Wanderer Error: Following the Heart Back to Pernida

Following my Penida review two years ago, many people inquired about transportation and ferry ticket purchasing options.

While my previous trip was time-constrained, I recently had the opportunity to return to Penida, allowing me to delve deeper into ferry ticket options. This information is primarily based on foreign tourist blogs, ferry company websites, and car rental services, along with updated information on popular tourist destinations.

• Broken Beach -

Perhentian Island: A Hidden Gem in Malaysia

Perhentian Island, located off the coast of Terengganu, Malaysia, has emerged as a popular destination for travelers seeking pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant marine life. This relatively untouched island offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, making it an ideal choice for those seeking relaxation and adventure.

Untamed Beauty and Diverse Activities:

Perhentian Island boasts two main islands, Kecil and Besar, each offering a unique experience. Kecil, known for its lively atmosphere and backpacker scene, provides a wide range of activities, including snorkeling, diving, and jungle trekking. Besar, on the other hand, offers a more secluded and laid-back atmosphere, perfect for those seeking tranquility and rejuvenation.

A Haven for Nature Enthusiasts:

The island's pristine beaches, fringed by swaying palm trees and crystal-clear waters, invite visitors to bask in the sun, swim, or simply relax and soak up the breathtaking scenery. The lush rainforests, teeming with diverse flora and fauna, offer opportunities for exploration and discovery. Hiking trails lead to hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints, while guided tours provide insights into the island's rich biodiversity.

Underwater Wonders:

Perhentian Island is renowned for its exceptional diving and snorkeling opportunities. The surrounding coral reefs are home to a kaleidoscope of marine life, including colorful fish, turtles, and even sharks. Divers can explore underwater caves, shipwrecks, and vibrant coral gardens, while snorkelers can marvel at the abundance of marine life just off the shore.

A Culinary Delight:

Perhentian Island offers a variety of dining options, catering to diverse tastes and budgets. Local seafood restaurants serve fresh catches of the day, while cafes and bars offer a range of international and local cuisine. Visitors can enjoy traditional Malay dishes, such as nasi lemak and rendang, or indulge in Western favorites like pizzas and burgers.

Accommodation for Every Traveler:

Perhentian Island offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. Backpackers can find affordable dorms and private rooms, while families and couples can choose from comfortable bungalows and beachfront villas. Many accommodations offer stunning views of the ocean and surrounding islands.

Accessibility and Transportation:

Perhentian Island is easily accessible by boat from Kuala Besut, a coastal town in Terengganu. Regular ferry services operate throughout the day, making it convenient for travelers to reach the island. Once on the island, visitors can get around by foot, motorbike, or boat.

Conclusion:

Perhentian Island is a hidden gem in Malaysia, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, adventure, and relaxation. Whether you're seeking a secluded getaway, an adrenaline-filled adventure, or a chance to immerse yourself in nature, Perhentian Island has something for everyone.

The journey from the airport to Sanur Beach, the departure point for boats to Nusa Penida, takes approximately 30 minutes.

To begin, you must choose a departure time for the boat. Typically, there are morning departures between 7:00 and 10:00 AM and afternoon departures between 1:00 and 5:00 PM. The journey takes approximately 40 minutes.

There are several ferry companies operating in Nusa Penida, including Angel Billabong, Maruti, Sri Rejeki Express, and EL REY JUNIOR. These ferries depart from Banjar Nyuh Harbor, while Mola Mola Express departs from Sampalan Harbor. Sampalan Harbor is located further from the main tourist areas but closer to the eastern attractions of the island.

- Treehouse -

How to purchase Speedboat tickets

Online Booking

1. Online Booking

This option allows you to purchase tickets online using a credit card. While the prices may be slightly higher, it includes transportation from your hotel or airport to the pier.

Available Providers:

• Angel Billabong: https://angelbillabongfastcruise.com
• Maruti Express: http://marutigroupfastboat.com

Note: The Molamola website is currently undergoing maintenance and is unavailable.

