Broken Beach on Nusa Penida in Indonesia is one of the most unusual beaches we’ve visited during our stay in Indonesia. It’s a natural wonder like no other. A mystical lagoon is surrounded by towering cliffs, with a large rock archway connecting it with the ocean.
Not only it’s a beautiful photo spot, but it’s also a must-visit place you can’t skip when traveling to Nusa Penida. Apart from Broken Beach, you also get a chance to visit Angel’s Billabong, a stunning natural infinity pool overlooking the ocean.
In this guide we provide information about how to get there, what’s the entrance fee, places to eat, where to stay, insider tips to enjoy your day even more, and much more.
How to get to Broken Beach
Broken Beach from Bali
The only way to travel between Nusa Penida and Bali islands is by boat. The most popular choice is Sanur pier, from which multiple boats depart daily. Prices start at as low as 120,000 IDR. The journey takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour.
However, keep in mind that only speedboats are available for this trip. If you get seasick easily, make sure to take some precautions. Prepare for a bumpy ride.
We traveled to Bali with Axe Stone company and had a great experience. The staff was friendly and helpful. We then continued our trip to Lombok to climb Mount Rinjani and to relax on Gili Islands.
Broken Beach from Nusa Penida
Renting a motorbike
As we were already on Nusa Penida, we found it the most convenient to rent a motorbike and explore the island on our own. Luckily, a few bike rentals are located right near the port.
We personally chose Doel Hadi Rental, which has many great reviews. We also had a good experience with them. The prices start at 80,000 IDR for a Scoopy.
Fuel is easy to find anywhere along the road. While the road conditions were not the best, we both felt confident driving two separate scooters. Expect occasional potholes and many narrow roads.
Hiring a private driver
If renting a motorbike isn’t an option, you might prefer to hire a private car with a driver. It’s definitely the most expensive option, but if you’re after the freedom of having your own itinerary it’s a good choice.
Expect to pay around 50€ and more for a group of 5. While you might find a few offers around the islands, we recommend GetYourGuide.
Joining a tour
Solo travelers might find it more budget-friendly to join a Nusa Penida guided tour. You can choose if you need a pick up in Bali, in which case you’ll first be transferred to the island by a speedboat.
The tour covers all the highlights, including Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, Crystal Bay, Diamond Beach, and more. An air-conditioned van is used for the transport.
Where to stay on Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is not the biggest island, but it might take between 40 minutes to 1 hour to travel between different attractions. Since you’re probably only gonna spend a few days on the island, it’s best to choose one hotel for the whole stay.
I’d recommend choosing a central location since it’s the most convenient to travel around. However, there are fewer life and restaurant options. If that’s your priority, you might do better staying near the ports.
Best hotels on Nusa Penida
Check availability
Broken Beach on Nusa Penida
Broken Beach, locally known as Pasih Uug, became so famous thanks to its unusual mystical appearance. A large circular hole in the ground looks as if the earth had just disappeared and left a huge opening.
The hole is connected to the ocean via a small opening in the cliff. Above it, there’s a large archway from rocks through which you can walk.
While it’s not possible to walk down to the beach, it’s just as beautiful from the top.
Broken Beach entrance fee
Broken Beach, as well as Angel’s Billabong and the whole area, are free to enter. However, there’s a small fee of 5,000 IDR for motorbike parking paid upon arrival. If you arrive too early, no one’s gonna be there to collect the charge, though.
Parking at Broken Beach
In order to reach the parking lot, we recommend using Google Maps to navigate to Broken Beach. One kilometer before the parking you’ll leave the main asphalt road and turn left towards a dirt road.
The last stretch consists purely of sand. It might be a bit slippery on a motorbike, so ride slowly. Despite the unpaved surface, we did not find it challenging to drive through.
If you’re unlucky like us and you meet a car riding right in front of you, expect a lot of dust in your face.
Soon before the parking, you’ll be stopped by locals charging parking fees. After paying, continue towards the parking and find an empty spot.
What to expect at Broken Beach
Right after we parked our motorbike, we followed the trail leading to both natural attractions. The path is lined up with multiple cafes, snack bars, and restaurants. It did not take long before we reached the first sight – Angel’s Billabong.
The infinity pool is surrounded by ropes prohibiting entry, but you can stand on the surrounding cliffs.
The trail then continues further. After about 5 minutes of walking, we reached Broken Beach. At the entrance, there are small stores where locals sell fresh coconuts and snacks, such as grilled corn. Once there, we recommend taking a walk all around the beach, following the trail.
Wildlife
When watching the ocean from the cliffs, you might be able to see different wildlife species. Some people had the luck of spotting Manta Rays floating around. We saw a few sea turtles swimming around in the waves. Dolphin sightings are also possible.
