During a late-afternoon community meeting at the Banjar Toya Pakeh hall, I watched Pak Wayan (the kelian), Bu Sari (the warung owner), and a dozen local guides debate the same question you’re asking now: which island should you pick? That meeting — held under a fan and a poster that read "wisata bertanggung jawab" — shaped everything I tell visitors. My name is Pebri; I’ve lived here over a decade as a dive instructor, photographer, and local guide. In this article I’ll use what we decided in that meeting to give you an honest, practical guide to choosing between Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan — tailored specifically to building the perfect Nusa Penida itinerary.

First: the community meeting context (why this matters)

At the meeting (Banjar Toya Pakeh, GPS: -8.7229, 115.4838) locals hashed out three priorities: safety signage for cliff sites (Kelingking), fair pricing for boat crews, and protecting manta cleaning stations. When you read my recommendations below, know they’re filtered through those same priorities — respect, safety, and supporting local families like Pak Made’s boat crew and Bu Sari’s warung.

Quick island snapshot

• Nusa Penida — Dramatic cliffs, big-trip dives, Kelingking, Broken Beach, Atuh. Best for full-day adventures and photographers.
• Nusa Lembongan — Chill beaches, reef snorkeling, night life in Jungut Batu, resorts (Adiwana Warnakali is a known name on Lembongan).
• Nusa Ceningan — Small, teal bays, Yellow Bridge photos, relaxed scooter loops. Good as a quiet overnight from Lembongan or Penida.

Step-by-step: Which island fits your Nusa Penida itinerary?

1) If you have 1 day — go to Nusa Penida (high-energy)

Ideal route: Rent scooter in Toya Pakeh (IDR 80,000–150,000 / day ≈ USD 5–10), leave 06:30, hit Kelingking (GPS: -8.7228, 115.4860) by 08:00, Broken Beach/Angel’s Billabong (GPS: -8.7193, 115.4844) 10:00, lunch at Warung Sunrise (Toya Pakeh, Pak Gede, open 09:00–17:00, typical nasi campur IDR 30k ≈ USD 2). Return to Toya Pakeh by 17:30 for the 18:00 fastboat.

Why Penida for 1 day? Drives are long but sights are iconic. Tip from the meeting: avoid Kelingking at noon when buses arrive—locals recommended we add a simple rope barrier on the path (they did in 2022 after two falls); follow local warnings.

2) If you have 2–3 days — split Penida + Lembongan/Ceningan

Day 1: Penida (Kelingking, Crystal Bay - GPS: -8.7271, 115.4678). Day 2: Early boat to Lembongan (fastboat 30–45 min, Sanur–Lembongan ~IDR 120k–200k ≈ USD 8–14 one way), stay Jungut Batu (Jungut Batu coordinates: -8.6838, 115.4584). Day 3: Cross to Ceningan via Yellow Bridge (GPS: -8.7060, 115.4447) at sunrise for photos and a quiet swim at Blue Lagoon.

3) If you’re a diver/snorkeler

Book a full-day dive with Penida Scuba (example operator — most local dive shops operate from Toya Pakeh). Typical prices: IDR 650,000–1,000,000 per dive day (USD 42–65) including gear. Manta snorkeling trips (shared) IDR 350,000–450,000 (USD 23–30). In the community meeting, fishermen agreed to set manta approach rules: no touching, keep distance, approach from stern only. Follow that — manta cleaning stations are protected by locals.

Costs, timing, and booking (exact numbers)

Service	Penida	Lembongan	Ceningan
Fastboat (Sanur one-way)	IDR 150k–300k (USD 10–20)	IDR 120k–250k (USD 8–17)	via Lembongan + bridge
Scooter rental (day)	IDR 80k–150k (USD 5–10)	IDR 80k–150k	IDR 80k–150k
Simple meal (warung)	IDR 25k–50k (USD 1.5–3.5)	IDR 30k–60k	IDR 25k–50k
Budget homestay (night)	IDR 150k–350k (USD 10–24)	IDR 200k–500k	IDR 150k–350k

Booking tips: high season (July–August, Christmas) fastboats sell out — buy return tickets online 1–2 weeks ahead. For divings during mola-mola season (Aug–Nov), book 2–3 weeks in advance. During our banjar meeting, tour operators agreed to cap dive groups at 8 divers to reduce reef damage — ask your operator (Penida Scuba, Manta Tour Nusa Penida) about group size.

