Welcome to Gilibookings.com! Dive into a world of sun-drenched beaches, thrilling adventures, and vibrant culture on our island travel blog. Uncover hidden gems, indulge in adrenaline-pumping activities, savor local cuisine, and find exclusive retreats. Let us be your guide to the ultimate tropical escape – where paradise awaits! 2026-05-06T10:49:24+08:00 Zend_Feed_Writer https://www.gilibookings.com/blog Gilibookings.com info@gilibookings.com https://www.gilibookings.com

2022-05-23T00:00:00+08:00 2026-04-28T21:30:35+08:00 https://www.gilibookings.com/blog/bali-island-hopping-holiday Gilibookings.com info@gilibookings.com https://www.gilibookings.com Bali Island Hopping Holiday Island Hopping (Bali  - Lembongan - Gili - Lombok) Stopping in Lembongan on your way to or from the Gili Islands and Lombok. On June 1 Scoot Cruises will restart a daily trip from Sanur - Lembongan - Lombok (Bangsal) - Gili Air - Gili T and back. Search for a trip from Bali to Gili or Lombok and select the 'Island Hopping' ticket from the search results at www.gilibookings.com. This ticket allows you to hop off in Lembongan for at least 1 night before continuing the rest of the journey. Once booked Scoot will email you to ask you when you would like to continue your trip from Lembongan.   If you want to travel later in the day from Bali to Lembongan then book as detailed below under Bali to Lembongan, and then add another booking as detailed under the heading Lembongan to Gili and Lombok. The same idea can be used if you want to island hop on Lembongan on the way back from the Gilis but then need to take an early morning boat from Lembongan back to Bali.     Bali to Lembongan Sanur to Lembongan (Jungut Batu). 40 mins. On June 1 Scoot will start a daily crossing on www.gilibookings.com. There are multiple daily crossings available with other operators on www.gilitickets.com   Lembongan to Gili and Lombok On June 1 Scoot will start a daily trip between Lembongan and the Gilis and Lombok. Just use the search box on www.gilibookings.com Bali to Penida Sanur to Penida.  40 mins. Multiple daily crossing from Sanur beach to Penida (Toya Pakeh). These can only be booked on www.gilitickets.com Kusamba (near Padang Bai) to Penida.15mins. Multiple daily crossing from Kusamba (Tri Bhuwana Port) to Penida (Sampalan and Buyuk). These can only be booked on www.gilitickets.com   Penida to Gili and Lombok Currently there is still no direct route from Penida to the Gilis and Lombok. The easiest way would be to take a departure from Nusa Penida to Kusamba, take a taxi from Kusamba to Padang Bai in time to connect with one of the departures from Padang Bai to the Gilis. There are 2 daily departures from Padang Bai to Gili currently on our website, 08:30 and 10:15. The latest departure from Padang Bai to the Gilis is at 13:30 and is only bookable on www.gilitickets.com   Alternatively you could take a boat from Penida to Lembongan in time to connect with the Scoot departure from Lembongan to Gili at 10:45 detailed above. The boat from Penida to Lembongan would need to be arranged locally once you were there. Penida to Gede This route is available from July on mondays and fridays on www.gilibookings.com   

2021-05-31T00:00:00+08:00 2022-05-23T23:41:58+08:00 https://www.gilibookings.com/blog/fast-boat-gili-history Gilibookings.com info@gilibookings.com https://www.gilibookings.com History of the fast boats in the Gilis Bounty Cruises, established in the late 1990s were the first operators serving the Gili Islands and Lombok, from Bali. They boasted a 550 seater catamaran, which was by far the largest high-speed vessel sailing the Lombok Strait. Unfortunately, they were forced to suspend their Gili island route due to unexpectedly poor tourist numbers in the early 2000s.   In 2005, the British owned and operated BlueWater Express decided to specialize in high-speed boat transport and boat private charter between Bali, Lombok and the Gilis.    Blue Water Express first Boat   The company was created in 2004 by Jeremy Wort, under the name of BlueWater Safaris. Jeremy explains:  “My first boat was originally intended for fishing, dolphin watching, snorkelling tourist etc.”     Blue Water Express fishing boat   In 2005, Blue Water Express started running to the Gilis: “At that time the only other options were a (very) slow boat, or flight to Mataram and multi-stop car / local boat, or slow ferry and the same hassle. We offered a direct hotel-to-beach service, initially just running a few times a week when we could get enough passengers. The capacity of the original boat was only 8 pax! By August 2006 we were running daily as word began to spread and we got websites etc together.”   In 2007, the EU black-listed local Indonesian airlines. International travel agents could not fly guests between Bali and Lombok as insurance would not cover black-listed airlines. This was a real game-changer for Blue Water Express who now had to “scrambled around trying to fund bigger boat”.    Blue Water Express Fast Boat Blue Water Express were followed by other companies, under western management, such as Gili Getaway, Scoot Cruises. These companies were well organized and safe. Tony, from Gili Getaway, explains: “Gili Getaway was created in 2008-2009, by an Australian and Englishman who had been living in the Gili islands for a number of years (...) It is our goal to offer the most reliable, safest and comfortable service to The Gili's (...) Over 3-4 years we grew from 1  boat to 4 that now service all islands between Bali and Lombok. “   Gili Getaway Fast Boat   Over time, budget operators started their own business. They were under local management, and offered less safety equipment and were less organized, but offered cheaper tickets.  Eka Jaya, D’Camel and Rocky Fast Cruise are some of the best budget operators.    Eka Jaya Fast Ferry Booking a fast boat ticket was originally only possible on-site, at the jetty. But sales were not enough, so Gilibookings.com initiated an online booking platform in 2011. Gilibookings.com deals with the most reputable companies and allows you to compare prices.  Once more budget companies started to appear, Gilitickets.com launched an online platform in 2013, to offer online bookings at more affordable prices, perfect for backpackers.    Challenges encountered    Many disruptions made things more difficult for the fast boats operators to develop.    Tony, from Gili Getaway, explained the challenges they encounter due to the weather disturbances: “Weather is and always will be the issue with many months affected by high waves, strong currents and unusual tides that are unique to the Lombok Straits. Our captains having  a total of 40 years experience certainly helps negotiate these unusual and sometimes chaotic conditions”   Gili Cat, an Australian owned fast boat company, was among the first operators to serve the Gilis. But in September 2016, an explosion on their boat killed two people and injured 14 others. The explosion was caused by a short circuit near the fuel tank. The boat was carrying 30 passengers and was heading to Gili Trawangan.    In late November 2017, Mount Agung, on Lombok, erupted five times, causing thousands to evacuate and disrupting travel.    Series of bad weather disruptions did not help. And at the beginning of August 2018, a magnitude-7 earthquake struck the island of Lombok. Feel free to check our blog on the Lombok earthquake to learn more about it. North Lombok, East Lombok and the Gili’s were the worst affected areas. Countless residents fled their homes, and tourism paused.   Lombok - results of the 2018 earthquake      A future for the Fast Boats in the Gilis Recently, COVID-19 has also been challenging the fast boat industry in the region. The Fast Boat company are preparing for the future and will be ready for when Indonesia re-open to international tourism.    