Are you thinking about visiting Angel’s Billabong or Broken Beach? Luckily you don’t have to choose between the two! They are right next to each other on the West Coast of Nusa Penida. They’re also really close to Kelingking Beach – another popular attraction on the island.
The drive to Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach was a tough one! We had visited Kelingking earlier in the morning and decided we would come back to Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach for sunset… This was not such a good idea, because we had to complete the treacherous drive TWICE! Rather, knock everything out while in the same area!
Where To Park
This is not usually something we talk about so early in the blog, but since it relates to both of these attractions, we felt it best.
When you are close to arriving, your first stop will be next to a little bamboo hut, where a local will charge you an entrance and parking fee. He will then gesture for you to carry on driving straight up (and down) a nasty, sandy hill.
Go straight and you will eventually reach the parking lot. It is surrounded by a couple of warungs (restaurants), where you can grab a snack, a drink, or even a meal. The entrance to Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong is on the left of the parking lot (as you entered it).
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First, It’s Angel’s Billabong
The first thing you will come across on your way down from the parking lot is Angel’s Billabong. This gorgeous rock formation hosts its very own natural infinity pool.
Just listen to the name… It’s beautiful!
We’d suggest ‘pulling up a rock’ (taking a seat) and admiring the billabong’s brilliant colour, with the backdrop of the ocean. Allow your senses to be delighted; the fresh salty air, waves crashing against the rocks, crystal clear water and gentle breeze brushing over it all…
Aww, now we want to go back!
I can hear you asking “can we swim?” You better check the next sections for that answer.
The Best Time To Visit Angel’s Billabong
The best time to visit Angel’s Billabong would definitely be in the morning during low tide! We didn’t plan our visit according to the tide, therefore, when we got there the waves were pounding against the ‘normally still’ infinity pool – making it a definite ‘No Go’ swimming area.
Moreover, it was blocked off, so you couldn’t get in the water. Now we don’t know if that was just for high tide, if there were repairs being made to the staircases or what; but we didn’t want to risk it.
We, too, saw the dreamy pictures of people care-freely floating in the pool and wished to get in BUT people have died. This is something we took very seriously, as there are reports of deaths that have occurred here during high tide.
Perhaps that means you can never swim, perhaps it means only at low tide. Just keep it in mind.
So, either way, definitely come during low tide.
Second Is Broken Beach
A five-minute walk away is Broken Beach. If it turns out that you are allowed to swim at Angel’s Billabong, we’d highly recommend doing this first and then going back to Angels Billabong afterwards for a relaxing swim.
Broken Beach is a circular, closed-in cove, where the ocean has eroded away the side, to form a huge carved out natural bridge; allowing the ocean to flow in and out.
You will definitely remember Broken Beach by the rich contrast of white waves on black rocks at low-tide or electric blue water at high-tide – either way you won’t be disappointed. It’s gorgeous.
Unfortunately, you cannot go down and swim in the cove since there is no way to get back up. There are also no barriers, just a sheer drop to the bottom, so be careful!
Cliff jumping is also out of the question. It would end up being more of a one-way ordeal.
This is really more a photo and chill location, so once you have your picture, you can just relax for the rest of the afternoon, grab a beer from the local warung and take a break.
Do note: during our visit, the far side of Broken Beach was closed off to allow regrowth and we saw a local wrangling so many stubborn foreigners who cared more about their pictures than the environment. Please be aware of the current situation and respectful of the locals. It’s their home.
While near Angel’s Billabong & Broken Beach try and smash out these other attractions on the same day:
Kelingking Beach
Bulian Beach
The Best Time To Visit Broken Beach
Well, that’s really up to you. It looks absolutely stunning whenever you visit – so here are some other considerations.
Broken Beach (and Angel’s Billabong) are famous stops on the main tour routes, so if you’re looking to avoid the crowds you should aim to be here before 10 am or after 5 pm.
If, however, your primary focus is spectacular photography then low tide would be your best option.
There is hardly any shade around, so if you visit during midday, it might be short-lived.
Do remember that you’ll need to make your way back on the treacherous roads, so try to not leave too late if you come in the late afternoon.
Have you heard about Nusa Penida’s roads? There are a lot of articles out there aimed at scaring you. Here’s our honest review.
Which are you more excited to visit? Can you guess which one we loved more? We’d love to hear from you, let’s chat in the comments.
Vital Visitor’s Information
How Much It Costs
It costs IDR 11K to enter into both of these attractions (1k for parking and 5k for entrance fees). Once you have paid at the little hut, there should be no other mandatory cost involved.
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Nusa Penida In A Video
If you’d like a complete itinerary for the island, this is it! It has everything you could possibly need for planning up to an entire week on the island. Attractions, accommodations, costs, directions, secrets… you name it!
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Getting To Nusa Penida
You can take a day trip to the island from Bali, or you can go by yourself and spend a little longer on the island. We stayed for a week!
You’ll need to catch a speedboat from Sanur Harbour in Bali, which you can book below.
Book here: Sanur to Nusa Penida
Or explore other Southeast Asia travel options on 12Go Asia.
Getting Around On The Island
Since the island isn’t as built up yet, they only have one well-maintained main route that connects all of the attractions, which means that you will have to travel about 45 minutes between each attraction.
The easiest way to do that is to rent a motorcycle once you’re there. It cost us IDR 390k to rent a scooter for the week which was a little better of a deal compared to the standard IDR 70k a day.
WARNING: The roads to all the attractions are very bumpy and are not regularly maintained. Be very careful when driving! We have seen many couples slip and fall…
➳ Tell Me About The Nusa Penida Roads.
However, it’s worth mentioning that we adored driving here, happily spending three or more hours a day on the road because of the gorgeous scenery, quiet roads, authentic local lifestyle and crisp air.
Staying On Nusa Penida
We’re looking for:
Budget-Friendly ➩ Arie Guesthouse (We stayed here)
Unique ➩ Penida Bambu Green
Luxury ➩ Kompyang Cottage
Airbnb is our immediate go-to for accommodation booking and there are a lot of options on Nusa Penida!
➩ When you first sign up to Airbnb and book using our code you can score up to R600 off of your first booking and R225 towards an experience!
Some Plans For After Nusa Penida
Maybe you’re on your way out of Indonesia. Thailand is always beautiful!
➳ The Ultimate Trang Travel Guide
Have you already explored Bali? More specifically, Ubud?
Finally, if you’re still on the hunt for inspiration, try out this random blog post!
➳ Ooooh, where does this take me?
Don’t forget to tag us in your journeys! Facebook, Instagram and #DearTravallure.
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