Without a doubt, the last few years of social media hype brought a lot of attention to the small island of Nusa Penida, which is located only a 30 minute boat ride from Bali, Indonesia. The vast majority of travellers have been attracted to this island namely by the breathtakingly stunning waters and rock formations of Kelingking Beach. However, Nusa Penida is more than just this.
Among other beautiful locations, there’s one that catches an eye while scrolling through an island guide. The Broken Beach (or Pasih Uug in Indonesian) is a truly unique spot that’s rich in both- history and natural beauty. Without a doubt, it cannot be missed when you’re exploring Nusa Penida. Here’s everything you need to know before your voyage!
ABOUT THE BROKEN BEACH
Located in the western coast of Nusa Penida, the Broken Beach strikes as the top spot to visit while exploring the island. Featuring a natural bridge that stretches over breathtakingly turquoise waters, Pasih Uug is a perfect place for relaxation. Travellers seek this gem for manta-spotting, photography opportunities as well as the most jaw-dropping views on the island.
This very location holds the name Broken Beach as the part of the surrounding cliff collapsed creating a circular bay and the arch that borders the sea. The water is caught in the middle of the cliff that makes the Broken Beach seem like a 100-meter long pond.
HOW TO GET TO THE BROKEN BEACH
First of all, you need to get to the island of Nusa Penida to explore the infinite beauty of Pasih Uug. As there is no international airport in Nusa Penida, you need to take a boat ride from the neighbouring islands of Bali, Nusa Lembongan or Lombok. The boat trip from Sanur in Bali takes approximately 40-50 minutes and costs approximately $5/person.
Once you arrive in Nusa Penida, the best option to explore the island or reach the Broken Beach is renting a taxi or pre-booking your adventure with a tour organiser. The roads in Nusa Penida are very steep and poor quality so if you’re not an experienced driver, it is better to travel with a tour company.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE BROKEN BEACH
The best time to travel to Nusa Penida is April-September, which is considered a dry season in this part of Indonesia. The peak travel months are July and August and this is when the best spots are crowded, the hotels less-available and the prices increased. If you want to beat the crowds and still enjoy the beautiful weather, aim to visit Bali and Nusa Penida in April or May.
The best time of the day to visit the Broken Beach is early morning before the first boat from Bali reaches the island. This is when the taxi drivers pick up the travellers and head straight to Kelingking and other top spots to admire its incredible surroundings. As many visitors come to Nusa Penida for one day only, the busiest hours on the beach fall between the arrival of the first boat and the departure of the last one. If you travel to Nusa Penida for more intimate travel experiences, aim to stay on the island at least for a day or two as this will give you the opportunity to completely beat the crowds.
ARRIVING AT THE BROKEN BEACH
Once you arrive at the carpark, you need to purchase the tickets in the small booth. From this point, you can wander around, snap photos and indulge in the most incredible views.
Although the road to Broken Beach has significantly improved, the last 100 metres may be quite difficult to drive through. You can pull over by the “Wayan Cafe” and park your scooter there. This will save you venturing through the signature bumpy Penida roads.
The entrance fee to the Broken Beach is IDR 5000 ($0.35) and it’s the same price for the car park. The fee also includes the entry to Angel’s Billabong natural pool, which is just round the corner.
If you arrive at midday, you can expect the place to be really busy. Regardless of the time of the year, there will be crowds flocking here for a day trip.
WHAT TO DO AND SEE
Take the scenic walk all the way around the edge of Broken Beach Bali and discover several different lookouts, each serving spectacular views of this bridge and the circular cave.
When heading back from the Broken Beach exploration, perch up at one of the cliffside cafes for a plate of nasi goreng, cup of delicious local coffee or a fresh coco.
Just a 5-minute walk from Broken Beach, you’ll find Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool on the edge of the cliffs overlooking the ocean. With the cliffs shaped by strong waves surrounding Nusa Penida, Angel’s Billabong is a truly unique rock formation and one of the island’s most iconic spots. But before entering the water, make sure the weather conditions are suitable so you don’t get hurt by sharp rock edges.
SWIMMING AT THE BROKEN BEACH
Unfortunately, there is no direct access to the water at Pasih Uug. You can, however, take a 5-minute walk to the Angel’s Billabong and take a relaxing swim in this natural pool if the weather allows.
SAFETY AT THE BROKEN BEACH
There are no safety regulations here on the Broken Beach, however, you should take precautions when strolling around the cliffs. Also, the authorities warn tourists to be extremely careful when taking photos and selfies on the cliffside as there were accidents and injuries reported.
FLYING THE DRONE ABOVE THE BROKEN BEACH
When visiting the top spots of Penida Island, you’ll be surprised by how many drones are there in the airspace. Although it is allowed to fly the drone above the Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong, make sure you do not fly underneath the arch. Apparently it is a blind GPS spot and the drone cannot return home safely from this location, in most cases crashing on the arch bottom.
WHERE TO STAY NEAR THE BROKEN BEACH
- Penida Bamboo Green- Located approximately 25 minute scooter ride from kelingking, Penida bamboo Green is a set of affordable, yet super stylish and homely bamboo houses.
- Autentik Penida Glamping- If you’re after the ultimate glamping experience, you’re in for a treat booking a night in this retreat.
- La Roja Bungalows- Beautifully stylish cottages coming at very affordable prices. Hurry up, these bungalows are incredibly popular.