Tony from Gili Getaway affirms: “Our plan for the future is to go back to basics and start off again how we originally ran the business. Concentrate on providing a quality reliable service and implementing all safety requirements to help make customers feel safe and comfortable using getaways premier service.”   Jeremy, from Blue Water Express, explains:  “We have no option other than to hibernate and wait for tourists to return….. fortunately, we had a very good year 2019 so had sufficient reserves to see us through the Winter and will be ready to rock as soon as travellers come back.” And it does seem like Blue Water Express is ready to rock again, and continue to expand:  “We are planning to look at the Penida day tours market in 2022, in addition to linking up Penida and Gilis. Komodo day trips are also interesting - a number of our agents have requested we get something going over there and we have done a bit of ground-work.”   About the author     Hi! I'm Axelle, the Gilibookings.com writer of this blog post. If you have questions or feedback, feel free to contact me on: axelle@island-bookings.com   More about the Gili Islands in our Travel Guide     Check out our Gili Islands activities

2020-11-30T00:00:00+08:00 2022-05-23T23:41:58+08:00 https://www.gilibookings.com/blog/lombok-earthquake Gilibookings.com info@gilibookings.com https://www.gilibookings.com Lombok earthquake At the beginning of August 2018, a magnitude-7 earthquake struck the island of Lombok. Over 400,000 locals lost their homes. Here is the story of how we (Island Bookings BV) - thanks to the help of many incredibly generous contributors - managed to build 8 homes for some of the most impoverished families, as well as provide materials to help another 80 families rebuild their homes.   What happened On 5 August 2018, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Lombok, followed by hundreds of aftershocks. North Lombok, East Lombok and the Gili’s were the worst affected areas. The epicentre of the earthquake was in North Lombok. Many buildings (houses, schools, mosques, etc.) collapsed. Countless residents fled their homes, carrying the little belongings they could save. Hospitals too were damaged, so tents were set-up to tend to the injured.     When the earth stopped shaking, this was the result:   What was needed We have close ties with several businesses in Lombok and the Gili Islands (Manta Dive, Gili Teak, Gili Villas, The Waterfront Resort, Manta Dive Gili Air and Bale Sampan Bungalows). These businesses employ over 150 local staff, of which the majority come from villages in North Lombok. Most of them, along with their immediate families, lost their homes during the earthquake and, as a result, living conditions were frightful. Together with 400,000 local Lombok residents, they were in urgent need of a roof over their heads.     Food and everyday supplies were shipped-in within days, many of the westerners that were working in the region now set about helping raise funds to buy food, medical supplies, and other necessities. Teams - established in Bali, Lombok, and the Gilis - worked together with the locals and coordinated the purchase, shipment, and delivery of these supplies to villages in Lombok.     Given these immediate needs were already taken care of, we decided that the best thing we could do was to raise money to help rebuild homes. Obviously, our budget would limit us to what we could achieve, so we set about raising as much as we could.   Raising funds We hung posters locally in Apeldoorn. We joined in a charity auction at Quick Tennis Club during an annual tournament. People could bid for things such as a week on Gili Trawangan, a week in an apartment in Mallorca or a golf day with a Pro. A lot of local businesses kindly donated to the auction. We reached out to our network, asking for donations. The Scherpenberg Golf Club kindly sent an email to all their members, we wrote to our old customers, and we used social media to draw attention to what had happened and what was needed.   We reached out to companies. Those who helped could decide on whether to sponsor a whole, half, or quarter of a home that would give basic shelter to a family. Many answered our call and sponsored our project: Rotary Club Apeldoorn Sprengen, CXP Commerce-Experts, The Webmen, Takes Two, Technoship BV, KIM Nederland, Ten Holter Realty Partners, Reinders Makelaar, Bisterbosch Makelaardij, Buurman Makelaardij, Boon Accountants Belastingadviseurs, Rene Boon Belastingadvies, Talent Eye, Hunink Dorgelo, Glove Box Technology Limited and Tonsley Investments. We are very thankful for their incredible generosity.  Also a special thanks to: Ben, Harriet, Helen, Rais, Sudin and Menjali at Manta-dive.com, Lukman at Manta-dive-giliair.com  and Rikky. There were also considerable donations from some private individuals, Alex Crombie, Nick Galagher, Daniel Barry, The Masters Tour 2018 and many others.   After 2.5 months, we had raised €53.000. Thanks to our sponsors and donors, we had a decent amount of cash to put to use. Now was the time to head off to Lombok and figure out how to make the most out of it.   Getting the job done It took pretty much the whole of the 2-week trip to put a plan in place and set it in motion.     Initially, we asked all the local staff what materials they needed. We created a spreadsheet with their wish lists which came in massively over budget, so we asked them to cut right back and only list the essential materials required to get a roof back over their heads. It proved to be more difficult than expected, since as they all needed so much, and after a few attempts at reducing these lists, we scrapped this idea.   Then, while on a trip to Lombok to visit some of the villages, my local partner, Rais, suggested we build some homes for some of the most impoverished families. Families that lived off the beaten track, that had no means of being able to rebuild anything themselves.     We decided to use part of the budget to build 6 to 8 small homes, with Rais in charge of this mini project. We also decided upon using materials that would be resistant to future earthquakes, rather than just rebuilding with bricks and cement. A lot of the buildings that sustained minimal damage were those built using metal frames and kalsiboard, all lightweight and flexible. The only problem with using these materials was that most of the locals were not familiar with using them. Rais had one builder who knew how to build with these materials. We also had a lot of staff that could help, meaning the labour cost would be almost zero. Also, if they learnt how to build with these materials properly, then hopefully they would take this knowledge back to their villages.     We therefore also decided that we would offer the staff a choice of 5 materials required to build these homes. We would bulk-buy the materials and distribute them based on what they pre-ordered. Each of the 80 families had a budget of 5 million Rupiah (EURO 300) credit that they could use to spend on materials. While this may not sound like a lot, it went a long way. We found the principal supplier in Lombok and managed to negotiate great prices for bulk orders. We nearly managed to halve the price paid in the shops. This saving on materials combined with the free labour meant we could stretch the raised funds even further than we could have hoped.     We bulk-bought the following materials: Cement and sand: for the foundations and floors (in most cases the house pad was the only thing that survived the earthquake) Kanal: metal beams used for the frames that make the skeleton of the walls Kalsiboard: weatherproof sheets that fix to the skeleton frame for the walls Gypsum board: for the ceiling or interior walls Spandek: corrugated roof material   After two weeks in Lombok and the Gilis, I headed back to Bali. Between the local and western staff, we had a plan: roles were assigned to buy materials, store them, and distribute them.     