Diving Nusa Penida vs. Nusa Lembongan: when & where to go?

Is it even possible to go diving in Bali and not dream of swimming with manta rays and mola-molas? What many divers don’t realise is that to fulfil this dream, they need to hop over to a different island. While part of Bali’s province, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan are two neighbouring islands off its southeast coast, offering not only some of the most thrilling dives in the region but also stunning landscapes, from golden beaches to dramatic cliffs. But the question you’ll quickly ask will is it better to go diving in Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan, as like most people you won’t probably have the time to do both.

Each island has its advantages depending on what you’re looking for—whether it’s accessibility, marine life diversity, or a mix of diving and sightseeing. After a short trip to Nusa Lembongan in 2015, where I saw my first-ever mola-mola, I was eager to return and explore both islands in depth. So last summer, I packed my gear and spent a week diving in Nusa Penida in August, followed by another week in Nusa Lembongan in September—right in the heart of mola-mola season and peak tourism. This guide breaks down my experiences to help you decide which island is the best fit for your diving adventure.

Where are the best dive sites?

Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan offer some of Bali’s best dive sites, from drift dives to manta ray cleaning stations and seasonal encounters with the elusive mola-mola. Both islands are part of the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA), a 200 km² zone intended to balance tourism and conservation since 2010.

The MPA is divided into marine tourism, sustainable fisheries, seaweed farming, and sacred and core zones. Fishing is prohibited in core and tourism zones, though small-scale fishing often continues due to weak enforcement. In 2024, Nusa Penida’s ecological importance received international recognition with its designation as both a Mission Blue Hope Spot and a Particularly Sensitive Sea Area (PSSA) by the International Maritime Organisation (IMO).

When I first visited Nusa Lembongan, I didn’t realise that most dive trips actually go to Nusa Penida, especially its southern coast. Back in 2015, tourism was slowly emerging in Nusa Penida. It wasn’t yet a thing to be based there to go diving, but that changed when an Instagram photo of Kelingking Beach went viral, making it today, Bali’s most popular day trip. While Crystal Bay and Manta Point are among the most popular dive sites in Bali, on my latest trip, Crystal Bay didn’t live up to its fame, and Manta Point had some frustrating moments.

However, one of the best parts of my trip was diving for the first time on the north side of both Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. The coral reefs there are incredibly healthy, with fewer divers and plenty of marine life—including mola-molas. It’s a great alternative to the overcrowded southern sites and a reminder that these islands still have some quieter spots worth exploring. You’ll find below a breakdown of the best dive sites based on my personal experience.

Manta Point – Penida South Shore

Manta Point is certainly Nusa Penida’s most famous dive site, offering near-guaranteed manta ray encounters year-round at a cleaning station. Seeing manta rays glide gracefully through the waters is a magical experience that no one can ever forget. The site has a resident manta population, but conditions at the surface can be challenging from December to March. The rainy season often brings rough seas, leading to frequent cancellations. When the sea is calm, the shallow cleaning station (5–10m) makes it accessible to Open Water divers like snorkelers .

It’s important to distinguish Manta Point from Manta Bay. Manta Point is further but better for manta sightings. My dives were always lucky to this regard, though not in the numbers I experienced in 2015 when I saw a “manta highway” that even my guides called rare. Check “Everything you need to know about swimming with manta rays” below, for more insights about the current diving experience in Manta Point.

The second half of the dive usually heads toward a deeper rocky point (20–24m), a potential mola-mola spot in the season (July-October). The marine life encounters I had there included an octopus, a bamboo shark, a huge number of blue-spotted stingrays in trove, and schools of yellow-lined snappers. On my last dive, most groups on my boat saw one mola-mola there, but I was unluckily paired with an air hog, costing us this magical sighting. At least, I was delighted for that Indonesian diver who had come so many times to Nusa Penida and was finally awarded this memory of a lifetime.

My dive parameters

• 12/08/2024 : snorkelling – 23°C
• 11/09/2024 : 24 m – 48 min – 22°C
• 12/09/2024 : 29 m – 46 min – 23°C
• 14/09/2024 : 18 m – 44 min – 23°C

Crystal Bay – Penida West Shore

Crystal Bay is the 2^nd most popular dive site in Nusa Penida, famous for its seasonal mola-mola sightings between July and October. Divers venture to depths of 30–40m, hoping to spot the elusive oceanic sunfish as they rise from the deep for getting cleaned-up by wrasse. The bay is stunning, with white sand and coral gardens on each side, in addition to excellent visibility with clear blue waters —sometimes up to 40m.

