When I sat with Pak Made, Ibu Sari and three other village elders last month under the tamarind tree at Banjar Sampalan, they told me a simple line that still shapes every island hopping tour I run: "Respect the land and the land will show you her best." That conversation — frank, funny and full of small corrections — is the spine of this guide. I live on Nusa Penida, I teach diving, and I ferry visitors around the three islands for Island Hopping Bali. Over ten years I’ve learned what off-the-guidebook respect looks like: the right words, the right times, the right angles for your camera, how to handle offerings (sesajen) without offence, and which local warungs keep the best kopi for 15,000 IDR (~$1.00).

Why the elders matter: a quick story

In that conversation Pak Made corrected my habit of walking across temple thresholds with wet swimwear. "It’s not the water that offends the gods," he laughed, "it’s the disrespect." Bu Sari handed me a sarong and a sash and said, "If you want a photograph with the offering, ask. If you want to swim near Manta Point, ask again and listen." Their advice changed how I guide island hoppers — less showmanship, more permission. Below I’ve woven their rules into step-by-step actions you can take while island hopping.

Main rules and cultural context

Core etiquette — quick checklist

• Never step on offerings (canang): Look down and walk around small leaf trays placed on the ground, stairs or even on rocks.
• Dress modestly at temples: Sarong + sash required. Rentals cost 10,000–20,000 IDR (~$0.70–$1.30).
• Ask before photographing ceremonies or people: Always show the camera screen and receive a nod.
• Respect temple rules for women in menstruation: In many temples women in their period traditionally don’t enter; ask discreetly if unsure.
• Use local greetings: "Om Swastiastu" (om SWAH-stee-ah-stoo) and "Suksma" (SOOKS-ma) for thanks.

Cultural details villagers told me

Pak Made described times of the week when offerings multiply (Sasih Karo and tilem/penumbra nights). Bu Sari reminded me that offerings on the ground are often for ancestral spirits walking at dawn — don't disturb them between 05:30–07:30. When island hopping, avoid loud music near village piers (pelabuhan) — elders said it disturbs fishermen and rituals.

Practical steps for respectful island hopping

Before you go — booking & timing

• Book boats early in high season (June–August): fast boats from Sanur or Sanur-Nusa Lembongan operators fill up. Private island hopping boats (half-day) range 600,000–1,500,000 IDR (~$40–$100) depending on group size and fuel. Shared island-hopping trips: 200,000–400,000 IDR (~$13–$27).
• Start early: boats leave 07:00–08:00. Elders prefer morning visits to sacred sites; afternoons sometimes host purification ceremonies.
• Check tides: Manta and snorkeling spots depend on tide and currents. Best visibility April–October; Mola-mola season typically July–November (ask your dive operator for current sightings).

Step-by-step at the jetty (Toya Pakeh / Sampalan)

• At landing, greet the harbormaster or a local official with "Om Swastiastu." This simple greeting opens conversations.
• Pay any port fees: small port contributions of 5,000–10,000 IDR are common; keep cash.
• If you need a scooter, rent from a local shop near the pier — typical rates 70,000–100,000 IDR/day (~$4.50–$6.50). I recommend Nyoman Scooter Rental (near Sampalan jetty) — they keep helmets and basic insurance options.

Locations, GPS and exact tips

• Kelingking Beach (T-Rex viewpoint) — GPS: -8.73635, 115.45852. Parking and viewpoint fee ~5,000–10,000 IDR. Walk down is steep; elders advise quiet voices near the cliff edge. Travel time from Toya Pakeh: 50–75 minutes by scooter depending on traffic and road condition.
• Crystal Bay — GPS: -8.72278, 115.47028. Best snorkel early morning. Boat from Toya Pakeh: 20–30 minutes. Small warungs like Warung Sunrise serve a nasi goreng for 25,000 IDR (~$1.70).
• Atuh & Diamond Beach — GPS (Atuh): -8.80320, 115.51030. From Toya Pakeh allow 1h20–1h40 by scooter. Bring water and wear closed shoes for the steps down; steep, crumbly paths can be dangerous after rain.
• Manta Point (snorkel boats depart from Toya Pakeh) — approximate GPS: -8.71250, 115.47400. Use licensed operators like Penida Dive or Manta Ray Tours; ask for Pak Komang to guide. Expect 300,000–650,000 IDR (~$20–$45) per snorkel trip including gear.

