When I first guided a National Geographic photographer around Nusa Penida, it wasn’t just about getting the perfect shot of a manta’s wing or the light on Broken Beach. It became a lesson in timing, humility and local relationships. The photographer wanted sunrise at a temple, a manta cleaning station at first light and an intimate village ceremony — all in one day. I learned, and then taught, how a dive-resort guest can move through reefs, temples and homes with respect. Here’s the local-family perspective I shared that day, now refined over 10+ years guiding guests and media teams around this island.

Why etiquette matters — story from the field

We began before dawn at Toya Pakeh (GPS: -8.7249, 115.4824). The photographer needed a reef portrait at 07:00 and a village blessing at 11:00. I called Pak Made, the temple pemangku, at 05:30 and asked permission to photograph the procession. Because I had shared offerings the week before and paid respect with Bu Sari’s family warung (Warung Sunrise), Pak Made agreed to a short window. The photographer got the shot; the village kept its dignity. That single morning taught me that relationships, not cameras, open doors in Nusa Penida.

Main principles: How Nusa Penida families see respect

• Ask before photographing people or ceremonies — asking gives consent and context.
• Dress modestly at temples — wear a sarong and sash (kain and selendang).
• Support local vendors — buy offerings or coffee from the families who maintain the temples and trails.
• Mind the sea and reef — dive operators and families expect no-touch diving and reef-friendly sunscreen.

Practical etiquette steps for dive-resort guests

Before you book

• Tell the resort your cultural interests when booking. Example: email Penida Dive Center or your resort (Semabu Hills Resort often coordinates ceremonies) at least 72 hours ahead.
• Book mola-mola season early: best months July–October. Dive boats fill fast — book 2–4 weeks in advance for peak season.

Arrival & first day: what to do

• Introduce yourself to resort staff and mention if you want to respect local customs — say "Om Swastiastu" (ohm swahs-tee-ah-stoo) as a greeting.
• Ask the front desk for a sarong and sash — most dive resorts (mid-range to luxury) lend them free. If they don’t, rent one at Warung Bu Sari (Toya Pakeh) for IDR 15,000 (~$1).

Exact costs, travel times and booking tips

Item	Price (IDR)	Approx. USD	Notes
Return fast boat Sanur – Toya Pakeh	IDR 250,000	$17	30–40 minutes; book online or at Sanur counter
Two-tank dive day (local boat)	IDR 700,000–1,200,000	$45–$80	Includes tanks; ask about nitrox (extra IDR 150,000)
Full equipment rental	IDR 150,000/day	$10	Mask, fins, BCD, wetsuit
Scooter rental	IDR 70,000/day	$4.50	Budi Scooter Rental (near Toya Pakeh). Roads are rough; choose >125cc for comfort
Budget guesthouse	IDR 200,000/night	$13	Basic, family-run; near Sampalan harbor
Mid-range dive resort	IDR 700,000–1,500,000/night	$45–$100	Often includes breakfast, gear storage, boat pick-up

Booking tips

• Reserve dive boats 2–4 days in advance during July–Oct. For National Geographic-style shoots, reserve 2+ weeks and request an experienced guide (ratio 4:1 or better).
• Ask if the resort or dive operator has a local pemangku contact; a polite offering (IDR 20,000–50,000) helps when requesting temple access.

Insider logistics and navigation

Typical travel times: Sampalan harbor to Toya Pakeh village is 8–12 minutes by scooter (3.2 km). Toya Pakeh to Crystal Bay is 20–30 minutes (steep, 7 km) on rough road. From Sampalan to Broken Beach (Pasih Uug) expect 30–45 minutes by scooter. Roads are narrow, uneven and often steep—take a driver for night runs.

Local phrases (with pronunciation)

• "Om Swastiastu" (ohm swahs-tee-ah-stoo) — traditional Balinese greeting
• "Permisi" (pehr-mee-see) — excuse me
• "Terima kasih" (teh-ree-mah kah-seeh) — thank you
• "Boleh foto?" (boh-lay foh-toh) — may I take a photo?

When you enter a temple or ceremony

• Wear a sarong and sash; women should cover shoulders. If you’re wearing dive gear, change behind the temple compound — never enter in a wetsuit.
• Step to the side of the pathway — the center is for spirits. Don’t cross processions; wait until they pass.
• Offerings: buy a small canang from Warung Sunrise (Toya Pakeh) for IDR 10,000–20,000 (~$0.70–$1.40).

Photography & Instagram tips — from that National Geographic day

The photographer wanted close portraits during a purification. I approached the pemangku, Pak Gede, and offered a small contribution to the temple upkeep, then explained the story. He allowed a 10-minute close shoot but insisted no flash and no drone. Always ask: many families allow landscape photos, but intimate ritual images require permission. Drone rules: avoid flying over temples or ceremonies — most locals find this intrusive.

Safety warnings & real incidents

• Currents: I’ve seen experienced divers caught in unexpected drift at Manta Point and Crystal Bay. Always do a surface interval near the boat pick-up point and use SMBs on drift dives.
• Sun & heat: a visiting photographer once fainted after a 2-hour sun shoot without water — hydrate and use reef-safe sunscreen only.
• Road safety: several scooter accidents happen on the steep roads to Atuh Beach. If in doubt, hire a local driver (IDR 300,000–500,000/day).

Troubleshooting common problems

• Lost charger/phone: Most dive resorts will lend a portable charger; Warung Bu Sari often lets guests charge for IDR 5,000.
• Ear equalization trouble: Descend/ascend slowly; abort a dive early if you feel pain. Always follow your guide — I’ve escorted 3 guests to the Sampalan clinic for ear care after aggressive descents.
• Missed boat: If you miss the morning boat, backup operators at Sampalan can usually fit you on a later boat for IDR 50,000–100,000 extra.

Sustainable & respectful tourism practices

• Buy offerings and snacks from local warungs — revenue often supports temple upkeep.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen and biodegradable toiletries to protect the coral children of Nusa Penida.
• Support dive resorts that train local guides and employ village staff. Ask about their community programs on check-in.

Emergency contacts & nearby facilities

• General emergency (Indonesia): 112 — universal emergency line.
• Police (non-emergency): 110
• Ask your dive resort for the closest Puskesmas (clinic) — Sampalan Puskesmas is the island’s primary clinic and most resorts know the fastest route.
• ATMs: Sampalan and Toya Pakeh harbors have the island’s main ATMs; bring cash for remote warungs.

Conclusion — how I’ll help you, as a local

That day with the National Geographic photographer taught me the real difference between a tourist who “sees” and a guest who “belongs” for a moment. As a local guide and family member to many on the island, I recommend building small, respectful gestures into your plan: ask, offer, and hire locally. Dive Resorts on Nusa Penida already bridge reef and village life — use them to learn the right questions to ask. Bring curiosity, cash in small bills (IDR 20,000–50,000) for offerings, and the right attitude. Do that, and you’ll leave the island with more than photos — you’ll leave with trust.

Personal recommendation: If you want to photograph a ceremony or shadow a pemangku, tell your dive resort (or me) 72 hours ahead. Bring a sarong, offer a small canang (IDR 10,000–20,000), and book a trusted local guide (expect IDR 150,000–300,000 for coordination).