However, the further you swim away from the beach, the stronger and more unpredictable, down and up currents get. This dive is suitable only for experienced divers if the goal is to look for mola-molas. The shallower areas provide a more sheltered environment, often used for training dives, with a sandy slope and reefs full of butterflyfish, bannerfish, and angelfish around it. Be aware that mola-molas like colder waters, so water temperatures in Crystal Bay often drop to 23°C; I even had a 19°C thermocline on one of my dives from 15m deep. A 5mm full wetsuit with a hood and booties is a suitable choice to dive here.

Despite 4 dives at Crystal Bay, I didn’t spot a single mola-mola this time. My first visit in 2015 brought beginner’s luck with a sighting on my first dive, but since then, my attempts have been unsuccessful. Instead, I saw a hawksbill turtle, barracudas, a sea snake, and a crested nembrotha nudibranch. The conditions were intense, with strong currents pulling in all directions. I sometimes had to grip a rock for several minutes to stay in place. Despite spotting many nudibranchs, underwater macro photography here is a challenge, as holding steady in the current is nearly impossible.

My dive parameters

• 15/08/2024 : 31 m – 51 min – 22°C
• 11/09/2024 : 30 m – 38 min – 19°C
• 12/09/2024 : 28 m – 45 min – 22°C
• 14/09/2024 : 33 m – 32 min – 24°C

Sental, Ped & PMG – Penida North Shore

The north coast of Nusa Penida features a long stretch of coral slopes teeming with marine life and offering the best drift diving in Bali.. The currents are sustained but manageable, though diving at slack tide may require a few fin kicks. The coral gardens here are among the healthiest I’ve seen, bursting with vibrant hard and soft corals in a dazzling array of colours. I couldn’t believe I had overlooked this area for so long—each dive at Sental, Ped, and PMG felt like a hidden gem, far less crowded than the island’s southern sites. 

Turtles, frogfish, and large schools of fusiliers and anthias are common sightings, along with pyramid butterflyfish, raccoon butterflyfish, bigeyes, clownfish, Clark’s anemonefish, and Koran angelfish. The peacefulness of these sites only makes the experience more special. While everyone flocks to Manta Point and Crystal Bay, our group rarely crossed paths with others, a rarity in Bali. And after countless unsuccessful attempts at Crystal Bay, I finally had my second-ever mola-mola sighting at PMG—just five minutes into the dive, between 30 and 35 meters. It was a fleeting moment, just enough time for a quick video, but it left me in awe.  

Despite the excitement of the mola-mola, my favourite site was Sental. The explosion of marine life—huge red gorgonians, bouquets of yellow and pink soft corals, massive barrel sponges, coral roses, and tubular sponges—made it unforgettable. A nonchalant green turtle and an energetic hawksbill turtle drifted past while two massive frogfish, one yellow and one black, hid inside a crevice of the reef. This part of Nusa Penida is truly underrated, offering some of the most pristine dive sites in Bali.

My dive parameters

• 14/08/2024 – Sental : 29 m – 47 min – 28°C
• 15/08/2024 – Ped : 26 m – 56 min – 27°C
• 13/09/2024 – PMG : 36 m – 62 min – 26°C
• 13/09/2024 – Sental : 35 m – 64 min – 27°C

Karang Sari – Penida East Shore

Karang Sari is a hidden gem on Nusa Penida’s east coast. With a steep sloping reef, almost a wall, it provides plenty of nooks and crannies to explore. Despite diving in August—the busiest month in Penida—our buddy team had the site entirely to ourselves. It’s even quieter than the north coast, as only dive centres based on that side tend to venture this far. 

Beyond its colourful corals, Karang Sari also holds the potential for pelagic encounters, including eagle rays and the elusive mola-mola. However, luck wasn’t on our side that day. Instead, we enjoyed seeing thriving hard corals, giant barrel sponges, and colourful sea anemones. Before ascending to our safety stopI came across a coral restoration project . The artificial structures were covered in flourishing coral growth, a promising sign of conservation efforts in the area.

