Angel’s Billabong is a hidden gem found on the western coast of Nusa Penida in Bali. It’s a natural infinity pool that looks over the ocean right where the Manta Rays swim. It is one of the most unique natural formations I have come across. In this blog post, I’ll provide you with a detailed guide to help you plan your visit to this stunning location.
What is Angel’s Billabong?
Angel’s Billabong Beach is a natural tidal pool that is located in the western coast of Nusa Penida. It is named after its unique shape, which resembles a billabong – a small, secluded body of water that is isolated from a larger body of water. The tidal pool is formed by the ocean water that flows into a cave and then recedes, leaving behind a shallow pool that has perfectly still water that you can look through. The water in Angel’s Billabong is crystal clear and has a stunning turquoise color, making it one of the most picturesque spots in Bali. It looks like it was picked straight out of a Ghibli movie.
How to Get to Nusa Penida
From Sanur Beach Harbor in Bali, a fast boat is available to take you to Nusa Penida. There are two other ports in Bali from where you can take a boat or ferry. The fast boats take 45 minutes and the slower ones take 1 hour to reach the Toka Pakeh harbor in Nusa Penida. There are two other ports in Nusa Penida but they are even further away towards the north east of the island.
How to Get to Angel’s Billabong
Getting to the Angel’s Billabong is relatively easy, and you have a few options depending on your preferred mode of transportation. Here are three popular ways to get there:
Scooter
If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, this can be a fun and affordable way to get to Angel’s Billabong. You can rent a scooter from various rental shops in Bali for around IDR 60,000 – IDR 80,000 per day (approximately USD 4 – USD 6). Be sure to wear a helmet, and make sure your scooter is in good condition before you hit the road. When you get off the ferry there are scooter shops right across from the port where you can rent a scooter for the day or as long as you want.
Local taxi
Taxis are available everywhere in Nusa Penida, and you can easily hire one to take you to Angel’s Billabong from the harbor.
Rent a car
Renting a car is a great solution if you are traveling in a group and prefer to be together. You can rent a car for around IDR 800,000 – IDR 1,200,000 (approximately USD 55 – USD 85) for a full day with a driver included. This will include pick up and drop off at your hotel or the harbor.
Directions to Angel’s Billabong
You can find the exact location on Google Maps.
- Exit Toyapakeh Harbor and head southeast on the main road (Jalan Pelabuhan).
- Continue on Jalan Pelabuhan until you reach a T-junction. Take a right turn onto Jalan Ped-Buyuk.
- Follow Jalan Ped-Buyuk for approximately 4 kilometers until you reach a roundabout.
- At the roundabout, take the second exit to stay on Jalan Ped-Buyuk and continue for another 2.5 kilometers.
- After 2.5 kilometers, you will reach another roundabout. Take the second exit to continue on Jalan Ped-Buyuk.
- Continue on Jalan Ped-Buyuk for approximately 1 kilometer until you reach a junction with signboards indicating Angel’s’s Billabong and Broken Beach.
- Take a left turn at the junction and follow the signs for Angel’s’s Billabong.
- Drive for about 500 meters, and you will arrive at the parking area for Angel’s’s Billabong.
Best Time to Visit
To fully enjoy the beauty of Angel’s Billabong Beach, it’s important to visit during the low tide. During high tide, the water level rises and covers the tidal pool. The waves crash over the pool very violently and you can’t even make out that there is a pretty pool below the frothy water.
You also want to avoid the crowds that start coming here around 10am onwards in tour groups. So ideally you want to pick a day when the tide is low around sunrise so you can have a calm pool all to yourself.
Entry Fee and Timings
There is no official entry fee for Angel’s Billabong Beach. There is a parking fee for IDR 5,000 per scooter.
Angel’s Billabong Beach is open all year round, but it’s important to visit during the low tide to fully enjoy the tidal pool. The timings for the low tide vary every day, so you should check the tide schedule before planning your visit. You can find the tide schedule at seatemperatu.
