By Ann Lee, Metro Online's resident film and music geek.
Follow me @_ann_lee
Tuesday 31 Jul 2018 8:00 am
Ive been on many boats but this is the first time Ive had to wade into the sea to get into one.
Thigh-deep in the ocean, Im trying to balance my breakfast and my bag as I clamber rather inelegantly on to the speedboat that will take us to the island of Nusa Penida.
Theres no pier at Sanur harbour, which is why I have to launch myself on to the vessel as it bobs up and down.
For the rest of the 30-minute journey, were entertained by thumping dance remixes of Adeles Someone Like You before we reach the shore.
Nusa Penida is one of the three Nusa islands just off the southeastern coast of Bali, Indonesia.
Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are closer and more developed but its Nusa Penida, the biggest and most remote island with its picturesque beaches and rugged beauty, that is fast becoming the most photographed out of the trio.
Bali has fully embraced the culture of Instagram like no other place Ive been to.
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If youve ever looked at a friends Insta pics from the country and wondered why its so perfectly framed with no one else in the shot, well, its because theres an unspoken etiquette that exists for tourists that Ive not seen anywhere else.
Instead of everyone jostling for selfies (which admittedly does happen in Bali), there are certain photo opportunities that are set up so travellers can get that perfect shot.
Bali Swings, for example, are very popular. Theyre extreme swings set up in front of a picturesque backdrop, which you have to pay to go on so you can take your next profile picture.
There are no swings on Nusa Penida yet but there are plenty of photo opportunities.
The first thing you need to know about the island is that the roads are bad. Filled with pothole after pothole, your bum will not be thanking you after youve been jostled around in a car all day.
And the second thing is, you will need that car as its a big island. Motorbikes are also an option but probably not the best idea in the searing sun.
Despite the uncomfortable journey, its absolutely worth it when you first clap your eyes on Kelingking beach, arguably the most snapped beach in Bali.
From a distance, the mountain that cradles the glistening white beach looks like the head of a Tyrannosaurus Rex.
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Its a good 45-minute walk down to the beach – a hair-raising experience due to the rocky steps with only the hand rail made out of bamboo to guide you (although it is sturdier than it looks).
Its steep and when I say steep, I mean its almost vertigo-inducing at points. But the cliffside hike is all part of the fun.
The minute you step onto the pillowy white sand and look out at the vivid turquoise waters, all thats forgotten.
The beach is incredibly beautiful and completely unspoilt – because its such a trek to get there, theres usually not many people there either. Theres a huge cave, which provides shade from the scorching sun.
Most visitors choose to remain at the top for photos, which means you might have it all to yourself, bar one or two other sunseekers.
You might also see the occasional boat docked there for snorkelling. The day I went, I spotted several giant manta rays serenely gliding along.
Angels Billabong is another popular sight on the island. The spectacular rock formation creates a natural infinity pool against the southwestern cliff edges.
Its very popular, so expect to wade about in the shallow, crystal clear water rather than getting a chance to swim. Its also a great spot to watch the waves dramatically crashing into the rocky shoreline.
A few minutes walk along from there is Broken beach.
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The pretty spot features a natural arch created by the rock cliffs. The arch actually used to be a cave, until its floor collapsed. The hole in the cliff allows the ocean water to flow through, creating a stunning and secluded natural pool. Get a photo opposite by the cliff edge (but not too close).
Another popular sight is Crystal Bay. The secluded cove has a 200-metre stretch of black sand, and thanks to its relatively calm waters, its an excellent place for diving.
Theres a bat cave nearby and its one of the few places in the world where you can see the rare species of fish known as mola mola.
Also known as ocean sunfish, they can grow to be the size of 3 metres and weigh up to 2,000kg. It has the distinction of being the heaviest known bony fish.
The best time to see them is between July and September.
No mola mola sightings for me, but as I get ready to board my boat back to Sanur, its already been one of the most unforgettable experiences Ive had in Bali.
Bali may be a tourist haven, but in Nusa Penida, you can still pretend youve been shipwrecked away from the crowds on your own private island.
Where to stay in Bali and how to get there
Most people that come to Nusa Penida do it as a day trip from one of the major tourist hubs on the south coast of Bali. Tour operators usually pick you up and take you back to your hotel from Sanur.
Be warned though, many only take two people as a minimum, so if youre a solo traveller, be prepared to pay double.
Here are a few places to stay on the mainland that gives you easy access to Nusa Penida.
Jimbaran – if you like seafood and beaches
Mövenpick has a hotel in Jimbaran, a small fishing village known for its excellent seafood and now home to many plush resorts.
Its very much geared towards families, with water slides in their pool, but its all done in a very refined way.
Their rooftop bar, Above Eleven Bali, is the perfect place to watch the sunset and take in the panoramic views of the beach nearby.
Added bonus: theres a free chocolate fountain for guests, along with chocolate hour. What more could you ask for?
Rooms start from £122 per night.
Seminyak – if you like fashionable boutiques and hip nightlife
FuramaXclusive Ocean Beach Seminyak offers self-contained apartments for travellers ranging from studios to three bedroom flats.
Its simply decorated with wooden furniture, and if you grab a larger flat, its more than enough room for a family. Plus, some of them have the biggest outdoor terraces youve ever seen.
Book one facing the ocean for a stunning view to wake up to.
Theres also a fun pool that wraps around the hotel like a moat, which you can see even while youre in the reception thanks to the see-through walls.
It also has a fantastic location opposite the beach, near to lots of restaurants and shops.
Suites start from £75 per night.
Nusa Dua – if you like swanky 5 star resorts
Everything about The Mulia is grand. From the giant statues presiding over one of the many pools to the enormous rooms, this sprawling resort – the largest in Bali – doesnt do things by half.
Huge doesnt even cover it. Theres more space than youll ever need, which means even when the hotel is busy, you never feel like its crowded.
Decorated in marble with Indonesian art dotted around, it screams opulence.
If youre felling very fancy, you can book a private villa with your own butler.
Dont forget to check out their spa to get a soothing Balinese massage, which features Asia Pacifics first Ice Room, so you can cool down after a tough days sunbathing.
Rooms start from £286 per night.
Flights from London to Bali via Brunei with Royal Brunei Airlines start from £515.
(Top picture: Getty)
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