There’s
a quote says, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new
landscapes, but in having new eyes.” There are few experiences that
open up not just your heart but also your mind, and travelling to Nusa
Penida does that. The island offers so many awesome beaches that are
still pure and untouched, such a perfect getaway for those looking to
escape from the crowd and chaos.
Among
a few beaches in a treasure island of Nusa Penida, Atuh Beach remains
on top of the list as the most beautiful beach with killer views. The
view is replenishing your soul from the core. The glistening turquoise
ocean well-guarded by craggy mountain peaks, and the stretches of white
sands perfectly laid out is indeed a treat for the eyes. This beach is
called the “Hidden Beach” owing to the fact that it is so closely
guarded by the cliffs that it is quite difficult to spot it. The fact
that many visitors to Nusa Penida are still unaware of its existence
makes it all the more intriguing for the those seeking either privacy or
solace. This beach still away from the clutches of commercialization,
making it an ideal spot to spend with your loved one.
To
reach the beach, it is recommended to rent scooter, which can be
arranged at the harbour when you arrive. After half-an-hour-drive in the
coastal road, you can start your adventure right after your vehicle
parked on the cliff. As you walk nearer to the cliff and get ready for
your hiking pursuit down the cliff, you will notice a concrete staircase
at the back-side. This staircase was built for local villagers who come
to visit the temple nearby to worship the God of the sea. You need to
use this staircase to walk up the cliff and at the end of the staircase
you need to jump off the cliff, a mere height of 1 metre. And there you
are, on the pristine white sands, and right in front of you the vast
blue ocean waiting to be explored.
The
stunning coral reefs are what brings Atuh to life, especially during
low tide where you can see the rainbow of corals on the ocean floor.
Suit up into your snorkelling gears and explore the ocean where you will
find hundreds of colourful fish swimming all around you. The sunrays
make the ocean sparkle no less than a prism. There are small caves in
and around the cliffs where you can swim into and explore the rock
structures. But do not swim away far from the shore since the currents
can get strong. Alternatively, for those who are not keen to get into
the water, they can lay back and watch the day go by.
If
you are on a guided tour, they will provide you tents to set up at
night, or you can also go by your own. Set the tents up away from the
ocean nearer to the rocks to ensure your safety. You will be awestruck
by the view at night. The sky is illuminated with thousands of sparkling
stars. You can hear the soft splashes of the ocean waves against the
cliffs and feel the cool breeze on your face. Light a bonfire and enjoy
your time by the ocean with your friends. Eat, sing, dance and have all
the fun you want. You just want the time to pause so that you can be in
the euphoric mood forever. If you are a single trekker, you are bound to
become a poet overnight owing to all the natural beauty around you. Do
wake up early in the morning to view the sunrise from the cliffs. Be
rest assured that this is one scene which you will never forget.
May
to September is a good time to camp, since there are no chances of
rainfall. It is recommended to put on your running/hiking shoes to make
your trek faster and less painful. Be sure to carry a swimsuit, one
extra pair of clothes, headlamp/torch, enough mineral water/juices, few
food items and cash.
Apart
from the Atuh Beach, while you are in Nusa Penida, you might want to
make a visit to Peguyangan Waterfall. This incredible beauty is placed
in a backdrop of a water temple. Therefore, there will be a bit of an
adventure involved in getting to the waterfall as you have to traverse a
path made of staircase literally hanging off the cliff edge.
You
might also like to visit “Rumah Pohon Batu Molentang”, which situated
on the cliffs on Tanglad village. You need to use the wooden staircase
guarded by ropes to reach the top of the treehouse. Up there, you have a
million-dollar view of the beaches and island around you. This is a
good trekking spot where you need to ask the local villagers to find you
way to the treehouse.
Visiting
these places will let you enjoy peacefully without rush and give you
enough time to contemplate about life, which is exactly what is needed
to take a break from the mundane life. So, why wait? Mark your calendar
and schedule your next trip to Nusa Penida.
This article is also published at NOW! Bali Magazine
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