While searching for information, I came across another online ferry ticket website called Penidago. It appears convenient and reliable, claiming to offer ferry tickets without any additional fees for 150k. This is a more affordable price for tourists compared to other providers, and tickets can be purchased at least 24 hours in advance.

However, as we were unsure of the exact time we would arrive at Sanur beach, we did not try booking with Penigoda. The most suitable option for us was to purchase tickets directly at the port.

2. Enter

This method is suitable for those who have time and enjoy bargaining. The initial asking price is 450k per trip, but with prior research indicating a starting price of 150-200k, some playful negotiation can secure the desired price.

Mola Mola has newer boats, but their pier is further north and has fewer departures. Angel Billabong, which we used this time, has more frequent departures and allows you to purchase round-trip tickets without fixing the return time, which was perfect for us as our return time depended on our mood. However, on both the outbound and return trips, the window seals on this boat seemed unable to keep out the water. Initially, we were excited to sit by the window, but after the boat had been running for a while, water started splashing in, soaking our heads. On the return trip, water even flowed onto the seats, soaking our bottoms.

The highlight of the return trip was when the boat was speeding, probably due to the high speed or a strong impact, the wooden planks on the top of the tourist seats gradually opened up, creating a gap. As a result, the passengers sitting in the front row on the right side had to stand up until they reached the shore. Fortunately, it was almost there, so they didn't have to stand for long.

Check-in Procedure

After paying for the ferry ticket, check the date, time, and accuracy carefully. You will then receive a thin receipt and a neck tag that serves as a voucher.

Checking in is a breeze. Simply wait near the beach where the ticket sellers are pointing. As the departure time approaches, someone will call out your name. Be sure to listen carefully for two key words: the boat company name and the departure time. Why? Because even if you listen intently to the entire announcement, you probably won't understand it anyway, as it will be in Indonesian.

Upon boarding, passengers will be asked to return their lanyards to designated personnel. Large luggage will be collected and stored by the ship's crew.

Remember to dress simply and wear sandals, as you will need to wade through water that rises and falls with the tide. Even while riding the boat, there is a chance of getting splashed. We got soaked up to our thighs on the way up the boat! 555

Passengers are then free to choose their preferred seats. Shortly after departure, staff will collect the ticket stubs, which serve as receipts. For round-trip tickets, staff will simply verify and mark the tickets before returning them.

We soon arrived at Penida Island. Fortunately, there was a pier at the port, so we didn't have to wade through the water. This was the meeting point and car rental location.

This trip, we plan to rent a motorbike to ride. We know that the roads on the island are winding and challenging, but we believe that if we go slowly and carefully, we will eventually reach our destination, even if it takes longer. The rental price for motorbikes is slightly higher than it was two years ago, as the island has become increasingly popular. However, the price is still reasonable.

How to rent a scooter

Renting a motorbike on Nusa Penida is a matter of trust. No paperwork or security deposit is required. Simply agree on a price, pay, and you're good to go. The gas station is conveniently located right in front of the harbor. It couldn't be easier. The rental price for a motorbike is around 75k per day.

Tips
- The roads on the island, even in the heart of the island, are only two lanes wide, but they are well paved. However, the roads leading to tourist attractions are often unpaved, bumpy, and winding. In many sections, one side of the road is a mountainside, which can be a bit nerve-wracking when passing oncoming traffic.

Therefore, it is crucial to thoroughly inspect the motorcycle's systems, including the brakes, rearview mirrors, headlights, turn signals, and tire treads, to ensure they are in proper working order. Do not hesitate to inform the owner if you feel unsure about any aspect of the motorcycle after testing it. While we enjoy motorcycle touring, safety and advance route planning are equally important.

• The locals on the island are the ones who rent out the motorbikes. Since it's a local business, the management is quite simple. It's so simple that they sometimes remember their customers. 555 They don't even take pictures of the bikes or anything. They just take the money and let you go. 555

While renting a car on the island may seem straightforward, it's crucial to be cautious. Take photos of the car's registration and any existing damage to protect yourself against potential disputes. Most rental cars display the owner's phone number on a sticker. As communication primarily occurs through WhatsApp, ensure you have the app installed before your trip. This allows for convenient communication regarding car pick-up, drop-off, or any other inquiries.

