Crystal Bay
Originally known as Penida Beach, Crystal Bay is arguably the most beautiful beach on the island of Nusa Penida. By motorbike, this beach is easily accessible, and takes around 15-20 minutes from Ped. Although still accessible by car, like most locations it does take a little longer, nearing the 30 minute mark, and the rough road conditions are harder to avoid. On the way to Crystal Bay, you will pass through several small towns that offer places to stop and refill, have a snack and talk to some of the locals. The high road provides you with a view upon the palm tree plantations, as well as many of the farm animals such as cows and pigs and the many town houses.
Crystal Bay first welcomes you with several food stores where you can purchase snacks for around 1000 RPH (10 cents AUD), or local meals such as Mi Goreng or Nasi Goreng for no more than 10 000 RPH ($1.00AUD). There are also fresh coconuts available for purchase, from which you can drink the fresh coconut water and eat the coconut flesh, a local delicacy that will certainly quench your thirst after hours in the sun. The beach is patrolled by a trained lifeguard who is often seen wandering around. There are plenty opportunities to dive and snorkel, which can be well noted by the dozens of boats form Bali and Nusa Lembongan which swarm the waters. It is said to be one of the best places to snorkel on the island, with a wide array of fish and coral species to be seen.
From afar, you will note a rock formation about 150 meters off shore, with natural arch formation, with a temple situated on top. With fins, you should be able to swim out to the arch, however it may be considered disrepectful to enter in such informal gear.
Manta Bay
Manta Bay is a picturesque location that can be viewed from high up above on the cliff face. The road out to the view point is fairly bumpy as it transitions from potholes in the bitumen to coarse gravel, to stones and occasionally grass. The journey from Ped takes roughly between 1 and 1.5 hours, passing through several farming villages with crops of corn and cassava, as well as tobacco. Much of the time, children will be wondering the street, and are always ecstatic to see visitors driving through their villages, screaming and waving hello, hoping to receive the same from you as journey on by. It is strongly advised to hire a local driver to take you there safely, as there are no signs, and almost impossible to find your way via motorcycle.
Besides the endless heat and humidity, the first thing you will notice is the view, visible over the grassland as you approach. About a 5 minute walk will lead you to the edge of the cliffs which tower over the water below. You can hear the soothing sound of waves crashing against the rock. As you look across the ocean, you can see the dozens of dive boats. As the name suggests, it renown for the major manta ray population. On a calm day, you can see the manta rays occasionally break through the waters surface.
Broken Beach
Connected to the first point of Manta Bay is the beautiful opening of Broken Beach. The water of the ocean flows through an eroded hole in the cliff face. From the above perimeter of the cliff face you can see the beach. With sand on the inner side of the cliff face, it simulates a small beach, hence the name. Looking down from above, you can see the crystal clear water of the beach, and see the rigid outline of the rocks below with fish swimming in between. There is no path to the beach unfortunately, however this allows for pristine preservation of this beautiful place. Whilst Broken Beach is hard to access, the view is phenomenal, unlike any other. If you are lucky enough to be accompanied by a local, they may be able to share the unique story of how the beach became to be.
Conserve Nusa Penida 