Nusa Penida
Indonesia's charm is evident not only in charming beaches and expensive resorts, but also in small islands that are not very visited by tourists. One of these practically protected places is the small island of Nusa Penida.
History of the island
The island of Nusa Penida has long been considered a kind of sacred place by the aborigines. It was assumed that a powerful dark spirit And Gede Makalin, the lord of diseases, lived here, which he sent to the unwanted inhabitants of the island. Other evil spirits, dark gods, and demons of all stripes lived next to him. The locals endured such horrors for quite a long time, but then they got tired of the unpleasant neighborhood, and they invited the priests to expel all these evil spirits. The process of cleaning a small piece of land did not take very long, so soon the area became very pleasant to live in.
By the way, the unusual name translates as "Island of Holy People", recalling the great cleansing of the territory. But the island did not stay a cozy place for long: in the XVIII century it was turned into a colony for criminals. Nusa Penida became a cultural holiday destination only in the twentieth century thanks to lovers of deep-sea adventures.
Description of the island
Nusa Penida is considered a true dream of divers and ecotourists. Here you can still find unspoiled corners of nature, harmoniously adjacent to modern hotels and other noisy entertainment. Although tourists waiting for the eternal celebration of life can be a bit boring here: the island is more designed for family vacations and quiet, serene pastimes against the backdrop of unique landscapes, transparent turquoise ocean waters, and a magical world hidden under the water column.
It is better to plan a vacation on Nusa Penida between April and November; in December, the rainy and stormy season begins, which does not have the best effect on the condition of the beaches and the sea day. But prices during this period are as low as possible.
What should I do?
Sunbathing on the beach surrounded by tropical vegetation and the sea. But for those who quickly get bored of such an event, hiking, cycling and bus routes to local attractions have been developed.
The temples of Goa Giri Putri, especially revered by visiting pilgrims, Pura Penataran Ped, distinguished by its unusual facade, Pura Punchak Mundi, which is at the same time one of the best viewing platforms, Pura Batu Medahu and Pura Batu Koning, owners of monumental idols, are considered architectural monuments.
The small but very picturesque Gayangan falls will delight with a million splashes and light coolness, especially pleasant after overcoming the 700 steps separating it from the plain.
On the island of Nusa Penida, it is simply impossible to do without exploring the underwater kingdom: beginners and experienced swimmers feel comfortable here. And for those who need to feel safe, local clubs offer snorkeling: the aquatic inhabitants are clearly visible, and there is no fear of depth and lack of opportunity to breathe deeply.
