Bali’s natural beauty is world-renowned, with its stunning landscapes that include mountains, beaches, and lush forests. While Canggu is often the go-to beach for many, there are lesser-known, hidden beaches that also offer breathtaking scenery. One such place is Tembeling Beach in Nusa Penida, a stunning destination that stands out for its unique features.
Unlike most beaches in Bali, Tembeling Beach does not boast the typical white sandy shores but instead offers a tranquil, crystal-clear spring pool nestled in the Tembeling forest. This natural pool, surrounded by lush greenery, has captured the attention of travellers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience.
The journey to this hidden gem beach is not easy, as shown in the TikTok video @cheesusus which shows the poor condition of the road to the beach.
@cheesusus it’s a challenging trip down to tembeling beach but you can pay the drivers at the entrance for a ride! it’s so worth it because it’s so beautiful and secluded, with natural pools surrounded by the forest 🥹 #bali #balitravel ♬ original sound – *ੈ♡ig: aqua.nna_🪐༘⋆ – aquanna
What Makes Tembeling Nusa Penida Unique?
Tembeling Beach is famous for its exotic spring pool, which is a rare sight for a beach destination. The natural pool called Tembeling Spring or Tembeling Natural Pool, is situated near the beach, with clear, greenish water surrounded by coral walls. The spring’s depth reaches up to 10 meters, making it an intriguing natural wonder.
Although the beach lacks the white sand that Bali is known for, the presence of this hidden spring makes Tembeling Beach a true gem.
The beach is also historically significant. The name Tembeling comes from the Balinese word “beling,” which means pregnant. According to local legend, a pregnant woman discovered the spring while searching for her lost cattle in the forest. Over time, the place became known for its healing waters, used for ceremonies and purification rituals.
How to Get to Tembeling Beach in Nusa Penida?
Tembeling Beach is located in the Batumadeg area of Nusa Penida, part of Klungkung Regency, Bali. Getting there, however, is not a straightforward journey, as the secret beach is remote and hidden deep within the island.
1. Getting to Nusa Penida
To reach Nusa Penida, visitors must first travel to Sanur Harbour in Bali. From there, you can catch a fast boat or ferry, which takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Fast boats are the most popular choice for their speed and comfort.
2. Reaching Tembeling Beach
Once you arrive at Nusa Penida Harbour, the next step is to travel to Tembeling Beach. The distance from the harbour to the beach is around 50 minutes by scooter or rental car, passing through a forested area with some challenging roads.
Travel tip: The roads leading to the beach are quite difficult, so it’s advisable to arrange transport with a local guide if you’re not familiar with the terrain.
Tembeling Beach Entrance Fee and Visiting Hours
Unlike many popular tourist spots in Bali, Tembeling Beach does not charge an entrance fee. Instead, visitors are only required to make a donation when they enter the parking area, which helps maintain the local community and the environment.
While the beach is open 24 hours a day, the best time to visit is between 7 a.m. dan 3 p.m. The terrain is quite challenging, and it’s advisable to plan your visit during daylight hours to ensure a safe exit.
Things to Do at Tembeling Beach
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Despite lacking white sand, Tembeling Beach offers several unique activities that make it a must-visit attraction. Here are a few highlights:
- Swim in the Natural Spring Pool: The crystal clear, greenish spring water provides a refreshing swimming experience. The pool is approximately 10×8 square meters and reaches depths of up to 10 meters. It’s perfect for those looking for something different from the typical beach experience.
- Photography: Tembeling Beach and its surrounding forest offer fantastic photo opportunities. The contrast of the lush, green forest with the crystal-clear spring is an Instagram-worthy scene.
- Explore the Surrounding Forest: Tembeling Beach is surrounded by dense forest, making it ideal for nature lovers. The tranquillity of the area and its natural beauty make it perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat.
When is the Best Time to Visit Tembeling Beach and Forest?
Tembeling Beach is open to visitors year-round, but the best time to visit is between 07:00 and 15:00 WITA. This timeframe offers the best weather for sightseeing and swimming, and also ensures that you can navigate the challenging roads safely.
It is important to plan your visit carefully, as the terrain can be difficult, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Moreover, it’s best to leave by mid-afternoon to avoid any potential travel disruptions due to the forest roads.
How to Get to Tembeling Beach and Natural Pools from Ngurah Rai Airport
If you’re travelling to Tembeling from Ngurah Rai Airport (Denpasar International Airport), here’s how to get there:
- Taxi from Ngurah Rai Airport to Sanur Harbour: The journey takes about 40-50 minutes.
- Fast Boat from Sanur Harbour to Nusa Penida: This takes around 30-45 minutes.
- Travel from Nusa Penida Harbour to Tembeling Beach: From the harbour, it’s about 50 minutes to the beach via motorbike or rental car, passing through the island’s natural scenery.
As Tembeling Beach is located in a pristine environment, visitors are encouraged to maintain the cleanliness of the area. The ecosystem around the beach, including the spring pool, must be preserved to ensure the area remains a beautiful and sustainable destination for future travellers.
Things to Do on Nusa Penida, Near Tembeling Forest and Beach
Kelingking Beach, one of the best beaches in the world
Kelingking Beach is another well-known tourist destination on Nusa Penida Island that attracts visitors from around the world. The beach is renowned for its dramatic cliff formations and crystal-clear waters. For those who enjoy diving, Manta Point is nearby. It is a spots on the island where you can encounter the world’s largest stingrays, known as manta rays.
However, Kelingking Beach is located approximately one hour from Nusa Penida Harbour, making it a bit of a trek, but well worth the effort.
Angel Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is a stunning natural pool, famous for its bluish-green waters, and is definitely worth a visit if you’re exploring Tembeling Beach. The pool is located near Asih Uug Beach and can be reached in around one hour from the harbour. The picturesque setting makes it a perfect spot for photography and relaxation.
Cover: Photo by Rachel Claire/Pexels
