you to hike down steep cliff faces, Broken Beach has a very leisurely and flat path circling the entire lagoon. Although you cannot walk down to the water, there are plenty of amazing photo spots around the perimeter!
MANTA SPOTTING
Getting to be up close and personal with the majestic manta rays is a very popular attraction in Nusa Penida. The mantas are known to stay year-round in this area due to the favourable environmental conditions and abundant food sources found in the area.
There are plenty of tours from Nusa Penida and Bali to go snorkelling or scuba diving with the mantas. However, you can also spot them just from the shore right at Broken Beach!
On the other side of the lagoon, there is a large cliff looking down about 10 metres into the waters below where many mantas gather. This is an amazing spot to be able to observe the mantas from above!
However, we wanted to get even closer so we walked down through a slightly overgrown path that led us straight to a private cliff over the water! We were able to get up close and spot the mantas right from shore!
It’s important to note that while mantas are frequently spotted at Nusa Penida throughout the year, their behavior can still be influenced by various factors such as seasonal food availability, mating patterns, and individual migration tendencies.
It was an incredible experience getting to see the mantas swim in big groups around this area. There were a few boats that came around as part of snorkel tours who were able to jump into the water with the mantas! We were a bit jealous that we couldn’t jump in, but it was the next best thing to be so close to the water and observe them floating by majestically.
ESSENTIAL TIPS
- Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the strong tropical sun.
- There are plenty of little warungs and restaurants surrounding Broken Beach, so bring some cash to enjoy a cold popsicle or ice cream while taking in the gorgeous view!
NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
There are other amazing attractions in Nusa Penida, such as Angel’s Billabong, Diamond Beach, Manta Cliff, and Kelingking Beach. You can extend your adventure day by visiting a couple other sites after Broken Beach!