My dive parameters

• 14/08/2024 : 25 m – 47 min – 27°C

Mangrove & Blue Corner – Lembongan North Shore

The north coast of Nusa Lembongan offers a fast-paced drift dive over a coral meadow teeming with life.. The current here is strong and steady, making it fun for divers who want to “fly” like a manta ray. A reef hook can be useful for those who want to take a break and observe marine life up close. This site is best suited for intermediate divers due to the speed of the drift. This dive site is more suited to video than photography for the same reason.

At the end of the Mangrove drift dive, the famous Blue Corner awaits—reserved for experienced divers only. This dramatic drop-off plunges to 40 meters, offering the chance to see rays, tunas, sharks, and even mola-molas during the season. However, the combination of depth and unpredictable currents means that only highly skilled divers can take on this challenge. In practice, few dive centres venture there, as it’s rare to have a boat filled exclusively with advanced divers. Indeed, I haven’t had the chance to dive Blue Corner yet, but it remains on my list for a future adventure.

My dive parameters

• 13/09/2024 : 18 m – 35 min – 27°C

Everything you need to know about swimming with manta rays

Manta rays can be seen in Nusa Penida year-round. Still, the rainy season (December to March) often brings rough seas, making conditions unsafe at the surface. Strong swells can prevent divers from returning to the boat safely, and many operators frequently redirect trips to more sheltered sites. If encountering mantas is a priority for your trip, it’s best to plan accordingly to avoid disappointment.

With Nusa Penida’s growing popularity, manta encounters aren’t always as magical as they once were. Manta Point, in particular, has become overwhelmingly crowded, making it harder to admire manta rays without distractions. In some cases, tensions have even escalated between guides and underwater photographers.

Diving Code of Conduct in Nusa Penida MPA

The Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA) has established codes of conduct for divers and snorkelers to minimise disturbance to the mola-mola (sunfish) and the manta rays. Initially developed by the Coral Triangle Center (CTC) between 2010–2012, the guidelines were updated in 2021 but remain largely voluntary.

Current recommendations include maintaining a 5-meter distance from marine megafauna, avoiding loud noises and sudden movements, and discouraging flash photography. Touching marine life or coral is obviously out of question. While scuba divers generally respect these rules, pressure from large numbers of snorkelers—especially those freediving and attempting close contact—remains the most serious issue, according to CTC.

Since 2018, management of the MPA has shifted to the Bali Province’s Department of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, with CTC continuing to offer technical support and guidance. Enforcement, however, remains limited. Monthly patrols are still carried out in collaboration with the police and the navy, but CTC recognises that budget constraints and a lack of rapid response capacity hinder effective monitoring. A recent partnership with Mission Blue has helped fund up to 3 patrols per month.

While tourism has surged—from 200,000 visitors per year in 2015 to a current low estimate of 6 million—revenue generation has also increased. A daily retribution ticket for diving and snorkelling was introduced in 2023 (100,000 IDR – included in the tours and activities price). However, the funds collected still fall short of what’s needed to manage the MPA sustainably and regulate tourism, according to CTC. Site overcrowding is a growing concern, especially at Crystal Bay and Manta Point. While some carrying capacity data has been shared with the provincial government, regulations have yet to be voted.

Underwater mass tourism

On my August trip, knowing it was the peak tourist season, I took a 7 am snorkelling tour, which provided the most rewarding experience—manta rays everywhere. Our group was alone in the water for the most part. On my September trip, I came back to scuba dive there, hoping for smaller crowds. But by 9 am, the situation at Manta Point becomes unbearable as waves of snorkelling and diving boats descend on the site (I counted 35 to 40 boats each time, I let you do the maths with 10 people on board on average). The sheer number of people in the water makes encounters chaotic, with mantas often forced to navigate through clusters of divers rather than gliding undisturbed in their natural habitat.

I was, indeed, one of these many divers contributing to the pressure on the site. But the issue isn’t about singling out individuals—it’s about the urgent need to cap the number of visitors and license operators. The current situation is unsustainable, and while limiting access may increase costs, it’s now a necessary step. Without adequate regulation, the experience will continue to deteriorate for marine life and visitors, pushing away the golden goose that supports the local economy.

