get around Nusa Penida in scooter
Planning your trip to Indonesia and to Bali? Look no further for practical information about Nusa Penida. Learn about the best ways to navigate the island and the current state of its roads. You’ll find all the information you need here. If you have any questions, feel free to ask. Nusa Penida is a sprawling 200 km2, twice the size of Paris, but lacks public transportation. A handy guide is a must!
Nusa Penida‘s roads are undergoing renovations, making it increasingly convenient to travel around the island. Some destinations, however, require navigating bumpy dirt roads. Renting a scooter or motorbike is a popular option for seeing the sights, but there are other choices available. For those less confident on two wheels, hiring a car with a driver may be a more preferable option for a guided tour of the island.
Walking in Nusa Penida
Due to its vast size, it’s impossible to explore the entire island of Nusa Penida on foot unless you’re an avid hiker with ample time on your hands. Nevertheless, there are still plenty of beautiful hikes to enjoy.
I have personally explored the trail from Crystal Bay to Broken Beach, which offers stunning views. Another excellent hike can be found in the primary forest of Temeling, which involves a pleasant two-kilometer (one-way) walk after parking your scooter or getting dropped off by your driver before a long descent.
For a more leisurely stroll, consider walking from your hotel in Sakti to Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, and Amok Sunset Bar. Additionally, you’ll likely encounter many schoolchildren on their way to or from school as you explore the island.
For adventure enthusiasts, a scooter is a great way to explore Nusa Penida at your own pace. You can effortlessly navigate the island’s various sights and pause at any viewpoint to take photos or soak in the scenery.
I recommend renting from Bikago. They have been operating since 2014, offering high-quality scooter rentals with impeccable service in Bali. They have 8 branches in Bali. But they are set to open a new shop on April 15th, 2024 at the Toyapakeh port, right where the fast boats from Sanur arrive. Enjoy a brand new fleet of well-maintained rental scooters and motorcycles with Bikago. With competitive pricing, online booking confirmation, and comprehensive insurance options, Bikago provides exceptional services to visitors looking to explore the scenic roads of Nusa Penida. All scooters come with helmets and a first aid kit.
Although helmets are not mandatory in Nusa Penida, it’s safer to wear one. The rental company may not provide helmets unless specifically requested, so it’s essential to ask for one. It’s also recommended to wear sturdy shoes and at least a tee-shirt. I’ve noticed many tourists driving their scooters without helmets, shirts, or proper footwear, which may be comfortable, until an accident occurs, especially on roads with gravel.
A driving license is usually not required to rent a scooter in Nusa Penida, but it’s worth remembering that your insurance may not cover you if you don’t have an international driving permit. So I strongly advise to have one. You can get one valid up to 3 years in less than 8 minutes on line.
Scooters are typically 125 cc, but some roads on Nusa Penida are incredibly steep, making it challenging to navigate with a scooter. In such cases, a full-size motocross bike may be the best option if you have experience riding one. However, the rental cost will be higher. N-Max (150 cc and bigger wheels making it more stable) may also be a good compromise.
Scooter in the rain
If you plan to visit Nusa Penida island or Bali during the rainy season, I highly suggest purchasing a poncho for just a few euros. They come in various colors and provide excellent protection from the rain. When you see the locals stopping to don their own ponchos, it’s time to follow suit, as you could easily become drenched within seconds.
While Nusa Penida typically receives less rainfall than other parts of Bali, with less than 1000mm annually, it’s always wise to have a raincoat on hand when riding your motorbike.
Or check the weather forecast !
Annual Rain in Bali
Nusa Penida Island’s road network has undergone a significant refurbishment, including the road that encircles the island. This road runs along the entire north coast from Toyapakeh to Suana, travels up to Atuh Beach and Tanglad, crosses the entire island, and eventually leads to a fork towards the recently renovated Crystal Bay Beach. Some new crossroads have also been constructed.
Driving around the island on these newly constructed roads is a pleasant experience. However, it’s crucial to adhere to the following three rules:
And again, I highly recommend to wear a helmet, proper shoes, and at least a tee-shirt when driving a scooter.
