Last week, during the full moon ceremony (Purnama) I was crouched on the broken rock rim of Pasih Uug while local women in white kebaya balanced offerings and smoke from incense braided the air — and my GoPro was already half-submerged in a tidal pool below. That day, between chanting and the waves, I learned the hard way about spring-tide surges, slippery algae and the single best light window for underwater macro in Angel's Billabong. As a Nusa Penida instructor, guide and photographer who has lived here 10+ years, I’ll walk you through exact GPS spots, gear, step-by-step shooting methods, local contacts, safety warnings I witnessed that very night, and seasonal timing so your underwater photos are both stunning and safe.

Why Angel's Billabong & Broken Beach matter for underwater photography

Angel's Billabong (natural infinity pool) and Broken Beach (Pasih Uug) are usually sold as landscape shots — but for underwater shooters they’re a goldmine: shallow tidal pools with crystal surfaces for macro seascapes, small swim-throughs with dramatic light shafts at low tide, and nearshore snorkel zones where you can practice over/under (split) images. The trick is timing, tide and local knowledge — which is exactly what I gained while helping Bu Sari and Pak Made supervise offerings during last week’s ceremony.

Exact locations & practical logistics

Coordinates (approx.):

• Angel's Billabong (Bias Tugal): -8.72610, 115.44230
• Broken Beach (Pasih Uug): -8.72600, 115.44290

How to get there

• From Toya Pakeh harbor: 20–30 minutes by motorbike/car depending on traffic and road repairs (scooter ~20–30 km/h on narrow roads).
• Scooter rental: Dewa Scooter (local shop run by Pak Dewa) commonly charges IDR 70,000–100,000/day (~USD $4.50–$6.50). Ask for a fresh helmet and an extra fuel bottle.
• Car + driver: A full-day with a local driver (e.g., Pak Made) is usually IDR 600,000–800,000 (~USD $38–$50) including fuel — good value when carrying photo gear.

Entrance fees & opening hours

Site	Local fee (IDR)	Approx. (USD)	Hours / Notes
Angel's Billabong	IDR 15,000	~$1.00	Open daily 06:00–18:30. Best at low tide; closed after dark for safety.
Broken Beach	IDR 15,000	~$1.00	Open daily 06:00–18:30. Cliff edges are unguarded.
Parking	IDR 5,000–10,000	~$0.50–$0.70	Cash only, small fee supports local cleaners.

Underwater photography gear & rental options

Gear decisions here are about shallow-water capability and portability.

• Action cams (e.g., GoPro Hero): portable and perfect for tidal pools and split shots. Price new: IDR 6,000,000–8,000,000 (~USD $380–$520). Rental: some dive shops rent for IDR 150,000–250,000/day (~$10–$16).
• Compact cameras with underwater housing (SeaLife, Ikelite): great for macro. Camera + housing total ~ IDR 12,000,000–25,000,000 (~USD $750–$1,500); rental IDR 400,000–700,000/day.
• Mirrorless + dome port (Sony/Canon + Nauticam): for professional over/under. Cost new easily IDR 40,000,000+; rent from Penida Dive Center for IDR 600,000–1,200,000/day (call ahead).
• Drybags, tripod & float — bring a small Gorillapod and a floating wrist strap. Buy locally at Toya Pakeh shops (~IDR 150,000–300,000).

Recommended kit list (actionable)

• GoPro or compact in housing + red filter (for deeper snorkels)
• Polarizing filter for topside reflections (use on a mirrorless with adapter)
• Small dive torch (USB rechargable) — makes tidal-pool macro pop in shaded crevices
• Lens cloth, spare batteries, microSD, floating wrist strap, safety whistle

Step-by-step shooting plan (over/under & tidal macro)

1. Check tides: aim for low tide windows (2 hours before and after lowest tide) — this concentrates life in pools and creates calm surfaces. During full moon last week the lowest tide was at 09:40; that morning produced the glassiest split shots.
2. Arrive early (06:00–07:30) for soft side-light and fewer tourists. If you’re there during a ceremony, be respectful and ask permission before shooting people (say "Permisi" — pronounced per-mee-see).
3. Scout a pool: choose one with clear water and a dark rock backdrop to isolate subjects (nudibranchs, small fish, anemones).
4. Set camera to manual white balance, shoot RAW; bracket exposures for HDR over/under shots.
5. Use a small tripod or rest your elbow on rocks; float-safety strap your camera. For splits, get half the dome submerged and keep a steady hand — bracketing helps combine bright sky with shadowed pool.
6. Respect the ecosystem: don’t touch animals or stir sediment; use minimal light and only when needed.

