Introduction — How I helped a family from Australia last month

Last month I met a family from Melbourne — Mark, Sarah, Lily (9) and Tom (6) — who arrived with big expectations and zero local knowledge. They booked a single fast boat and no driver, tried to ride scooters with the kids on a rainy morning and almost missed the manta snorkel. I guided them through the island, negotiated with a local driver (Pak Made), found a child-friendly warung (Warung Sunrise), and helped them avoid a costly ferry snafu. By the end of the week they left with perfect photos, a story about an impromptu roadside coconut party with Bu Sari, and a deeper respect for the island. This guide distills everything I taught them — practical travel tips you won't find in generic guides.

Main practical advice for first-time visitors

Arrival & ferries — exact steps to avoid stress

Most visitors arrive by fast boat from Sanur, Padang Bai or Kusamba. My recommended operator for reliability is Semaya One Fast Cruise (counter in Sanur harbour). Typical prices and details:

• Sanur <> Toya Pakeh fast boat: IDR 200,000–350,000 one-way (~USD 13–24). Book return same day if you know times; otherwise buy open-return—boats fill.
• Boat boarding window: arrive 45–60 minutes before departure for check-in and luggage.
• Toya Pakeh harbour (main port) coordinates: -8.7194, 115.4554.

Step-by-step arrival plan I follow for visitors (same I used with the Melbourne family):

1. Book Semaya One online or at Sanur counter at least 48 hours in high season (July–Aug, Dec–Jan).
2. Arrive at Sanur 60 min early; bring xerox of passport and IDR cash (many counters accept cash only).
3. At Toya Pakeh, negotiate transport before you step out. If you don’t want a scooter, book a driver for the day (see prices below).

Transport on the island — scooters, cars and drivers

Scooter rental is the cheapest and most flexible, but roads are rough and signage poor. Here’s what I recommend:

• Scooter rental (Penida Motor Rent, common shop near Toya Pakeh): IDR 80,000–120,000/day (~USD 5–8). GPS: -8.7200, 115.4560. Insist on a helmet for each rider and check brakes and lights before you go.
• Car + driver full day (recommended for families): IDR 700,000–900,000/day (~USD 45–60) — includes fuel and waits. Drivers like Pak Made are worth the extra cost; he knows safe routes and tide times.
• Taxi/Grab is rare; plan ahead.

Costs, price comparison and budgeting

Below is a practical price comparison I gave to Mark and Sarah so they could choose what to spend on.

Service	Typical Cost (IDR)	Typical Cost (USD)	Pros	Cons
Fast boat (one-way)	IDR 200,000–350,000	USD 13–24	Fast, frequent	Weather delays rainy season
Scooter rental (day)	IDR 80,000–120,000	USD 5–8	Cheap, flexible	Risky on rough roads
Car + driver (day)	IDR 700,000–900,000	USD 45–60	Safe, efficient, local guide	More expensive
Manta/snorkel half-day	IDR 350,000–650,000	USD 22–43	Wildlife, high value	Weather-dependent

Where to go — GPS + timing + tips

Kelingking Beach (the famous T-Rex)

GPS: -8.7299, 115.4626. Best time: 07:00–09:00 for fewer people and soft light. The viewpoint is 10–20 minutes from parking; the descent to the sand is steep and not suitable for young kids. Mark and Sarah took photos at sunrise and left the descent to me with Lily for safety.

Broken Beach (Pasih Uug) & Angel's Billabong

Broken Beach GPS: -8.7418, 115.4620. Angel's Billabong GPS: -8.7431, 115.4589. Combine these two — they are 5–10 minutes apart. Tides matter: Billabong is best at low tide; check with your driver.

Crystal Bay & snorkeling

GPS: -8.7523, 115.4758. Great sunset and snorkeling. Beware of currents; use local guide boats. Boat to Manta Point often starts from Toya Pakeh at 08:00.