A local architect helped make some basic plans so we could order the correct materials for the homes and had a template to follow.     We used the Manta Dive storage shed in a harbour in Lombok to store the materials. Every day, deliveries came in. It was watched over by security every night to avoid the risk of materials getting stolen. Each day, some of the staff would come along with a bemo (small van) and pick up the materials they had ordered.     Once the materials were all distributed and the 8 homes almost finished, the rainy season kicked in, followed shortly by Ramadan. Construction had to stop and took a while to get going again. Our project took longer than planned but eventually completed in October 2019.       Together with our sponsors, donors, staff, and everyone else that assisted us, we were able to help 80 families that had lost their homes. We were also able to build 8 new homes for the families in dire need. During the entire process, it was inspiring to see the locals and westerners working together to help distribute much-needed help in Lombok and the Gili Islands. Without all the donations, this would not have been possible. A big Thank You for all the support and generosity. Also a big thank you to Alfred Minar and Big Al for photography and drone footage.   About the author Hi! I'm Marcus, partner at Gilibookings.com. If you have any feedback, feel free to contact me: marcus@island-bookings.com   More about Lombok and the Gilis in our Travel Guide     Check out our Lombok, Gili T and Gili Air Activities 

2020-10-22T00:00:00+08:00 2022-05-23T23:41:58+08:00 https://www.gilibookings.com/blog/coronavirus-effect-bali Gilibookings.com info@gilibookings.com https://www.gilibookings.com Covid-19 effects on Bali Tourism Millions of tourists fly to Bali each year to enjoy the pristine beaches, admire the terraced fields and visit the Hindu temples. The island is usually full of visitors seeking the perfect holiday experience. However, Indonesia's tourism hotspot has fallen eerily quiet since March, with as yet, little sign of improving. COVID-19 restrictions are ravaging the tourism sector in Bali and its surrounding islands, leaving staggering unemployment the outcome for many Balinese. Locals are struggling to make ends meet and are desperately looking forward to a time when tourists will come back and help restore their collapsing economy.    Bali relies on tourism  The Tourism Industry is a considerable part of Indonesia's economy and represented 6% of their GDP before the Corona outbreak. In 2019, Indonesia recorded 16.10 million foreign tourist arrivals! This is as many customers for hotels, restaurants, dive centres and other tourist activities.  In Bali, the tourism sector represents 80% of the Economy and 60% of Bali gross regional product. Taxi drivers, diving teachers, hotels and restaurants employees, souvenir shops keepers, tour guides, ferry companies, all depend on tourism. In Bali maybe more than anywhere else, tourism is essential to the locals. Unfortunately, this idyllic island, like the rest of the world, is now facing a crisis without a foreseeable end: COVID-19.     COVID-19 devastates Bali The pandemic has caused an 85%  drop in the number of tourists visiting Bali this year. This has had a knock on effect on unemployment in tourism sectors, with around 75,000 workers losing their jobs in Badung (Denpasar) regency alone. The few “lucky” that kept their jobs have had to settle for pay cuts, up to 75%.    An attempt to pivot towards domestic tourism has offered hardly any respite. An occupancy rate above 40 percent is said to be the minimum threshold for hotels to turn a profit, but the rate has only hovered between 5 and 9 percent since Bali opened to domestic travelers in late July. The crisis has also caused challenges in other sectors such as agriculture which used to supply restaurants, hotels and other touristic amenities. Facing the pandemic, the locals are looking for new ways to make a living. Many are reinventing themselves. Some started seaweed farming at the very location they used to give diving lessons. Others improvised street vendors, selling incense sticks, eggs or masks from the back of their cars.  A taxi driver is now working odd-jobs in construction, hoping to for his old job to become viable again so that he can earn enough money to eventually send his son to university one day. For now, the temporary work he can find is only providing enough for the most basic of daily needs.     Coronavirus in Lombok and the Gilis The job crisis is also extending to Lombok and the Gili Islands. Aleksandra, living in North Lombok affirms:    “Locals just need a job. But getting a job now is very complicated. This is also because foreign companies, such as the many hotels & resorts on Lombok which used to hire locals, are now bankrupt or don't want to open because it will not cover the costs”. For Lombok, two years after a destructive earthquake, it's the final straw. In August 2018, a terrible earthquake resulted in 563 deaths, hundreds of injured and collapsed buildings. It has taken the years since to rebuild and get close to the situation before th quake. Locals were anticipating this year's high season as a return to normal and perhaps finally some economic growth again after the dister's aftermath. In 2020, the locals were just out of their misery, after months of grief and efforts to fix the damages. Then, Corona hit:   “We have had tough times for 3 years already. First, we had the eruption of Bali’s volcano in 2017, disrupting tourism that year, then we had the 7.0 earthquake on Lombok in 2018, and right after the recovery time we now have Corona!” For many locals, Corona is much worst then the earthquake, not because of the virus itself, but because of the resulting unemployment crisis. Sadly, in the north of Lombok, petty theft and robbery is on the rise - a clear indicator of how desperate people are getting.   In the popular Gili Islands just off Lombok's north west coast, remaining businesses try to survive by working fewer days with less staff. As a consequence, most people only work 3-5 days a month, with meagre payment, barely enough to support their family. Some try to earn some extra or food by helping farmers.      According to a boutique resort owner in Selong Belanak, the predominantly agricultural south of Lombok is faring economically somewhat better, able to subsist on their own traditional produce and less totally dependant on tourism. There, it is mostly small business owners in the budding tourism sector in beachside areas such as Kuta and Selong Belanak that are left in actue financial crisis. They are biding their time for as long as possible, hoping that 2021 will bring a gradual reopening and much needed relief. If not, they fear seeing their hard work, investment and dreams dashed.   "South Lombok tourism industry is new and still developing, so locals here are used to living from agriculture and other resources, therefore I don't see too much desperation yet... In north Lombok and Gili most locals have lived from tourism for a long time, so the situation is much worse there. I've even heard of houses being broken into, sadly effecting some of my friends"   How can you help the locals? In the face of this crisis, many of us are wondering how to help the locals in Bali and its surroundings. Well, here are a few tips. You might think about rescheduling your travel plans instead of cancelling bookings and asking for refunds. Once the pandemic is controlled, you could return to Bali. The locals are looking forward to a time when tourists will return to Bali and help restore the economy. When you return to Bali, consider buying more from street vendors who are likely to have been the worst hit. If you can permit it - explore more of the region than you may have previously considered. Bali, Lombok, Lembongan, Penida and the Gili islands are all within easy reach of each other and offer something unique and worth experiencing.     In the midst of the pandemic, it is easy to dwell on our own challenges and to forget that somewhere in the Indian ocean, others are trying to survive a massive unemployment crisis. As soon as Indonesia's borders are open, you will see it on our News page. And when the time comes, I hope that we will respond to the call and travel to Bali to help restore the economy. About the author     Hi! I'm Axelle, the Gilibookings.com writer of this blog post. If you have questions or feedback, feel free to contact me on: axelle@island-bookings.com     More about Bali in our Travel Guide     Check out our Bali activities

