Sustainable Travel in Nusa Penida - How to Explore the Island Responsibly

Waruna Darma Express

17 May 2025

News & Blogs

Nusa Penida, an idyllic island located just off the southeastern coast of Bali, is renowned for its stunning beaches, dramatic cliffs, crystal-clear waters, and diverse marine life. It has become a popular destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and adventure. However, as tourism continues to grow, there is a pressing need to ensure that the island’s ecosystems, culture, and communities are protected for future generations. Sustainable travel plays a crucial role in minimizing the negative impacts of tourism and preserving the island’s natural wonders.

In this guide, we’ll explore how you can explore Nusa Penida responsibly, with tips on sustainable travel practices, eco-friendly activities, and how to support local communities. Whether you're hiking through the island’s lush landscapes, snorkeling in its vibrant coral reefs, or relaxing on its quiet beaches, there are many ways to contribute to Nusa Penida’s long-term sustainability.

1. Why Sustainable Travel Matters for Nusa Penida

Sustainable travel refers to tourism that aims to minimize its negative environmental, cultural, and social impacts while maximizing the benefits to the local community and economy. Nusa Penida is a perfect example of an area that requires sustainable tourism practices, as the island’s popularity grows but its infrastructure and resources remain limited. The following are some of the key challenges that make sustainable travel in Nusa Penida so important:

Environmental Preservation: Nusa Penida is home to diverse ecosystems, including coral reefs, mangroves, and tropical forests, which provide essential habitats for marine life and wildlife. However, pollution, overfishing, and habitat destruction are serious threats to these ecosystems. Sustainable travel helps mitigate these issues by encouraging responsible behavior among travelers.
Cultural Sensitivity: Nusa Penida’s residents maintain strong cultural traditions rooted in Balinese Hinduism, and the island’s sacred sites and religious practices are integral to the local way of life. As tourism increases, it’s important for travelers to respect local customs, traditions, and sacred places.
Supporting Local Communities: While tourism can provide valuable income to local communities, it also has the potential to cause social and economic imbalance if not managed responsibly. Sustainable travel helps ensure that the economic benefits of tourism are distributed fairly and that local businesses, artisans, and farmers thrive.

2. How to Travel Sustainably in Nusa Penida

Here are some practical tips and sustainable practices that will help you explore Nusa Penida responsibly and make a positive impact on the island:

Choose Eco-Friendly Accommodations
Many accommodations in Nusa Penida are adopting eco-friendly practices to reduce their environmental impact. Look for hotels, guesthouses, and resorts that use solar energy, implement water-saving technologies, and promote waste management practices. Staying at eco-conscious accommodations also supports the island’s green initiatives.

Recommended Eco-Friendly Accommodations:
- The Temple Lodge: An eco-conscious boutique hotel with sustainable farming practices and a commitment to reducing plastic use.
- Batu Karu Eco Village: A sustainable and tranquil retreat that promotes organic farming and green building methods.
Use Sustainable Transportation
One of the best ways to reduce your environmental impact while exploring Nusa Penida is by using sustainable transportation options. Renting a scooter is a popular choice on the island, but for a more eco-friendly option, consider renting an electric scooter. For those who prefer not to drive, electric cars and private drivers that follow green practices can help minimize the carbon footprint of your trip.

Pro Tip:
If you’re planning to explore the island’s remote areas, consider hiring a local guide or a driver to help reduce fuel consumption by traveling in small groups.
Minimize Plastic Waste
Plastic pollution is a growing problem in many tourist destinations, and Nusa Penida is no exception. To contribute to reducing plastic waste, bring a reusable water bottle, shopping bags, and food containers. Avoid using single-use plastic products such as straws, plastic bags, and bottles. Many local shops on the island are becoming more conscious of plastic waste, so always ask for eco-friendly alternatives when possible.

Pro Tip:
Join local beach clean-up activities or bring your own trash bags to ensure you leave the beach cleaner than you found it.
Respect Local Culture and Sacred Sites
Nusa Penida is home to several important temples and sacred sites, such as Pura Penataran Ped and Pura Goa Giri Putri, where locals perform religious ceremonies. As a visitor, it’s essential to respect these cultural and spiritual practices. Always dress modestly when visiting temples, covering your shoulders and knees, and ask for permission before taking photos.