- The map shows that the distance is not far, only 15-20 kilometers, but why does it take almost an hour to reach each place? As I mentioned, the road is two lanes, winding both on the plains, on the mountains, and rough. Especially on the east side, where the road curves up and down in an S-shape (I just found out that it is more difficult to ride than the west side when I talked to a local guide), making it impossible to run at full speed, really not exceeding 20-50 km/h.

Therefore, it is advisable to study the distance of tourist attractions to calculate and plan your trip properly. Do not think that it is close and you can pack your schedule. However, if you want to hire a car to take you around, that's fine. Sit back and relax with a driver, no need to worry about getting sweaty or oily.

- A guide we met by chance during dinner warned us about dogs on the road at night without lights. We were surprised, wondering what dogs he was talking about, as we hadn't seen any all day. It turned out he was right. Where were you hiding? They suddenly appeared, walking close by, making us wonder if they were going to cross the road or not. So, if you have to ride at night, slow down, honk your horn to signal your presence, and be extra careful of dogs. 555

Motorcycle Rental in Bali: A Convenient Option for Exploring the Island

This passage describes the author's experience renting a motorcycle in Bali through Bali 4ride. They booked online and received confirmation via email and WhatsApp. Payment was made in cash upon receiving the motorcycle. The author arranged for the motorcycle to be delivered to Sanur Beach after arriving from Nusa Penida and returned it in Seminyak. While a small fee was incurred, the convenience of this service was highly appreciated. The author also notes the good condition of the motorcycle, eliminating concerns about potential mechanical issues.

After settling the transportation to the island, we moved on to planning our trip on the Penida side. We were hoping to go diving with manta rays, but the tour operators we contacted said that the boats were not going out due to strong waves. Another operator said that there were no group tours available and that we would have to charter a boat ourselves. As a result, we missed out on the diving trip, so our program on the island was more relaxed. We focused on visiting only a few places that we were interested in and had not been to before.

Day 1: Bangkok - Bali - Sanur Port - Penida - Check-in - Relax

This sentence describes the first day of a trip, starting in Bangkok and ending in Penida, with stops in Bali and Sanur Port. The activities include traveling, checking in, and relaxing.

- Before our trip, we purchased a Sim2fly SIM card, which allowed us to use the internet as soon as we arrived. It was very convenient. The 4GB included with the SIM card was valid for 8 days, which was perfect for our 7-day trip. We even had 1GB left over on the last day. The signal was usable on Penida Island, although it may not have been very strong at times. However, it was accessible everywhere, and we were able to check Google Maps. As for the Bali mainland, the signal was excellent.

From the airport, we hailed a Grab to Sanur Port. It took some time to find a car, but it was worth it because the fare was cheaper than a taxi from the airport.

- Gayatri Guesthouse is a guesthouse located on Penida Island. It is located away from the city center and close to Atuh Beach, making it a convenient option for those who want to visit the beach in the morning. The guesthouse has only three rooms and offers a simple breakfast of bread, eggs, and coffee.

For dinner, I rode a motorbike to enjoy the beautiful view at Ogix. The food tasted okay, not really wow. I don't know why it got such good reviews on Tripadvisor. Maybe I chose the wrong menu, haha. 555

• The atmosphere of Ogix Warung -

Day 2: Treehouse - Atuh Beach - Broken Beach - Angel's Billabong - Kelingking Viewpoint

- The morning air was fantastic, with no traffic, allowing for a comfortable ride without worrying about oncoming vehicles. The initial section of the road offered stunning panoramic views of the sea from the mountainside, but unfortunately, there aren't many pictures (the man was hesitant to take out his camera while we were riding the motorcycle). 555 We were very focused on riding the motorcycle.

- There will be a section where the sign pointing to Atuh has both a straight and a left turn, which can be confusing as to which way to go. In reality, you can go either way. If you plan to visit the treehouse, it is recommended to go straight first, as you can reach both the Tree house, Diamond beach, and Atuh Beach. However, if you are afraid of getting lost, set your pin to the Tree house first, and there will be signs along the way.

