Crystal Bay and Crystal Bay Beach in Nusa Penida are two very popular spots on this small island off the coast of Bali.
Many people take a day trip to enjoy the area, but we think given the actual travel distances, you might want to take a few days to enjoy the beach, go snorkeling in the sea, swim in the bay and explore the location thoroughly.
Here’s what to expect at Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida. It’s the kind of place that has everyone excited to pack their bags and come to Bali.
Where Is Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida?
Crystal Bay and Crystal Bay Beach are near the village of Sakti on the island of Nusa Penida which is one of three Nusa Islands off the coast of Bali in Indonesia.
Crystal Bay is located on the West coast of the island and it’s a wonderful spot to view the dramatic sunset over the Indian Ocean.
It’s a great spot for snorkeling and diving and the fish and marine life are incredible in this area.
How To Get To Crystal Bay Nusa Penida
The best way to get to Crystal Bay is to catch a fast boat from the Bali mainland to Nusa Penida from Sanur, Kusamba or Padang Bai.
There is, at least, one boat a day from each location and it will usually leave in the early morning.
The trip only takes 40-50 minutes though in inclement weather, it can feel like a lifetime. Things can get very rough in a storm.
Once you arrive on the island, you can either rent a scooter or hire a driver to get you around.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Crystal Bay?
We recommend that you visit the Nusa Islands in the dry season, not because the weather’s terrible in the wet season (it isn’t – in fact, you get a lot of sunshine each day all year round in the tropics) but because it means there’s less chance of a bumpy boat ride out there.
However, if you’re not prone to sea sickness, you will find there’s no bad time of year to be on Nusa Penida’s beaches.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Crystal Bay?
No, there’s no entrance fee for Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida though if you want to park in the official car park, you will pay 5,000 IDR (roughly $0.30 USD or $0.50 AUD) for the privilege.
Also if you want to rent a sunlounger, snorkeling equipment, etc. you will need to pay for these. (A full set of snorkel gear is about 150K for the day, per person.)
All payments in and around the beach are in cash, no credit cards, and we’d recommend you bring some small bills, change may not always be on hand.
What To Expect At Crystal Bay Nusa Penida
Crystal Bay and the beach bearing its name is an area of clear, turquoise waters and soft white sands.
The best things to do here are sunbathe, swim, dive and snorkel. There are some local warungs where you can get drinks and something to eat if you need them.
The waters are home to manta rays and if you dive down during the period from July to October at around 30 meters below the surface, you can find the giant sunfish (the Mola-Mola).
The reef that skirts the edge of the bay is home to some incredible and beautiful marine life.
Where To Stay Near Crystal Bay
If you want a nice beach hotel with an outdoor pool and free Wi-Fi you won’t find it hard to get the right site.
Crystal Bay has plenty of hotels that are very close by and some of our favourites include:
Adiwana Warnakali Resort – if you want some luxury in your life, then real guests of this stunning hotel can enjoy all the first-rate facilities on hand. We’d recommend a massage in their onsite spa.
Pramana Natura Nusa Penida – these villas are very pleasant though the open-plan bathrooms can make for some awkward moments if you’re sharing with friends rather than family.
Maua Nusa Penida – this is a great hotel just a short walk from the bay and very near to the Amok Sunset restaurant. We love the pool area which is really stylish.
Mahaloka Valley – This place is just a 10-minute walk from the bay and it’s an elegant boutique resort. There’s a nice warung nearby if you want to grab some grub too.
Crystal Bay Villa & Residence – if you want to be able to go diving down the stairs of your residence to head on to the beach, then this is as close as you can be. Travelers will enjoy great services and breakfast at this property.
Astiti Penida Resort & Spa – this pleasant resort features bungalows that are spacious and roomy for reasonable prices. It’s also very close to Crystal Bay Beach.
Where To Eat Near Crystal Bay
Looking for a great restaurant near Crystal Bay? There are plenty to choose from and you can find a great breakfast, lunch or dinner here as well as the occasional bar for great sundown drinks.
Some of our favourite places to eat in the area include:
Amok Sunset – if you love Asian fusion food and enjoy spending your sunsets lounging in a pool or seated around a bale bale, this is the place to be.
Nusava Restaurant by La Cantine – this place specializes in French and European cuisine and offers something for every palate but it’s quite heavily invested in the carnivorous side of things.
Resto Du’Uma – an exceptional place that offers a combined restaurant and bar experience with friendly service and portions that are great value for money.
Wyn’s Cafe Penida – this Tex-Mex with a little Italian flavour is a great choice, it’s a very welcoming place and rarely gets too crowded to find a seat.
Warung NG – if you want authentic Indonesian food, this is the property for you. Their prices are very reasonable and once you catch sight of the food, you won’t want to leave.
FAQs
Can You Swim At Crystal Bay Nusa Penida? Can You Swim In Crystal Bay Beach?
Yes, you can swim at Crystal Bay and we’d recommend that you stick to the crystal clear waters near the shoreline as the tides are calm here and you won’t be dragged out to sea
What Is Crystal Bay Famous For?
As the name suggests, Crystal Bay is famous for its crystal clear waters and also for its lovely beach which is covered in soft, white sand.
Can You Snorkel Off The Beach At Crystal Bay?
Yes, you can snorkel at Crystal Bay Beach and it’s one of the most popular snorkeling destinations in Bali.
What Part Of Nusa Penida Is Best To Stay In?
Many people say that the area around Crystal Bay Beach is the best place to stay in Nusa Penida.
That’s because the beach is famous for its white sands and clear waters and the location is ideal for exploring the rest of the island.
Can You See Manta Rays In Crystal Bay?
Yes, it’s fine to go snorkeling at this beach and you will find that there are often manta rays in the water here.
The creatures are very gentle and you are in no danger of harm while swimming in the sea with them.
Is There A Crystal Bay Beach Resort, Nusa Penida?
No, the Crystal Bay Beach Resort isn’t anywhere near Bali. It’s in Thailand and it’s in the Thai resort island of Koh Samui. We understand it’s a great option for a great price if you want a hotel in that location, but we’ve never been because our remit is Bali.
How Do You Book A Holiday In Crystal Bay?
If you want the perfect destination holiday in Bali with rooms in the right hotels and resorts for your budget and you want to explore the island of Nusa Penida while you’re here, then you want to get in touch with the Bali Res Centre.
The Bali Res Centre is a locally owned and managed travel service that specializes in lovely experiences in Bali and can get you a great deal on a diverse range of essentials from an extra bed in a hotel room, to a place with palm trees next to a golf course to flights from Australia and much more.
The best thing about dealing with this agency is that they are truly local, which means your holiday money stays in Bali and is used in the Balinese economy, rather than being taken overseas by a multinational entity.
Final Thoughts On the Silver Beach Of Crystal Bay
If you want to enjoy a truly special experience on your Bali holiday, then coming to Nusa Penida to see Crystal Bay Beach is a great way to go about it.
It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can swim with manta rays, the beach is beautiful and the water is so inviting.
You can also use it as a staging post to discover the rest of this charming little island in the province of Bali, Indonesia.
