Last week, during the full moon ceremony at the Sampalan temple, I was walking back from a midnight blessing when Pak Made—a fisherman I’ve known for nine years—tapped my shoulder and said, “Pebri, the moonlight shows Kelingking differently tonight.” That moment started a 36-hour photo run I’ll never forget: temples glowing with offerings, cliff silhouettes under silver light, and unexpected crowds at viewpoints. I’m Pebri, a local guide and diving instructor who’s lived on Nusa Penida for over a decade. This guide combines that full-moon weekend experience with hard-won local knowledge—exact GPS points, real names (Bu Sari’s warung, Penida Colada, Semabu Hills), prices, safety warnings from incidents I personally saw, and step-by-step tips so your photos and safety come first.

Quick summary: What you’ll get from this guide

• Exact locations with GPS coordinates for the classic and hidden photo spots
• Real businesses and contacts you can trust on the island
• Costs in IDR and USD, time estimates, and booking tips
• Safety warnings based on recent incidents (full moon crowding, slippery cliffs, scooter crashes)
• Photography tips, cultural etiquette, and sustainable travel advice

Main Photo Spots (with exact locations and insider notes)

Kelingking Cliff Viewpoint

GPS: -8.7381, 115.4669. Best at sunrise or during early golden hour. Entrance/parking: IDR 10,000 (~USD 0.65). Time from Toyapakeh harbor: ~45–55 minutes by car (depending on road repairs).

Insider tip from the full moon ceremony: the cliff silhouette is sharpest 60–90 minutes after moonrise if the sky is clear. I shoot from the left-most ledge (look for the small bamboo fence) at 35mm–50mm to capture the curve and the coastline. During that weekend I saw one visitor slip on loose gravel—never stand outside barriers; wear grippy shoes. If you want closer-to-beach shots, only descend with a local guide (IDR 100,000–200,000 / USD 7–14 for a guide plus tip).

Broken Beach (Pasih Uug) & Angel's Billabong

GPS: Broken Beach -8.7258, 115.4528; Angel's Billabong -8.7263, 115.4527. Combined visit; allow 45–60 minutes here. Entrance: IDR 10,000 each (~USD 0.65).

During full moon celebrations, locals place small offerings near viewpoints—please don’t move these for photos. I recommend going mid-morning to avoid the low-tide glare. Last week I warned a family as a rogue wave swept the flat rock at Angel’s Billabong—stay behind posted lines when tides are high.

Crystal Bay (for sunset silhouettes)

GPS: -8.7469, 115.4338. Best at sunset. Snorkel rental IDR 50,000 (~USD 3.5). Parking IDR 5,000.

Photograph the palms and surfers from the hill above the bay. If you’re staying at Semabu Hills Hotel (good view rooms), ask reception for the private path—Pak Putu (housekeeping contact) can arrange a 20,000 IDR access tip to avoid the crowds.

Diamond Beach & Atuh Beach (East coast classics)

GPS: Diamond Beach -8.7758, 115.5799; Atuh Beach -8.7730, 115.5800. Allow 2–3 hours for both with stairs and viewpoint time. Entrance/parking: IDR 10,000–15,000 each.

There’s a new wooden stair setup at Diamond Beach (photo op: the white stairs against the cliff). During the full moon, we escorted devotees down the stairs after temple prayers—many were elderly; help them when you can. Bring sunscreen and a bandana—the eastern wind whips sand into your eyes.

Peguyangan Waterfall (Blue Staircase)

GPS: -8.7270, 115.5155. Famous blue steps and ocean shrine. Donation/entrance: IDR 20,000 (~USD 1.30).

Last week I saw several people underestimate the wet steps—one sprained ankle. Use the handrails, go slow, and consider a local porter (Pak Nyoman often helps tourists for IDR 50,000–75,000 / USD 3.5–5.5).

Costs, transport and booking (comparison)

Service	Typical Cost (IDR)	Approx USD	Pros/Cons
Scooter rental (per day)	IDR 70,000–120,000	USD 5–8	Cheap, flexible / risky on rough roads
Private car + driver (8–10 hrs)	IDR 600,000–800,000	USD 40–55	Comfortable, covers many spots / pricier for solo travelers
Fast boat (Sanur - Nusa Penida one way)	IDR 150,000–300,000	USD 10–20	Quick / schedule depends on weather
Guided photo tour (half day)	IDR 350,000–600,000	USD 23–40	Local angles and safety / limited availability on full moon

Recommended operators I trust from years on the island: Penida Colada (dining + sunset photospots), Dewa Penida Tours (driver+guide), and Penida Dive Adventures for underwater shoots. Scooter rentals: many run by locals near Toyapakeh—expect IDR 80,000/day with helmet. For photo-guided tours contact local guide I work with: 'Penida Photo Walk' (book via your hotel concierge—ask for Bu Sari at Sampalan guest services and she will connect you).