Beware of animals on the roads !
While some of the newly refurbished roads on Nusa Penida island are of high quality, the majority of the other roads are average at best. And even poor in some cases. This is especially true for the crossroads that lead from the main road to the sea. However, the worst of these, the road leading to Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong, has seen significant improvement.
To test your driving skills on the island, it is advisable to begin with the destinations accessible by good roads, such as Crystal Bay, Goa Giri Putri, Atuh Beach, and Kelingking Beach. If you do not feel entirely comfortable, it is recommended to hire a driver for more exotic locations such as Suwehan Beach.
Road to Suwehan Beach
Complete darkness sets in approximately 45 minutes after sunset, typically around 7 p.m. However, driving at night in Bali or Nusa Penida can sometimes be more comfortable than during the day, particularly on well-maintained roads. Fewer cars and trucks are on the road, and their headlights provide ample visibility. However, it is important to exercise caution and drive at a slower pace, particularly on roads that are not well maintained.
Namaste Bungalows hotel has produced a map of Nusa Penida island, which accurately reflects the quality of the road network. However, it should be noted that the map has anticipated road renovations south of Tanglad to Suwehan Beach and Tabuanan that have not yet been completed. For a high-resolution PDF version of the map, please leave a comment below or send an email.
In addition, Google Maps is an excellent resource for navigating Nusa Penida island. The distances and travel times provided by Google are generally accurate, taking into account the road conditions. However, it is essential to verify the correct spelling of each location before typing it into the search bar. For example, to reach Temeling, it must be typed as “Tembeling.”
Mapsme, unfortunately, is not recommended as it has limited knowledge of the roads on Nusa Penida, and tourists have been lost in remote areas following its directions. For your convenience, you can also access my Google map of Nusa Penida, which includes the top 15 sites to see on the island.
Map of Nusa Penida, Bali
If you are traveling with a lot of suitcases, the most convenient option would be to arrange for your transfer from the port through your hotel. Alternatively, you can find drivers at the port who can transport you and your luggage to your hotel, but the prices may be higher. It’s not uncommon for drivers to charge IDR 300,000 or more for a trip to a location such as the tree house near Sekartaji. It’s important to note that drivers on the island have an agreement to charge lump sum prices, which makes it challenging to negotiate. Generally, the average price for a trip ranges from 150,000 to 200,000 rupiahs.
It is not possible to rent and drive by yourself a car on Nusa Penida island. To explore the island, you will need to rent a car with a driver for half or full day trips. In some cases, the driver may also act as a guide. This option is particularly useful if you are traveling with a group of people and wish to visit the island’s most remote locations. However, it is important to note that prices are higher than those in Bali. Typically, drivers will charge 550,000 rupiahs for the west tour, which includes Broken Beach and Kelingking Beach. And 650,000 rupiahs for the East tour, which includes Atuh Beach. Six passengers can typically fit in one car, making it a relatively cost-effective option for larger groups.
Alternatively, if you are traveling solo, you can rent a scooter with a driver.
get around with a boat
There are numerous options available for boat excursions. Among them, the most popular one is the snorkeling tour that allows you to witness the majestic Manta rays. If you prefer a more immersive experience, scuba diving is an excellent opportunity to explore the coastline and its seabed. Additionally, public and private boats run between Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan islands. They charge approximately 60,000 rupees per way.
I hardly saw any on the island. It must be said that it is quite hilly, with a peak higher than 500 meters above sea level. But if you have your own bike and you feel like it, this may be an original way to get around in Nusa Penida !
When I first came to Nusa Penida in 2015 there were only 2 hotels on the island. There are now 450 listed on Booking.com. Read the selection of my favorite places to stay in Nusa Penida. They are all located in between Toyapakeh and Crystal Bay because it is more authentic and less busy than the north coast. And from there you can reach pretty much any attraction in Nusa Penida in less than 1 hour.
Many hotels are offering Getaway Deals for stays between April 4 and September 28, 2023.
I will be happy to answer any questions ! Just contact me or post a question !
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