Bali is no stranger to travellers. It will surely come across everyone’s mind when talking about Indonesia. In fact, it was named world’s top destination in TripAdvisor Traveller’s Choice Award in March 2017.

Besides beaches, temples and the recently crazed Bali swings, Balinese gates is yet another thing that Bali is famous for. Thanks to social media (yes, again!), taking a photo in front of a Balinese gate has becoming an it-thing. The most famous gate could potentially be Pura Lempuyang with the beautiful Mount Agung in the background, but making your way there from Ubud or Seminyak, where most travellers based themselves is a long painful journey that could take up to 4-5 hours. 

So, you have seen the famous Bali Swing photos and videos on Facebook and Instagram and you have got this place pinned for your next visit. Just as you got very excited about the idea of hanging midair with your pretty maxi dress and boasting about on your Facebook and Instagram, you found out that it actually costs you US$35. Instant dejection? Fret not, as there are plenty of cheaper imitations popping up all over Bali, and Wanagiri Hidden Hills is one of them.

There are countless waterfalls in Bali but unless you have one month in Bali, it’s impossible to see them all. If you are in Bali for only around a week or less, it could be hard trying to decide which one to explore. Though there are several waterfalls in and near Ubud worth exploring (think Tukad Cepung Waterfall, Kanto Lampo Waterfall and Tegunangan Waterfall, the best Bali waterfalls is said to be in North Bali. So, if you are heading to North Bali, such as the Bedugul area, I’d suggest slotting in one or two waterfalls into your itinerary.

Did you know that Bali has nine key direction temples? These nine directional temples (called Kayangan Jagat) are the largest and most prominent. They are located at strategic points across Bali and are designed to protect the island and its inhabitants from dark forces. They are located on either rugged high ground or at water edge, where the Balinese believe to be the source of evil dark forces.

Pura Taman Saraswati

Of all the places along the main street of Ubud, there was only one place which I was keen to visit – Pura Taman Saraswati, also known by many as The Ubud Water Palace.

What’s Ubud without Tegallalang Rice Terrace? The most famous rice paddyfiled in the whole of Bali, or some may say in South East Asia. If you’ve ever cyber-stalked photos of Ubud on Instagram, chances are you’ve seen photos of the Tegalalang rice terrace. So, when we based ourselves in Ubud during our Bali trip in August, we decided to include Tegallalang Rice Terrace into our itinerary despite our limited time in Ubud.

Mount Batur Bali is one of the sacred mountain according to Hindu believe. Located in Batur village of Kintamani District, this mountain which is only 171m above sea level (although my Suunto watch recorded 1766m), the mountain is relatively easy to hike, making it the most popular mountain in Bali, beating the higher and more challenging Mount Agung.

If you are going to visit Nusa Penida, you are probably going to visit Kelingking Beach which is single-handedly the most popular spot in the entire island, but do you know that 40 minutes ride away, there are another two stunning creations of Mother Nature, waiting for you to discover? Since they are in the same western coast of Nusa Penida, I strongly recommend combining them in a single day to make the best out of your trip. 

It’s a no brainer that Kelingking Beach is the most popular place of interest in Nusa Penida. It’s on the bucket list of everyone who is travelling to Nusa Penida, and if you have been stalking instagram, chances are you have seen the photos of this beautiful place everywhere. If Devil’s Tears is the icon of Nusa Lembongan, Kelingking Beach is the icon of Nusa Penida. This stunning T-rex shape cliff has taken the Instagram by storm for the past couple of years, resulting in its immense popularity among Bali visitors.

Booking accommodation in a hurry is a bad idea.  

Painted in bright yellow, the Yellow Bridge, is an iconic landmark for both Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, as it connects the two neighbouring islands. With the bridge being the only route connecting the two islands, you certainly wou'dn’t be able to miss this iconic bridge. But do you know that the Yellow Bridge you see today isn’t the same bridge it was there two years ago?

Cliff jumping seems to be a thing in the Nusa Islands. Every cliff we went seems to be a good spot for cliff jumping and is free of charge. However, there is this one place in Nusa Ceningan which you’ve got to pay for cliff jumping – Mahana Point. 

Located just a minute away from Blue Lagoon, this restaurant and bar offers cliff jump with proper platforms, a ladder to climb back up and of course food and drinks. There are two jumping platform – the higher 10m for RP 50,000 and the lower 5m for RP 25,000. Prices are charged per person per jump.