Underwater photographers, be warned

Before diving in Nusa Penida and Lembongan, I specifically asked the two dive centres I dived with about strobe usage, expecting clear guidelines since this is an MPA. Both told me the same thing, that there was no official ban against using strobes with manta rays but acknowledged that we must refrain from using flashes when photographing mola molas. CTC confirmed that the no-flash guideline was originally a precautionary rule based on the mola’s deepwater habitat and not necessarily based on scientific studies. Still, it seems there is a miscommunication regarding the manta ray guidelines.

I personally experienced an aggressive encounter with a snorkelling guide who took it upon himself to act as the “strobe police,” firmly shaking my shoulder and insulting me underwater. I also heard from two other underwater photographers who’d experienced similar incidents. While I fully support responsible strobe use, rules must be clearly communicated, and enforced consistently.

My recommendation? Stay overnight on Nusa Penida and book a private early-morning snorkelling session—before the dive boats arrive. You’ll have a much better chance of enjoying a peaceful, natural interaction. There is no need for strobes below the surface, just the morning light.

Beyond diving: what can you do on each island?

Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan offer far more than just world-class diving. From breathtaking landscapes to unique cultural experiences, both islands have plenty to explore beyond the underwater realm.

What to do on Nusa Penida?

Nusa Penida’s dramatic landscapes are among the most stunning in Indonesia, but the island’s growing popularity means most sights get crowded, especially with day-trippers arriving around 10 am and leaving by 3.30 am. To make the most of your visit, timing is everything. The east coast, including Diamond Beach, is best explored at sunrise before 8 am, while southwest highlights like Kelingking Beach are most enjoyable after 4 PM when the crowds start to thin.

Travelling across the island can take longer than expected, as there’s no direct road connecting the southern viewpoints—you’ll need to drive back and forth, with each trip taking 45 to 60 minutes. Renting a scooter (international driving license required) offers flexibility and significant savings, as taxis can be expensive (around 200K IDR for a 10 km ride).

• Kelingking Beach: Famous for its T-Rex-shaped cliff and turquoise waters, this beach is one of Bali’s most photographed spots. The steep hike to the beach is not for the faint-hearted, but the above views are so breathtaking that you don’t have to. Unfortunately, this spot will be further spoilt by the current construction of a glass elevator along its cliff. Elevator or no elevator, don’t go swimming at Kelingking Beach; currents are far too dangerous.
• Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong: A natural rock arch and infinity pool formed by centuries of wave erosion. Swimming used to be possible at Angel’s Billabong during low tide, but access is now forbidden, considering the number of accidents due to the waves. Broken Beach offers stunning views of this arch carved into the cliff, which acts as the gate to a lagoon and a beach hiding in a crater ( a sea cave whose ceiling collapsed).

• Diamond Beach: A pristine white sand beach nestled between dramatic cliffs and gioant limestone pinnacles. The descent involves steep stairs and even holding onto a rope, but the breath-taking scenery makes it worth the effort, especially at low tide when the pinnacles reflect on the wet sand. Don’t go swimming at Diamond Beach; the currents are far too dangerous. Staying on Nusa Penida’s north coast will make the access the fastest early in the morning to beat the crowds from 8.30 am.
• Goa Giri Putri: A unique cave temple hidden within a limestone hill. I only heard about the cave when diving in front of it at Karang Sari. Visitors must crawl, sarong on, through an extremely narrow opening to reach the vast inner chambers. The access to the cave after a steep flight of stairs is part of the spiritual experience of visiting this unique temple. This was by far my most unexpected and surprising visit of all.
• Tembeling Beach & Forest: A secluded natural pool surrounded by lush forest, perfect for a refreshing dip. The journey requires a motorbike ride down a narrow dirt path, adding an adventurous twist to the visit. I was warned of it, and like most people, I paid 100,000 IDR to a moto-taxi to take me down (then up again). Then, the walk down the stairs in the forest nestled down the cliff is truly peaceful and magical; it ends with two natural pools: one by a temple and the other by the beach. It is still a hidden gem that few people visit as most tourists don’t spend enough time on Nusa Penida.

What to do on Nusa Lembongan?

Nusa Lembongan is compact and easy to explore. Unlike Nusa Penida, distances are shorter, and you can comfortably tour the island in a single day. Renting a scooter (international driving license required) is the best way to get around, as taxi pick-up trucks can be pricey (e.g., 100K IDR for a 4 km ride from Jungut Batu Beach to the Yellow Bridge—comparable to private car rates in Nusa Penida).

