Angels Billabong Nusa Penida – A Natural Marvel
Are you planning to visit Angels Billabong Nusa Penida?
Angels Billabong Nusa Penida is another unworldly creation of nature situated on this small island! It’s a naturally formed infinity pool, a natural wonder that will lure you in with its crystal clear water, dramatic limestone rock formation and epic views over the ocean!
This post will provide you with all the practical information you need to know before visiting this incredible place on Nusa Penida.
Where is Angels Billabong?
Places To On Nusa Penida
Luxury – Le Royale Tropical Bamboo Exotic Sunset Villas
Le Royale Villas are situated in between Crystal Bay and Toya Pakeh. This property looks like a perfect Instagram photo! It offers an open living concept in a wooden villa with a large terrace to soak on the epic sunset views. It’s got a hot tub and a private pool, a big-screen movie in the communal area, and offers a free BBQ service.
Midrange – Penida Bay Village
Penida Bay Village is situated 10 minutes’ walk from Crystal Bay Beach in a traditional local village with good proximity to a few little shops and local warungs. The bungalows are clean and spacious and include free wifi use and toiletries in a private bathroom. There is an onsite restaurant that serves a good breakfast that is included in the room price, but also lunch and dinner for an extra charge.
Budget – La Roja Bungalows
La Roja property is also one of the best Nusa Penida hostels that offers private and shared rooms. It is located within 20 minutes’ drive from the harbour on the western coast, a minutes’ walk from shops and small, local restaurants. The hotel boasts a pool area with white decking and a well-kept garden. There is a choice of older bungalows and newer ones situated around the pool, simple yet very tastefully designed. La Roja is an excellent option for solo travellers and budget travellers.
Read also the full guide:
How To Get To Angels Billabong Nusa Penida
From Bali
Boats leave 9 times a day from (Sanur Ferry Port) Bali to Nusa Penida and are run by two companies: The Marlin Fast Boat and Crown Fast Cruise. Getting to Nusa Penida takes 45 minutes and arrives at Toya Pakeh Harbour. You can buy your ticket online before departure or arrive early in Sanur port and buy your ticket there. Expect to pay around 100k IDR.
Angel’s Billabong is located on the western side of Nusa Penida, 45 minutes’ drive from Toya Pakeh Harbour. It’s situated right next to Broken Beach, in fact, you only need to pay one entrance to see both.
By scooter
For those already staying on Nusa Penida, the easiest way to get to Angel’s Billabong is by hiring a scooter and driving there yourself.
Motorbike rental on Penida is a little pricier than in Bali mainland so expect to pay around 75k IDR for a full day. Remember to ask for a helmet and check breaks and lights before you set off.
Also, the roads in Nusa Penida are poor, narrow with many bumps and potholes. If you’ve never ridden a scooter before, then this is not the place for your first time in my opinion.
However, if you’re an experienced driver, you may find it strenuous, but you will be fine. And a lot of visitors choose that option so you definitely won’t be alone.
From the main harbour area, it should take around 45 minutes to get there. If you’re already on the island, try to leave before the ferries arrive with day-trippers. I’ve witnessed some crazy traffic from the ferry port at ‘rush hour’.
With a driver
If you don’t feel comfortable to ride your scooter, you can hire a car with a driver. A full day should cost around 600k IDR. The advantages of hiring a driver are you don’t need to worry about driving and navigating steep, bumpy roads that often turn into dirt tracks. Also, it is nice to relax in the air-conditioned car while getting to your next location.
This is the option that I’ve used. I rode a motorbike in Bali, which I found ok, but didn’t feel confident enough to do it in Nusa Penida.
What To Expect On Arrival?
The road leading to Angel’s Billabong gets very busy in late morning and midday. This is because most day trips follow the same schedule from 9 am when tourists arrive at the harbour. If possible, try avoiding this time. The roads on Penida island are bumpy and, in many places, only wide enough for one car at a time. This causes big congestion, and even riding a motorbike doesn’t help to avoid it. Luckily, most people only venture to the area of Kelingking Beach, meaning that the rest of the island is way less busy.
When you arrive, there is a man directing people to the car park. They will also take a parking fee equal to 10k IDR. From the car park follow the signs to reach Angel’s Billabong.
A few warungs are selling simple meals, snacks and drinks. They also have toilet access for their customers. Start your visit at the top and follow the coastline down.
Angel’s Billabong Nusa Penida– The Natural Infinity Pool
About 5 minutes’ walk along the shore, you’ll find Angels Billabong Nusa Penida. There is a set of concrete steps down to the pool. Before you decide to go down, assess the strength of the current.
Please note it is only safe to go down during the low tide. Wear water shoes or sports sandals with straps as the area around the pool is covered with eroded limestone rocks. Although the rocks inside the water are not as sharp as the rocks around the lagoon, I always feel more confident wearing something on my feet.
I wouldn’t recommend going anywhere near the edge of the pool. There were 2 accidents in recent years where tourists got swept by a sadden wave and drowned in the ocean.