2020-09-24T00:00:00+08:00 2026-04-17T19:17:26+08:00 https://www.gilibookings.com/blog/bali-dive-guide Gilibookings.com info@gilibookings.com https://www.gilibookings.com Bali dive guide 2020 COVID-19 has changed the world as we know it. While there is plenty of reason to dispair, we choose to stay positive and look for the bright side! Our oceans have seen several problems resulting from human activity but COVID-19 has forced the world to come to a standstill. Positive impacts to the marine environment have already been clearly witnessed, and many expect the benefit to be visible for years to come. When you return to Indonesia, when all this is behind us, you will find the reef and marine life better than ever in living memory! You can already book your diving adventure with us. Prepare your wetsuits and oxygen tanks...we are about to go on an underwater tour of Bali and it's surrounding islands. Bali's dive sites are ideal for both beginners and scuba masters.  Diving in Bali  Bali and the surounding region's marine life is diverse and unique, among the best in the world! Swim with Mola-Mola, the splendid Ocean sunfish. You can encounter everything from Manta rays to seahorses and explore coral reefs and shipwrecks!   Best sites to dive in Bali  The USAT Liberty Lying only 100ft off the northeast coast, the USAT Liberty is now among the best-known dives site in Bali. The 412ft army cargo ship was torpedoed in 1942 and got washed into the sea by the eruption of nearby Mount Agung in 1963. Having since transforemd into a stunning artificial reef, it is now home to a multitude of corals, tube sponges, reef fishes, vivid anthias, batfish, angelfish, butterflyfishes, mantis shrimps, anemonefishes, pufferfishes, surgeonfishes, parrotfish, turtles, reef sharks and many more! The Shipwreck in Tulamben Bay is one of the world’s safest and most accessible wreck-dives. So if you are a beginner looking for your first wreck dive or an experienced diver searching for your next exciting experience, the USAT Liberty will certainly catch your attention.  We recommend OK Divers (form Padang Bai) and Ecodive Bali (from Amed) for this experience.  Secret Bay Located on Bali’s north west coast, this is part of the main Gilimanuk Bay, behind the small town of Gilimanuk. Secret Bay is perfect for divers who enjoy muck-diving and macro-photography. You will come accross cuttlefish, firefish, frogfish, nudibranches, Octopuses, pipefish and more! Secret Bay is also excellent for Night Diving. Diving there is very easy as it is a shallow shore dive ( 3-12m). It is the best site to see the mysterious and rare Bobbit Worm found in the sea grass. So look for depressions in the sand and hold some grilled fish kebabs just above the sand at the depression to tempt the worms out! We recommend Aqua Marine Diving (Seminyak) for this dive.  Gili Mimpang The site consists of three big rocks located in Amuk Bay between Padang Bai and Candidasa. This dive is mostly for experienced divers as the current can be strong. In addition to the numerous coral fishes, you will see blue spotted rays, trumpet fish, blue-yellow ribbon eels and even sharks and manta rays. From May to November the Mola Mola shows up regularly. This drift dive with strong currents is adrenaline guaranteed! And this is a great place to see reef sharks. No chance for you to get bored!  For this experience we recommend Ok Divers. Diving in the Gili Islands  The three paradise islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno are surrounded by white sand beaches and vibrant clear waters. Diving there is possible all year round and the surrounding coral reefs support an exceptional array of Marine life. Best sites to dive in the Gilis Shark Point Located on the North side of Gili Trawangan, the site will be the highlight of your trip! It is a great experience for all divers (beginners included). This is the most popular dive site in the Gilis because of the variety of life encountered in only one dive. The flat sandy bottom turns into a series of canyons, going deeper and deeper. From 12 meters it drops quickly to 20m and beyond. The site is rich in surprises such as  white and black tip reef sharks, barracudas, stingrays, manta rays, eagle rays, and tons of turtles in the shallow waters.  We recommend Manta Dive (shops located on both Gili Trawangan and Air) for this experience.  Meno Wall Just off the west of Gili Meno, this spot is perfect for night diving! The site is a wall going down to 22 m with a sandy bottom.It is a perfect for macro dive and underwater photography. You will come accross many species of small fishes (bannerfish, batfish, eagle ray, fusilier, grouper, scorpion fish, trumpet fish) and many turttles. The site is a spectacular coral garden. We recommend Divine Divers on Gili Meno for this experience. Gili Meno Wall is directly in front of their beautiful beachfront Diveshop. Diving in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida offer some of the clearest and most rich waters you will find anywhere. It has been declared a ‘marine protected area’ which has led to it becoming a world famous diving destination. Best sites to dive in Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida Blue Corner Located off Nusa Penida, this is the place to drift dive! The current can be very strong and the dive is reserved for advanced divers with experience of drift diving. This dive site features, probably, the most challenging diving conditions in Bali region. So if you are searching for a challenge, this is the dive for you. Most of the dive is around 30m deep. You might spot sharks, rays, or again the famous Mola-Mola. We recommend Blue Corner Dive (in Penida) for this experience.  Crystal Bay Crystal Bay is located on the south-west of Nusa Penida.The visibility of the water is spectacular and can reach up to 40m on a good day. The bay is carpeted with reef and white sandy bottom. Look out for the shrimp under rock formations! This site is accessible to all as the bay is sheltered from currents. You will enjoy an healthy reef, an intersting cave, tables of corals, and hundreds of fishes! From August to October you might also get a visit of the famous Mola-Mola. We recommend Big Fish Diving (in Lembongan) for this experience.  Diving in Lombok  The Island is pristine and offers endless deserted beaches, lush rainforest, magnificent volcanoes and cliffs! Lombok is the place for adventure: dive sites vary from cavern, walls and gentle slopes.  Best sites to dive in Lombok The magnet The site is very famous for its hammerhead sharks sightings. It is one of the only three places in the world where you will cross both the Scalloped Hammerhead shark and the Great Hammerhead shark together. The Dive site is located in Belongas Bay, wher you will find unspoiled reefs and marine diversity. The dive is only advised for experienced divers as currents can be pretty strong.  We recommend Two Fish Divers (in Lombok) for this experience.  The Cathedral This site is also located in Belongas Bay and display a liarge pinnacle with 2 main peaks. The site is famous for its eagle rays, tuna, mackerel and Great Barracuda. Don't be surprised if you cross a dozen sea snakes during your dive! The site offers breathtaking corals, sponges and tunicates. Although less dangerous and challenging as the Magnet, the dive is reserved for experienced divers. For the experts,  it is said that at 40 meters, a cave can be seen!  We recommend Two Fish Divers (in Lombok) for this experience.  As you can see, Bali and its surroundings offer a large range of diving experience. When you return to scuba diving in Indonesia, look forward to seeing healthy reefs and lush marine life. Book your diving activity with a professional dive operator and take your chance to explore this underwater world!  About the author Hi! I'm Axelle, the Gilibookings.com writer of this blog post. If you have questions or feedback, feel free to contact me on: axelle@island-bookings.com   More about Bali in our Travel Guide   Check out our Bali activities  