Pro Tip:
Be mindful of your behavior and interactions with locals. Avoid loud talking or disruptive behavior, especially around sacred sites, and show gratitude for the opportunity to witness local customs.

3. Eco-Friendly Activities in Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida offers a range of eco-friendly activities that allow visitors to enjoy the island’s natural beauty while minimizing their environmental impact. Here are some sustainable activities you can enjoy during your visit:

Snorkeling and Diving with Eco-Friendly Operators
Nusa Penida is famous for its crystal-clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life, including manta rays, sea turtles, and mola mola (sunfish). When snorkeling or diving, choose eco-conscious operators who promote responsible tourism by following marine protection guidelines, limiting boat traffic, and using environmentally friendly equipment.

Recommended Eco-Friendly Operators:
- Manta Watch: This dive operator focuses on eco-friendly and sustainable practices while offering diving and snorkeling tours to Manta Point and other protected areas around the island.
- Penida Dive Resort: Known for promoting coral reef protection and responsible diving practices, this dive resort offers guided tours that prioritize sustainability.
Wildlife Watching and Bird Watching
Nusa Penida is home to the Bali Starling, one of the world’s most endangered birds. Visitors can participate in bird-watching tours that are led by local guides who are passionate about preserving the island’s wildlife. These tours are not only educational but also contribute to wildlife conservation efforts by supporting eco-tourism and sustainable practices.

Pro Tip:
Respect wildlife by maintaining a safe distance and avoiding feeding or disturbing animals. Stick to designated trails and follow guidelines provided by local conservation groups.
Hiking and Nature Tours
Nusa Penida’s hiking trails take you through lush jungles, towering cliffs, and breathtaking coastal viewpoints. Hiking is an eco-friendly way to explore the island’s landscapes without contributing to pollution. Opt for nature walks that support the island’s flora and fauna, and always stay on marked trails to avoid damaging sensitive ecosystems.

Popular Eco-Friendly Hiking Trails:
- Teletubbies Hill: Known for its rolling green hills and panoramic views, this easy hike provides a perfect way to explore the island’s natural beauty while minimizing your environmental impact.
- Suwehan Beach Hike: A challenging yet rewarding hike that leads you to a secluded beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs, offering a peaceful escape into nature.

4. Supporting Local Communities and Sustainable Tourism

One of the most significant ways to practice sustainable travel in Nusa Penida is by supporting the local economy and communities. Choose locally owned accommodations, restaurants, and tour operators that prioritize sustainable practices and give back to the community.

Support Local Artisans and Farmers
Nusa Penida is home to skilled artisans and farmers who create handmade crafts and produce organic goods. By purchasing locally made products, you are directly supporting the livelihoods of local families and contributing to the preservation of traditional crafts and farming methods.

What to Buy:
- Handwoven textiles: Traditional Balinese fabrics made using songket or ikat weaving techniques.
- Wood carvings: Intricately carved figurines and masks that reflect the island’s cultural heritage.
- Organic produce: Fresh fruits and vegetables grown using sustainable farming methods.
Dining at Eco-Friendly Restaurants
Several restaurants on Nusa Penida focus on using locally sourced, organic ingredients in their dishes. These restaurants support sustainable farming practices and promote a more eco-conscious way of eating. Consider visiting restaurants that serve plant-based meals, as plant-based diets generally have a lower environmental footprint.

Eco-Friendly Dining Spots:
- The Nusa Penida Organic Café: Known for serving organic, locally sourced dishes, this café promotes sustainability and healthy eating.
- Warung Dewa: A small, local eatery offering traditional Balinese dishes made from organic and sustainably sourced ingredients.

Embrace Sustainable Travel in Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is a pristine island with a wealth of natural beauty, and sustainable tourism practices are key to preserving its landscapes and marine ecosystems. As visitors, we all have a role to play in ensuring that Nusa Penida remains a vibrant and thriving destination for generations to come. By choosing eco-friendly accommodations, respecting local culture, supporting conservation efforts, and practicing responsible travel, we can all contribute to protecting this island paradise.

Nusa Penida offers a wealth of unforgettable experiences for eco-tourists—from snorkeling with manta rays and hiking through lush forests to immersing yourself in local traditions and supporting community-based businesses. So pack your bags, explore the island’s natural wonders responsibly, and be part of preserving its beauty for future generations.