On the southeast coast of Nusa Penida, Peguyangan Waterfall sits at the bottom of some pretty epic cliffs. It’s one of the less publicized things to do on Nusa Penida but one of my personal favorite. An iconic blue stairway leads you down a cliffside pathway to a sacred water temple, a pilgrimage site for locals.
How to get to Peguyangan Waterfall
The accommodation is quite spread out on Nusa Penida so it’s hard to guess where you might be based. Nonetheless, the map below has an accurate pin to help guide you. The drive to Peguyangan is on a nice road for most of the way but it does end with 10-15 minutes of bumpy, potholed gravel roads. The roads are improving very quickly throughout Nusa Penida as tourist traffic increases but if you are a novice scooter driver this is gonna be an interesting journey for you!
A motorbike costs a little bit more than on Bali mainland. We got ours for 70,000 rupiah per day with a full tank of gas. It wasn’t deal of the year but don’t expect to haggle down to 40,000 rupiah like you might manage on the streets of Canggu or Kuta.
Wondering about the best way to visit all of the amazing spots on Nusa Penida. If you are based in Bali you can join a customizable tour from Bali with Four Elements Adventure Tour Company (the best tour operator on Nusa Penida) that lets you pick the beaches spots you want to visit. They will pick you up in the morning from your hotel in Bali, take you across to Nusa Penida by fast boat, and then bring you back after an incredible day of adventures.
I recommend choosing the Nusa Island Epic Tour or Nusa Penida East Tour if you are keen to check out the best beaches, and viewpoints or want to snorkel with Manta Rays. Remember to tell them which spots are on your Nusa Penida Bucket list and they will make it happen!
Remember to use the code ‘JACKSON‘ to get 5% OFF YOUR ENTIRE TRIP.
Peguyangan Waterfall on Nusa Penida
Peguyangan Waterfall is one of my favorite spots on Nusa Penida because it has a mix of everything. Up and down those steep blue stairs is a workout. Then you add in the spectacular coastal cliff views that are the trademark of the island. Finally mix that in with the tradition and culture of the sacred temple and the waterfall, which is a pilgrimage site and you have this awesome blend in one spot!
There is just one Warung at the top of the stairs in the parking lot. We had a Mie Goreng for just 10,000 rupiah, which is less than $1 USD. Granted it was just packed noodles mixed with a small amount of chicken and sauce, but $1. The point is, you can buy drinks, snacks, and even a Mie Goreng before or after your hike.
The parking lot has a 5,000 rupiah fee and then you will need to hire a sarong from the parking lot attendant. The necessity of the sarong for tourists is up in the air as some had it on, some didn’t and the locals were showering in underwear at the bottom but for 10,000 rupiahs you kind of just take the sarong and move on with your day.
The hike begins underneath a little arch and then you begin your journey down the blue stairs. I’ve no idea why they are blue, but just like the yellow bridge of Nusa Ceningan, it is something that you remember! From here the blue stairs wind down the side of the cliff cutting back and forth. The stairs seem pretty sturdy and didn’t feel unsafe, although I am sure there are safer places to spend your day!
The hike down takes about 20 minutes, leading you down to the pilgrimage site. The sacred temple is based on the water blessing.
I spoke to one of the locals who was going through his ritual. There are three spouts. In order, they must shower underneath each and then use the fourth main spout to finish. This is how they cleanse themselves and receive blessings.
I didn’t go under the three smaller spouts but the local guys who were dressed in just a sarong or underwear for the boy invited me to shower under the main spout.
Shrines and trinkets are spread throughout the sacred site, which eventually leads you down to cascading pools. These pools have the purest of water, it looks like bottled water it’s so clear! The rock pools are tiered down until they eventually flow out into the ocean.
It’s a really beautiful area and has so many different things going on. As we left there was a ceremony taking place with 20 locals sat on the ground being led through a prayer.
The walk back up the stairs was an effort, especially in the hot sun. However, at a decent pace, it took us less than 25 minutes. We arrived at the top covered in sweat but that’s how all good adventures on Nusa Penida end! Just around the corner is Kelingking Beach, the famous T-Rex cove, which is my favorite spot for sunset on Nusa Penida.
Where to stay on Nusa Penida
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I’m going to recommend three places to stay on Nusa Penida. All three of these spots are in great locations but each one is a little different. One is a luxury pick, one is a value selection and the last recommendation I have for you is where I recommend for the budget backpackers.
Ananta Bungalow – Value: The Ananta Bungalow is an awesome location right next to Crystal Bay, which is the best sunset beach on Nusa Penida and where the Manta Ray and snorkel trips launch off from. Basing yourself where you want to spend every sunset is a great idea.
The beautiful bungalows have a thatched roof, terrace and combine the island life with modern facilities. The bungalows how WiFi and air conditioning. These are iconic looking bungalows and for less than $25 a night they really are the best value place to stay on Nusa Penida.
Semabu Hills Resort – Luxury: Semabu Hills is definitely the best pick of the luxury options. It has an epic infinity pool that looks out over the ocean, which is an amazing spot to relax after adventuring around the island. With breakfast included each morning and luxury rooms, this is the kind of place you treat yourself to as a family or a couple.
Hostel Nusa Penida – Budget: There’s always a good hostel when backpacking in Indonesia and on Nusa Penida, this is your pick. Hostel Nusa Penida has free WiFi, is in a good central location, which is close to most of the main attractions, beaches, and hikes. It’s clean, modern and the staff are legends.
MORE NUSA ISLANDS BLOG POSTS
There’s a ton of epic things to do on Nusa Penida, but I also wrote detailed guides for all of the adventurous things to do on Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and the Nusa Islands as an overall guide.
NUSA ISLANDS GUIDE: LEMBONGAN, PENIDA, CENINGAN
27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON NUSA PENIDA
9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON NUSA LEMBONGAN
5 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON NUSA CENINGAN
BEST CLIFF JUMP SPOTS IN BALI, INDONESIA
WHERE TO STAY ON NUSA PENIDA: EAST & WEST REGION
3-DAY NUSA PENIDA ITINERARY: A DETAILED ADVENTURE TRAVEL GUIDE
NUSA PENIDA DAY TRIP TOURS FROM BALI – EAST SIDE, WEST SIDE OR MANTAS?