The most famous islands of Indonesia are Bali and Java. However, this country has more than eighteen thousand islands, and today we will tell you about one of them: Nusa Penida.

It is located 12 kilometres away from Bali and separated from it by the Badung Strait. About 60,000 people live here in an area of 203 square kilometres. They are mainly engaged in tourism and fishing. Agriculture here is underdeveloped due to a shortage of fresh water. There are no permanent rivers or streams on Nusa Penida. The riverbeds are filled with water only during the monsoons.

The island's topography is very diverse: plateaus and hills, cliffs and caves. The slopes are covered with forests and bushes, which have become home to many birds - thanks to this, Nusa Penida is part of a bird sanctuary. Its rarest and most valuable inhabitant is the Balinese starling (Latin Leucopsar rothschildi), which are a critically endangered species. The latest head count revealed no more than 50 individuals!

Kelingking Cliff is one of the most picturesque points on Nusa Penida: an incredible rock in the shape of a T-rex dinosaur, surrounded by turquoise water. Nearby lies the beach with the same name. Also popular among tourists are the beaches of Broken Beach, Crystal Bay and many others. More than a thousand hectares of coral reefs are hidden underwater, at a depth of 3 to 10 metres, so Nusa Penida is also an excellent place for diving.

Tembeling Forest is a secluded area hidden among the rocks on the west coast of Nusa Penida, with a natural pool and small waterfall.An absolutely amazing attraction is Goa Giri Putri, a Hindu temple inside a large limestone cave. Balinese pilgrims come here for cleansing and healing.

And these are not all the treasures that the small Indonesian island is rich with. Its guests can admire the views from numerous observation platforms, and travelling with AirPano will allow them to look at it from above.

Photos by Ádám Plézer

01 December 2023