- A sign at the fork in the road asks you to choose between going to the Treehouse or Atuh. -

- Upon arrival, park your car in front of the entrance where there is a booth for collecting entrance fees. However, we arrived too early and the collector was still asleep, so we left the money instead. Then, look to your right and you will see a stone staircase leading down to the treehouse. Walk slowly and be careful, as the other side is a cliff!

- Most tourist attractions on the island are located on the edge of a cliff, so there must be warning signs about safety and taking responsibility for your own risks. Because if an accident happens, it will be difficult to take responsibility. Sometimes people want to get beautiful pictures, so they stand on the edge of a cliff or climb to find a good angle.

• Scenic viewpoint at the Treehouse -

- It's best to come here in the morning when there are fewer people and the light is beautiful. -

• After exiting Tree House, retrace your steps and turn the other way to reach Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach.

The road turned into a steep, rocky dirt path. We had to ask the men to get off and walk, then we carefully navigated the bike down, using our legs to brace it in case it hit a rock and lost balance. We then slowly let the bike roll forward. If you're wondering why I was the one driving, we were taking turns, but I specifically requested to ride this section. I wanted to see if I could get us both through it! 555

Diamond Beach: A Glimpse from Above

Diamond Beach, with its pristine white sands, beckoned us from above. However, after a long morning with empty stomachs, we decided against the descent. Fearing exhaustion before reaching the beach, we opted for a few quick photos and continued our journey towards Atuh Beach, where we planned to rest and refuel.

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From Diamond Beach, walk straight ahead until you see a long concrete path. Follow the path and you will find a way down to Atuh Beach. Don't worry about the walk back up when you see the way down, just take your time and enjoy the view.

- Atuh beach can actually be accessed from another path if you don't plan on visiting the treehouse. Locals say this path is easier and less steep (although I can't confirm this personally, it's what they told me).

We chose Tropical Cliff because of its relaxed reggae music that matched the atmosphere. Since the menu didn't list prices, we braced ourselves for the possibility of inflated beachside pricing. Despite the potential expense, our hunger and fatigue compelled us to order.

• However, when the bill came, it was unexpectedly low. We ordered spaghetti, coconut water, and Coke, one water, and one juice, for a total of only 100k (a little over 200 baht). This restaurant only adds a small amount to the price, even though they have to carry everything up and down the mountain. If you have the chance to visit, don't forget to stop by. The aunt is lovely and kind. We sat there enjoying the breeze and resting comfortably.

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Atuh beach is not a bustling tourist destination, but it offers a peaceful and serene atmosphere that suits our preferences. We woke up early and enjoyed a leisurely breakfast on the beach, listening to music and savoring our instant spaghetti sauce (which was surprisingly delicious). After a while, we decided it was time to freshen up and head to the western side of the island for further exploration.

- Warung Jungle for lunch. Today's meal was delicious, living up to the Tripadvisor reviews.

- The BBQ shrimp, chicken fried rice, and fried spring rolls I ordered were all delicious. The lemonade was also very refreshing.

- In the afternoon, we set off on our first destination, Broken Beach and Angel Billabong, like riding a motorbike in a honeycomb. The road was broken in many ways, zigzagging along small streets. But don't worry about not reaching your destination, just worry about how to avoid the potholes without falling. Crawl slowly, it may be slow, but you will get there eventually. As for the coordinates in Google, you can definitely trust them.

- Broken Beach has changed slightly from its original state. The overgrown vegetation has been cleared, and a walkway has been built for tourists, along with a platform for taking photos. Personally, I feel a little sorry for the Angel Billabong because they have broken the rock formation to make a walkway, which makes it look less beautiful. This time, I felt indifferent. As for the pool area, it wasn't very appealing to take photos in, as there were people standing around watching, which was a bit embarrassing, and it didn't feel very private.

