Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong are among the must-see attractions for most people visiting Penida Island. Both are within walking distance and easily accessible by public transportation.
While most people take a day trip to Penida Island, we think it's definitely worth spending a few days here. This will give you more time to explore the island's many attractions and see them away from the tourist crowds.
apart from Kelingking BeachOutside of that, Angel's Billabong is probably the most famous attraction on Penida. And not without reason. It's one of the most fascinating natural places I've ever seen, and it's hard to believe it's not man-made. However, it is also a dangerous place. Trying to swim here may seem tempting, but the calm waters are just an illusion. Read on to find out if you should take the risk.
Broken Beach is right next to Angel's Billabong, but they are very different. This beach looks similar to some of the beaches in Mexico or Greece, with a bay that can only be accessed through a bridge-like tunnel. The view is spectacular.
Are you planning a trip to Penida Island? This 3-day itinerary It will help you!
How to get to ANGEL'S BILLABONG and BROCKEN BEACHES on PENINIDA ISLAND
Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach are located on the west coast of Penida Island; almost opposite Nusa Serene. Although it is theoretically less than 10 kilometers from the port of Banjar Nyuh (Toya Pakeh), it takes almost an hour to drive there. The port of Puerto Banjul is further away, but the driving time is the same.
Car or motorcycle?
Nusa Penida is known for its bad roads and it's hard to find grab and gojek (this also applies to Blue Dream Island). Even if you are an experienced motorcyclist, I wouldn't recommend renting one here. The road is steep, mostly gravel, and the local drivers drive roughly with no regard for the safety of motorcycle tourists.
Tourists usually overestimate their abilities and end up either pushing their bikes uphill in the heat or having to be picked up by their accommodation.
Driving here can be especially tricky if you're carrying a passenger on a bicycle, as you'll have to travel at high speeds to get up the hill.
If you're not very confident on a scooter, then do yourself a favor and get a driver. You'll spend a lot of time getting from place to place on this island, and you'll have a much better experience if you're sitting in an air-conditioned van rather than getting sunburned on a bike.
Hired drivers
Many people choose to explore Penida Island by car. Many locals make a living by providing cabs and day trips. You can hire a driver for 10 hours for about Rp 500,000 (about US$32), including parking and gas. During this time, the driver will take you wherever you want to go, within reason of course. Be sure to tell them about your trip in advance and they will let you know what is realistic.
You can find more information on the Facebook Groups or Google the driver's phone number online.
You can also ask for your accommodation in Penida Island, however, you will have a hard time bargaining.
Make sure you don't overpay, and tip your driver at the end of the day if they've done a good job. Paying for lunch is also a habit.
Let me save you time and energy when you plan your trip!
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Accommodation? Agoda or Booking.com
Where is the best place to book flights? Skyscanner
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Where to stay on Penida Island if you want to visit Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach
Penida IslandThere are some great hotels for every budget.
In general, you should try to find accommodation close to the beaches in the north of the island. You'll find the best restaurants and stores near the two harbors (especially Puuk Harbor). Unlike the rest of Penida, the road between the two is paved and can be easily navigated by scooter.
The center of the island is not very interesting and the further you get from the coast, the more difficult it is to get out. It is not worth staying here unless the prices are very cheap.
If you're going to visit Penida Island, you're going to have to spend some time driving around anyway, whether it's by car or motorcycle. There's no point in trying to find a place close to Angel Stagnant Pool and Broken Beach. In your spare time, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches in the northern part of the island and make your life better.
Not sure which hotel to choose? Check us out!Best hotels in Penida IslandList.
Admission and parking fees for ANGEL'S BILLABONG, Penida Island
There is no entrance fee to Angel's Billabong or Broken Beach (from 2022), but a parking fee of IDR 5,000 (about €0.30). There is no time limit for parking and your driver will most likely pay this fee.
Dining room and bathroom
Angel's Billabong has many restaurants (warungs) near the parking lot. You can get fairly cheap fried rice or wok here, but not western food.
Many of the tapas bars have their own bathrooms, which you can use if you eat there or pay a small fee (usually Rp 5,000 (about €0.30)). Bathrooms are very basic but available.
When to Visit Angel's Stagnant Pool and Broken Beach
This may not come as a surprise, but the sooner you get here, the better. As a visitor to one of Southeast Asia's most popular destinations, you face two enemies: the heat and other tourists. Often, arriving somewhere later than 9:30 a.m. means you'll have trouble with both.
Remember, Angel's Billabong is a popular destination for day-trippers. They arrive at the harbor early in the morning and the sound of cameras and selfie sticks drowns out the small bay.
If you're planning to take photos there, I can only recommend that you come early.
Also, the hot weather will make your time at Angel's Billabong less enjoyable. With little to no shade, you'll want to leave as soon as possible without being able to enjoy this beautiful place.
So how long is enough? The goal is to arrive at Broken Beach no later than 8:00 AM. If you come at 7:00 am, you are guaranteed to share the place with only a few other visitors.
Billabong of Angels; Dangerous?
Angel's Billabong is a very dangerous place if you plan to swim. It's worth noting that the locals prohibit anyone from going into the water when the tide is not low, and for good reason.
A stagnant pool may look calm, but waves from the ocean can flood it at irregular intervals that are unpredictable. Once a wave hits, it sucks the water out with such force that swimmers, even if they are close to the steps, are swept out into the open ocean.
Yes, the waves are so powerful that they can even wash away anything behind a natural pool.
The problem is that this is not obvious when you first arrive. Sometimes the water will be completely calm for 30 minutes or so until another wave comes in. Even during low tide, this is extremely unpredictable.
Technically, you can swim during low tide, but that doesn't mean it's completely safe. You can't walk in front of a stagnant pool, although brave tourists usually ignore locals who try to enforce this rule.
As tempting as it may seem to take the perfect photo close to the edge, it's extremely dangerous. in mid-2018, a Chinese tourist lost his life in just such a way. The ocean on Penida is so rough that it's often impossible to mount a rescue mission if someone falls overboard.
There are more horror stories about people dying in the Angel Stagnant Pool. This is a real danger if you don't use common sense.
Enjoy this beautiful place from a distance and don't swim here, even at low tide.
Broken Beach
Angel's Billabong is a 2-minute walk from Broken Beach. It is short and easy to manage.
You can walk around Broken Beach, including up to the top of the giant arch that serves as the entrance to the bay. During the day it's crowded with tourists, but in the early morning you're likely to be alone.
Bat's Nest Observation Deck
As you walk from Angel's Billabong to Broken Beach, you'll pass a small cliff facing the ocean. It's a little tricky to find, so if you're not sure, be sure to ask some of the locals.
Here you can watch mantas feeding on fish in the ocean below. This is almost impossible during low tide, but it's worth a try just in case you get lucky during high tide.
Depending on the time of your visit, you may need to be a little patient.
tides
It's best to visit Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach at low tide, where the waters are calm and you can technically swim in Angel's Billabong (if you stay away from the edge).
However, don't be discouraged by the high tide. It just means that the ocean won't be so calm and you can see spectacular waves.
Drone
Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach are perfect places to fly a drone. There are no drone regulations or fees.
Where do you go after Angel's Dead Pool and Broken Beach?
It's a good idea to split your trip to Penida Island into two day trips, one on the east coast and one on the west coast. Since Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach are on the west side, you should visit them on the same day! Kelingking Beach Crystal Bay and Tembeling Beach and Forrest
Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Rumah Pohon Treehouse and Thousand Islands Lookout It is located on the East Coast and should be visited some other time.
Are you planning a trip to Penida Island? Check out this handy island3 day trip.