Following a year of unprecedented growth in popularity, especially among British travellers, the Balinese island of Nusa Penida has been named the top destination for travel in 2020. According to Dublin-based reservations platform Hostelworld, Nusa Penida topped a list of 20 Best Destinations for Backpackers to Visit in 2020, indicating the island’s blend of beauty and value for money.
The list offers an accurate barometer of growth in destinations known for low- to mid-range accommodation options. The top 20 reflected this emphasis on growth, offering a take on the world’s up-and-coming destinations for 2020. Nusa Penida showed the biggest overall growth in bookings, edging Thailand’s Surat Thani into second place, followed by Maribor in Slovenia. According to the results, bookings for Nusa Penida made by British tourists alone increased by more than 600% in 2019, indicating the sudden surge in popularity as word of the island’s attractions has spread.
Located in Bali’s Klungkung regency, to the southeast of the main island, Nusa Penida is the largest of three islands off the south eastern coast of Bali, the others being Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. With a population of just 60,000 people, the island offers a secluded and sedate alternative to its more developed neighbours and is developing a reputation for excellent diving, secluded beaches and fantastic wildlife encounters. Visitors can dive with migrating manta rays and mola mola (sunfish) offshore, or enjoy a picnic on the beach before trekking in search of Bali starlings, known locally known as jalak Bali.
Panorama Destination provides tours covering both the east and west of Nusa Penida, including transfers from Sanur, along with trekking to locations such as Teletubbies Hill, Rumah Pohon (tree house), Kelingking Beach and snorkelling at Crystal Bay.