2020-07-10T00:00:00+08:00 2026-04-28T20:58:50+08:00 https://www.gilibookings.com/blog/dream-now-travel-later Gilibookings.com info@gilibookings.com https://www.gilibookings.com Dream Now, Travel to Gili Later Many campaigns around the world are reminding us to “dream now and visit later” as travel restrictions remain in force. The truth is, the world pressed pause, but the destinations haven’t gone dark! So, in this time of global-pandemic, I would like to take you on a virtual tour of the Gili Islands and maybe inspire you to dream now and prepare to experience later.   “While the world is standing still, nature is recovering, and the wildlife seems more abundant. The islands are now quiet and at their most pristine” The Gilis are more pristine than ever The three Islands, a few kilometres off the northwest coast of Lombok, re-opened to domestic tourists on June 20, 2020 - a step in the right direction! The Gili islands are Corona free, and as such have been earmarked by the Indonesian government to become the pilot project for a "new normal" in tourism, and will hopefully be an example for other destinations in Indonesia. However, it might still be difficult to access the Gilis as Bali and Lombok are still not allowing international arrivals, though the government plans to start allowing this again from September onwards. Until then, all we can do right now is dream. But at the same time, in my opinion, we should not wait too long to visit the Gilis. While the world is standing still, nature is recovering, and the wildlife seems more abundant. The islands are now quiet and at their most pristine. Find out how to make your Gili dreams come true soon at the bottom of this page.   A virtual tour of the Gili Islands  A tour of the Gili Islands can only be done on foot, by bicycle or cidomo (a small horse-drawn carriage) as there are no motorized vehicles on the Islands! Each island has its own charm and local boats will take you from one to another.      Gili Trawangan Gili T is the largest of the 3 Islands (not by much). You will find a great mix of tropical remoteness with the luxuries of home, as despite its size, the island is pretty well developed.    Gili Trawangan offers some of the best diving spots in Indonesia. If you take a dip in the ocean, you will be rewarded with plenty of astonishing encounters. Sea turtles, reef sharks, manta rays and a lot of colourful coral fishes are waiting for you. On land, Gili T also boasts some of the most breath-taking sunsets. Imagine yourself staring at the bold, vibrant colours of the sky as the sun dips below the horizon, looking across the sea with Bali shimmering in the distance. You could choose to climb the hill to enjoy that view (the island rises up to 30m above the sea), sit on the famous ocean swings or simply enjoy the view from the beach.    When night comes, the southeastern coast of Gili T offers a food fest. The aroma of grilled seafood is rising, you can hear the woks clanking and brush shoulders with locals. The market is perfect to refuel after an adventurous day.   Gili Air Gili Air is a call for authentic adventures and will give you the feel of being part of a close-knit local community. Imagine spending hours lounging under the hot sun, jumping into turquoise waves, and sipping a cold drink. The Island is a good place to dive and to go snorkelling. Just a few meters off the beach you will discover coral heads, sponges, and an array of colourful fishes. You could also decide to venture from the shore and visit one of the serene coconut groves. During this stressful pandemic time, something that has been helping me to keep calm is to practice yoga. I often wish I could take a yoga class in one of Gili Air's amazing spots! So, if right now you and I are practicing yoga in our living room, we can dream about practicing it on Gili Air soon! Gili Meno Gili Meno is the smallest and the quietest of the three Gili Islands. If you are dreaming of a true getaway experience, this is the place for you. You will find there the most pristine beaches and the feeling of escape from all the worries of your daily life. Picture yourself lazing in a hammock, swimming in the crystal-clear waters, enjoying grilled fish, reading books, or playing chess with the friendly locals. This might be your reality soon! Start planning and think of who you would like to go with. Make your dreams come true The Gili Islands opening up again! On June 20, 2020 domestic travel restrictions were lifted, and midway through July limited fast boat services are resuming from Bali to the Gili islands. However, international tourism is expected to have to wait until at least September for the chance to enter Bali, Lombok and the Gili islands again.   For now, there are two solutions to access the Gilis domestically (if you are already in Indonesia). You can transfer from Bali or from Lombok. Bali Denpasar airport and Lombok International Airport are still open and some domestic flights are operating. Domestic fast boat services between Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands are offering limited services which you can check by using the search box on this website. From Lombok, you can transfer to the Gili islands using our sister site Gili-islandtransfers.com.   If you, like the the majority of us, are looking to arrive from outside Indonesia, my advice would be to keep yourself updated on your government’s latest travel restrictions. September is being earmarked as a possible reopening date. You can also check our Corona News page for the latest developments in Bali and the surrounding region. Hotels, tours, excursions and other activities will again be available with operators ensuring proper safety and social distancing practices. The Islands will do all that is necessary to ensure that, once international tourists return, they will be ready to welcome them back!   “In these times of uncertainty, more than ever, engaging the assistance of a reliable travel company, with expert knowledge of your destination, will help ease any concerns you may have.” When you are ready to book your fast boat tickets from Bali to the Gilis, you can simply perform a search here. We would love to help you plan your trip as soon as possible. In these times of uncertainty, more than ever, engaging the assistance of a reliable travel company, with expert knowledge of your destination, will help ease any concerns you may have. Feel free to contact us with your questions or any booking enquiries.   And while a visit to the Gilis might - for now - still be just a dream, you should not leave it too long to experience the destination in it most pristine state in decades, and make your dreams come true!     About the author Hi! I'm Axelle, the Gilibookings.com writer of this blog post. If you have questions or feedback, feel free to contact me on: axelle@island-bookings.com   Read more about the Gilis in our Travel Tips   Check out our Gili Islands activities