Seasonal & weather considerations (critical for safety)

• Monsoon season (Nov–Mar): bigger swells, stronger currents. I stopped shooting in tidal pools twice last December when a surge washed a friend’s camera into the cliff — return fees for recovery were IDR 1,500,000+.
• Dry season (Apr–Oct): calmer water, best window for over/under images. Crowds spike July–August and holiday weeks; book early.
• Full moon / New moon: spring tides amplify surge. During the full moon ceremony last week we had twice the normal run-up; do NOT stand on the rock lip at high tide.
• Windy days (east winds): water becomes chop; switch to macro and stay low in pools rather than shooting splits.

Safety warnings & real incidents

I’ve personally helped three guests after slips at Angel's Billabong — common causes and avoidances:

• Slippery algae on the rim: wear rubber-soled shoes and test every step.
• Unexpected surges during spring/full moon: never anchor equipment on the edge. The night of the full moon ceremony I saw a wave sweep a camera bag off a ledge; the owner was unhurt but lost USD 800 in gear.
• No lifeguards: bring a buddy. If snorkeling, mark a hand signal and agree on a strict turnaround time.
• Cliff edges are crumbly: keep at least 2 meters from the rim when composing shots.

Emergency contacts

• Emergency (national): 112 (works across Indonesia)
• Medical / Ambulance: 119
• Local advice: ask for Pak Made or Bu Sari at the Broken Beach parking area — they often know which pools are safe and can arrange a driver or quick first aid.

Local services, costs & insider booking tips

• Dive & camera rentals: Penida Dive Center and several small shops near Toya Pakeh rent GoPros and housings — call ahead during high season.
• Warungs: eat and charge at Warung Sunrise (breakfast from IDR 25,000/~$1.60) or buy kopi from Bu Sari’s stall near the car park (~IDR 10,000/~$0.65) — both provide reliable Wi‑Fi if you need to offload images.
• Accommodation: for multi-day shoots stay at Semabu Hills or the local guesthouses in Toya Pakeh. If you want a simple home base, Bu Sari’s homestay (call at the parking area) is basic and central.
• Money: ATMs are in Toya Pakeh/Sampalan — bring cash (IDR) for entrance, scooter fuel and warung purchases.

Cultural etiquette & local phrases

• Always ask before photographing ceremonies or people. Say "Permisi" (per-mee-see) to get attention politely.
• When offered an offering or invited near a ceremony, keep your shoulders covered and remove hats — local family I know use the phrase "Sopan" (soh-pahn) meaning 'be respectful'.
• Thank people with "Terima kasih" (te-ree-mah kah-see) and tip small helpers IDR 10,000–20,000 for photo assistance.

Troubleshooting common problems

• Blown highlights in the sky: bracket exposures and combine in post. During the full moon procession I used +1 and -1 EV merges to keep sky detail without losing pool shadow.
• Fogged housings: keep silica gel packets in your drybag and pre-warm your equipment with body heat before submerging.
• Algae streaks on dome ports: bring a soft microfiber and rinse with fresh water immediately after each session.

Responsible & sustainable tips

• Pack out everything — do not leave batteries or plastics. Local cleaners rely on entrance fees to remove trash.
• Support locals: eat at warungs like Bu Sari’s and tip drivers; it helps keep the community and trails maintained.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and avoid stepping on coral or seagrass.

Conclusion & my personal recommendation

If you come during the dry season and time your visit for low tide around dawn, Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach can provide unforgettable underwater and over/under images. After last week’s full moon ceremony I now always check lunar tides and bring a second tether for my housing. Book your gear in advance if visiting between July–August; trust local helpers like Pak Made and Bu Sari for safe pools and the best isolated spots. Lastly, say "Permisi" before photographing a Purnama ritual — you’ll find that a smile and respect often lead to the most authentic shots.

Insider short list: arrive 06:00, tide check, wear rubber shoes, secure gear, borrow a torch, tip helpers, respect ceremonies — and enjoy the light.