• Seaweed Farms: Once the island’s main economic activity, the seaweed farms offer a glimpse into the local way of life. The best moment to see the farmers harvesting and drying seaweed is at low tide, so check the tide tables. The main area is the channel between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
• Nusa Ceningan via the Yellow Bridge: If you tour Nusa Lembongan by scooter you have to cross the iconic yellow suspension bridge to explore Nusa Ceningan. I went to its blue lagoon surrounded by cliffs, which was definitely not as impressive as Broken Beach in Nusa Penida. However, it was still worth the short walk around as next to it; I found my favourite spot on the small island: sitting at the café of Mahana Point, where I could sip a coffee while looking quite closely at surfers waiting for the perfect waves, often with success, as the terrace is literally above the break!

• Mangrove Forest: At the end of the northern road of Nusa Lembongan, you can rent a kayak or board a small boat with a guide through the dense mangrove forests. It was the best activity in the early afternoon when the sun hits hard as you can shelter in the refreshing shade of the tunnels formed by the mangrove. As I knew the mangrove forest covers a large area in the northwest of Lembongan Island, I have to admit I didn’t dare to go too far, fearing to get lost in this natural maze.
• Devil’s Tears: This is maybe the most touristic spot of Nusa Lembongan for sunset. However, I appreciated how the site was managed, cleaned and secured. There was a small fee for the entrance (valid for 2 days), but the money is obviously well used.

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Top tips for planning your dive trip

Planning your dive trip to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan requires some preparation to make the most of your experience. Here’s what you need to know regarding the best time to go, the best dive centres, the best places to stay and how to get to each island.

When is the best season to go diving in Nusa Penida?

The best time to dive in Nusa Penida is between May and October, during the dry season when conditions at sea are generally calmer. Water temperatures range from 26 to 28°C in the north and 22 to 24°C in the south, with visibility typically 20 to 30 meters. For those hoping to spot mola-mola (ocean sunfish), the season runs from July to October, when colder upwellings bring them closer to recreational diving depths. However, this also means lower water temperatures — a thermocline dropped the temperature to 19°C at Crystal Bay in September during one of my dives —so a 5mm wetsuit is recommended. 

Unlike Bali’s mainland dive spots like Amed, Tulamben, and Padang Bai, where diving is possible year-round, Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan can be challenging during the rainy season (December to April). Stronger swells often make sites like Manta Point and Crystal Bay too dangerous, with some dive operators even taking divers there just to demonstrate the rough conditions before moving to the more sheltered north coast, where visibility remains decent but slightly reduced.

Which dive centre to choose?

Look for dive shops with small group ratios, experienced guides, and a strong focus on safety. Two excellent options are Purple Dive in Nusa Penida and Dive Concepts in Nusa Lembongan.

In Nusa Penida, I loved my tranquil dives with Purple Dive. They have a gorgeous dive centre on the north coast in Ped, with an infinity pool overlooking Mount Agung on the other side of the sea. This is where you meet up in the morning to prepare your dive gear before boarding their pickup truck to the boat mooring a little further down the road. Their location on the north coast offers better access to the east coast dive sites, which are often too far for other dive centres—especially those based in Lembongan. This is the best option if you want to dive away from the crowds. They are a PADI 5-Star IDC Centre, providing all PADI courses, from Open Water to Instructor-level training. After diving, guests return to enjoy a vegetarian lunch and can relax by the pool for the rest of the afternoon.

In Nusa Lembongan, I had the most fun diving with Dive Concepts. They offer the best dive deals on the islands while maintaining a professional but friendly experience. Their Indonesian divemasters take spotting seriously, ensuring you’ll create unforgettable underwater memories. As an SSI dive centre, they provide all SSI courses up to professional levels. They also offer free Nitrox for certified divers. However, the oxygen concentration is limited to 28-30% due to the depths of local dive sites. I first dived with them in 2015 and was happy to see them still thriving—they’ve expanded and now operate four boats, allowing them to run several daily trips to Crystal Bay and Manta Point. The excursion to Nusa Penida and Lembongan’s north coast is typically a three-tank trip, finishing with a power drift dive at Mangrove. Please note that their way of operating means you won’t go much to more confidential dive sites, especially during the mola-mola season. They provide plenty of snacks and coffee/tea but don’t expect a full meal.

How to get to each island?

