Adventures in Bali: 19 cool things to do in Nusa Lembongan, Penida and Ceningan

Written by Kristyna Schonova
Co-written by Fiona Davies, Dawn Pillay, Jiayi Ng and Leo Daphne

So you have visited all of the Bali’s main attractions, tried surfing and still feel like something is missing? Are you searching for a hidden paradise in or around Bali where you can escape the hordes of tourists?

All you need to do is to board a ferry from Sanur or Padangbai, and you will be transported to the Nusa islands, off the coast of Bali’s main island. Part of Bali, the cluster of three Nusa islands consists of the larger Nusa Penida, and the smaller Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan.

Also read:

16 stunningly beautiful Instagram-worthy places in Bali you must visit

32 incredible things to do that prove Bali is the craziest

You will feel as though time has stopped here – how we imagine Bali to be years ago, before bustling tourism flocked to the island.

Although getting around may not be very easy, as the paths may be rocky and slippery, you will find Nature’s biggest wonders, and very often you may be completely alone. No need to stand in line to take a picture.

It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and explore the real Bali, untouched and unspoilt!

Feature images by Connieandluna, Freeoversea, Laiiaplanell

1 .Visit the Broken Sea: Pasih Uwug

Pasih Uwug, also known as the broken sea, is one unique attraction in Nusa Penida that happens to be a cool geological phenomenon.

Why is it known as the broken sea? On first sight, you’ll see a natural arch created by the rock cliffs. The arch – or the hole in the rock cliff as some would say – actually used to be a cave!

The floor of the cave had collapsed, creating the arch we see today. The hole in the cliff has also allowed ocean waters to flow through – creating a gorgeous natural pool on the other side to marvel at, and even swim in!

So you want to get a taste of the best thrills on the island? You can experience ‘gliding’, ‘sea’, ‘zipline’, and ‘cliffs’ all through one activity – The Abyss Zipline.

Nusa Ceningan and its sister, Nusa Lembongan, are famous for their cliffs and crashing waves. Imagine enjoying that spectacular scenery while gliding along a zipline. How cool is that!

The staff will be on hand to ensure safety, and you will be attached to the line by two cables. But there’s always a little possibility of danger, of course. That’s why it’s a thrill ride!

This place definitely takes zipline to a new level. Interested to try out this extreme flying fox?

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3. The latest treehouse (not meant for those with a fear of heights!) – Rumah Pohon Batu Molenteng

Located right smack on Nusa Penida and looking out at Atuh Beach – this beautiful treehouse is the latest unique addition to the island, providing stunning sights of the dramatic Balinese landscape.

Once you’re up in the treehouse and looking out, you’ll be able to see glorious, glorious sights. From the pretty Atuh Beach and small surrounding islands like Raja Ampat in Papua, to the many cliffs, ravines and hills that paint Bali’s landscape – it’s a sight not to miss!

Thankfully, the treehouse was built with a ladder, so you don’t have to literally climb the tree just to get to the treehouse! Just bring a picnic along and make it a stunning memory atop a tree, complete with crazy views and delicious food!

How’s this for an Instagrammable moment?

4. Ride an underwater scooter – Bali Underwater Scooter

Have you ever seen or heard of an underwater scooter?!

Before we stumbled on this, we definitely hadn’t heard of this ourselves. It looks super fun and looks almost like your personal one-man submarine.

Imagine you and your friends all on your underwater scooters floating over the sea beds… Now wouldn’t that make an interesting photo for Instagram!

The underwater scooter is perfect for those who want a good scuba diving experience that’s not as demanding (read: no certification, experience, or troublesome gear attached required) as when you actually scuba dive.

All you need to do is sit, and you’ll be able to breathe comfortably in your personal ‘head bubble’ that thankfully provides very clear visibility and distortion-free views! The underwater scooter travels at up to 2km/hour, and it can go down to 20m depth so you’re able to access the shallow reefs!

And just like a standard motorbike, simply turn the handlebars to go where you want to go, and easily press the buttons for more speed or depth.

