Which Tour is Better? West Coast or East Coast Nusa Penida, Bali

About Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a small island located just off the southeast coast of Bali, Indonesia. Known for its stunning natural beauty, Nusa Penida has become a popular tourist destination in recent years. The island is home to a diverse range of landscapes, including rugged cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush jungles. It has been a part of Bali’s cultural and historical heritage for centuries. Nusa Penida is a place of religious significance for the Hindu Balinese people. It’s said that Nusa Penida was once a sacred place for the worship of the Hindu god Pasupati, the god of animals and the ruler of the underworld. Today, it is said that a powerful warlock, a true demon from the past, Macaling is living on the island.

Nusa Penida is a true wonder of nature not only for its beauty but for flora and fauna as well. It is the home to a unique species of bird called the “Cendrawasih” or “Bird of Paradise”, which is only found on the island. Nusa Penida is also known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life, actually, it is a World-class spot for snorkeling and diving.

In summary, Nusa Penida is a must-see destination for anyone visiting Bali. With its natural beauty, rich culture, and historical significance, it offers something for everyone. The island is perfect for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of Bali’s more touristy areas and experience the island’s unique culture and natural beauty.

Map of Nusa Penida

West Nusa Penida Tour Highlights

The West Nusa Penida tour is the perfect way to discover the top tourist attractions on the island and get all those selfies that everyone is crazy about. You’ll have to wait in long queues but will be rewarded with these great natural wonders:

• Kelingking Beach – It is one of the most famous and popular spots on the island. Known for its picturesque cliffs and turquoise waters, it’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. The viewpoint at the top of the cliff offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the beach and its surroundings.
• Broken Beach – The beach is a natural archway formed by erosion, surrounded by calm waters and beautiful cliffs. It’s a great spot for swimming and relaxing, as well as for taking in the island’s natural beauty.
• Angel Billabong – This is a natural infinity pool with crystal clear water and unique rock formations. It’s a great spot for swimming and relaxing, as well as for taking in the island’s natural beauty.
• Crystal Bay – The bay is another must-see spot for snorkelers and divers, known for its crystal-clear waters and diverse marine life. It’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving.

Advantages of West Tour

West Nusa Penida tour and East Nusa Penida tour are both popular tourist destinations in Indonesia, located on the island of Nusa Penida. Both tours offer unique experiences and attractions, but the West Nusa Penida tour has some obvious advantages compared to the East Nusa Penida tour.

• Scenic views – The western part of the island offers some of the most beautiful and picturesque views of the island, including the famous Kelingking Beach and Angel’s Billabong. These are some of the most popular and well-known spots on the island and are a must-see for any visitor.
• Water activities – The tour offers a range of water activities, such as snorkeling, swimming, and diving in crystal-clear waters around the island. The tour is a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy the island’s beautiful beaches and explore its diverse marine life.
• More developed – The western part of the island tends to be more developed, with more infrastructure and amenities, such as restaurants, accommodations, and transportation. This can make it more convenient for tourists to navigate and explore the island.
• More tour options – The western part of the island generally offers more tour options, so you can choose from a variety of activities, from adventure to relaxation.
• More populated – The western part of the island is more populated and therefore more lively, with more people, more shops, and more restaurants.

Disadvantages of West Tour

• Crowded –  The western part of the island tends to be more crowded than the east, which can make it harder to enjoy the island’s natural beauty and find a peaceful spot to relax.
• High prices – Due to the tour’s popularity, prices for accommodation, food, transportation, and activities can be higher in the western part of the island.
• Less authentic experience – The western part of the island is more developed and more heavily touristed, which can make it more difficult to experience the island’s authentic culture and way of life.
• More commercialized – The western part of the island is more commercialized and therefore less peaceful, with more shops and restaurants.
• Less secluded spots – The west tour offers fewer secluded spots and beaches, which may not be ideal for those looking for a quiet and secluded place to relax.

As I wrote in my detailed guide to the West Nusa Penida tour, over-tourism is a huge problem in this part of the island. It almost ruins the whole spirit of adventure on a remote island, but that might be just me.

