Broken Beach, known locally as Pantai Pasih Uug, is a captivating and beloved destination on Nusa Penida Island. This picturesque spot offers a sense of tranquility and showcases an incredible scene that appeals to both travel photographers and panoramic view seekers. Imagine towering cliffs, reaching heights of 50 to 200 meters, forming a circular shape with holes resembling caves or sea tunnels. These cliffs cradle the sea water, giving the appearance of a vast reflective pond. The heart of Broken Beach boasts a natural pool, a hundred meters in diameter, shaped by the powerful forces of sea abrasion and the collapse of limestone hills millions of years ago. The resulting hole, measuring 98 meters in diameter, offers a truly unique and scenic view.
To reach Broken Beach, one must venture to the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida Island. The island’s size necessitates a potential hour-long cruise from one side to the other, depending on the location of your accommodation. Travelers can catch a fast boat to Nusa Penida from Bali mainland, or if staying on Nusa Lembongan or Ceningan, they can cross via boat from the Yellow Bridge. Speed boat tickets are available at the pier for IDR 175,000 per person each way, with multiple departures throughout the day. Regular speed boat services operate between Nusa Penida and Sanur in South Bali, as well as between Nusa Penida and Kusamba and Padang Bai in East Bali. However, the most convenient option is a day trip on a speedboat to Penida, allowing for exploration of the sights with a knowledgeable guide before returning to Bali in the evening.
Approaching Broken Beach, visitors are greeted by an awe-inspiring vista, where the boundless blue sky and sea seamlessly blend into one color, transporting them to a different planet. Pasih Uug Beach, also known as Broken Beach, is an extraordinary bay on Nusa Penida Island. A massive arch invites guests to walk across, providing an incredible vantage point from which to admire the mantas swimming below. Despite its name, ‘Pasih Uug Beach,’ which translates to “damaged beach” in Balinese language, this tourist spot is a truly unique and captivating destination.
In addition to the main attraction, there is another hidden gem that offers a different perspective of Broken Beach. Adventure-seekers must traverse a perforated bridge and trek through a few minutes of breathtaking scenery, with vibrant green lawns stretching out beside them. Care must be taken to avoid sharp rocks as they make their way towards the beauty of Broken Beach. Nature’s splendor is not the only allure; locals claim that stingrays and dolphins can often be spotted swimming in the sea during the early morning hours. This incredible spot should not be missed.
The history of Broken Beach reveals its transformation into an iconic tourist destination in Nusa Penida and Bali as a whole. For foreign tourists, this geological wonder represents one of nature’s most unique works of art. As the fame of Broken Beach grew, stories, myths, and facts surrounding its formation emerged. Many believed the formation story was purely mythical, while locals living near Pasih Uug considered it to be a factual event, with living witnesses to this day.
The story of Broken Beach begins with the discovery of a stray cow, its owner unknown to the locals. In a collective decision, the people caught and slaughtered the cow, intending to cook it together. Unexpectedly, a young boy searching for his lost farm animals arrived on the scene, questioning the residents about his missing cow. The people denied possessing the cow, prompting the child to propose a contest. He stuck a stick in the ground and challenged the residents to revoke it. If anyone could remove the stick, the child would accept that the residents had not taken his livestock. The residents arrogantly attempted to free the stick but failed in their efforts.
Confident that the residents had lied, the child removed the stick, triggering an earthquake that instantly caused the land to collapse. No one in the area survived, except for a fortunate few who were assigned to bring food to the stranded villagers in their newly submerged village. These survivors would become cherished witnesses, passing down the story from generation to generation. Divers exploring Broken Beach have discovered objects such as “lesung,” used for pounding corn, clay cookware for rice, and stone containers for spices. Such findings provide further support for the true origins of Pasih Uug.
Visiting Broken Beach requires a small entrance fee of IDR 5,000 per person, with an additional IDR 5,000 for parking. These fees grant access to both Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach. Please note that payments must be made in Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), so it is advisable to have small cash on hand when visiting.
The operating hours of Broken Beach are from 6:00 AM to 6:30 PM, offering ample time for exploration and appreciation of this natural wonder. So, embark on a journey to Broken Beach and immerse yourself in the beauty and rich history that awaits.