We recommend walking along the cliff further away from main area for higher chances of seeing any wildlife.
Can you swim at Broken Beach?
The whole area consists of tall cliffs with no access to the ocean. Unless you cliff-jump, which is not recommended. The ocean is often uncalm with strong currents and huge waves, making it a dangerous place to swim.
The same applies to the Broken Beach. It’s not possible to go down to the beach itself. Instead, you can only admire it from above.
History, Myths, and Legends about Broken Beach
After seeing the photos of Broken Beach for the first time, we wondered how this natural wonder came to be. The huge opening has been carved out by water for thousands of years.
It’s believed that in a thousand years more, the whole beach will transform even more, and the beautiful rock archway will crash.
Broken Beach is not only a natural wonder, it’s also a part of many tales and legends.
A few different Balinese stories explain the creation of the beach. One claims that it’s a result of a mighty fight between Gods and Devils, with the lagoon being a place where fallen ones rest. Another tales talks of a serpent protecting the waters who created the lagoon as his sanctuary.
Angel’s Billabong near Broken Beach
Angel’s Billabong is a beautiful natural infinity pool carved in the rocks by the ocean. The shape of the pool reminded me of a canyon. The crystal-clear water allows you to see all the rock formations below the surface with the ocean in the background.
TIP: Since it’s a tidal pool, its appearance depends on when you come. Low tide is a better choice as the pool disappears during the high tide.
Angel’s Billabong is actually the first attraction we passed on the way to Broken Beach. It’s impossible to miss it. Once we walked down a few stairs, we saw rugged cliffs on the side. This place is an amazing photo spot.
You can stand at the cliff’s edge and take photos with huge waves behind you. As cool as it sounds, it’s also dangerous. We saw a few videos on Instagram where a huge wave unexpectedly swept down all the tourists.
Never stand at the cliffs without paying attention to what happens in the ocean! Keep your eyes on the incoming waves and as soon as you notice a huge one coming, back off.
Swimming at Angel’s Billabong
When we were planning our trip to Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong, we stumbled upon many photos of people swimming in the natural infinity pool and enjoying the views. At first, we thought how cool that was.
But as we read more about the spot, we learned that swimming is prohibited. As soon as we entered the area and saw the pool, it was easy to see why. In fact, I was wondering how it could ever be allowed.
While the pool looks so peaceful and inviting most of the time, every few minutes a huge wave smashes on the cliffs, and rushing white water fills the whole pool. The current is so strong that it can easily take you straight to the open ocean.
Trust me, with the strong waves coming and going all the time it’s not where you want to end up.
So please, respect the signs and do not attempt to cross the safety rope surrounding the whole area.
Broken Beach Photography Tips
The best time for photographing both Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong is certainly during the sunrise or sunset when the sky is on fire. The different hues of orange and red make the whole place look magical.
We prefer choosing sunrise, as more people usually visit the attractions during the sunset.
If you have a drone, this is the place to get awesome shots! Drone photography is allowed, giving you the possibility to get creative with all the different angles. In fact, Broken Beach looks best when photographed from above.
We recommend walking around following the trail to find different viewpoints. Each viewpoint provides different angles for photography. While some of them are crowded, with a line of tourists waiting for their shot, some are completely empty.
Having a tripod is a must if you’re a solo traveler or if you want to take photos together! We recommend using the Sirui Traveler 7C for a digital camera. If you prefer something more compact, Joby Gorillapod 3k Pro is a great choice.
What to pack
I’d say bringing snacks is not necessary, as there are plenty of shops selling food and drinks. Here are some essential items to make your day of exploring slightly better:
- Sunscreen
- Hat or Sunglasses
- Comfy shoes (we prefer sandals, which are less slipper than flip-flops)
- Enough water in a reusable travel bottle (you can also buy it in the shops)
- Tripod (we recommend Sirui Traveler 7C or Gorillapod 3k Pro)
- Camera (and a drone – we use DJI Mini 3 Pro)
The best time to visit Broken Beach
In order to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is early in the morning.
We also recommend planning your trip to the area during mid-tide. This will allow you to enjoy the Angel’s Billabong and the Broken Beach at their best.
Angel’s Billabong depends on the tides, and it disappears during the high tide. On the other hand, Broken Beach looks better during the high tide. At low tide, there’s much less water and more rocks sticking out.
The dry season between May and October is the best time of the year to visit Nusa Penida or Bali. However, even the rainy season might be an interesting choice. Although you must count on some changes in your schedule due to weather.
Where to eat nearby
- Deliciosas Penida – Mexican restaurant right at the parking lot, expect higher prices.
