Tembeling Beach: The Natural Pool of Nusa Penida
One of the best highlights of the whole trip to Nusa Penida was discovering the Tembeling Natural Pool and Forest. The fantastic hideaway bay is off the track of many day trippers, and we had yet to discover why. Well, it is not easy to get to Tembeling Beach, as it is protected by a thick natural forest and rough, uneven paths that discourage travellers and locals.
However, if you have already made it so far, you must experience this crazy adventure. This guide to Tembeling Beach, natural pools and forest will help you plan and make your journey a little easier. We wish to know all this information before starting the trip down the little bay.
It was a fantastic day, but I was still shaking from the hard path full of rocks, a slippery slice of uneven terrain. However, getting down the beach is hard but not impossible, and it might be good to have it still so secluded. Let’s start this incredible adventure to the Tembeling natural pools.
Tembeling Beach Guide
Tembeling Beach is fantastic, and we have tried our best in this guide to describe an authentic paradise on Nusa Penida island. It is quite hard to get to the natural pools, the forest and the beach, but it’s better in some ways. With so many touristy places in Nusa Penida, such as Kelingking Beach, Diamond Beach, Broken Beach and more, it’s nice to know that there is still something secluded.
You can easily spend an entire day at Tembeling. There are fantastic blue natural pools, a fresh breeze, a cool beach and even a hidden spot in one place. Following, you will find a little more information about each of these features.
How to get to Tembeling Natural Pool
We rented a powerful scooter to get down to Tembeling. We tried to get around Nusa Penida for a few days on a little 125cc, but it was very hard on some steep hills, so we upgraded. We suggest getting a 155cc scooter or going on a tour with a local guide. Price-wise, you are getting about the same, as scooters and gasoline are a little priced on the island for obvious reasons.
Assuming you stay in Nusa Penida, get to the parking area and hop on the back of a motorbike. Locals offer this service as they know the path, are used to it, and it’s an interesting 10-minute ride. I tried my best to drive the motorbike, and it wasn’t very pleasant.
I was shaking and had to stop on the side of the road and walk down. I saw many people with smaller mopeds that made it, but it was a little too much for me. If you are not used to motorbikes and uneven roads, you can also walk through the thick forest for about 30 minutes. If so, remember to carry it with water.
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Locals can give you a ride
Once we arrived at the parking lot, we stopped the bike, and Ale got a ride from a local. They offer this service for 50,000 IDR per trip. You will make the whole trip easy for about $6 USD (£4.79 | €5.5 | 9.5 AUD). I have actually used the service to ask a local to drive my motorbike to the parking lot on the way back.
Yes, I was so freaked out that I couldn’t hop on the bike again and preferred to pay a little fee to get back safe and sound. The drive is very steep, the roads have big rocks surfacing sharp, and some pieces are so narrow that you must be careful. The best-recommended experience is by motorbike.
From the motorbike parking to the beach
Once you get to the parking space, regardless with your bike or at the back of a local moped, you will start the descent through concrete stairs. On the way down, it is easy to find locals selling everything from drinks to souvenirs. The forest is thick, but the stairs are well-maintained and easy to get down, even in flip-flops. The walk down takes about 5 minutes, and you will reach the first fountains. It is a sacred place, so it might also happen to see a ceremony.
Tembeling beach and forest MAP | Hidden gem in Nusa Penida
Is the Tembeling Natural Pool worth visiting?
Yes, Tembeling Natural Pool is wortth visiting. Tucked away on this enchanting island, it offers a serene oasis amid the rugged, natural landscapes. To reach this hidden gem, you’ll embark on a scenic journey through lush forests and picturesque cliffs. The Tembeling Natural Pool provides a unique opportunity to connect with nature and escape the crowds, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Nusa Penida.
Tembeling beach and forest what to expect
Tembeling Forest
You are very close to heaven once you get to the second parking lot. Get down on the right; locals will point you in the right direction. You will start the descent, walking on concrete steps through the thick forest. It is a canyon through the rough jungle, fascinating and humid. We have never experienced anything similar while staying in Bali, so it’s quite a unique thing.