Experience at Angel’s Billabong
When you get to the parking lot you have to follow the signs for Angel’s Billabong. It is very close by. The pool is very calm during low tide and you can sit on the top and look down on it. I did not swim in it because that could be dangerous especially since no locals were with me.
There were some people swimming in it but I didn’t want to take any chances with the ocean being so rough just around the rocks so I sat on the rocks. It is a very pretty place to if there aren’t many people around.
Manta Ray Viewpoint
Once I got my fill of the billabong I decided to walk to the top of the mountain. The same parking lot is used for both Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach. If you decide to go from one to another you walk through a shady pathway for 5 minutes and come out the other side. The Manta Ray viewpoint is also on this trail. The trail branches off near Angel’s Billabong and if you walk a little ways up you come to a clearing from where you can sit and spot the Manta Rays in the ocean.
Walk to Broken Beach
If you continue down the shady path you will then come to Broken Beach. Broken Beach is a beautiful natural formation of a stone arch above another pool near Angel’s Billabong. You cannot get down to the actual beach to swim but it’s a great place for pictures. Everyone that goes to the billabong walks through the jungle to go to Broken Beach too.
Is Swimming Allowed at Angel’s Billabong?
No swimming is not allowed at Angel’s Billabong. This is one of the most dangerous pools in Nusa Penida because of the freak waves that come in from the ocean and pull people in. There have been multiple casualties so the government has forbidden swimming here. However tourists still go into the water and risk their lives. The guides let the tourists go into the water on days when the ocean is very calm and there is no risk of freak waves but please if you do this listen to the guides if they say conditions are turning dangerous and get out of the water immediately.
Are There Lifeguards at Angel’s Billabong?
During my visit to Angel’s Billabong Beach in Bali, I didn’t see any lifeguards on duty. However, I highly recommend taking caution when exploring the tidal pool and surrounding areas. The currents can be strong and the rocks can be slippery.
Things to Carry
- Sunscreen: The sun can be intense, so it’s crucial to pack sunscreen with a high SPF to protect your skin. I always carry sunglasses too, otherwise I get a headache.
- Swimsuit: Don’t forget your swimsuit if you are planning to snorkel in the waters off Nusa Penida.
- Towel: Bring a towel to dry off after swimming.
- Snorkeling Gear: Angel’s Billabong Beach is known for its marine life, so bring your snorkeling gear to explore the underwater world. Tour guides usually have this unless you have your own boat.
Is It Worth Visiting Angel’s Billabong in 2023?
Definitely! Angel’s Billabong is one of the most natural formations in Bali. You will rarely get to see a tidal pool so beautiful. And the Manta Rays and Broken Beach are two plus points!
Angel’s Billabong FAQs
Is Angel’s Billabong Beach Family-Friendly?
Yes, Angel’s Billabong Beach is family-friendly, but given the natural terrain of the beach, you should always supervise your children. The waves can be quite strong, so it’s important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings.
What Is the Best Time to Visit Angel’s Billabong Beach?
The best time to visit Angel’s Billabong Beach is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. The tide should also be low and preferably early in the morning.
Best Nusa Penida Tours
Snorkel with Manta Rays Tour
Nusa Penida has some of the most amazing snorkeling with Manta Rays. Tours go to Manta Bay and Crystal Bay to swim with manta rays that come right up to you. Manta Rays are huge 5 meter long marine animals that gently glide along in the water. Swimming with them is one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
If you are in Bali you can do the manta ray tour from Bali on a speedboat or you can do the manta rays tour from Nusa Penida if you are already on the island.
Nusa Penida Highlights Tour
Nusa Penida Highlights Tour is a one day tour from Bali of all the Nusa Penida famous attractions. You will be taken there on a speedboat in 30 minutes and dropped back to your hotel at the end of the day. Some of the places you will visit are Broken Beach, Kelingking T Rex Beach, Angel’s Billabong infinity pool and snorkeling at Crystal Bay.