2020-06-03T00:00:00+08:00 2026-04-28T20:59:12+08:00 https://www.gilibookings.com/blog/top-10-things-to-do-in-gili Gilibookings.com info@gilibookings.com https://www.gilibookings.com Top 10 things to do in the Gili Islands Top 10 things to do in the Gili Islands The Gili Islands are a tiny archipelago in Indonesia, located northwest of Lombok. The Gili’s consist of three islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air and are known for their laid back vibe, amazing underwater world and beautiful white sandy beaches. You can reach the Gili islands by fast boat from Bali or speed boat transfer from Lombok. Here’s our list of Gili top 10 things to see & do: 1. Island hopping 2. Diving 3. Nightlife 4. Yoga 5. Cooking class 6. Horseback riding 7. Gili markets 8. Gili T Pub Crawl 9. Gili Islands Snorkeling Tour  10. Daytrip to Lombok Top 8 Gili Gili Island hopping 1. Although each possess beautiful sandy beaches and heavenly turquoise waters, each Gili has a different vibe and a variety of things to do. Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is the largest and most versatile island as it is known for its great nightlife and vareity of restaurants, while offering plenty of accommodation and activities to suit all budgets. Gili Meno is the smallest and most remote of the three Gili Islands; the western side has several deserted beaches and the island is especially popular with honeymooners. Gili Air offers a great mix somewhere between the other two islands as its vibe is tranquil while still offering plenty of facilities.    As the islands are so close to one another, island hopping should definitely be on the top of your list when visiting the Gilis. Island hopping between the Gili Islands can be done by taking a private transfer or public local boat from the harbour. Private speed boats will take you from one Gili Island to another at the exact time you'd like, or if you're not in a rush or like to keep things cheap you can get your local boat tickets at one of the harbour offices, as well as the latest schedule information. Get to know each of the islands and find out which you love best!   Dive in the Gili Islands 2. The Gili Islands are one of the most popular diving destinations in Asia with thousands of divers going there every year. It is well suited for beginners as well as experienced divers with a great vareity of dive sites in the surrounding waters. The turquoise seas are filled with tropical fish, colourful corals and many turtles. No wonder this area is a true favourite amongst divers, snorkelers and paddlers. Whether a beginner or a highly experienced diver, Gili offers opportunities for all. You could opt for a couple of discovery dives or go on some open water adventures. For example, at Gili T, Shark Point is home to blacktip and whitetip reef sharks, turtles and (deep) Halik offers amazing views of its shallow - and deep water corals. At Gili Meno, visit Turtle Heaven to (surprise, surprise) spot turtles throughout the year in both shallow and deeper waters or head out to Bounty Wreck, a pier wreckage at 10-20 meters depth which is now home to many tropical fish. At Gili Air, Frogfish Point offers a great opportunity for macro diving and Air Wall guarantees turtles, eagle rays and wonderful corals. If you're lucky, you may even encounter giant Manta Rays or Whale Sharks on their seasonal migrations.   "Diving in the Gilis is one of the most magical experiences. With the abundance of seaturtles and so many other sea creatures you will be sure to encounter something new on every dive."   Gili nightlife 3. Especially on Gili T, nightlife is booming and attracts many tourist all year round. Gili Air offers a chilled vibe with live sessions at the beach while you can relax in a beanbag, and there are also a few bars. On Gili Meno there is basically no nightlife and travelers tend to stay at their resorts to relax and have a drink (or two). On Wednesdays and Saturdays, make sure you get yourself a ticket to one of the Jiggy Boat Parties (departs from Gili T). Hop on the boat at 2 pm and sail around the three islands for 5 hours, party until sunset and cool off in the idyllic waters.    Gili T is an island with plenty of bars, restaurants and cafes, ready to entertain you until the sun comes up. Nightlife isn’t only concentrated in one area but widely available across the island, although the western side is quieter. You’ll find live acts and EDM or Reggae sounds blowing through the speakers at most places and if you don’t feel like dancing, join one of the pub crawls.   Yoga on the Gili Islands 4. Everyone knows the Gilis are a paradise for divers, but did you know it's heaven for yogis too? All the Gili islands offer a few places to relax, develop your skill, meditate and unwind. All over the islands you can find tranquil settings to practice your own yoga session or you could join a Gili yoga class at one of the many yoga schools present.    Practice yoga in the shades of the palms, on the idyllic white beach, or opt for a paddleboard yoga class at sunrise or sunset. What better way to follow up your yoga session than with a nice treatment at one of the islands’ spas. Enjoy a nice massage, facial or full body treatment and let the smell of natural oils take all the stress away.    "Close your eyes, feel the sun on your skin, hear the sounds of the waves breaking on the shore and the birds sing. Feel the warm sand between your toes, take a deep breath in and slowly breath out again."   Gili Cooking Class 5. Beef Rendang, Gado Gado, Indonesian Satay, Siomay, just a few of the Indonesian dishes you must definitely try. But how much fun would it be to prepare it yourself? Learn how to cook like a true Indonesian by following a cooking class on Gili T or Gili Air.   During these classes, professional Indonesian chefs provide English-taught courses using fresh local and seasonal products. The courses are adaptable to vegetarians and children are more than welcome too. Impress your friends and family at home with some traditional Indonesian courses!     Horse riding on Gili T 6. Did you know the Gilis are non-motorised islands? Go to Stud stable on Gili Trawangan and enjoy a horse ride at your own pace and level of experience.  Instead of taking a scooter or car (the islands don't allow motorised vehicles), the locals move around and transport their goods by bike or by horse cart (called cidomos). No wonder there are many horses present on the Gilis. The horses at Stud are taken excellent care of, and the establishment also helps run a program to improve the wellbeing of the local work horses on the island. "Imagine yourself riding across the sandy beaches, on one side a line of palm trees and the sun setting in the turquoise waters on the other...This is what horseriding in the Gilis feels like."   Gili Markets 7. The best Gili market is located at the Art Market area on Gili Trawangan, right across from the main jetty. During the day it's a cute little art market but from 7 pm, the smell of barbecue meat & fish fills the area. After a relaxing day at the beach, head over to one of the little boutique shops that are present on each of the three islands to get yourself the perfect island wear. Besides clothing, the shops offer many handcrafted souvenirs, ranging from gorgeous jewellery to the finest locally made accessories made of wood and coconut shells. Don’t forget to treat yourself to some wonderful natural oils to relive the island’s smells and relaxation when you're back home. In the evenings, the open-air stalls at the Gili T night market offer a wide range of local food with freshly caught fish, corn and sliced vegetables, all for a very good price. This makes it a firm favourite dining spot amongst backpackers, budget travellers and others looking for a local food experience. Don’t leave before dessert! Several stalls specialise in all that’s sweet; cakes, sweet potato fritters, chocolate pancakes or banana delights. Most shopping can be done on Gili T, so when you’re staying on one of the other islands, hop on the local boat or a pre-book a speed boat and let it take you there on your own time.  "Ready for some authentic street food? Head out to the Gili Trawangan night market. This is as local as your dinner can get."   Gili T Pub Crawl 8. The Gili T Pub Crawl offers an exciting nightlife experience in Gili Trawangan. Join every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday at 9 PM for a tour of four top island bars, complete with drink discounts, complimentary shots, and a free Gili T Pub Crawl singlet. The crawl includes exclusive prizes and a chance to meet fellow travelers.     Private snorkeling tour Gili Islands 9. â€‹Embark on a private 4-hour snorkeling tour around the Gili Islands—Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Departing from your chosen island, the tour includes visits to vibrant coral reefs and exploration of the famous underwater statues near Gili Meno. The tour is led by a professional captain who will guide you through the best snorkeling spots, ensuring that you have an amazing experience while prioritizing safety. The necessary snorkeling gear, including masks, fins, and life jackets, is provided, so all you need to do is enjoy the stunning marine life and crystal-clear waters. Daytrip to Lombok 10. Filling your days on the Gili islands is fairly easy, but lesser known amongst tourists, neighboring Lombok has so much to offer. Be amazed at Lomboks stunning waterfalls, mountains, volcanoes, secret surf spots, beautifully deserted coastlines and warm culture.   Get blown away by the amazing sunset tour which takes you to the Pura Lingsar temple and the Malimbu Hill abd Pusuk Monkey Forest. Or go for the Sasak culture tour to immerse yourself in Lombok culture and learn all about the traditional pottery and weaving techniques that have been passed on from generation to generation. Alternatively, opt for a trekking tour to the most picturesque waterfalls of Lombok. Visit either Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfalls or Benang Kelambu and Benang Stokel Waterfalls. All the above daytrips will last for an entire day (7/8 hours) and can be planned every day of the week, offering all the flexibility you need when staying on the Gilis. Whichever tour you choose, they all guarantee a splendid day for which you will be picked up from Gili T, Gili Meno or Gili Air in the morning and dropped off again in the late afternoon!   These ten activities are only a handful of all the possibilities offered on the Gilis, but should get you started to say the least! Back to top About the author Hi everyone, my name is Kirsten and I'm the writer behind this blog post. With this blog I'd  like to share my experience with fellow travelers.  If you would like to add to any of my posts or  for questions, feel free to contact me on: kirsten@island-bookings.com More about the Gili's in our Travel Tips Check out our Gili Islands Activities

2020-05-01T00:00:00+08:00 2022-05-23T23:41:58+08:00 https://www.gilibookings.com/blog/nyepi-day-coronavirus-bali Gilibookings.com info@gilibookings.com https://www.gilibookings.com Balinese silent day & Covid-19 lockdown In these unusual times, where half of the Global population is undergoing a Coronavirus lockdown, we can learn from Balinese culture to slow down, embrace the simple things in life, reconnect with our family, nature, and ourselves. On the 25th of March this year, in Bali, locals celebrated Nyepi Day, the island’s New Year’s Day, or “Silent Day”. On Nyepi Day, Balinese people stay home and reflect on the past and coming year. Every year the Day of Silence is celebrated on a different date, following the “Saka” calendar, based on the phases of the moon. Although Indonesia is a Muslim country, Bali is the only remaining island in Indonesia with a Hindu majority. Preperations for Nyepi day of Silence Celebrations start three days before Nyepi Day, with Melasti, a purification ritual. Locals parade Balinese God Symbols in a procession to the sea. These sacred images are ritually cleaned and purified by the water. This is an invitation to purify oneself of all the bad things in the past and throw it to the ocean. At noon on the eve of Nyepi, Balinese practice the tawur agung. Animal sacrifices, raw meat, eggs, and liquor are offered to demons. Loud music is being played to attract demons and get them to leave. The idea is to pay off the demons that accumulate during the year. Locals parade through the streets with their ogoh-ogoh, a huge effigy made from bamboo and papier-mâché in the shape of a demon. Those effigies are burnt before sunrise to symbolise all evil leaving ahead of the New Year. Gamelan bands play percussive instruments while people practice the ritual of pengrupukan to create a balance between mankind, nature, and gods. They brush burning dried coconut leaves against the base of every building. Coronavirus in Bali This year, the pre-Nyepi celebrations were heavily scaled back due to the Coronavirus restrictions. Ogoh-ogoh were only allowed to be shown around the local community that made them and without parade. Some protested as they put a lot of effort into their effigies but most understood due to the current situation. While lockdown is a choke for many societies, the Balinese at least have the experience of their annual silence every year on Nyepi Day to compare it with. They stay home, with no fire, no lights, no work, and no entertainment. Businesses close, airports shutdown.  Some locals even fast and do not speak.  The reasons for this Day of Silence are multiple. Traditionally, it is believed that if demons decide to return to the Island after being cast out in the days leading up to Nyepi, they will think the island is deserted and leave. But it is also a day to reflect on the past year and set new goals for the year to come. It is the Day to find the silence to meditate. This tradition helps to be more productive going forward. It allows people to reconnect with their families without distractions. This year Nyepi was extended for an extra day and with the social distancing measures, benefits continue to apply: people turn to their family, parents teach their kids traditions and skills not often taught in a classroom. Nyepi Day is also proven to be good for the environment. Even if it only lasts 24H, air and sea pollution levels come down. This regenerative effect on the natural environment is now becoming even starker during Covid-19 measures that continue to prevent inbound international travel to the island. For the latest updates on Coronavirus in Bali and when travel restrictions will be lifted, check out our dedicated page here. About the author Hi! I'm Axelle, the Gilibookings.com writer of this blog post. If you have questions or feedback, feel free to contact me on: axelle@island-bookings.com Read more about Bali in our Travel Tips     Check out our Bali Activities    

