Nusa Penida's Hidden Red Gem: La Nusa Nusa Penida—Unbelievable Bali!
La Nusa Nusa Penida: My Love-Hate Relationship with Bali's Hidden Red Gem (and Why You Should Probably Still Go)
Okay, listen. Nusa Penida. It’s the place everyone’s Instagramming from, bathed in that ethereal turquoise and those dramatic cliffs. I, a sucker for a good view (and a slightly obsessive planner), booked a stay at La Nusa Nusa Penida – the "Hidden Red Gem" – expecting pure paradise. And, well… it was… and it wasn't. It’s a messy, beautiful, frustrating, and ultimately worth it kind of experience. Let's break it down, shall we? Buckle up, because this is gonna be a bumpy ride, just like getting to Nusa Penida in the first place!
(SEO Keywords: La Nusa Nusa Penida Review, Nusa Penida Hotels, Bali Hotels, Wheelchair Accessible Nusa Penida, Nusa Penida Spa, Nusa Penida Restaurants, Free Wi-Fi Bali, Bali Family Hotel, Nusa Penida Accessibility, Bali Travel Guide, Hidden Gem Bali)
Accessibility: The Ups and the Downs (Mostly Downs, Let's Be Honest)
Right, let's get this out of the way first. If you or anyone in your travel party requires serious accessibility, La Nusa Nusa Penida is NOT for you. I'm being brutally honest. The island itself is… challenging. The roads are, let's say, “characterful.” And while the hotel claims to have facilities for disabled guests (listed in the Services and Conveniences section), I didn't see any obvious ramps, elevators, or anything truly tailored to wheelchair users. (This is where I’m already cringing, remembering the uneven pathways and steep inclines…) The information available is unclear. You may want to call and ask directly for confirmation.
Now, the hotel itself? Well, the ground floor rooms might be more accessible, but I’m dubious. The entire resort layout wasn’t exactly designed with mobility in mind. Honestly, if you need truly accessible accommodations, focus on different parts of Bali altogether. I feel terrible saying this, but it saves potential heartbreak.
Internet: Blessedly Free (and Sometimes Failing)
Internet Access, Free Wi-Fi in all rooms! Thank the gods! The fact that the Wi-Fi situation was generally acceptable was a huge win. (Internet, Internet access – wireless, Internet [LAN] – they cover all the bases, apparently). I could actually upload those ridiculously filtered Instagram photos (yes, guilty!). However, and this is a big "however," the signal wasn't always super strong, and occasional drop-outs were inevitable. Remember, island life! Wi-Fi in public areas was also present.
Cleanliness and Safety: Feeling Relatively Secure
Okay, this is important. Obviously, with the pandemic still a thing when I visited (and probably still a consideration for you!), I was concerned. La Nusa Nusa Penida seemed to take things seriously. Anti-viral cleaning products were definitely in use. Daily disinfection in common areas was apparent. The staff all seemed well-trained in safety protocol, and there was a ton of hand sanitizer everywhere. They ticked all the boxes (listed in the categories) like rooms sanitized between stays, rooms sanitization opt-out available, staff trained in safety protocol, safe dining setup, etc. I saw staff members taking the necessary steps.
Rooms: I'm not sure if they provided optional sanitization in rooms between stays, but I'm sure they would do so if I'd asked.
Dining, Drinking, and Snacking: Food, Glorious (and Sometimes Questionable) Food
Let's talk eats. La Nusa Nusa Penida has a few options, but don't expect Michelin stars. The restaurants are mostly okay.
- Breakfast: Breakfast [buffet]. I'm a huge fan of buffets, but this one was a hit-or-miss. Asian breakfast options were available, but I was hoping for more. You can order Breakfast in room (worth it if you are trying to stay safe) Breakfast takeaway service is there if you want to explore the island.
- Lunch/Dinner: A la carte in restaurant. I sampled a variety of dishes. The best were the local Indonesian options. The Western cuisine in restaurant? Eh… stick to the local stuff. Happy hour was a highlight. The Poolside bar was convenient for drinks, but the cocktails were hit-or-miss too.
Experiences - How you will spend your time there?
Things to do, ways to relax: Look, the whole island is a thing to do!
- Spa: Spa, Spa/sauna. They have the basics – massages, scrubs, and wraps. The prices were reasonable. The masseuse was excellent, but I felt myself drift into a state of half-sleep, half-confusion.