Places to Stay in Nusa Penida
Luxury: Pandawa Beach Villas and Spa
For luxury accommodations, consider the Pandawa Beach Villas and Spa. The resort is located just a few kilometers from the viewpoint and has stunning ocean views, spacious rooms, and luxurious amenities. The resort also has a restaurant and bar, a spa, and a swimming pool.
- Price: From $200.
- Agoda.com link.
Mid-level: Penida Bambu Green
If you’re looking for more affordable accommodations, you can stay at the Penida Bambu Green. It is located just 2 kilometers from Paluang Cliff and offers cozy rooms that are perfect for solo travelers or couples. The hotel has a garden, restaurant, and free Wi-Fi.
- Price: From $80.
- Booking.com link
Budget hotel : Pertama Lodge and Restaurant
For budget travelers, the Pertama Lodge and Restaurant is an excellent choice. It is located just 4 kilometers from Paluang Cliff and has clean rooms at a low price. The hotel has a restaurant, Wi-Fi, and a garden.
- Price: From $50.
- Booking.com link
Things To Do Near Angel’s Billabong
In addition to Angel’s Billabong Beach, Nusa Penida also has other stunning attractions that you should check out during your visit.
Kelingking Beach
Everyone has seen pictures of the famous T-rex beach in Bali. If you’re looking for a picturesque beach with an iconic cliff, then Kelingking Beach is sure to take your breath away.To get down to the beach from the top of the cliff you have to climb a long set of stairs and then back up again. If you do end up going down you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of crystal clear turquoise water and soft powdery sand.
Another must-see destination near Angel’s Billabong Beach is Broken Beach. This is a natural limestone arch rock formation. The ocean flows from under it into the beach. You can’t swim at the beach because of its rocky terrain, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the views and take some Instagram-worthy photos.
Crystal Bay
If you’re looking for a quiet beach with crystal clear waters for a day of relaxation, then Crystal Bay is perfect. The waters are calm and this is the one place in this list where you can also swim.
One exciting activity to do while visiting Crystal Bay is snorkeling at Manta Ray Point. It’s called this because the Manta Rays aggregate here at the surface. It’s been my dream to snorkel with these beautiful creatures and this place is at the top of my bucket list for next time.
- Manta Ray Snorkeling Tour from Bali
- Nusa Penida Small Group Tour by Speed Boat
- 3 Spot Snorkeling Tour from Nusa Penida
This is the cliff viewpoint that overlooks the other side of the T-rex cliff. They have lots of interesting wooden structure to take pictures with at this viewpoint. One of the lesser known spots on the island.
Tour Options in Nusa Penida
From Nusa Penida: 3 Spots Snorkeling Tour with Manta Rays
You can dive into the crystal-clear waters to witness the majestic manta rays up close and explore three breathtaking snorkeling spots – Manta Point, Manta Bay and another secret spot you will discover on your tour!
From Bali: Swim with Manta Rays in Nusa Penida
Embark on a thrilling adventure as get to swim with the beautiful Manta Rays in the ocean. They stay here year round!
Bali & Nusa Penida 2-Day Flexi Combo Instagram Private Tour
Discover the most Instagram-worthy spots in Bali and Nusa Penida on this private tour. The guides know exactly how to click the pictures for the best shots.
From Bali: Nusa Penida Small Group Tour by Speed Boat
All the highlights of Nusa Penida, including Broken Beach, Kelingking Cliff, Angel’s Billabong and Crystal Bay are included in this trip. You won’t miss a single one of these attractions.
Conclusion
With its stunning natural beauty, crystal-clear waters, and unique rock formations, Angel’s Billabong is a wonder of nature. You can also visit Crystal Bay, Broken Beach and swim with Manta Rays here. Nusa Penida truly is a wonder of nature and one of the best places to visit in Indonesia.
Checkout Other Bali Posts
Complete 2023 Guide to Rent a Scooter in Bali
Tibumana Waterfall: One of the last hidden gems
Handara Gate Bali: Guide to Bali’s Famous Gate