Transportation in Bali can be tricky, but crossing the sea to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan means avoiding the notorious road traffic. First, you’ll need to reach one of the three harbours where boats leave for Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan:

• Sanur – The fastest to reach from Denpasar Airport
• Kusamba – The closest to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan, and the fastest to reach from Ubud
• Padang Bai – The fastest option from Amed

Transportation options to reach the harbours

• Private Driver: The fastest and safest solution, though not the cheapest. For those who want to avoid the hassle of negotiating, you can prebook a driver here. If you are in the south of Bali, you can also use the Grab or Gokek app (these app are forbidden in the northern provinces of Bali).
• Shuttle Bus: Companies like Perama Tour offer shuttle services from major tourist areas. On their website, you must book at least two tickets, but on 12go.asia, there’s no such requirement. This is the safest and cheapest option but also the slowest. They offer rides between Sanur, Ubud, and Padang Bai.
• Self-Drive: Renting a car or scooter provides flexibility but requires an international driving permit. Be cautious on Bali’s roads if you’re unfamiliar with local driving conditions. This is the cheapest and fastest option but not the safest. Scooter rentals start at 70,000 IDR (around €4) per day, and car rentals start at 300,000 IDR (around €18) per day.

Which harbour to choose?

Sanur Harbour (Best for most travellers): It offers the most flexible options with departures from 6:30 am to 5:00 pm. It’s a 40-minute drive from the airport (longer during peak traffic hours: 8–10 am and 4–6 pm). It typically takes 30 minutes to reach Nusa Lembongan and 45 minutes to Nusa Penida. You can pre-book your boat ticket here.

Kusamba Harbour (Best if you’re in Ubud or Sidemen): It’s the closest harbour to Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Crossing to Nusa Penida takes about 20 minutes, and only 15 minutes to reach Jungut Batu Beach on Nusa Lembongan. This harbour is quieter than Sanur, making it a great option to avoid crowds. You can pre-book your boat ticket here.

Padang Bai Harbour (Best if you’re in Amed):  Located about 1h15 from the south of Bali, Padang Bai is the closest harbour to Amed for those coming from the northeast. There is one fast ferry per day at 4:00 pm to both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida. You can pre-book your boat ticket here.

You can also take the slow ferry from Padang Bai to Nusa Penida. It takes about 2 hours. It is a great budget-friendly option for those looking to explore Nusa Penida independently, especially if you’ve already rented a scooter in Bali. The cost is around €5 each way. The slow ferry departs daily at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm (only the 10:00 am ferry runs on Sundays). No online booking is available, so you can show up around 8:30 am at Padang Bai and buy your ticket at the “Online Tiket” booth. Note there is no slow ferry to Nusa Lembongan.

Where to stay in Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan?

Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan now offer a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. On this trip, I booked my accomodation last minute and still found some lovely family-run guesthouses. However if you are looking to splurge on something nicer, make sure to book in advance.

Nusa Lembongan

On my previous trip, I stayed at Pondok Baruna, which is conveniently located right next to Dive Concepts. Unfortunately, this time they were fully booked since they only have a few rooms, so it’s best to book in advance. So I stayed at Arya Inn, a charming family guesthouse located a bit off the main road of Jungut Batu, with a big garden and a swimming-pool. The location was perfect, just a 5-minute walk to Dive Concepts and right next to the best and most affordable Indonesian eatery on the island (Warung Bu Candra). Unfortunately, they seem to not be available anymore. In the same area, you can have a look at Radya Homestay for an affordable stay with a pool and a walking distance to the beach.

For those looking for higher-end options near Jungut Batu Beach, I recommend the Indiana Kenanga Resort. If you’re seeking a quieter, more natural setting, head across the yellow bridge to Nusa Ceningan and stay at the Segara Seaside Resort.

Nusa Penida

Thanks to having a scooter from Amed, I was able to venture a bit further from the dive center in Nusa Penida. This flexibility led me to find Exotic View Cottage in the village of Batu Nunggul, offering a quiet, peaceful setting with a lovely sunset view, the sounds of children from the nearby school, and a nearby night market for dinner. It was also strategically located to be one of the first to visit Diamond Beach in the early morning.

Other more comfortable options in Nusa Penida include the Sebali Penida Beach Resort (luxury) and the Sunrise Cottage (mid-range). Both are located from a walking distance to Purple Dive centre.

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