Video via wayansidarta

For those who always wanted to scuba dive, but might’ve been scared off by the requirements – here’s your chance!

5. Adventure, underwater and water slides: Quicksilver cruise

Want to embark on an adventurous cruise?

With Quicksilver cruise, kids can cruise along the sea like a pirate, and they pay only half price! And what’s more, they will have lots of fun sliding down right into the sea on the 60-metre-long curvy waterslide!

The ship sets off in the morning from Benoa village. You will be served breakfast, and during the ride to Nusa Penida, you can ride on a banana boat or watch the underwater life through the windows – just like being in a submarine!

The cruise makes stops for snorkelling and a guided tour of a local village. You will see the seaweed farm and a Balinese temple. And if that’s still not enough for you, you can pay for additional scuba diving, jet skiing, banana boat or fish feeding experience!

Free pick-up is provided from Kuta, Sanur, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran.

6. Flowing from the cliff into the sea: Seganing waterfall

While many waterfalls hide in the jungles, Seganing flows down from the cliff right into the sea.

The water has found its way between the rocks and created a beautiful natural scenery.

The waterfall is not easily accessible, you will have to climb a long flight of stairs and the path is slippery and may be a little dangerous.

But as it’s said, difficult paths often lead to beautiful destinations, so if you manage to make your way to the waterfall, you will be rewarded with one of the best views in Nusa Penida.

7. Your personal piece of paradise: Secret Point Beach, Nusa Ceningan

It’s almost everyone’s dream to discover a beach that no one knows about.

A place where worrying is forbidden and all troubles are washed away with the turquoise waves.

At Secret Point Beach, you’ll fall in love with the white sand and crystal clear water. Explore the little cave, collect seashells on the sand, drink from a cold coconut and soak up some Bali sun.

Paradise is found!

8. Infinity pool with unrivaled ocean views – Peguyangan Waterfall, Nusa Penida

Peguyangan Waterfall on Nusa Penida isn’t a towering vertical torrent of water like the jungle falls in central Bali.

Also read: The complete guide to the Maldives of Bali – the Nusa islands (Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida)

Instead, it’s a series of short, cascading spring fountains that eventually make their way over a steep ravine and into the sea.

Away from the ravine, the cascades make a great place for all to enjoy a ‘natural spa’, and a massage from the fast flowing waters as they burble over the shallow ledges and pools.

Reaching the springs involves a descent down narrow stairs against the wall of the ravine. After some 460 steps, the gorgeous sight of the cascades is both exhilarating and relieving.

Check this amazing adventure from Travel Life Love!

9. Nothing like a Secret Getaway at the Angel’s Billabong

The Angel’s Billabong is one of Nusa Penida’s secret getaways in the form of a marvelous natural infinity pool.

With its emerald hues and crystalline waters, the Angel’s Billabong is the epitome of stunning. And apparently, the green floors of this particular infinity pool are so comfortable to walk on (not slippery), it actually feels carpeted.

Imagine that! We sure wish we were lounging around at Angel’s Billabong this very moment.

PS: Do note that Angel’s Billabong can be dangerous. There have been people swept out to the ocean by waves rushing in!

10. Where waves meet the rock: Smoke beach (Pasih Andus)

Not far from Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool in Nusa Penida, lies this awesome forgotten spot where you can watch a majestic natural phenomenon.

Pasih Andur (also known as the Smoke beach) is a place on the top of the cliff where the rock breaks the wave and jets the water into the air.

Just watching the water burst into immense height pumps a bit of adrenaline into your veins and makes you realise how powerful the ocean can be.

Linger there for a while, listen to the rumbling sound of the sea, and if you dare, take a picture with the huge waves behind you.

11. Nusa Penida’s sacred spot: Tembeling Beach, Nusa Penida

For the Balinese, Tembeling is a sacred place, used for rituals during the Keagamaan ceremony. In the forest, there are two hidden natural pools with water so clear that you can’t resist jumping into them.

