Nusa Penida is the dream island that faces the east coast of Bali and attracts more and more tourists year after year with its breathtaking views from its high limestone cliffs, its dream beaches, its lush jungle and its seabed inhabited by manta rays to be met by scuba diving or simply snorkeling.

The island of Nusa Penida has long been neglected by tourists because, for the Balinese, it houses a demon that blows all possible misfortunes on the island of the Gods. It is therefore not for nothing that the nickname of Nusa Penida is the island of demons. And yet, what natural beauties to discover in Nusa Penida!

It is in 2015 that tourism began to develop, especially thanks to Instagram, because the sites offering pure visual slaps on heavenly coves with turquoise waters are numerous from the top of the cliffs that border the island.

On the other hand, to access below the paradisiacal beaches of Nusa Penida, it is often another story. We tell you everything in this new article of our travel blog following a week of exploration of the little sister of Bali in December 2020 while the world is plunged into a health crisis without precedent.

All our tips for visiting Nusa Penida for the first time

1.1 How long to stay in Nusa Penida?

We spent 10 days exploring Nusa Penida. Most travelers stay 4 days and 3 nights but we didn’t want to settle for the most touristic spots. So we take the time to explore other treasures of the island. The most hurried travelers can make a round trip in the day from Bali but they will obviously see only 2 or 3 Instagrammable sites.

1.2 What about travel insurance for travel to Indonesia and Nusa Penida

To subscribe to a travel insurance is mandatory to travel in Indonesia. It is also necessary to have a certificate related to the Covid.

It is also better to always be alert about health costs when traveling abroad and even more so when traveling to the end of the world like Nusa Penida. We therefore advise you to check your current contracts and contact Chapka, one of the specialists in travel insurance. Chapka insures us for years and we have never had any problems with them. You can read our article on travel insurance where we detail their services. By filling out this short form, you will see in the blink of an eye which formula best suits your needs.

1.3 How to get to Nusa Penida?

Getting to Nusa Penida from Bali is really easy and the travel time is relatively short. As for all boat trips, everything depends on the swell of course.

There are 2 possible departure points and 2 possible arrival points.

You can leave from Sanur or Kusamba in Bali and arrive at Toyapakeh or Sampalan on Nusa Penida.

From Sanur, the trip takes about 30 minutes by speed boat. We leave with our feet in the water but we arrive at a pontoon in Nusa Penida. The price of the journey is 150 000 Rps/pers. We opted for the company Angel Billabong but there is plethora of maritime companies. For information, we see Nusa Lembongan during the crossing and the volcano Agung if the weather is clear enough.

2. Our itinerary to discover Nusa Penida with map

Exploration of North Nusa Penida

Day 1: Arrival in Penida from Sanur. Scooter rental on the spot and installation at the hotel. Walk to Cristal Bay and Pandan beach. Dinner at Penida Colada beach bar.
Day 2 : ½ day diving with Julia and Antoine from Purple Dive Penida. Dinner at Secret Penida Café.
Exploration of the South and East of Nusa Penida

Day 3: Departure by scooter to the south of Nusa Penida. Check-in at The Raja Lima resort & Spa.
Day 4: Discovery of more or less known viewpoints.
Day 5: Diamond beach and visit of a temple in a huge cave, Giri Putri.
Day 6: Suwehan beach and Atuh beach.

Worldwide travel agencies compete in imagination to offer ever more surprising expeditions. In June, the first tourists will be able to descend on the shipwreck of the “Titanic” boat. An incredible experience.

A hundred thousand dollars! It seems overpriced, and yet. Compared to a first class ticket of 1912 ($4,000), the year the “Titanic” was inaugurated, it is not expensive. This is what the nine passengers who will board the OceanGate submarine “Cyclops 2” in June have paid to observe the wreck.

It is to say the exceptional character of this descent to the abysses for which 54 people have already made their reservation. Since April 14, 1912, the reputedly unsinkable liner has been lying at a depth of 4,000 meters for one hundred and six years and has been attacked by a bacterium, the well-named “Halomonas titanicae,” which gnaws at a rate of 600 kilos per day! So much so that, in forty years, there may no longer be “Titanic.”

For the nine tourists, the journey will start by helicopter from St. Petersburg. The vessel was stationed above the wreckage 600 kilometers from Newfoundland. The whole excursion will be eight days but, of course, not to the bottom of the water. During two days, passengers will receive a briefing by scientists and experts on the history of the “Titanic.”

Those who wish to can “help” the technical team prepares for the descent, declares OceanGate. Because the submarine is an observation instrument designed to map the ship in 3D to study the speed with which it decays. It is from the third to the sixth day, in groups of three and depending on the weather, that the three-hour descent will take place. Accompanied by a pilot and an expert, they will descend towards the wreck to the highlight of the show: the famous grand staircase (photo). Clients will be able to assist the scientist with his readings. Not sure however that tourist who has paid so much want to scribble figures on paper.

