Indonesia, Nusa Penida – Mysterious Cave and Hidden Beach

Over 150 truly high steps are situated right behind the entrance. It is quite a difficult task to make it in sangor. On the top, you will spend some time to find the "door" into the cave. However, there is a little crack in the rock you need to get through. After that you make you signature into the guest book and pay 20 000 IDR (about 40 CZK) entrance fee. The guide is nice and he will tell you about the cultural and religious significance of the cave for the people of Bali.

Upon crawling you may stand on your feet again. This unique place is veiled in mysterious atmosphere. Meditation spots are scattered around here. If you are lucky you may se some real ceremony here. Tourists can take part but must not forget to take off shoes. Over 5 000 believers can fit inside but this is the upper limit of the cave. You may even spot some bats flying around and once you reach the end of the cave you may enjoy amazing vista over the hills. However, you don't leave the cave by here, quite contrary you have to go back the same way you came in.

After a strenous trip, eat something good in Warungu Makan Boga Segara which offers an amazing vista over the sea. Here people sit inside open bamboo cabins on comfortable cushions. Who wouldn't like grilled octopus, fresh fish, or spring rolls with a fresh coconut.

And there are many more other steps. These go to Peguyangan waterfall. 700 blue steps lead to another sacred place. Don't expect large waterfalls, nature spring (Gyuangan) which feeds local inhabitants with drinking water. In this case, the end destination is not important, what is important is the very journey. Along the way you may enjoy amazing vistas over the rocky coastline and the blue sea. The stairs end at the foot of the cliff. A Hindu temple sits here. If you come here on Sundays, you may see a Sunday ceremony. Climbing up may be quite strenous especially given local warm climate. Fortunately, there is a snack bar at the end of the road.

If you miss beautiful beaches and you don't mind experiencing some adventure go to Suwehan Beach, the right choice for you. This remote beach on the southeast edge of the island is difficult to access. First you follow quite a pleasant path around a small temple. Then the path goes steeply downhill. Unfortunately, there are no stairs, rails just a rope to hold yourself to at some places.

Step by step you reach the last part. here you must do some climbing to reach the amazing white sand beach there. Once you rappel down on the rope there, you enter true paradise. It is also very likely that the entire beach will be empty and only you will be there.

GPS: (Suwehan Beach)  8°47'43.3"S 115°36'19.7"E

Text and photos: Monika Fuchsová