Price comparison: island hopping boat options

Option	Cost (IDR)	Cost (USD)	Pros	Cons
Shared island-hopping	200,000–400,000	$13–$27	Cheap, social	Fixed schedule, crowded
Private longboat (half day)	600,000–1,200,000	$40–$80	Flexible, quieter	More expensive
Speedboat (Sanur–Penida return)	150,000–250,000	$10–$17	Fast transfer	Not for hopping between sites)

Photography & Instagram tips (insider angles)

Bu Sari showed me how elders appreciate images that show respect: photos of offerings framed gently, not stepped over. Technical tips I give guests:

• Golden hour at Kelingking: arrive 16:00–18:00. Shoot from the left viewpoint to capture the T-rex curve with soft light.
• Crystal Bay underwater: snorkel early (07:00–09:00) for calm water and sun penetrating the reef. Use a red filter or set white balance +1; take wide-angle shots of manta silhouettes at 1–3 meters depth.
• Temple portraits: ask first. Use a 50mm or 35mm for full-body portraits with blurred background. Avoid flash during rituals; it startles participants.
• Atuh & Diamond Beach: sunrise from the eastern cliff for silhouettes; bring ND filter for long exposures of the waves.

Safety, incidents and what to watch for

I’ve guided guests through two scooter rollovers on the Kelingking descent — the main causes were worn brakes and overconfidence. Always:

• Wear a helmet and closed shoes.
• Check brakes before fast descents; avoid riding after dark when roads are unpredictable.
• At sea, listen to your skipper about currents; I have assisted in two drift incidents near Manta Point where swimmers ignored safety briefings and required a boat rescue.

Local phrases to use (and how to say them)

• "Om Swastiastu" (om SWAH-stee-ah-stoo) — formal greeting.
• "Suksma" (SOOKS-ma) — thank you.
• "Permisi" (per-MEE-see) — excuse me/polite approach.
• "Boleh saya foto?" (BOH-lay SAH-ya FO-toh?) — May I take a photo?

Practical logistics & emergency contacts

• ATMs: limited. The main Sampalan area has an ATM but bring cash for smaller warungs and remote beaches.
• Medical: Puskesmas Nusa Penida (Sampalan) for basic care; for serious emergencies fly to Dps/Denpasar hospital. Save your boat operator’s phone — they are often the fastest help.
• Emergency numbers: national emergency 112, police 110, ambulance 119 (confirm locally). Always note your operator’s contact before departure.

Sustainable, respectful tourism (what elders asked me to remind you)

• Bring a reusable bottle; refill at guesthouses. Plastic waste is a big issue on Penida’s beaches.
• Support local: eat at warungs like Warung Sunrise (Crystal Bay) or Warung Bu Sari (Sampalan) — families rely on tourist trade.
• Tip respectfully: small cash tips (10,000–50,000 IDR) to boat crews and guides go far here.

Troubleshooting common problems

• Scooter breakdown: mechanics near Sampalan jetty usually open 08:00–17:00; expect 50,000–150,000 IDR repair range depending on parts.
• No water at a remote beach: carry at least 1.5L per person for a half-day trip.
• Missed boat: many operators do a backup transfer for 100,000–200,000 IDR if you call ahead — keep the operator’s number.

Conclusion — personal recommendations

If I could leave you with Pak Made’s final line from our conversation: "Respect is a currency here — spend it with your eyes, your feet, and your voice." Book your island hopping through a local operator who respects village rules (ask for referrals from your guesthouse: Bintang Bungalows and Penida Dive are trusted names). Carry cash, wear sarongs when visiting temples (rent for 10,000–20,000 IDR), ask before photographing, and follow sea-safety briefings. Do these, and Nusa Penida will return the favor — clearer water, quieter beaches, warm smiles, and stories shared under the tamarind tree.

Recommended contacts on the island: Penida Dive (Toya Pakeh harbor office), Warung Sunrise (Crystal Bay), Nyoman Scooter Rental (Sampalan). Ask for Pak Komang or Bu Sari when booking island hopping — they’re the ones the elders trust.