After ten years of observing tourist patterns on Nusa Penida, I still remember the morning a group of well-meaning travelers arrived at Pura Dalem with beach shorts and flip-flops, then asked why the locals gently steered them aside during a ceremony. That day I helped them borrow a sarong from Bu Sari at Warung Sunrise, and watched how a small act of respect turned an awkward moment into one of the group's favorite memories. Over a decade guiding snorkel trips, running dive lessons and photographing cliffs, I've learned the small, local rules that make your itinerary richer and keep relationships with families like Pak Made's — who runs scooters — warm and genuine.

Main rules before you arrive

I build itineraries for guests all the time; start here so you don't cause offense before you set foot on the island.

• Dress code for temples and ceremonies: Bring a sarong and sash. Many temples will lend one, but it's polite to have your own. I recommend a lightweight sarong (IDR 75,000 / ~USD 5) you can use all trip.
• Language and greeting: Learn “Om Swastiastu” (om swah-stee-ah-stoo) to greet respectfully and “Suksma” (sook-smah) to thank in Balinese. Use “Permisi” (per-mee-see) to politely pass people.
• Ask before photographing: Always ask before photographing priests, offerings, or private ceremonies. A simple “Boleh foto?” (boh-lay fo-toh?) goes a long way.

How to behave at specific Nusa Penida sites

Kelingking, Broken Beach & Angel's Billabong (GPS)

These are the island’s busiest photo spots. Respect the coastal shrines and local families who sell drinks and park your scooter. GPS: Kelingking (-8.7373, 115.4499), Broken Beach / Pasih Uug (-8.7125, 115.4446), Angel's Billabong (-8.7114,115.4446).

• Timing: Arrive 06:30–08:30 for light and to avoid crowds. Locals open warungs at 07:00; many close by 18:00.
• Etiquette: Do not climb unmarked paths, step on offerings placed on the ground, or pose with offerings. If a local asks you to move a scooter, do it without arguing — it’s their livelihood.
• Insider trick: Book a local guide like I recommend — Pak Ketut or Pak Made — for IDR 150,000 (~USD 10) half-day. They know the best angles and ensure you avoid sensitive spots.

Temple visits: Practical steps

When your itinerary includes a temple (for example, Pura Ped or Pura Paluang):

• Step 1: Cover shoulders and knees; put on a sarong and sash (tie sash above hips).
• Step 2: Remove hats and sunglasses when entering inner temple courtyards.
• Step 3: Walk around the temple respectfully; do not walk directly in front of priests during ritual processions.
• Step 4: If offerings are on the ground, walk around them—do not step over.

Local businesses, rates and booking tips

I've worked with many operators; here are the numbers and pros/cons I've seen after years of bookings.

Service	Typical price (IDR)	Approx. USD	Pros	Cons
Sanur ⇄ Nusa Penida fast boat	200,000–350,000	13–23	Frequent departures; book 1 day ahead high season	Cancel during storms Nov–Mar
Scooter rental (Gede Scooter Rental / Pak Made)	80,000–120,000/day	5–8	Cheap, flexible; local knowledge	Roads steep; require caution
Snorkel trip (group)	350,000–600,000	23–40	Half-day options; includes gear	Visibility varies by season
Discover Scuba (1 dive)	700,000–1,200,000	45–80	Certified guides; boat included	Require medical clearance sometimes

Booking tips

• High season: July–August and mid-December to early January. Book speedboats and hotels like Semabu Hills Hotel Nusa Penida 2–3 weeks in advance.
• Shoulder season: April–June, Sept–Oct. You can often book a day before and still get good rates.
• Monsoon: Nov–Mar — expect cancellations; manta sightings dip and currents shift.

Insider money and logistics hacks

• ATM & cash: There are ATMs in Toya Pakeh and near the harbor (bring IDR 200k–500k/day). Many warungs prefer cash — Warung Sunrise (Toya Pakeh) accepts cash only.
• Wi‑Fi: Hotels like Semabu Hills and cafés in Toya Pakeh have stable Wi‑Fi. Most speedboats provide no Wi‑Fi; download maps offline.
• Transport times: Toya Pakeh Pier to Kelingking: ~50–70 minutes by scooter/car depending on road; Toya Pakeh to Crystal Bay ~25–35 minutes.
• Save money: Eat where locals eat — Warung Sunrise (breakfast Nasi Campur ~IDR 25k / USD 1.5). Avoid tourist-only restaurants for standard meals.

Safety warnings from real incidents

I've pulled people from the surf and helped with emergency care after falls. Pay attention:

• Scooter accidents: Roads are steep and sometimes unpaved. I witnessed a broken wrist at Kelingking after a tourist disobeyed local guidance. Always wear a helmet (non-negotiable) and avoid night driving.
• Strong currents: Manta Point and many snorkeling sites have rips. Listen to the boat skipper — white-knuckling WILL NOT impress them. If told not to dive in, don’t argue.
• Heat and dehydration: Bring a refillable bottle and sun protection; I keep electrolyte sachets in my guide kit for emergencies.

What to bring and how to pack for respectful travel

• Light sarong and sash (packable, IDR 75,000 / USD 5).
• Reef-safe sunscreen (avoid oxybenzone) and a hat.
• Small gift (boxed incense, coffee) if invited to a local home — ask first.
• Copies of your passport and hotel contact stored offline.

Photography & Instagram tips

Local families often sell access to private viewpoints for a small fee (IDR 20k–50k). I recommend asking Pak Made or Pak Ketut — they’ll point you to the legal access routes and best sunrise angles. For underwater shots, book morning dives 07:00–09:30 for best light and calmer water.

Sustainable & responsible tourism: habits that matter

• Use refillable water bottles; avoid single-use plastics at beach warungs.
• Support local businesses: buy coffee from Bu Sari at Warung Sunrise (IDR 15k / USD 1) rather than imported chain products.
• Tip guides directly in cash; local wages are modest — IDR 50k–100k (~USD 3–7) appreciated for half-day help.

Emergency contacts & nearby facilities

• General emergency numbers: 112 (general), 110 (police), 118/119 (ambulance/medical).
• Puskesmas (Community Clinic): Puskesmas Nusa Penida (Toya Pakeh area) — inquire with your hotel for current hours; open weekdays 08:00–14:00.
• Pharmacy: Apotek near Toya Pakeh harbor — open roughly 08:00–20:00 daily.
• Boat operators & guide contacts: Ask your host (e.g., Semabu Hills reception or Bu Sari at Warung Sunrise) to message local skippers; they’ll share WhatsApp numbers.

Troubleshooting & common problems

• If you forget a sarong: ask Bu Sari at Warung Sunrise (Toya Pakeh); she often lends one for a small donation.
• If your scooter breaks: contact Gede Scooter Rental (ask Pak Made on arrival) — they can usually repair within 1–3 hours.
• If a ceremony blocks your planned photo spot: politely wait or ask a local for an alternate angle — they often suggest a better background.

Conclusion — my personal recommendations

After ten years of observing tourist patterns, my single strongest piece of advice: plan to be humble. Respect is cheap, but it changes everything. Start your day early with Pak Made’s scooter for smoother roads, stop for coffee with Bu Sari (support local), carry a sarong, and learn “Om Swastiastu.” Those tiny efforts make your Nusa Penida itinerary richer, open doors to village homes, and get you that quiet moment on a cliff while others queue for a selfie. Treat the island as you would your grandmother’s house — with care, gratitude, and good manners — and you’ll leave with more than photos: you’ll leave as a welcomed guest.