The forest itself is an attraction, in our opinion, and you will walk down for about 5 to 10 minutes. Every now and then, the thick forest will open some windows showing you part of the canyon and the water sliding down. The way back through the forest takes about 20 minutes; remember to have enough water.
Tembeling natural pools
Once you make it through the canyon and the forest, you will get into the wild. The stairs take you to a platform that hosts a fountain similar to Tirta Empul in Bali but smaller. This area is sacred, so remember to respect local customs. After a little hike on the carved path through the rocks, you will make two natural pools. The water was exceptionally blue, unbelievable. If you make it in the morning, just a few people will be there. Lucky you! The first pool is the biggest; the second gives you a perfect view over the bay.
When we visited in the hot season, just the big pool was suitable for swimming, and there wasn’t much water around. However, locals say that in the wet season, there is also the chance of cliff jumping from some points.
The beach at Tembeling
The unique feature at Tembeling is definitely the natural pool, but the beach is still pretty. The small secret beach is mostly made of stones. People visiting this place love to pile up white stones as small towers. It kind of adds a bit of mysticism to Tembeling Beach and the forest, isn’t it?
Of course, the beach at Tembeling isn’t the best for swimming, but it isn’t impossible. Actually, it is tough, and quite a fan to fight with the waves. Visiting Tembeling in the morning, we advise you to go deep into the Ocean when you get there, as, in the afternoon, the sea tends to get rough. Remember to snap some photos; we loved the swing. You will have the bay in the foreground stand out, giving tropical vibes to your photo.
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The secret beach at Tembeling
Well, it is not a secret beach, but a bit secluded, with a few people actually visiting it. On the right side of the natural pool, looking at the Ocean, there is a cave; if you pass through on the low tide, you will get on a rocky beach.
Tourists love to create towers of rocks, like on the other side of the main beach. Over the years, the hundred-balanced rocks created a perfect scenery. It is impossible to avoid snapping a photo here. Unlike the main beach at Tembeling, this is even rougher. The huge cliffs surrounding them crash the waves, making it impossible to swim on this side. Just walk there, check out this beach piece and enjoy the Ocean’s view.
How much is the entrance to Tembeling Natural Pool
You don’t pay to get to the Tembeling Natural Pool. This secluded area is still one of the free places to visit in Nusa Penida. However, we suggest paying a local to get you up and down the parking lot and avoid stress.
Serenity and peace surrounded by towering cliffs
We loved our day at Tembeling Beach; it was fantastic. Honestly, even though we read many guides before starting the adventure, it was beyond our imagination. The drive down was harder than I expected, but the whole experience was much more and made up for the whole trip.
You will be surrounded by just a few people, which is an add-on if you consider that Kelingking and Diamond Beach are usually packed with day trippers. Actually, visiting Tembeling beach and forest is one of the suggestions we give to our close friends.
Bali Travel Insurance
Throughout our stay in Bali, we did not encounter any safety issues. We want to advise you that driving in certain areas like Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta can be challenging due to heavy traffic. If you plan on renting a bike, it is highly recommended that you acquire travel insurance covering any possible incidents. Request a quote now.
Compare the insurance offers
While staying in Bali, we witnessed several accidents that definitely ruined someone’s holidays. Medical treatments overseas, repairs, or incident-associated expenses might be costly. Despite generally speaking, Nusa Penida is safe, its roads are poorly maintained, and you never know what can happen. Also, the island lacks a hospital, and you must go with the flow to get an immediate cure or seek transportation to Bali. Only go around with travel insurance. Check why we always travel with insurance to cover our As**.
Where to stay in Nusa Penida
If you’re searching for a place to spend the night in Nusa Penida, we can help you out! These exceptional lodgings on the island will aid in your relaxation after a day of adventure. We suggest devoting two days to fully appreciate the breathtaking natural beauty and attractions of Nusa Penida. Despite its small size, getting around winding roads and poorly maintained paths can be difficult, so it’s more complex than it may initially appear.
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