About a 10 minutes’ walk from the natural lagoon of Angel’s Billabong there is Broken Beach also worth checking out! And don’t forget to explore around it and walk on the archway towards the edge of the ocean for some more scenic viewpoints.
Manta Ray Viewpoint
A short walk away from Angel’s Billabong on the way to Broken Beach (about 7 minutes) there is a cliff with a fantastic view. Just go past a bunch of trees and get to the edge. If you’re lucky, you’ll be able to see manta rays down below swimming in the ocean. This is also the place where boat trips bring people to swim with these gentle, beautiful giants.
Nusa Penida Day Trip
Do you prefer to stay in Bali or have only one day to spare on your itinerary? No problem, you can take a day tour and see main attractions on the West coast including:
• Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach
• Pasih Uug Beach
• Kelingking Beach
Best Time To Visit Angels Billabong Nusa Penida
The best time to visit is during the dry season from May to October. In the wet season, Angel’s Billabong gets muddy from the rainwater and a little less attractive.
There are also two other things to consider when choosing the best time to visit.
Angel’s Billabong is a tidal pool, which means that the conditions and the visual experience you’ll get at low tide is dramatically different during the high tide. It’s only possible and safe to get down and take a dip in the water at low tide. If this is something that you really want, then check the tide times before you plan your itinerary. You can check tide times here.
If you’re not fussed about swimming in the pool, then high tide can also be a great time when you marvel at the mighty waves crashing against the pool and creating quite a spectacle!
Another thing to consider is the crowds. Angel’s Billabong is one of the main stops on a day trip agenda from Bali, that means it can get very crowded. If you rather have the place all to yourself then come early in the morning at around 8ish when most other tourists will either still be on the boat from Bali or in their beds. If you’re lucky morning time may also coincide with a low tide. An alternative would be to visit the place in the late afternoon.
I visited at both times – low and high tide and they were equally interesting so if you’re not fused about swimming then you don’t need to worry about the tide. The water inside the pool can get very shallow so it’s more taking a dip not swimming. Also, it is not the most clean water. I could see lots of plankton and my hair carried the green plankton until I showered.
Entrance Fees
There is no entrance fee, but you will be expected to pay 5k IDR to park your scooter.
Opening hours
There are no official opening times or gate that would close so you can come and see the place as soon as it’s bright in the morning until it gets dark in the evening.
What to bring with you
I would recommend wearing more sturdy shoes than flip flops, especially if you plan to get off the path and explore the area around the natural infinity pool. The rocks are so sharp and uneven that your flip flops may get completely destroyed.
What to take with you
Day Backpack – for this adventure and many other ones, you’ll need a day pack. My favourite one is the stylish and minimalistic Kanken. It is made of durable materials and it’s super simple and super comfortable.
Mirrorless camera – I love Sony cameras! If you’re looking for an entry-level, compact camera that takes awesome photos, go for Sony Alpha 6400, I’ve used it for years and took some excellent pictures with it. For a more advanced selection, I recommend Sony A7iii, I can’t be more happy with it, and I know lots of professional photographers and creators who use it too.
Power bank – power bank to charge my mobile phone saved my life a few times, no kidding. It is handy if you’re using Google maps which is a drain on the phone’s battery. I recommend choosing a lightweight one
Raincoat – I know you’re probably thinking I’m crazy, but trust me, the raincoat is essential, especially if you’re scootering your way through the island. When it’s rainy, it actually gets cold on the scooter, and during the rainy season, which is between November and April, it rains buckets!
Reusable water bottle – water flask, especially thermal ones, is so practical here in Bali. Many hotels and restaurants let their guests refill the bottles for free in an effort to reduce plastic use on the island.
Sun cream – this is another essential to carry with you and frequently reapply. Choose an eco-friendly and vegan one to do your part for the environment.
Adventure sandals – sports sandals with straps are the best type of footwear for any Bali adventure. They dry quickly and are sturdy enough to keep you safe on your hikes. I use North Face sandals, I’ve had them for years and they never let me down.
You may also like “Bali Packing List“
Other Places To Visit Near Angel’s Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is perched on the very western tip of Nusa Penida and within 30 minutes’ drive from the most famous spot on the island – Kelingking Beach and the T-rex rock formation.
I recommend starting the day with Kelingking Beach as it gets even busier than Angel’s Billabong, up to a point where you will need to queue to gain access to the main viewpoint.
Another great place to see nearby is Crystal Bay Beach which is famous for boat trips to see manta rays. It’s also an excellent location to stay in.
Other points of interest on the western side of Penida include:
Tembeling Springs and Beach and Peguynangan Waterfall.
Also Read:
Angels Billabong Nusa Penida: Conclusion
Despite Angel’s Billabong being a very touristy spot on Nusa Penida, I feel that is totally worth checking out. In my opinion, the place is great at both low and high tide. So no matter how much time you’ve got on Penida island, don’t forget to add Angel’s Billabong and Broken beach to your travel itinerary.
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