Atuh & Diamond Beach (east side)

GPS Atuh: -8.7645, 115.5153. Expect a 45–60 minute drive from Toya Pakeh on rough roads. Best mid-morning when light hits the cliffs. The famous stairs at Diamond Beach are steep — carry water and sturdy shoes.

Safety warnings & real incidents

• Road accidents: I treated two tourists last year who underestimated the unpaved switchbacks near Atuh. Always wear a helmet and avoid riding in heavy rain.
• Tides and currents: I once had to coordinate a small rescue when a visiting snorkeler ignored the guide's instructions at Crystal Bay — follow your boat crew strictly.
• Medical facilities: There is RSUD Nusa Penida for major emergencies, but evacuation to Bali (Sanur/Denpasar) is common. For serious incidents call emergency 112 and the local police 110.

Cultural etiquette & local tips

• Always say thank you: Terima kasih (teh-ree-mah kah-seeh).
• Address older locals as Pak (sir) or Bu (madam). Example: Pak Made, Bu Sari. A small offering of IDR 20,000 (about USD 1.25) for a temple photo is appreciated if asked.
• Dressing: cover shoulders at temples; wear a sarong if entering sacred spots (many drivers carry spare sarongs).
• Support local warungs: Warung Sunrise (Toya Pakeh area) serves excellent grilled fish for IDR 35,000–60,000 per plate (~USD 2–4) and has reliable Wi‑Fi.

What to pack & photography tips

• Pack: reef-safe sunscreen, dry bag, small first-aid kit, water purifier tablets, lightweight rain jacket (Dec–Mar).
• Photography: Golden hour at Kelingking and Diamond Beach; use a wide-angle lens for cliffs. Drone tips: no-fly near crowded viewpoints and respect signs; ask permission before flying over locals.
• Kid-friendly: Bring child life vests for snorkel trips. I lent Lily a vest last month when their tour operator was short; always double-check child's equipment before departure.

Booking & seasonal considerations

• High season: July–Aug and late Dec (book 2–4 weeks in advance). Mark and Sarah booked their accommodation only 3 days before arriving and paid 20% more.
• Manta season: clearer water and more sightings roughly April–October. Dive visibility best May–Sep.
• Book dives/snorkels locally in the morning after arrival to confirm conditions; many operators run check dives in the afternoon.

Troubleshooting common problems

• Missed boat: wait for the next scheduled boat and keep hotel receipt — many hotels will help rebook but expect extra cost IDR 150,000–250,000.
• Flat tire/scooter breakdown: ring the rental shop; most will send a mechanic within 30–60 minutes (labor tip IDR 20,000). I have Pak Made’s mechanic on speed dial.
• Money: ATMs sometimes run out. Carry IDR cash for remote days; reliable ATMs are near Toya Pakeh port.

Responsible travel & local support

Support local warungs and drivers — they form the island's backbone. Use reef‑safe sunscreen and never take coral or shells. If you hire a guide, ask for their permit. I always end day trips by leaving a small tip for the driver and a bag of rubbish to the local community group that manages beach cleanups.

Conclusion — My personal recommendation

If you’re a first-time visitor, copy what I did with the Melbourne family: book the fast boat return ahead, hire a trusted driver for at least one full day (Pak Made), plan two sightseeing days (west for Kelingking, east for Atuh), and leave a snorkeling/diving day flexible for weather. Expect to spend around IDR 2,000,000–3,500,000 (~USD 130–230) per person for a 3-day comfortable trip including boat, driver, accommodations and activities. Pack light, respect local customs, and ask locals (we love to help). If you want, tell Pak Made I sent you — he’ll show you the hidden warung with the best coconut cakes and no tourist crowds.

Emergency numbers: Indonesia emergency 112, Police 110. For non-urgent medical help ask your accommodation to call the clinic or RSUD Nusa Penida.

Safe travels — and if you need a personal itinerary or local contacts, ask for Pebri. I still have photos of Lily's first snorkel and that coconut party with Bu Sari — memories worth the trip.