The Devil’s Tears (or variously Devils Tears, Devil Tears, etc.) are one of the most interesting sights on Nusa Lembongan, an island off the coast of Bali.
If you love to see the amazing power of the sea as it strikes cliffs and explore the local environment before you relax at sunset, this is a fabulous place to go. Here’s all you need to know about the Devil’s Tears.
Where Are The Devil’s Tears, Bali?
The Devil’s Tears are on the West Coast of Nusa Lembongan which is one of the Nusa Islands offshore from Bali. (These are not to be confused with Nusa Dua which is part of Bali).
Address: Nusa Lembongan, Jungutbatu, Kec. Nusa Penida, Kabupatén Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia
How To Get To Devil’s Tears
Firstly, you will need to get to Nusa Lembongan and you can either join an organized tour or take a fast boat or ferry from Bali to the island.
Once you reach Nusa Lembongan, you will then need to choose between a private car with a driver or a scooter.
We recommend you opt for the car as the roads in Nusa Lembongan are not very pleasant to drive on and you will end up feeling battered and bruised on a scooter, also cars have air conditioning which is nice in the Bali heat.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Devil’s Tears?
There is no bad time of year to visit Nusa Lembongan or Bali, thanks to its tropical climate, the weather is warm and sunny all year long and while it does rain in the rainy season, it doesn’t tend to rain all day, every day.
You will find that the weather is a little less humid in the dry season but that prices go up at this time of year as it’s the most popular time to visit Bali.
However, we would recommend that you visit the Devil’s Tears at sunset to get the best photographs of the area as it is bathed in Golden Hour light. This is also a great area to fly a drone in (make sure you understand Bali’s drone rules before you fly though).
The Devils Tears Opening Hours
The site is open 24 hours a day, however, you won’t be able to see very much outside of daylight hours, so you should time your visit between sun up and sun down.
You should also consider aiming for high tide as this is the time when the crashing waves reach their most powerful forces and make the Devil’s Tears really come to life.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Visiting Devil’s Tears?
Yes, while some sites claim that it’s free to enter, it’s not, there is a 25,00 IDR entrance fee for the Devil’s Tears in Nusa Lembongan.
This needs to be paid in cash (so bring small bills) before you can access the area.
What To Expect At Devil Tears?
The Devil’s Tears is a collection of blow holes along the cliff face in Nusa Lembongan and they shoot water high in the air creating misty spray and huge amounts of noise.
There is a pleasant view of reflection pools beneath the blow holes and visitors say that it’s one of the most arresting sights in Bali.
It’s a fantastic place for photography and capturing exciting memories of your time on the island as well as for appreciating the raw power of Mother Nature.
You can also find some surprisingly serene and chilled out spots where you can break for breakfast, lunch or dinner and enjoy a picnic by the sea.
Can You Swim At Devil’s Tear Nusa Lembongan?
You can swim but it’s dangerous and we wouldn’t recommend it. The trouble is that the force of the waves is completely unpredictable at the Devil’s Tears.
While you will find many tourists that stand close to the edge and even a few that jump into the ocean from the rocks above, they’re putting themselves in harm’s way.
It just takes one wave to crush you against the rocks below and local guides say that people have lost their lives at this spot in the past.
Important Tips For Devil’s Tears
There are a few things that you should know about this location to get more out of your visit:
Be patient – the waves change a lot and the best displays normally come along after a little waiting
Watch for rainbows – the water spray created here often creates miniature rainbows in the air and that looks awesome both in real life and in photos
Stay for sunset – this is one of the best places in Nusa Lembongan to watch a sunset from
Stay away from the edge – it may be beautiful, but it’s also dangerous, stay away from the edge of the Devil’s Tears
Take a camera – but be warned the spray isn’t good for electronics take a water-resistant body and lens or stick to your phone
Cliff Jumping At Devil’s Tears
We sometimes wonder if the area is called Devil’s Tears because the devil cries tears of joy whenever somebody does something to imperil themselves at the Devil Tears.
Cliff jumping is perfectly legal at this location and many people do it (the jump height is actually pretty easy with a jump of only 3-4 meters) but once again, the waves are unpredictable and perilous and sea conditions can change in an instant.
Even if the water appears entirely calm, you could suddenly find yourself being dashed against the rocks moments later. We’d pick a different spot for cliff jumping in Bali. (We’ve got the 11 best spots for cliff jumping in Bali).
Attractions Near Devil’s Tears
Dream Beach
This white sandy bay is a wonderful place for sunbathing but it’s a bad place to go swimming due to unpredictable tides.
Dream Beach is the perfect place to get those dreamy Instagram snaps of an unspoiled tropical island.
Manta Ray Snorkeling
One thing you can do on Nusa Lembongan that you can’t do anywhere else in Bali is swim with Manta Rays!
The rays are not remotely dangerous to human beings and you can join a trip to snorkel with them!
FAQs
Why Is It Called Devil’s Tears?
Nobody is entirely sure where the name “Devil’s Tears” comes from but it is probably a result of the powerful waves and the pools dotted around the area which might look like tears from above.
Do You Have To Pay For Devil’s Tears?
Yes, the entrance fee for Devil’s Tears is 25,000 IDR (that’s about $2 AUD). This helps to ensure that access to the site is well-maintained.
How Do I Get To Devil Tears?
Firstly, you get a boat to Nusa Lembongan and secondly, you take a private car with a driver or a scooter taxi to the Devil’s Tears themselves.
Is It Worth Visiting Devil’s Tear Nusa Lembongan?
Yes! While it is dangerous to get too close to the edge, this is one of the most dramatic locations in Bali and a visit to the Devil’s Tears is highly recommended.
If you visit at sunset, you will never forget the power of the waves, bathed in the vibrant hues of the light as it breaks over the Indian Ocean.
How To Book A Holiday With A Visit To Nusa Lembongan Island And The Devil’s Tears?
We always recommend that you book a Balinese holiday through the superb Bali Res Centre. That’s a locally owned and operated travel service that specializes in travel in Bali.
That means they can always hook you up with competitive prices and they know all the best places to stay in Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and on the mainland too!
Final Thoughts On Visiting Devil’s Tears In Bali
The Devil’s Tears are a popular tourist attraction on Nusa Lembongan but don’t worry, most visitors are just passing through on a Bali tour and won’t be staying very long.
That means if you head down the rocky cliffs a little, you can enjoy views of the reflection pools that are completely unimpeded by others.
Sitting on the rocky outcrops you’ll find the best spots to appreciate the dramatic scene below, just don’t get too close to the edge.