Insider tricks that save time and money

• Fastboat combo deals: many shops near Sanur sell same-day roundtrip + transfer for IDR 300k–400k (USD 20–28) — haggle for early-morning slots.
• Arrive Toya Pakeh with cash: only a few ATMs work reliably. ATM locations: Toya Pakeh harbor and Jungut Batu (Lembongan) — bring extra cash; card terminals are rare.
• Scooter fuel: fuel kiosks (pertamini) in Toya Pakeh usually open 06:00–20:00. Fill up before rural climbs to Atuh/Atuh viewpoint.
• Ask for "paket desa" lunch at warungs — large portions for groups for IDR 40k per person (USD 2.5) if you tell them ahead (local tip agreed in the meeting to help warungs plan food).

Safety warnings and real incidents

Two sharp warnings from the Banjar session and my experience as an instructor:

• Cliff edges: At Kelingking and Diamond Beach, there are steep, unguarded drops. In 2019 two tourists slipped at Kelingking; since then villagers added ropes and volunteer spotters (agreement at our meeting). Do not get close for a selfie — many rescues have been needed.
• Snorkeling currents: Crystal Bay and Manta Point have strong currents. I once helped a snorkeler caught in a rip at Crystal Bay — always wear a life jacket and go with a guide when visiting cleaning stations.
• Roads: Many roads are potholed rock tracks. Rent a scooter only if you have experience; otherwise hire a driver/guide (IDR 600k–900k/day ≈ USD 40–60 for a private car + driver).

Local etiquette and language (use these)

• Say "terima kasih" (teh-REE-mah KAH-see) for thank you.
• When entering a warung or family compound, say "permisi" (per-MEE-see) to be polite.
• Dress modestly when visiting temples or village ceremonies; follow Banjar customs — always remove shoes when asked.
• If offered a drink or snack by locals like Bu Sari, accept: it supports families directly.

Photography & Instagram tips

• Kelingking at golden hour (sunrise ideal) — arrive 06:00 to avoid crowds. Drone caution: ask permission from locals; some areas banned for drones after the meeting due to respect for ceremonies.
• Yellow Bridge (Ceningan) at sunset for teal/blue contrasts — GPS: -8.7060, 115.4447. Use a polarizer to reduce glare on the lagoon waters.
• Crystal Bay underwater: wide-angle lens + red-filter for vibrant corals. Book early-morning snorkel to see reef when fish are active.

Emergency contacts & nearby facilities

• General emergency (Indonesia): 112. Police: 110. Ambulance: 119.
• Local clinic (Puskesmas) Nusa Penida: Puskesmas Toya Pakeh — try contacting through harbor staff if urgent; many serious cases are transferred to Klungkung hospital (ferry/boat transfer).
• Coast Guard / Rescue: ask harbor master at Toya Pakeh if you see unsafe sea conditions (harbor office at Toya Pakeh: open 07:00–18:00).

Sustainable tourism — what we decided in the meeting

During our Banjar meeting we agreed on practical rules: avoid single-use plastics (many warungs now provide water refill stations), book local guides (supports families), and maintain minimum distances from mantas. I encourage you to join a beach clean for 1 hour (Pak Made organizes monthly gotong royong beach cleans) — it’s the best way to meet locals and give back.

Conclusion — my personal recommendation

If you only have one day and want the iconic photos and big-sea adventures, choose Nusa Penida and plan an early start. If you want easy snorkels, more resorts and nightlife, stay on Nusa Lembongan. If you want peaceful photography and a slow scooter loop, pick Nusa Ceningan for an overnight from Lembongan. My favorite combo — and what we recommended at the Banjar Toya Pakeh meeting — is 2 nights: one on Penida (adventure, cliffs, diving) and one on Lembongan/Ceningan (rest, reef, sunset). Follow local advice, support community-run warungs like Bu Sari's, and always respect signage and rope barriers installed after our community meetings. If you want, I can help draft a 2- or 3-day Nusa Penida itinerary tailored to your fitness level and budget — come find me at Toya Pakeh harbor and say hello to Pak Wayan for me.