2019-10-08T00:00:00+08:00 2026-04-28T21:37:56+08:00 https://www.gilibookings.com/blog/nusa-penida-day-trip Gilibookings.com info@gilibookings.com https://www.gilibookings.com My Nusa Penida Day Trip Viewpoint Atuh Beach Nusa Penida I recently visited Nusa Penida and absolutely loved it. Nusa Penida is an island just South of Bali which is very easy to reach by fast boat. Penida is quiet compared to Lembongan and Bali as it is considerably less developed. However there is plenty to see and do! What can you find in this guide: Nusa Penida general info From Bali to Nusa Penida Getting around Nusa Penida Things to do/see on Nusa Penida Summary  Nusa Penida Island The island offers a main strip going from the West up to the North, apart from that there isn't much development (which I personally loved). Along the main strip you will find some small shops, tour providers, dive shops and places to eat & drink (Warungs). It is recommended to take enough cash as there are almost no ATM’s on the island. My favorite spot to eat was Penida Colada (the coconut pancakes are to die for!). Surrounding Penida are some great places to dive (or snorkel) such as Manta Point, Crystal Bay, Toyapakeh (Mola Mola fish) and some good locations for drift diving. Book a dive in Nusa Penida here: Diving Nusa Penida with Blue Corner Dive Local Warung Nusa Penida How to get to Nusa Penida From Bali it is only a short trip over to Nusa Penida by fast boat. There are several departures throughout the day which you can choose from, I would recommend booking with El Ray for the best budget options from Bali to Nusa Penida. They offer a service with and without pick-up on Bali from most places in South Bali and you can book their tickets through www.gilitickets.com. If you're looking for the best quality service I would recommend going with Gili Getaway, they operate from Bali Serangan to Lombok via Lembongan and Penida once a day. You can find more info regarding their service on our website. Book your premium tickets with Gili Getaway from Bali to Nusa Penida here: Bali to Nusa Penida Find budget tickets with El Ray from Bali to Nusa Penida here: Bali to Nusa Penida "Almost all other roads are very(!!) bumpy with the occasional stretch of asphalt here and there providing some time to recover from the previous 25 minutes of turbulence." Nusa Penida Island Tour The roads on the main strip are decent all the way up to the north. Almost all other roads are very(!!) bumpy with the occasional stretch of asphalt here and there providing some time to recover from the previous 25 minutes of turbulence. However, Penida offers some amazing viewpoints and things to see which are worth the bumpy ride for most tourists. It is good to know that these are all located quite far from the main strip. I went to a couple of viewpoints and yes, they are definitely as pretty as the pictures on instagram. What you really need to ask yourself is: ‘How are you going to explore Penida and how much time do you have?’. By scooter it is only recommended if you’re an experienced driver due to the bad road conditions (it is faster than by car) and by car it’s quite bumpy but more comfortable as you will likely have AC and don’t have to worry about where to go (a driver for the day will cost you around 600.000IDR). You won’t have a stable phone connection while on Penida so it is worth downloading google maps offline if you decide to go by scooter. There is often only one way to and from the viewpoints which means you will travel back mostly on the same bumpy road. Nevertheless, Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong and Crystal Bay are well worth a visit and I will explain how to get there so you can prepare for what’s to come. Book your guided tour to Kelingking Viewpoint, Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong and Crystal bay on Nusa Penida here: Nusa Penida West Tour Things to do/see The closest place to see from the main strip is Crystal Bay. It’s around 25-30 minutes by car and if you’re looking to spend a nice chill day snorkeling with a few Warungs nearby for drinks and food, this is the place to be. The snorkeling is great with loads of sea-life, fish, turtles and beautiful corals. It’s located inside a bay which means you can go quite far out and there is a stunning rock formation in the middle of the bay with a shrine on it which makes the view even better. You can rent snorkeling gear at the beach and they have sunbeds, it can get quite busy here during the day.   Crystal bay Nusa Penida   "I went to a couple of viewpoints and yes, they are definitely as pretty as the pictures on instagram." One of the most photographed beaches on Nusa Penida is Kelingking Beach. From the main strip to Kelingking will take you around 1-1,5 hours by car (not 46 minutes like Google Maps states) due to the poor road conditions. Especially if you’re going by scooter you need to realize that you will be out in the open sun for most of the drive there and it is not a pleasant ride. There are some signs along the road which will ensure you go in the right direction and when you arrive you will need to pay a small fee for parking. From the parking lot you will walk down a path passing 2-3 warungs and then you’ll already be able to see the stunning viewpoint. From the viewpoint you can go down a (steep) path, around 30-40 minutes, to Kelingking Beach which is absolutely amaziing as well. Keep in mind, you will need to go back up the same steep path but at least you can grab a cold refreshing drink at one of the warungs when you’ve made it back up.     Kelingking Beach Nusa Penida   From the main strip to Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach is around 1,5-2 hours (again, not 1 hour like Google Maps states). The roads remain very bumpy throughout most of the trip and for parking you have to pay a small fee. You can then walk up to the Warung to ascend down to Angel’s Billabong or you can directly head over to Broken Beach (path on the left) and then make your way to Angel’s Billabong. If you want to swim/take a picture in Angel’s Billabong I would recommend doing this when the ocean is quiet (e.g. very early in the morning). The water gets rough so if the locals tell you to not go in, please listen (there have been fatal accidents!). Broken Beach is stunning any time of day however keep in mind you cannot ascend here, which means no swimming. There are some small local shops along Broken Beach viewpoint and there is a bigger Warung just next to Angel’s Billabong where you could stop for some food and refreshments.   Angel's Billabong Nusa Penida   Broken beach Nusa Penida   Manta Point is obviously a great place to spot.. Manta rays! However, I wouldn’t drive there as the drive there is very long and bumpy and you can only view manta’s from up above as it is quite impossible to climb down to where the water is. If you wish to see Manta’s I would recommend booking a snorkeling/diving trip as you get to see the whole coast from the boat and actually snorkel up close with the Manta’s (the tour guides often know where to find them).   Manta point Nusa Penida   Other places you could visit (which I haven’t) are Attu Beach, Gamat Bay (snorkeling), Tembeling beach & forest, Rumah Pohon Tree House, Peguyanan waterfall, Tembeling natural pool and a visit to the dark spirited temple Pua Dalem Ped.   Atuh Beach Nusa Penida   Pua Dalem Ped Temple Nusa Penida To summarize Penida is a quiet island (especially in terms of nightlife) however it is quite big and has enough places where you can eat, drink and relax. Exploring can take a bit longer than expected due to the poor road conditions. However, the viewpoints are amazing, the snorkeling is awesome and I loved that there were less tourists on the island (compared to Lembongan/Bali). Rent a scooter and have a drive along the main strip by scooter and have some food at Penida Colada - I miss the coconut pancakes there!   Tip: Download Google Maps offline, take enough cash (almost no ATM's) and bring a sarong to protect yourself from the sun, to lay at the beach and for entering a temple.   Dream Beach Nusa Penida About the author Hi everyone, my name is Kirsten and I'm the writer behind this blog post. With this blog I'd  like to share my experience with fellow travelers.  If you would like to add to any of my posts or  for questions, feel free to contact me on: kirsten@island-bookings.com   Book a guided tour on Nusa Penida     Book a dive with Blue Corner Dive Penida     Read our Penida Travel Guide