- Pool: Swimming pool, Swimming pool [outdoor], Pool with view. The pool, overlooking the ocean, was the saving grace of the resort! The sunsets from the pool were absolutely unreal. It's where I spent a hefty chunk of my time.
Services and Conveniences: A Mixed Bag
- Meeting/banquet facilities, Indoor venue for special events, Outdoor venue for special events, Seminars: Not something I needed, but it looks like they can host it.
- Daily housekeeping, Daily housekeeping: Clean room every day, I have no complaints.
- Concierge, Doorman: I don't remember seeing a doorman on call.
- Gift/souvenir shop: Small shop, but can satisfy your desire to buy souvenirs.
- Food delivery, Food delivery: It's a good option in the area.
For the kids: They have Babysitting service, Kids facilities, Kids meal, but I do not have a kid myself.
Getting around:
- Airport transfer: They can arrange for you.
- Car park [free of charge], Car park [on-site]: They have a parking area if you drive.
Available in all rooms?: All the in-room amenities are listed in the category.
My Personal Anecdote: The Case of the Missing Mosquito Net (and the Sunset That Redeemed Everything)
Okay, so here's a story. My first night, there were mosquitos. And, since I’m a mosquito magnet, I knew I was doomed. I crawled into bed, only to find… no mosquito net. This is crucial for Bali! I called reception, and after a very long wait (island time, I guess), a guy showed up with a flimsy net that didn't quite fit. I was annoyed. Seriously, ANNOYED.
But then… sunset.
I dragged myself to the pool (the pool with a view!), and watched the sky explode in a million colours. That sunset, that moment, made me forget about the slightly wonky Wi-Fi, the questionable mosquito net, and the slightly grumpy staff member. Maybe I was blinded by the beauty. Maybe it was the Bintangs. Whatever. It was pure, unadulterated magic. And that, my friends, is the essence of Nusa Penida. Flawed, frustrating, and utterly captivating.
Would I recommend La Nusa Nusa Penida? With reservations, yes. Be realistic about your expectations. Go for the views, the pool, the sunsets, and the adventurous spirit of Nusa Penida. Don’t expect perfection. Embrace the chaos. And pack plenty of mosquito repellent. Seriously.
Final Verdict:
- Overall: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
- Best For: Adventurous travellers who are more concerned with natural beauty and don’t need luxury. Couple or people that want to stay away from big crowds of people.
- Worst For: Anyone needing serious accessibility or expecting flawless service.
- Would I go back? Possibly. I’d probably try a different place next time (because I'm a sucker for that perfect hotel!), but I'd definitely tell everyone to go to Nusa Penida. Just… be prepared! And bring your own mosquito net, just in case.
Okay, buckle up, buttercups, because we're about to dive headfirst into my absolutely chaotic, probably-slightly-delusional Nusa Penida adventure. This isn't your perfectly curated Instagram feed; this is the real, sunburnt, slightly-hungover deal.
The Nusa Penida Debacle: A Hot Mess of Paradise (and Mosquito Bites)
Day 1: Ferry Follies and Dream Beach Dissappointments
- 6:00 AM - Waking Up in Bali (or attempting to). Okay, let's be honest, the "attempting" part is key. The rooster next door is apparently powered by a nuclear reactor. Seriously, the guy has lungs of steel. Managed to drag myself out of bed, fueled by instant coffee that tasted suspiciously of… well, something.
- 7:00 AM - The Sanur Dash. Taxi ride to Sanur harbor, the ferry port to Nusa Penida. Traffic. Always traffic. My driver, a chap named Ketut (because, Bali), drove like he was auditioning for a Fast and Furious movie. We made it, thankfully, just in time to (nearly) miss the ferry.
- 8:00 AM - Ferry to Fear (and Sea Sickness). The "fast boat" was… not so fast. And the sea, bless its choppy heart, decided to play a game of "rock the boat." Let's just say my stomach and I were NOT friends for this hour-long journey. I'm pretty sure I saw my breakfast again.
- 9:00 AM - Arrived in Nusa Penida: Scooter Scramble Negotiating a scooter rental felt like a high-stakes negotiation. Ended up with a slightly beat-up model that looked like it had seen better days. The ride was rough along the road, but the sights were worth it.
- 10:00 AM - Dream Beach: First stop Dream Beach sounds the most disappointing, the beach itself was gorgeous, with pristine golden sand and turquoise waters (totally Instagrammable!). However, the crowds were a buzzkill. I got my feet wet, took some photos, and thought about ditching the plan. It was too crowded. I hated it. I left.