East Nusa Penida Tour Highlights

The East Nusa Penida tour offers a variety of destinations that are perfect for those looking to explore and discover the island’s natural beauty and unique culture. Some of the top destinations of the East Nusa Penida tour are:

• Diamond Beach – It is a secluded and beautiful white sand beach located on the eastern part of the island. Known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning natural rock formations, it’s a great spot for swimming, snorkeling and relaxing.
• Atuh Beach – The beach is a hidden gem on the eastern part of the island, known for its beautiful white sand beach and panoramic views of the ocean. It’s a great spot for swimming and relaxing, as well as for taking in stunning views of the island.
• Thousand Island Viewpoint – This vista offers a panoramic view of the ocean and the island. It’s a great spot for taking in the island’s natural beauty and for capturing some amazing photos.
• Teletubbies Hill – This is another viewpoint, a hill with a viewpoint that offers a panoramic view of the island, it’s a great spot to watch the sunset and sunrise.
• Goa Giri Putri Temple – Also known as “Cave of the Virgin” is a sacred Hindu temple located on the eastern part of the island. It is one of the most important and ancient temples on the island, and it is believed to have been built in the 11th century. The temple is located inside a cave and is dedicated to the goddess Giri Putri, who is said to protect the island from harm.

Advantages of East Tour

Despite the popularity of the West Nusa Penida Tour, the East one has some advantages as well and, in my opinion, it plays well into what is generally expected from a remote island. Some of these advantages are:

• Less crowded – The eastern part of the island tends to be less crowded than the west, making it a more peaceful and secluded vacation spot. This can be perfect for those looking to get away from the crowds and enjoy a more tranquil experience.
• Off the beaten path – The eastern part of the island is less developed and more rugged, making it perfect for those looking to explore and discover. This is a great destination for adventure-seekers, as it offers the opportunity to explore parts of the island that are less visited by tourists.
• Natural beauty – East Nusa Penida tour is also surrounded by lush greenery, natural beauty, and incredible cliff-top views. This tour is perfect for those who want to immerse themselves in nature and take in the island’s natural beauty.
• More authentic experience – The eastern part of the island is less developed and more traditional, which can provide a more authentic experience of the island’s culture and way of life.
• Less commercialized – The eastern part of the island is less commercialized and therefore more peaceful, with fewer shops and restaurants.
  More secluded beaches and spots: The east tour offers more secluded spots and beaches that are perfect for those looking for a quiet and secluded place to relax and enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

Disadvantages of East Tour

• Less developed – The eastern part of the island tends to be less developed, with less infrastructure and amenities, such as restaurants, accommodations, and transportation. This can make it more challenging for tourists to navigate and explore the island.
• Fewer tour options – The eastern part of the island generally offers fewer tour options, so you may have fewer choices of activities to do.
• Less infrastructure – The tour may not have as much infrastructure and facilities, such as restaurants and accommodations, compared to the western part of the island. This could make it more challenging for tourists to find places to eat and stay overnight.
• Less populated – The eastern part of the island is less populated and therefore less lively, with fewer people, shops, and restaurants.
• More difficult to access – The eastern part of the island is less developed and more rugged, which can make it more difficult to get around and explore the island.
• Less popular –  The eastern part of the island is less popular among tourists, which can make it less attractive for some travelers.

If you want to learn more about the East Nusa Penida tour, you can read the detailed article that I wrote dedicated to this part of the island.

Conclusion

Please keep in mind that Nusa Penida island is a big place and the tour can be tailored to your preference and specific interest. Both west and east tours can give you a different experience, depending on what you’re looking for. It might be that one tour could be better suited for you, but if there is a possibility – just do them both. It’s always best to do some research and planning before making a decision on which tour to take.

The images from the West Nusa Penida tour are something that most people know even before starting to plan their trip to Bali. Naturally, it is something that most tourists will prefer over the less popular alternatives. For this reason, the East Nusa Penida tour is a clear underdog, but as I mentioned before, I think its advantages play better into what the island is known for – wild remoteness and authenticity. Although the East is gaining popularity as well, it is still bearable compared to the West counterpart. It might be that you’ll get better pictures on the west tour, but the east tour is the right choice if you want to enjoy your experience and pretend that you are on an adventure on a faraway island.

What Can I Do to Protect the Authenticity of Nusa Penida?

• Travel responsibly – Encourage and promote responsible tourism practices, such as not littering, not disturbing wildlife, and respecting the local culture and customs.
• Support local communities – Encourage and support local communities by purchasing locally made products and services, and by supporting sustainable and responsible tourism businesses.
• Follow regulations – Follow regulations set by local government and park authorities to protect the environment and cultural heritage sites.