Crystal Bay Beach

The island of Nusa Penida is home to several of Bali’s very best beaches and Crystal Bay is up there too. Unlike the other beaches on the island this is not so much one for the photographers and Instagrammers, but a beach to actually relax on and enjoy.

Crystal Bay is one of the easiest beaches to get to once you are on Nusa Penida. There is now a good road from Toyapakeh harbor and it only takes around 15 minutes. Despite this it doesn’t really get busy here, partly because you are already a little out of the way on Nusa Penida and also because most people are off sightseeing on their day trip from Bali.

The beach here is a lovely crescent of golden sand fringed with tall palm trees. The name comes from the beautifully clear blue water in the bay which is generally safe to swim in. With water so clear it is little surprise that Crystal Bay is rated the best diving site on Nusa Penida.

You can snorkel over the coral just off the beach, but for more experienced divers this is a great spot for a number of exotic species such as manta rays, dolphins, turtles and even the elusive mola-mola (sunfish).

Set in the middle of the bay is the limestone islet of Pulau Batumejinong. Atop the island, among the trees is a small temple and to the northern end a rock arch, which is clearly visible from the beach. At sunset, when everything is aligned you may get to see the sun sink into the horizon through the arch, and even if you don’t Crystal Bay is a great spot for watching the sun go down.

There are a few warungs (snack huts) set among the palm tree, as well as a interesting old temple. Facilities here are better than most beaches on the island. Over recent years this idyllic bay has been threatened with development. What the future holds we will see, it is definitely getting busier at Crystal Bay, so if you can get here before it’s too late.