- 11:30 AM - Eating Lunch: Warung Wanderings: Found a roadside warung (a local eatery). I had Nasi Goreng (fried rice), which tasted heavenly. The owner, a woman with a smile that could melt glaciers, told me about her granddaughter's upcoming wedding.
- 1:00 PM - Broken Beach: Nature's Masterpiece After the beach, it's time for Broken Beach, the view was magnificent. The sheer scale of the cliff faces and the archway carving through the rock. I sat there, overwhelmed, and completely humbled.
- 2:30 PM - Angel's Billabong: Swear I Saw a Mermaid Angel's Billabong isn't a billabong. The rocks were slippery and the sea was a bit choppy. I made a friend with someone there. We took some photos of each other with the view. Someone told me the ocean here is supposed to have mermaids. I might've thought I saw one.
- 4:00 PM - Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Dreams) Let's be honest, I went here for the Instagram photo. The viewpoint was stunning, the climb down to the beach, not so much. The T-Rex formation of the cliffs is just majestic. It was terrifying, but I did it. I'm pretty sure I saw my life flash before my eyes – and my camera dropped the entire way down.
- 6:00 PM - Back to redPartner Hotel: Exhaustion and Relief. Back to my accommodation (a RedPartner hotel – budget-friendly, but the AC was a godsend). Collapsed on the bed, sunburnt, sandy, and utterly exhausted. Dinner was instant noodles, I couldn't muster the energy for anything more.
Day 2: The Manta Mayhem and Crystal Bay Reflections
- 7:00 AM - Sunrise Panic!! I woke up with a panic, because did I actually enjoy my dream? Did I actually see a mermaid? The best part of the dream was seeing the sun rising.
- 8:00 AM - Manta Point Snorkeling: Underwater Bliss (and Panic?) This was THE reason I came to Nusa Penida. The boat ride out was a bumpy one (apparently, the sea gods have a particular grudge against me). Then, we jumped into the water. The water here was ice-cold. But then… BAM! A giant Manta Ray. It glided, almost serene, just inches away. Pure magic. Absolutely breathtaking.
- 9:00 AM - More Manta Ray!: There were even more Mantas! It was like a ballet, a dance. It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I might've swallowed some saltwater, but it was worth it.
- 11:00 AM - After seeing the Mantas - Gamat Bay! The color of the water here was unreal.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch at beach We had lunch at a local restaurant at the beach. I got Grilled Barracuda. It was really good.
- 1:30 PM - Crystal Bay. Time to head to Crystal Bay. Crystal Bay has a great vibe. I spent the entire afternoon swimming here, watching the sunset. It was the perfect way to end my time in Nusa Penida.
- 5:00 PM - Getting Back to Bali We arrived at the harbor to go back to Bali. The boat was late. We were all getting anxious.
- 7:00 PM - Back in Bali - Tired My hair, clothes, and every part of my body, even my soul felt heavy. I don't know if I'll ever go back. But I will miss it.
Final Thoughts (and Existential Rambling):
Nusa Penida… it’s a mixed bag, isn't it? The beauty is undeniable. The tourist crowds sometimes feel overwhelming. The roads… oh, the roads. But ultimately, the raw, untamed beauty, the marine life, and the sheer experience of it all? Worth it. Every mosquito bite, every missed turn, every moment of near-seasickness. Would I do it again? Probably. But next time, I'm bringing better sunscreen, Dramamine, and maybe a therapist. I'll give it a five-star rating because of the Mantas.
Escape to Paradise: Tagaytay's Purple Orchid B&B Awaits!
La Nusa Nusa Penida: Your Guide to Paradise (and Possibly, a Little Chaos!)
Okay, so you've heard the hype about Nusa Penida. You've seen the Instagram pics. You're thinking, "Dream vacation, here I come!" Well, hold onto your sarongs, buttercups, because La Nusa Nusa Penida is a whole EXPERIENCE. This isn't just a hotel; it's a dive headfirst into Bali... with a healthy dose of "what did I just sign up for?" Let's get into the nitty gritty, shall we?