Step-by-step: One perfect photo day (my full-moon inspired route)

• 05:00 — Pickup from Toyapakeh harbor (driver: Pak Agus, IDR 650,000/day). Head to Kelingking to catch sunrise.
• 07:00 — Coffee at Warung Sunrise (Sampalan). Kopi tubruk IDR 10,000 (~USD 0.65).
• 08:30 — Broken Beach + Angel's Billabong (avoid tide hazards).
• 11:30 — Lunch at Warung Bu Sari (recommend bebek kremes IDR 40,000 / USD 2.75).
• 14:30 — Crystal Bay for low-light beach portraits.
• 17:30 — Sunset and cocktails at Penida Colada (expect cocktails IDR 80,000 / USD 5.5).
• Evening — If timing matches, attend or respectfully observe local full moon offerings at Sampalan temple.

Photography and Instagram tips

• Bring a small tripod for low-light moon/ceremony shots—compact carbon tripods handle wind. Bag weight limit on the boat: ~7 kg if arranged with operator.
• For cliff shots use 24–70mm for context and 85–135mm for compressed cliffs at Kelingking.
• Respect offerings: never step over canang sari; include them as foregrounds for cultural depth.
• Drone rules: don’t fly near ceremonies or crowded viewpoints—ask permission from local temple elders and avoid flying between 18:00–22:00 during ceremonies.

Safety warnings & recent incidents (real, witnessed)

During the full moon ceremony last week I saw three incidents worth noting: a scooter crash on the gravel climb to Diamond Beach (result: minor fractures), a tourist who slipped on the wet ledge at Angel's Billabong (abrasions and a bruised hip), and minor crowding at Sampalan temple where a toddler got separated from parents. Lessons:

• Scooters: Wear a proper helmet, avoid riding after dark, and do not attempt steep descents if you are inexperienced. Roads have loose gravel and potholes—especially after rain.
• Cliff edges: Stay behind barriers and never sit on unprotected cliff ledges for photos.
• Ceremonies: Keep distance, ask before photographing people, and never touch offerings. Respect requests from elders—Pak Made will politely tell you when to move.

Cultural etiquette

• Honor offerings: do not step on canang sari. Phrase: “Permisi” (per-mi-see) = excuse me.
• Ask before photographing close-up portraits of worshippers. Say “Boleh foto?” (boh-lay fo-toh) = May I take a photo?
• Tipping: small tips (IDR 10,000–20,000) to porters/guides go a long way.

Practical checklists & emergency info

• Bring: sunscreen, water (1.5L), power bank, small first-aid kit, and cash (many warungs have no card machines).
• ATMs: closest reliable ATM is in Toyapakeh/Sampalan. If it’s empty, head to Banjar (20–30 min).
• Local clinic: Puskesmas Sampalan (ask hotel to call). For serious emergencies contact Bali emergency: 112 (nationwide emergency). Inform your hotel—many have quick transport contacts to mainland clinics.
• Wifi: cafes like Penida Colada and Semabu Hills have the most reliable connections.

Sustainable & respectful travel

• Carry out what you carry in—bring a small litter bag.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen for snorkeling and diving.
• Support local warungs (Warung Bu Sari, Warung Sunrise) rather than chain restaurants—your IDR stays in the community.

Conclusion — My personal recommendation

If I had one day to show you after the full moon celebration, I’d wake you for Kelingking sunrise, then take Broken Beach and Angel's Billabong while the crowds sleep in, lunch at Bu Sari, and finish at Crystal Bay for a soft sunset—carry a small lamp for evening footing, and tip your driver (Pak Agus). For photographers, hire a local guide for at least half a day (IDR 350,000 / USD ~23) to access the best lines and keep you safe. The full moon weekend reminded me why this island is magical: people give thanks and the landscape answers back. Respect it, photograph it, and leave it better than you found it.

Tags for planning: bring extra cash, book drivers a day ahead during ceremonies, and always check boat schedules a day prior (weather changes fast). If you want, I can arrange a customized photo route and contact Bu Sari or Pak Made to help with logistics during festival nights.