Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong & the Octopus Queen

Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong are some of Nusa Penida‘s must-visit sites, situated on the southwestern coast of the island near Crystal Bay. Formerly notorious for its poor road conditions, the route is now significantly improved. Only the last hundred meters serve as a reminder of the past.

Those who want a challenge can hike from Crystal Bay to Broken Beach. But the trail can be difficult to locate and can take up to two hours to traverse. Known as Pasih Uug to the locals, the two beaches are among Nusa Penida’s most iconic destinations, alongside Kelingking Beach , Crystal Bay and Diamond Beach.

What is the origin of the name Broken Beach?

Broken Beach is so named because a portion of the cliff near the seashore has collapsed, creating a circular shape that measures approximately 100 meters. As a result, the area resembles a circular bay. Water flows into this bay through an arch that overlooks the sea. It’s difficult to describe, so please take a look at the photos!

⚠️ Beware of Accidents at Broken Beach

You’ll probably walk around the bay and take plenty of photos — but be careful with your selfies! Several careless tourists have stepped back too far while taking pictures and fallen. Warning signs have since been installed to alert visitors to the danger of falling. Some have been lucky to survive, like an influencer who tumbled off the cliff in early 2023 — he fell 45 meters, spent several days in a coma, but miraculously left the hospital with only a broken leg. Unfortunately, most other accidents have been fatal.

Despite what the name might suggest, there isn’t actually a real beach at Broken Beach, and it’s impossible to go down to the water. During the most recent incident, it took rescuers over two and a half hours to recover the victim from the bottom of the cliff.

Manta Bay

If you’re lucky, you might spot manta rays from the arch. The cliff actually sits right above Manta Bay, a popular spot for snorkeling tours. Manta Bay is also a diving spot. The goal of diving here isn’t really to see manta rays — it’s much better to go to Manta Point for that — but rather to try to spot the Mola Mola (ocean sunfish) along a deep wall exposed to the open sea.

Can you fly a drone at Broken Beach?

If you’re aiming for a spectacular aerial shot, I suggest flying your drone at an altitude of around 150 meters and capturing a vertical photo from that height. However, it’s important to avoid attempting to fly your drone beneath the arch to capture video footage. Numerous people have tried and failed, and if you go diving there, you will see many drones at the base of the arch in the sea.

Why? Because most pilots fly the drone too slowly beneath the arch. When the drone loses contact with its pilot below the arch, the drone climbs to its intended altitude for retrieval, but it collides with the arch’s roof, causing it to fall and sink.

To fly your drone below Broken Beach arch, you have two options: either fly at maximum speed under the arch and hope that the momentum will propel the drone to the other side, or cease recording before reaching the arch, resume recording on the opposite side, and then edit the footage together later.

Angel’s Billabong

A billabong is a term used in Australia to describe an isolated pond that is formed when a river changes its course. However, at Angel’s Billabong, it is more of a natural pool. The pool is filled with clear water during high tide and appears as a natural pool during low tide. It is an enjoyable experience to take a swim in the crystal-clear water during low tide.

However, it is essential to avoid swimming during high tide or when there are big waves. It is crucial to exit the pool immediately once the first wave enters, as I have witnessed tourists losing their balance due to the waves. Luckily, they were not swept out of the pool, as it can be nearly impossible to come back once that happens. Following an incident in February 2023 that resulted in a casualty, swimming in the Angel Billabong natural pool is now prohibited. But there are still reckless tourists who do not follow the recommendations of their guide and are caught by a big wave and drown…

The two photos below, taken within a span of just five minutes, show how quickly the situation can change.

How to get to Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong

By scooter or car

To get to Broken Beach from Toyapakeh, take a left turn at the intersection after the village of Sakti. The road on the right leads to Crystal Bay, while the left road is the one you should take. Then, take the first right and follow the road signs. The road is mostly new, but you can avoid the last few hundred meters of a dirt road by turning left at the sign for ‘Wayan Coffee’. You can park near Broken Beach and walk to Angel’s Billabong from there.

It will take about 40 minutes to get to Broken Beach and Angel Billabong from either Toyapakeh or Crystal Bay.

Broken Beach and Angel Billabong are generally part of the West tour of Nusa Penida. For more information on driving and getting around Nusa Penida, you can read our Get around Nusa Penida guide.

Hiking from Crystal Bay to Broken Beach

Hiking to Broken Beach from Crystal Bay is possible, but it’s not an easy trail to navigate. It takes approximately two hours. Proper shoes are a necessity for this hike. The starting point of the trail is relatively easy to find. Facing the sea at Crystal Bay, walk towards the left side of the beach. There you will find stairs leading up the hill and then down to Pandan Beach. From there, you’ll need to climb to the top of the next hill, which can be a bit challenging. Finding the trail through the forest on the other side of the second beach might also be a little tricky.

Once you’re out of the forest, the path becomes relatively flat until you reach Broken Beach. The route is not well-defined, but if you have Google Maps, you should be able to navigate your way. Recently, some people have claimed to reach Crystal Bay from Broken Beach on a scooter, following a route indicated on Google Maps. However, I have attempted to find this road without success.

How do you get from Bali to Angel’s Billabong ?

Read how to get from Bali to Nusa Penida island to know which ports and fast boats to choose, the time tables and prices.

What is the best time to go to Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong ?

Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Kelingking Beach are popular destinations for day-trip tourists. To avoid the crowds, it is best to visit outside of the peak hours, from 11 am to 3 pm. However, plan to arrive before 2 pm if you want to capture photos of Angel’s Billabong’s natural pool in the sunshine.

The Octopus Queen

The Penida Swing Park will soon open near Broken Beach. Its central feature will be the “Octopus Queen”, a monumental bamboo sculpture representing a giant octopus, installed right on the edge of the cliff. Designed to become a new cultural landmark of the island, this artwork aims to showcase Balinese craftsmanship in bamboo construction while offering visitors a stunning scenic backdrop. The Penida Swing Park will also feature panoramic swings and viewing platforms overlooking the ocean.