1. Is La Nusa Nusa Penida *actually* as beautiful as the photos? Like, seriously?
Ugh, the photos. They are STUNNING. The infinity pool overlooking the ocean? Breath-taking. The cliffside views? Jaw-dropping. Does La Nusa live up to the hype? Alright, let me be brutally honest: Yes, and... No. The views? Unparalleled. The sunsets? Forgive me for getting sappy, but I actually cried. But here’s the *real* deal: those photos sometimes lie. They conveniently omit the steep, windy, bumpy roads you have to navigate to get there. They don’t show you the slightly wonky plumbing (more on that later). And they definitely don't prepare you for the sheer, glorious, chaotic energy of Bali. So, yes, the beauty is real, but it comes with a side of "rugged charm". Think less perfectly manicured, more untamed raw awesomeness.
2. What's the *deal* with the roads? I heard they're... challenging.
Challenging is an understatement. Picture this: You're on a scooter, navigating a dirt track that might as well be the surface of the moon. Pot holes the size of small cars. Sheer drops. And the local drivers? They’re fearless. I legit clung onto my husband for dear life (sorry honey!). You HAVE to be a confident scooter driver (or, like me, someone who's willing to embrace the white-knuckle ride). Or, and this is probably the smarter option, hire a driver. Seriously, it's worth every penny. I almost lost a sandal...and my sanity...on more than one occasion. I'm still finding dust in places I didn't know dust could *get*!
3. The food! Tell me about the food!
Ah, the food. Okay, the on-site restaurant has some seriously delicious options. The Mie Goreng? Absolutely worth it. That was like *literal* heaven. But here's the secret: explore! Venture out. Find the warungs (local restaurants) hidden on the side streets. They're often family-run, and the food? Unbelievably good and insanely cheap. Just be prepared for a slightly longer wait time – Bali operates on "island time," which means, forget your watch. Embrace the flow. And try the fresh fruit juices. They’re life-changing. I was practically drinking them by the gallon. My advice? Don't be afraid to try EVERYTHING. You're on a culinary adventure! (And yes, bring some Imodium. You know, just in case.)
4. What are the rooms *really* like? (Be honest!)
Okay, so the rooms? They're charming. Really, they are. Rustic, with a Balinese touch. But... here's the truth: Don't expect flawless luxury. Think more "comfortable chic." Our bathroom, bless its soul, tested my patience. The shower pressure? A bit... optimistic. And the hot water? Well, let's just say I became very well-acquainted with the joys of cold showers. But hey, that's part of the adventure, right? Plus, the views from the balcony are so stunning, they almost made me forget about the lukewarm water. Almost. Just bring a sense of humor (and maybe some baby wipes for an emergency refresh!).
5. The Pool. OH, THE POOL! What's it *really* like?
The pool. Okay, the pool. This is where La Nusa absolutely nails it. The infinity edge? Magnificent. The view of the Indian Ocean? Stunning. The sunsets dipping below the horizon while you're floating in that water? Pure bliss. It's the kind of "pinch me, I'm dreaming" moment you've been waiting for. And yes, there are Instagrammers taking photos every five seconds. I admit I was one of them! But honestly, even with the (mildly annoying) photo shoots going on, the experience outweighs it by a million miles. Just be prepared to share the moment (and a bit of your space) with other happy travelers. And maybe bring a waterproof phone case to capture your own epic snaps. I almost dropped mine in... don't be me!
6. What can I *actually* do there besides stare at the view?
Plenty! Snorkeling and diving are HUGE in Nusa Penida. Manta Point is a must-do (if you're lucky you'll actually *see* a manta ray!), but be prepared for a choppy boat ride! Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Cove) is iconic, but the hike down is INTENSE. Seriously, bring good shoes and lots of water. Broken Beach is gorgeous. Crystal Bay is a great spot for swimming and relaxing. Or, and this is my personal favorite, just rent a scooter (or hire a driver!) and explore. Get lost. Find hidden beaches you've never heard of. That's where the real magic happens. Just remember your sunscreen. And maybe a helmet. And a spare tire.
7. Anything I should be prepared for that isn't in the brochures?
Oh, yes. The roosters. They start crowing...early. Like, VERY early. So, pack earplugs. Also, the power can go out occasionally. Just embrace it. It’s part of the charm. And be prepared for the friendliness of the Balinese people. They are incredibly warm and welcoming. They are seriously the reason I fell in love. Learn a few basic Indonesian phrases – it goes a long way. (“Terima kasih” – thank you – is your best friend). And be prepared to be humbled. Bali is a beautiful place, but it can also be chaotic. Just breathe. Go with the flow. And prepare to fall in love with this crazy, wonderful island.
8. Okay, final verdict: Should I go to La Nusa Nusa Penida?
