When I first started researching Indonesia I stumbled upon the little known island of Nusa Penida. I knew straight away that it was somewhere I just had to visit and include on my itinerary. The island still remains off the radar to most visitors due to its lack of development and tourist infrastructure. The landscape is very rugged and wild still with natural wonders at every turn.There aren’t many cars and the roads,especially as you delve deeper into the heart of the island are still very rough.However there are signs of change brewing because as we drove out of the main town of Toyapekah we saw tarmac being laid for new,smoother roads.The landscape is quite dry and arid meaning it is difficult for the locals to sustain a living from agriculture.Our driver explained that the increasing interest from tourists is positive for him because it means he doesn’t have to leave his family and his home to go to Bali to find work.
Our first stop was the Pura Paluang or more commonly nicknamed ‘Car Temple’.The temple is situated high up on a cliff overlooking the sea below and it is quite a surreal sight.The temple features two painted cars which were built in remembrance of the Dutch colonial cars which the people would have witnessed come to the island in the 1920s. Our guide told us that the native people were so in awe of the cars that they built the temple in their honour! We were also lucky enough to catch a glimpse of a blue kingfisher on our arrival.
Our guide then took us to Kelingking Secret Point and this has to be one of the most beautiful views I’ve laid eyes on. The steep cliffs look down onto an inaccessible, curved beach.I could have stayed here for hours just taking it all in.
Our next stop was Angels Billabong and Broken Beach.The Billabong is a  bright-green natural infinity pool. The surface was so clam it looked like a mirror yet just beyond it the ocean raged and occasionally the serene stillness was disturbed by waves throwing throwing up some surf.When the sea is at high tide you can even swim in the pool. Pasih Uug or ‘broken beach’when seen from above looks like a giant pool with the cliffs forming a rock bridge which you can walk over the top of in a circle.
I’m so glad I managed to see Nusa Penida on my trip as I feel it is a very special place which still retains a spirit of genuine wildness.I just hope that in the future as more tourists inevitably come to see its natural beauty that the landscape doesn’t suffer as a consequence.
Sarah Clews Photography 