Despite Bali's booming popularity, Nusa Penida – the biggest of Bali's offshore islands – remains largely undeveloped. Instead of sprawling resorts and overcrowded sands, the tropical landscapes here still feel as though you have them all to yourself. On any given day, visitors are usually found lazing on secluded beaches, exploring coastal caves, hiking through virgin rainforest and connecting with nature.
Perhaps due to Nusa Penida's lack of infrastructure, beaches are the island's biggest attractions. Photo-worthy Kelingking Beach is especially famous for the dramatic cliff that hugs its stark-white sands and churning turquoise surf. The waters at Crystal Bay, on the isle's west coast, are much calmer and great for swimming and snorkelling. Farther south, Angel's Billabong is altogether different – a rock formation near Broken Beach that protects a natural infinity pool. If you're a diver, you're also in luck; Nusa Penida boasts some of Bali's best diving spots, including Toyapakeh and Manta Bay. While underwater, keep your eyes peeled for sunfish and corals.
Nusa Penida offers a handful of temples where you can catch a glimpse of Balinese spirituality. Pura Dalem Ped is among the island's largest and most important temple compounds for Hindus, who make pilgrimages here to pray away illness and evil. Housed inside airy limestone caves, Goa Giri Putri is even more unique, where Balinese people come to meditate among stalagmites and stalactites.