Banah cliffs

This spectacular point on Nusa Penida's southern coast is one of simple breathtaking beauty. You will need a guide.

At a height of some 200 metres, these sheer cliffs will, quite literally, take your breath away. That you're able to stand right at the very edge, with no security fencing and feel the wind blasting up the cliff, is exhilarating.

There's a small, somewhat perilous staircase that stumbles down the cliff, offering some even better vantage points, but you really need to watch your step especially carefully. One slip, and you're gone. Period.

There is no reason to head here other than the views. Apparently it is possible to hike down to a beach two bays to the southeast of here, but we didn't have time on this visit — look out for the wooden sign reading "Tamlingan pond" a few kilometres beforehand, as we were told that is the trailhead.

To get here you need to ride to the village of Batu Madeg and then onto the hamlet of Salak. From Salak, a goat track leads down to the grassy plain that finishes with the cliffs. You'll need directions, more than once, and this is a trip we strongly recommend doing with a guide.

Not for everybody, but for us this was one of the highlights of Nusa Penida.