As close to the aurora australis as possible

Not everyone has the chance to admire the northern lights of the North Pole. New Zealanders, for example. On the other hand, they are not so far from the South Pole, where the southern lights, less frequent, are visible at certain times of the year. This gave Air New Zealand the idea of chartering a flight solely for this purpose: to observe the phenomenon as closely as possible. After two hours of flight, the 130 passengers can admire this spectacle of green lights for four hours, still in flight. What about the passengers stuck in the middle seat?

The company has thought about them and did not offer them for sale. That explains the ticket price: 2 600 dollars in eco and 5 200 dollars in business. The idea made small because a Canadian company, Air North, proposes flights only intended for the observation of the aurora borealis. And for $525. It must be said that it is much less far. But as beautiful!

Punta Cana is a tropical paradise. With its beaches, golf courses, and nightclubs, it is the perfect place to spend a tropical vacation. However, if you don’t know where to start, it can be intimidating. You may not know where to find your hotel, what airport to go to, and where to find your flight. With a Punta Cana travel guide, you’ll be able to make the most of your time there.

It has beaches

Punta Cana is a beautiful beach town, where you can swim, snorkel, and enjoy water sports. The beaches of Punta Cana face both the Atlantic and Caribbean oceans. Visitors can participate in various water sports including surfing, deep sea fishing, and swimming with sharks and stingrays. Beachgoers can also enjoy horseback riding and other activities. The beaches are incredibly hot, so be prepared to get wet.

The weather in Punta Cana is tropical, with consistent temperatures year-round. The average temperature is 26 degC during the day and about 20 degrees during the evening. The most popular time to visit is during the hot and humid season, which lasts from May to October. In this period, daytime temperatures can rise to 35 degC, and evening temperatures are around 20 degrees.

Punta Cana offers a number of different types of beaches. The main beach is Playa Bavaro, which is the busiest of the Punta Cana beaches. It has four public access points, and is surrounded by palm trees. There are several hotels and restaurants in the area, including the Barcelo Bavaro Beach and Palace Deluxe Resorts.

If you’re looking for something more adventurous, try some snorkeling. You can swim with dolphins and stingrays and snorkel alongside the reef. In addition to the beaches, you can also go on a sailing or catamaran cruise. Other activities include horseback riding and safari tours.

Punta Cana has 8 main beaches. These are wide, and are covered with clean, golden sand. Some are even certified by the European Blue Flag organization, which imposes strict environmental and water quality standards. In fact, the Dominican Republic has more Blue Flag beaches than any other Caribbean island.

It has golf courses

If you’re interested in playing a game while on vacation, Punta Cana has a number of world-class courses that are sure to please golf enthusiasts of all skill levels. For instance, Punta Cana’s 18-hole Jack Nicklaus Signature Punta Espada has waterside holes, lush landscaping, and many other features that will keep you coming back for more. The course, which is part of the Punta Cana Nature Reserve, was rated one of the best golf courses in the Caribbean and Mexico by Golfweek in 2011. Its course design seamlessly blends into its natural environment, making it a great choice for even the most discerning golfer.

The Dominican Republic is one of the world’s leading golf destinations and boasts four courses on the Editor’s Golf Digest list in 2021. The Punta Espada Golf Club, located in the town of Cap Cana, was named the Caribbean’s Best Golf Resort. The Punta Cana Resort & Club has 45 holes of championship golf, including the world-famous Corales course, designed by Tom Fazio.

Golf enthusiasts can choose between two 18-hole courses: the La Cana Golf Club and the Corales Golf Club. The former opened in 2001 and is located inland compared to the other two courses. However, both courses feature some holes that are near the sea. There are also some more luxurious courses located in Punta Cana, such as the Casa de Campo. Whether you’re interested in trying one of the new Punta Cana courses, you can be sure that you’ll find a place that’s perfect for you.

The Punta Espada golf course features eight holes that meander along the seaside and a few holes that feature stunning views. The Punta Espada course is also surprisingly hilly, and hosts the PGA Cap Cana Championship three years in a row. Punta Cana also offers the Corales course, which opened in 2010 and is designed by Tom Fazio. This course is less difficult than the Punta Espada course but is still an enjoyable experience.

It has nightclubs

If you want to dance the night away, Punta Cana has nightclubs to suit your taste. The most popular nightclub is Coco Bongo, which has live music and an exquisite interior design. This club opens daily and closes at dawn. Its premium “Gold Member” membership gives you access to international drinks and other exclusive benefits.

If you are looking for a place to dance the night away in the Dominican Republic, Punta Cana is the ideal destination. Punta Cana’s nightlife scene includes many bars and clubs, as well as dance parties, tours, and other nightlife options. Punta Cana is also a great location for a bachelor or bachelorette party.