5m platform

this is where you jump in if you do the 5m. Can you see the nice secluded beach on the right?

10m platform

this is how high it is

the water is deeper than the area where 5m platform is

That’s not cheap for one jump but is worth it for the safe exit out of the water, since there is a steel ladder installed on the side of the cliff for climbing out of the water. If the current happens to be strong, there is a rubber ring attached to a to assist those trying to climb out.

Very daunting height, at least for me

They also rent out surfboards at RP 70,000 for 2 hours, which you can use at the break just off the bar. However, do watch out for the strong currents.

Some guys were surfing in the morning

This is the furthest I can zoom in with my camera

Luckily I could still get a clear shot

The cliff jumping is obviously the main selling point, but on our visit, we saw several guys surfing as well. Unfortunately, no one were jumping off the cliff during our short visit. Even though we didn’t do any cliff jumping nor did we go for surfing (not that we know how to), it was a great location to see other people in action.

More action shot on my camera

The best shot I have for the day

If you have the whole day in Nusa Ceningan, planning a visit before sunset is a probably a good idea. It’s a cool place to hang out with a bunch of friends - watching people launching themselves into the water, with the sun setting in the backdrop, while enjoying a bottle of cold beer and listening to music (possible raggae?).

We had a can of coke to quench our thirst for riding under the hot sun

Frowning over a can of coke? Would beer be more delightful?

Cost

Entrance = none

Parking = free

10m jump = RP 50,000

5m jump = RP 25,000 

Surfboards rental = RP 70,000

How to get there

Mahana Point is only 9 minutes away from the Yellow Bridge and 1 minute from Blue Lagoon.

If you’re travelling over from Bali, you’ll most likely arrive at Mushroom Beach ferry port in Nusa Lembongan. From here you can grab a scooter for around RP 70,000 per day. Nusa Ceningan is just across the Yellow Bridge which connects both islands. If you’re coming from Nusa Penida, you will also alight at the Yellow Bridge. There are scooters available for rent at the Yellow Bridge as well. 

If riding a scooter isn’t your thing, you can barter with local motor taxi (or ojek as the Balinese called it) to take you around the two island. Coming in a big group? You can also hire a driver to drive you around for about RP 500,000 to RP 600,000. Staying in Bali but still want to do a day trip to Nusa Lembongan? Fret not, as there are also tour package available which includes return speedboat to Lembongan, driver and guide as well as hotel pick up and drop off. This can be easily arranged through your hotel in Bali. 

As everywhere on Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan is reachable within a 30-minute drive, exploring the island with a scooter would be the most recommended option.

Click HERE for A Complete Guide To Planning Your Trip To Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida.

Best Time to Visit

As with other attractions on the west coast of any island, the best time to visit Mahana Point is probably in the late afternoon until sunset. But with so many places to cover in a day, how can you possibly cover everything in the afternoon, right? If cliff jumping is what you were looking for, you should check out the tide beforehand to avoid disappointment. If the tide is too low, you may not be able to jump.

The restaurant is quiet in the morning

Do come in the afternoon if you want to see some cliff jumping

We covered Devil’s Tear and Dream Beach first thing in the morning before riding over to Blue Lagoon and then to Mahana Point. As it was still early (around 9 in the morning), it wasn’t too hot, and the ride was pleasant. Unlike Blue Lagoon where the lack of crowd is a huge bonus, it’s a different case for Mahana Point where I was looking forward to seeing some actions. Unfortunately, there was only a group of European hunks surfing that day, and no one was doing cliff jumping.

Maybe next time I'll jump for real

Epilogue

Mahana Point is a good place to stop over for a break from riding scooter around in the hot weather, while taking the chance to do some people watching. If you are lucky, you may be able to see some action over the bar. Or… you can get into action yourself and launch yourself into the cool water of Indian Ocean. Isn’t that the best way to cool yourself down from the hot weather?

BLUE LAGOON...

The name itself drawn me to this place, simply because it reminds me of the popular hot spring in Iceland, which photos have always captivate me whenever they pop up on social media. So when I read that there is a Blue Lagoon in Nusa Ceningan, I couldn't resist the temptation of seeing it.

Ranging from budget bunk beds to mid-range hotels and luxury resorts, Nusa Lembongan has plenty of accommodation for every type of travellers, and the cutest stay are normally located on the strip of the beach itself. Think infinity pool, beautiful thatch-roofed huts and on-site restaurant and bar overlooking the beach!