Legend has it that they were discovered by a pregnant woman who was chasing a cow. Later on, locals used it as a source of drinking water. Nowadays, it has become a place sought by travellers craving for a swim in this unique secret spot.

But keep in mind that the big pool is for men and the small one for women only.

Continue walking to the very end and you will come to a beautiful rocky beach. You may very likely find yourself completely alone there.

12. Dive, pray, love: Temple Point, Nusa Penida

It’s time to discover the beauties of the underwater world! And you don’t even need to be a scuba diver. Goggles with simple snorkelling equipment would be enough.

Book a snorkelling boat trip from Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida and meet the underwater Buddha, sitting there in peace and surrounded by statues.

Regardless of how real it may appear to be, the underwater temple is just an installation. The statues were put here as an art exhibition, an attraction for tourists and for conservation of the reefs. But you must admit – this is still an exciting attraction to visit!

13. Fuzzy rolling green hills: Bukit Teletubbies on Nusa Penida

On most hidden islands, you may think that you can only find nature’s wonders along the shores. But did you know that the inland lush green landscape can be so photogenic too?

A cluster of unusually shaped conical hills have been curiously bestowed (we’re not sure by who exactly) with the name Bukit Teletubbies.

The name is a reference to the rounded green hills that were home to the fuzzy aliens from the children’s television program with the same name.

The best time to visit Bukit Teletubbies is during or just after the rainy season, when the hills are a vivid green and most resemble the cutesy world of our gobbledegook-speaking space critters.

14. Banah Cliff, Nusa Penida

The Banah Cliffs of Nusa Penida rise mightily out of the whirling ocean and are perhaps the most dramatic coastal cliffs in Bali.

Hundreds of metres high and draped in lush green vegetation, they make an astonishing sight seen from the water. When you’re standing on top of them, they are even more imposing with no barrier between you and the abyssal drop below.

Looking out from Banah Cliffs you’ll see an unusual rock formation – a pretty, tiny islet in the middle of nowhere, twisted into shape of an arch. Yet another mysteriously captivating wonder of Bali.

15. Challenge yourself: Mahana Point Cliff Jump

Daredevils, here’s your calling. Fancy jumping from a high cliff top into clear blue waters below, as the world around you spins and shifts?

Mahana Point, a little bar located on a cliff top in Nusa Ceningan, gives its customers a chance to do exactly that.

If the sight of other brave jumpers have already got your blood racing, kudos to you! And if you’re not sure whether this is a good idea yet, you could always have a drink or two at the bar to boost your courage.

You can do it (or you could just sit back and watch the surfers ride the waves)!

16. Get a tan: Mushroom Beach

The Mushroom Beach is the perfect alternative for the popular Jungutbatu and Dream beaches.

With shimmering white sand and the occasional banana boat sighting, the waters are great for a swim during high tide. To get some quiet time to yourself, head out in the early morning or evening.

17. Connect with nature’s beauty: Mangrove Forest

If you’re after a relaxing day out instead of anything too strenuous, why not try a scenic boat ride or kayak through Nusa Lembongan’s iconic mangrove forest?

All you have to do is sit back and breathe in the nature all around you – perfect for soothing frazzled nerves.

18. Natural phenomenon: Swallow’s Cave

There is a little miracle of nature located in the western part of Nusa Ceningan – a swallow cave that can only be accessed by man at low tide.

If you visit the cave at sunset, you might even get to witness the majestic sight of swallows flying around it!

19. A different kind of cave: Giri Putri Cave Temple

You’ve probably been to one of the magnificent temples located around Bali; after all, these old infrastructures are an integral part of local culture.

However, the Giri Putri Cave Temple in Nusa Penida is not just your regular temple. Just as its name states, it’s located inside a cave, and you’ll even have to crawl through a 2-metre long tunnel to get inside! Fascinating, isn’t it?

Do you know of any other adventurous activities you can do in Nusa Islands? Do share them with us!