Crystal Bay Beach
From the name itself, you probably could guess that Crystal Bay Beach has one of the most crystal clear water in Nusa Penida.
The beach is a really quiet and almost feel like a private beach. The sand stretch over 200 meters with a turtle like mini island floating in front of it.
Crystal Bay is also one of the most popular snorkeling and diving spot in Nusa Penida, as it has beautiful corals, exotic fishes and the rare Mola Mola fish from time to time.
If you are interested to travel to Crystal Bay Beach than you have to read this guide. I will tell you everything you need to know about this gorgeous beach.
The Danger of Diving at Crystal Bay Beach
This is crazy:
From 2012 to 2015, there are at least 5 accidents that cost the life of divers at Crystal Bay Beach.
Most of them died after unexpectedly caught by strong current. Including 16 years old boy who snorkeled at Crystal Bay even though he had no swimming experience before.
Last February, a Sri Lankan tourist also drown while snorkeling at the Bay.
If you are not a strong swimmer or an experience diver (and of course licensed), please do not snorkel around the Bay as the strong current could sneak up on you.
Things to Do in Crystal Bay Beach:
1. Relax on the Beach
Most tourists come to Crystal Bay Beach after a long day spent on other location such as Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong and Kelingking Cliff.
Usually by the time they arrive at Crystal Bay, they are either too exhausted or just want a nice quiet time to enjoy the sunset view.
There are warung (small local eatery) where you can relax and enjoy foods and drinks.
2. Snorkeling or Diving
Now:
The best part of Crystal Bay is it’s crystal clear water and its marine life. If you are fit enough to swim, snorkel or dive, then it is a great idea to spend a few hours admiring the life underwater, such as the Mola Mola (also know as the Sunfish).
Diving with the Sunfish is definitely an unforgettable experience. This huge but graceful creature are usually found in deep and cold oceanic waters but occasionally they come inshore. You may get lucky to find one in Crystal Bay between July and September.
3. Sunset at Crystal Bay
If you are staying the night in Nusa Penida, you could also enjoy the beautiful sunset over the bay.
The sun setting behind the turtle like island is such a picturesque view to enjoy.
4. Take pictures around the Palm Trees
Here is another Instagram-worthy spot for your feed.
The group of palm trees that grow in an almost organized way, is such a great background for your photos.
Don’t you agree?
How to Get to Crystal Bay, Nusa Dua
Crystal Bay Beach is located at the western side of Nusa Penida. To reach Nusa Penida, you will have to take a 40 minutes speed boat trip from Sanur. The speed boat trip will cost you IDR 150.000 each way.
Once you arrive in Nusa Penida, you can head to Crystal Bay by either renting a car or scooter at the harbour. Renting a car and driver will cost you approximately IDR 800.000 (max. 6 people) while scooter is much cheaper at around IDR 80.000 (max 2 people).
Follow the road to Toya Pakeh and you will reach Crystal Bay Beach after a 40 minutes ride.
The entry ticket to Crystal Bay Beach is free, but you will have to pay for parking for IDR 5.000 per car or IDR 2.000 per scooter.
Alternatively, if you would like to have a stress-free trip to Nusa Penida, you could always use LiburanBali’s top-notched trip service.
For starting $45, you could book all-in trip to Nusa Penida. It’s already include round trip hotel transfers, round trip speed boat, car rental, driver and even lunch!
Tips BEFORE going to Crystal Bay Beach:
1. Get a Proper Licensed Diving or Snorkeling Instructor
I can’t stress this enough:
If you want to dive or snorkel at Crystal Bay Beach, make sure you only get the licensed and trusted instructors. At LiburanBali, we only work with the best instructors as we believe the safety of our customer is the most important priority.
Also, if you have no experience in snorkeling or not a strong swimmer, I would advise you to skip these activities and just enjoy the sunset.
Better safe than sorry.
2. Bring a Go Pro
Always bring a Go Pro with you while diving at Crystal Bay Beach. You’ll never know a rare moment when a Mola Mola will swim up to the surface.
3. Watch the Sunset
The sunset at Crystal Bay Beach is one of the most spectacular ones in Nusa Penida. The warm gradients of the sky behind the turtle like island is something worth to see.
4. Be careful when driving in Nusa Penida
Overall, the roads in Nusa Penida is really narrow and damaged. If you aren’t an experienced rider, then please forget about renting a scooter in Nusa Penida.
You will most probably get into an accident or fall over your bike. There has been countless of stories of tourist get badly injured from motorbike accidents in Nusa Penida.
What do you think about Crystal Bay Beach?
Would you be interested to visit Crystal Bay Beach on your next visit to Bali? Or have you been to Broken Beach before? Share your thoughts below!
Visitor Rating: 5 Stars