- Our stay here was brief, but we still made a quick stop at the newly constructed cliffside viewpoint. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a restaurant and a sunset viewing area, complete with a swing as a gimmick. However, what truly captivated our attention was not the view, but the stunning murals painted on the wall. These murals depicted Broken Beach and manta rays in vibrant colors, instantly capturing our hearts. Since we had already missed the opportunity to swim with manta rays, we settled for taking pictures with the murals instead.

The distance from here to Kelingking Beach is not far, taking approximately 20-30 minutes. The road conditions remain the same, with potholes and uneven surfaces.

We believe this is the perfect spot to end your day and watch the sunset. However, if you want to walk down to the beach below, we recommend arriving in the afternoon to allow ample time for the climb back up. While the descent is thrilling, it's also quite challenging.

We were captivated by the breathtaking atmosphere and panoramic views. The warm golden sunlight illuminated the peculiar rock formations, aptly nicknamed "T-Rex" by locals. The scenery possessed a unique charm that left us mesmerized. Unfortunately, our limited time prevented us from exploring further and satisfying our curiosity by descending to the base.

The slow-motion waves rolling against the azure ocean created a captivating moment. Although I arrived late in the evening and couldn't experience the water firsthand, the scene left a lasting impression.

Last time we missed this place. Besides Atuh beach, there is also Kelingking, which we think is beautiful and worth taking pictures of, as well as watching the sunset.

We initially agreed not to ride motorbikes after dark. We should leave here before sunset.

Despite the challenging conditions, the breathtaking scenery and vibrant atmosphere made the journey worthwhile. The camaraderie among fellow travelers provided additional motivation to continue the ride, albeit at a slower pace.

We conclude each day of our journey by watching the sunset. It's like a successful formula that makes our trip more complete and enjoyable. It's as if it's telling us that no matter how the day started, there's always a small reward waiting for us at the end. (Except for days with bad weather, of course, but we'll just tell ourselves that life and sunsets always have other days. 555)

- The weather started to get chilly, riding a motorbike back in the dark without any streetlights. We decided to have dinner at Warung Tu Pande, which is located near Warung Jungle. Don't underestimate this humble-looking warung, because the food is just as delicious as any other restaurant. From what I observed, local people also come here to eat. For this meal, I recommend the grilled menu, which includes both fish and chicken. Unfortunately, I don't have any pictures because it was dark and I was hungry. 555

Day 3: Secret Sunrise Viewpoint - Ubud

- Today is the day we have to cross back to Bali. Since we are staying on the side where we can clearly see the sunrise, I thought we should go out for coffee and watch the sunrise before saying goodbye to Nusa Penida.

Riding a motorbike, I came across a shop by the beach. I decided to stop by in case they had coffee or breakfast, but the shop was closed. However, I saw a "Sunrise" sign, so I took the liberty of sitting there for a while until it got too hot, and then I went out for coffee (to be continued).

In conclusion, on the island, especially on the side that claims to have beautiful sunrises, there are no shops open in the morning.

Initially, we planned to pack our belongings and leave the island for Bali sooner, especially since our manta ray diving experience was canceled. However, upon waking up to a beautiful sunrise and experiencing the serene atmosphere, we felt compelled to extend our stay and enjoy another night on the island. The tranquility, the absence of crowds, and the opportunity to spend two days immersed in the local way of life possessed a magical charm that made us yearn for a true respite.

The cost of living on the island is neither high nor low. The main expense is transportation, including car and boat fares, excluding round-trip airfare.

Ultimately, excluding nearby famous islands like Lambongan, Gili Penida itself is considered a new island with charming coastal views unlike any other. It is also a peaceful place with unspoiled nature, making it ideal for a quiet vacation, diving, sightseeing, and living a simple life not far from the island of Bali.

We still have unfinished business with this island, so we'll be back again. If we don't find a reason to return, we'll just have to go diving with manta rays somewhere else. 555

That's all for our review of Nusa Penida. If we have some free time (and aren't feeling lazy), you might see other reviews from us, such as the story of the Ubud restaurant, 3 places to stay, and other Balinese activities besides just visiting temples.

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