The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana has Oro Nightclub, which is open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 p.m. until 4 a.m. This club hosts DJs, live performances, and dance parties. Entrance is about $ 60-$75 per person and includes open bars.

Although Punta Cana is mostly suited to youth recreation, it can also be an excellent place for a family vacation. Punta Cana has a great selection of hotels and nightclubs for all tastes. There are some very noisy discos, while others are more tranquil.

It has shopping

If you’re looking for souvenirs or a last-minute gift, Punta Cana has several shopping options. The locals are friendly and there are many bargains to be had. You can find quality artisan work and unique treasures. Make sure to leave plenty of time for shopping.

Most Punta Cana resorts include a supermarket, aimed at tourists and locals alike. Bavaro has the most supermarkets, but you can also find them near other resorts. You’ll find that prices are a fraction of what you would pay in the US. For example, a gallon of milk will only cost RD$190, and a bottle of wine will run you about RD$380.

If you plan on bringing cash, don’t forget to exchange money. You’ll find better exchange rates at the local banks, known as Casa de Cambio. You can also find ATM machines in most communities. The Dominican Republic uses its own currency, but US dollars and Euros are widely accepted by most vendors. However, it’s a good idea to carry pesos in case of emergencies.

Do you dream of going on holiday cheaply but you lack inspiration?

There are many ways to travel at the best price/quality ratio and several low-budget destinations. Whether it’s for a couple getaway or a stay with your best friend, take advantage of useful tips to make a trip at a low price.

Couple destinations to go on holiday at low prices

The ideal way to travel on a small budget is of course to choose a destination where the cost of living is low. But while many countries meet this criterion, security is not always there.

For example, in Eritrea, the average monthly salary is $38, but yet this country, which is nicknamed “the open air prison,” is not a dream destination, actually far from it. So, instead, go to more lenient states.

In Europe, Hungary, Bulgaria or Greece will offer you a total change of scenery at a reduced cost. This way, you can save on your plane tickets, accommodation and restaurants to go on a cheap holiday.

A little further on, India, Laos or Sri Lanka extend their arms to you. You will undoubtedly have a pleasant stay there.

Flexibility, the winning asset of a cheap holiday

While being flexible about your destination can allow you to seize significant opportunities, the flexibility of your holiday dates will open the doors to many stays. Indeed, over certain periods, prices fall sharply.

For example, if you can travel out of season or out of school holidays, you will benefit from unbeatable rates. It will allow you to target more prominent destinations.

Find flights at the best price

If you have an exact destination in mind and fixed departure and arrival dates, then flight comparators will be your best friends to go on a cheap vacation.

Indeed, these online tools will allow you to consult all airlines’ fares at once. Some go even further: they will suggest that you compare price comparators to find the best price.

When and where to buy your ticket?

Be aware that airlines vary the fares for the same seat. Generally speaking, the sooner you book your flight, the better the ticket will be. It is what companies call “early birds” fares. Similarly, prices fluctuate according to the days of the week. It is on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday that you will find the best rates for a cheap holiday.

While it is now evident that you will find the best rates on the Internet, the price will vary depending on the country from which you connect. A trick is to install a travel VPN and simulate a connection from another country. Why not the one at your destination. You will see that, for example, rates will be lower on the Lufthansa India site.

Hey guys! Welcome back to another post! I’m super excited to discuss today’s topic. One of the very best reasons to travel is to taste new things. I know you’re nodding your head!

One of the best places to really stretch your taste buds is Germany. The wonderful thing about Germany is that is has a lot of countryside action going on. Each region has its own cuisine! So wherever you go, you’ll be sure to be treated to something that you can’t really get anywhere else. Now let me share my best reasons for eating—of course I mean travelling—to Germany!

Maultasche

A traditional dish that’s very reminiscent of ravioli but bigger! When I first heard about it when I visiting Swabia, I was stoked! What you can find inside is a lovely concoction of finely minced meat, spinach, a few veggies, fresh herbs, and even smoked meat.

I particularly loved the history about this dish. As it turns out, this dish was created as a sort of hack to the system during Holy Week where meat was traditionally avoided. They made the meat miniscule and the veggies so large that it completely hid the meat. Well the jig is up and it’s delicious!

Hasenpfeffer

This one is a traditional stew! I don’t know about you guys but I’m crazy for stew! You should probably avoid this if you aren’t cool about eating rabbit but let me tell you: you will be missing out! The meat is cut into manageable sizes and it is super tender when you bite into it. The onions are kind of see-through as it’s braised for while. The marinade of wine and vinegar and seasoning is just divine!

Zweibelkuchen

This is a savory pie that literally translates into “onion cake”. If you’re a fan of French onion soup, you’ll definitely love this one. This one has bacon! So you can expect creamy and savory flavors combining in beautiful harmony.

There are so many other things I can add to this list but I have to cut this short. If you guys have any questions, as always, you can reach me at [email protected]. Until next time!