Nusa Penida is a great place to visit for a few days or weeks. Nusa Penida diving is absolutely awesome with manta ray sightings pretty much guaranteed. You’ll also enjoy great walks, breathtaking views, and nice places to chill at sunset time and drink out of a young coconut or have a cocktail.
Getting around Nusa Penida can be a bit of a hassle though. Here is a quick overview of the different options open to you.
Getting around Nusa Penida by Scooter
The easiest and cheapest way to get around Nusa Penida is by scooter. If you are confident and competent at driving a motorbike, look no further, this will be your ideal mode of transportation. Be aware, however, that the roads and traffic can be a bit daunting. The roads are quite narrow so you might have to go slightly off-road if a truck comes by in the opposite direction and hogs the middle of the road, as they are known to do. And please, pretty please, wear a helmet!
Getting around Nusa Penida by taxi
If you do not drive a bike or are laden with big luggage, you can easily find taxis in Nusa Penida. There is no Gojek or Grab service though and the prices are relatively high. If you are planning on diving Nusa Penida, be aware that most dive centres on Nusa Penida do not offer a pick-up service, as the island is too big and it can be a logistical nightmare. You may want to make sure your accommodation is near your Nusa Penida diving centre. Most hotels or dive schools in Nusa Penida can provide you with a taxi service though.
Getting around Nusa Penida with a hired car and driver
If you are planning a big excursion around the island, the most comfortable way to do this is in a car with a local driver. Most taxis also offer day tours of the island. You might need to haggle the price a little depending on where you want to go. Most drivers will offer either south coast trips (Angel Billabong, Kelingking, Manta Point/Saren cliff point, etc) or East coast trips ( Atuh and Diamond beach, Suwehan, perhaps Teletubbies hill.)
Getting around Nusa Penida by foot
Walking around is also an option but might be a little uncomfortable if you are not used to the sun and the absence of sidewalks. For short distances, however, this can be an easy and cheap option especially if you are walking in the morning or afternoon and not at midday. The main road goes along the ocean in many places so it’s quite scenic! Do not be surprised though if a local on a bike stops and offers you a (paying) lift to where you are going.
Enjoy your time in Nusa Penida whichever mode of transportation you choose!