If you are looking for a tropical escape that is off the beaten path, Crystal Bay Beach is the perfect destination for you. This beautiful and tranquil beach is located on the west coast of Nusa Penida, a small island off the southeast coast of Bali. Crystal Bay Beach is surrounded by lush green hills, towering palm trees, and a stunning rock formation that creates a natural bay. The beach is famous for its crystal clear water, white sand, and amazing snorkeling and diving opportunities. You can also witness one of the most spectacular sunsets in Bali from this beach.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Crystal Bay Beach, from how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and more. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something to enjoy and explore at this hidden paradise.
How to Get to Crystal Bay Beach
There are two ways to get to Crystal Bay Beach: by boat or by land. If you are coming from Bali, you will need to take a ferry or a speedboat to Nusa Penida Island first. There are several ports in Bali that offer these services, such as Sanur, Padang Bai, and Serangan. The ferry takes about 90 minutes and costs around 150,000 IDR ($10) per person, while the speedboat takes about 45 minutes and costs around 300,000 IDR ($20) per person. You can also book a tour package that includes the boat transfer and a guide.
Once you arrive at Nusa Penida Island, you can either rent a scooter or a car, or hire a driver to take you to Crystal Bay Beach. The beach is about 15 km (9 miles) from the main port of Nusa Penida, and the road is mostly paved but can be bumpy and steep in some parts. It takes about 30 minutes to reach the beach by scooter or car, and the rental fee is around 70,000 IDR ($5) per day for a scooter and 500,000 IDR ($35) per day for a car. You can also negotiate with a driver to take you to the beach and other attractions on the island for around 600,000 IDR ($40) per day.
What to Do at Crystal Bay Beach
One of the main reasons to visit Crystal Bay Beach is to enjoy the snorkeling and diving opportunities. The bay is home to a rich and diverse marine life, including colorful corals, tropical fish, turtles, rays, and sharks. But the most amazing and unique attraction is the Mola Mola, or the ocean sunfish. This giant and bizarre-looking fish can grow up to 3 meters (10 feet) in length and weigh up to 1,000 kg (2,200 lbs). The Mola Mola is only found in a few places in the world, and Crystal Bay Beach is one of them. The best time to see the Mola Mola is from July to October, when they come up to the surface to get cleaned by smaller fish.
To snorkel or dive at Crystal Bay Beach, you will need to rent the equipment and hire a guide from one of the local operators on the beach. The snorkeling fee is around 150,000 IDR ($10) per person, and the diving fee is around 600,000 IDR ($40) per person. The snorkeling and diving spots are about 200 meters (650 feet) from the shore, and the water depth ranges from 5 to 40 meters (16 to 130 feet). The water temperature is usually around 25°C (77°F), but it can drop to 18°C (64°F) in some areas, so you may want to wear a wetsuit. The water visibility is usually good, but it can be affected by the currents and the waves. The snorkeling and diving sessions usually last for about an hour, and you can do multiple sessions if you want.
Besides snorkeling and diving, you can also enjoy other activities at Crystal Bay Beach, such as swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, and taking photos. The beach is spacious and clean, and there are plenty of shaded areas under the palm trees. You can also rent a sunbed or a hammock for around 50,000 IDR ($3) per day. The beach is also a great spot to watch the sunset, as the sky turns into a stunning array of colors behind the rock formation. You can also join a yoga or meditation class on the beach, or get a massage from one of the local vendors.
Where to Stay and Eat Near Crystal Bay Beach
If you want to stay near Crystal Bay Beach, you have several options to choose from, depending on your budget and preference. There are some hotels, resorts, villas, and guesthouses within walking distance or a short drive from the beach, such as:
Crystal Bay Villa:
This is a luxury villa that offers a private pool, a garden, a terrace, and a stunning view of the bay. The villa has two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, a kitchen, and a dining area. The villa can accommodate up to four guests, and the price is around 2,500,000 IDR ($170) per night.
Crystal Bay Bungalows:
This is a cozy and comfortable bungalow that offers a fan, a mosquito net, a private bathroom, and a balcony. The bungalow has one bedroom and can accommodate up to two guests. The price is around 300,000 IDR ($20) per night, and it includes breakfast.
Crystal Bay Beach Club:
This is a beachfront resort that offers a swimming pool, a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. The resort has various types of rooms, such as deluxe, superior, and family rooms. The rooms have air conditioning, a TV, a fridge, a safe, and a private bathroom. The price ranges from 500,000 to 1,000,000 IDR ($35 to $70) per night, and it includes breakfast.
If you want to eat near Crystal Bay Beach, you have some options to choose from, such as:
Crystal Bay Beach Club Restaurant: This is the restaurant of the resort, and it serves a variety of dishes, such as Indonesian, Western, Asian, and vegetarian. The restaurant also offers a daily buffet, a barbecue night, and a live music night. The price ranges from 50,000 to 150,000 IDR ($3 to $10) per dish.
Warung Crystal Bay: This is a local and simple eatery that serves authentic and delicious Indonesian food, such as nasi goreng, mie goreng, soto ayam, and gado-gado. The eatery also offers fresh coconut water, fruit juices, and coffee. The price ranges from 10,000 to 30,000 IDR ($0.7 to $2) per dish.
Warung Penida Colada: This is a trendy and cozy cafe that serves healthy and tasty food, such as salads, sandwiches, wraps, bowls, and smoothies. The cafe also offers vegan, gluten-free, and raw options. The price ranges from 30,000 to 80,000 IDR ($2 to $5) per dish.
What Else to See and Do in Nusa Penida Island
Crystal Bay Beach is not the only attraction in Nusa Penida Island. There are many other places to see and things to do on this island, such as:
Kelingking Beach:
This is one of the most iconic and Instagram-worthy spots in Nusa Penida Island. This beach is famous for its cliff that resembles a T-rex head, and its turquoise water and white sand. You can either admire the view from the top, or hike down to the beach, which takes about an hour. The beach is also a great spot to swim and snorkel, but be careful of the strong waves and currents.
Angel's Billabong:
This is a natural infinity pool that is formed by the ocean water and the rocks. The pool is filled with clear and colorful water, and it offers a stunning view of the ocean and the cliffs. You can swim and relax in the pool, but only during low tide, as the high tide can be dangerous and unpredictable.
Broken Beach:
This is a unique and beautiful beach that is surrounded by a circular cliff that has a hole in the middle. The hole was created by the erosion of the rocks over time, and it allows the ocean water to flow in and out of the beach. You can walk around the cliff and enjoy the view of the beach and the ocean, but you cannot access the beach itself, as there is no way down.
Atuh Beach:
This is a secluded and scenic beach that is located on the east coast of Nusa Penida Island. The beach is flanked by two majestic hills, and it has a rock formation that resembles a small island in the middle. The beach is also known for its sunrise, as the sun rises behind the rock formation and creates a stunning spectacle. You can also swim and snorkel at the beach, as the water is calm and clear.
Crystal Bay Beach is a hidden paradise that offers a lot of fun and adventure for travelers who are looking for a tropical escape. You can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of the beach, the snorkeling and diving opportunities, the sunset, and the accommodation and dining options.
You can also explore the other attractions and activities in Nusa Penida Island, such as such as Kelingking Beach, Angel's Billabong, Broken Beach, and Atuh Beach. Crystal Bay Beach is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and culture.
If you are ready to experience this hidden paradise, book your trip now and enjoy the best of Bali.