- Warung D’Coconut – A small restaurant serving delicious local food. We recommend fresh fish, like Mahi Mahi.
- Resto D’Uma – Local restaurant serving tasty Indonesian food. The tables are out in a beautiful garden.
Additional Tips for visiting Broken Beach
Arrive early to avoid crowds
As with any popular attraction, arriving early in the morning is the key to avoiding the crowds. We came to Broken Beach right after lunchtime and it was full of people.
Don’t forget cash
Nusa Penida is not as commercial as Bali, and it’s not possible to pay with a card in most places. Whether you’re shopping in the snack stalls, eating in the restaurants, or paying for the scooter rental. Make sure to have enough cash with you, as there are not many ATMs.
Wear comfortable shoes
While you can do fine in any shoes, exploring this area takes a bit of walking. Expect some stairs, rocks, and uneven terrain. Because of that, we recommend to wear something more sturdy.
You’ll survive with flip-flops, but it’ll be more comfortable to have at least sandals or sneakers.
Check the weather and the tides
As with any outdoor attraction, weather can very much influence what your experience is gonna be like. Don’t forget to check the forecast and reschedule your trip as needed in case of storms or rain.
But an even more crucial factor than the weather is the tides. As we mentioned before, Angel’s Billabong is a tidal pool and doesn’t look the same during different tides. Low to mid-tide is the best. During high tide, the pool is too full of water and doesn’t look the same anymore.
On the other hand, Broken Beach looks better when the lagoon is filled with water. Otherwise, there are a lot of rocks which is not as photogenic.
To experience both attractions at their best, mid-tide might be preferable.
Travel responsibly
We can’t stress this highly enough. These days, when tourism is becoming unbearable on Bali, it’s even more important to respect the local culture and nature. We always do our best to travel as eco-friendly as we can. And we hope you’re gonna do the same.
Our best advice is to travel with a reusable water bottle and steel straws for your drinks. And, of course, do not leave any trash around.
Best Nusa Penida tours
Nusa Penida Highlights
The perfect tour to choose if you want to see all the most beautiful highlights of Nusa Penida island in one day with no hassle. The tour offers options for pick up both on Bali and Nusa Penida. It’s the best-reviewed option available.
Included stops:
- Kelingking Beach
- Broken Beach & Angel’s Billabong
- Diamond and Atuh Beach
- Rumah Pohon Treehouse
- optional add-ons
Private Snorkeling Tour
If you prefer to go on a tour more focused on snorkeling, this Nusa Penida private snorkeling tour is by far the best option. After the pick-up in Sanur port on Bali, you’ll sail to some of the best snorkeling spots on Nusa Penida.
You’ll also get free underwater GoPro photos and videos! How awesome is that!
The tour includes:
- Manta Bay
- Secret Bay
- Wall Bay
- Mangrove Point
- Nusa Lembongan
- Kelingking Beach
Other attractions worth visiting
Kelingking Beach | The famous T-Rex beach is an attraction not to be missed. Its incredible shape attracts many tourists each day. If you have energy and time, we recommend going all the way down to the beach.
Diamond Beach | A beautiful beach surrounded by tall cliffs with huge rock formations sticking out of the ocean. It looks the most attractive from above, but it’s worth climbing down, too. Don’t skip the Atuh Beach where you can go swimming.
Peguyangan Waterfall | Our favorite attraction on the island! After climbing never-ending stairs down to the shore, we entered a tiny temple. The waterfall itself is not as majestic as Ubud waterfalls, but the highlight is that you can swim in one of three infinity rock pools overlooking the ocean.
FAQ
Broken Beach got its name based on its appearance. The beach resembles a canyon in a circular shape with one natural rock bridge. It resembles a broken cliff, hence the name.
After visiting most of the best attractions on Nusa Penida, we must say it is definitely worth a visit. It’s a natural phenomenon which you can’t see anywhere. The picturesque archway creates an incredible environment.
Broken Beach is famous for its unbelievable shape, as well as the natural arch bridge. It’s an incredible photo spot admired by many travelers. If you’re after unusual natural wonders, you’ll love this place!
Flying drones is allowed in the area. In fact, it’s one of the best ways to capture stunning photos of Broken Beach! Since you’re likely to meet a few other drone owners, be careful and watch out for your drone to avoid a crash.
Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong are both in the same area and are free to enter. You only need to pay a small parking fee. For a motorbike, it’s 5,000 IDR.
Due to a few accidents, swimming in the infinity pool at Angel’s Billabong is now forbidden. The pool is often covered in huge waves with no warning. This poses a huge danger of being dragged down to the sea or smashed on the rocks.
