Billy Bagus
Jul 30, 2025
Tucked into the manicured enclave of ITDC Nusa Dua, Peninsula Island is one of those rare finds that blends the polished tranquility of a private estate with the wild energy of the Indian Ocean. It’s a place where cliffside paths meet sculptural grandeur, and where the rhythm of the waves echoes through breezy groves and flowering meadows. Here’s why you should visit this underrated destination of South Bali!
It's a place where cliffside paths meet sculptural grandeur, and where the rhythm of the waves echoes through breezy groves and flowering meadows.
A Hidden Gem in Plain Sight
Peninsula Island spans 7.4 hectares of pristine green open space, flanked by dramatic limestone cliffs and framed by wide coastal skies. Though surrounded by five-star hotels, the island itself is completely open to the public. It’s a coastal paradox: exclusive in setting, yet inclusive by design.
Visitors are greeted by a wide expanse of lush lawn, bordered by tropical trees and dotted with whimsical installations, including iconic Balinese statues that lend a mythic quality to the landscape. At the heart of the island stands a monumental sculpture of Arjuna and Krishna, mid-conversation in a celestial chariot, anchoring the island’s spiritual and artistic identity. It’s a quiet homage to Bali’s deep-rooted narrative tradition.
Getting There: A Breeze from the Airport
Getting to Peninsula Island is as smooth as its sea views. Located just 12 kilometers south of Ngurah Rai International Airport, the drive takes under 20 minutes in normal traffic. The fastest route cuts through the Bali Mandara Toll Road, a sleek stretch of highway suspended over the ocean. Exit at the Nusa Dua gate, pass the immaculate boulevards and lush golf courses, and within minutes, you’ll be at the edge of the island.
Once inside ITDC Nusa Dua, signage is minimal by design. The atmosphere here is curated for serenity. But a short drive through quiet roads lined with palm trees and flowering hedges will bring you to a stone gate and open field, signaling your arrival at Peninsula Island.
The Allure: Wild Waves and Perfect Paths
For those who love the outdoors without leaving luxury too far behind, Peninsula Island is the sweet spot. A well-maintained jogging track loops the island’s perimeter, offering a front-row view to one of Bali’s best-kept secrets: the Waterblow. Though currently inaccessible due to safety concerns, this natural ocean spectacle is still visible from select points along the eastern edge.
Inland, the wide green fields serve as an unofficial canvas for leisurely picnics, meditative yoga sessions, or impromptu sunset gatherings. Local runners and wellness enthusiasts often pass through during golden hour, when the sun hangs low over the horizon and casts long shadows across the grass. Here, it’s not unusual to find solo travelers sketching, couples lounging beneath trees, or families walking their way through the coastal air.
A Sanctuary of Culture and Calm
Beyond its scenic allure, Peninsula Island is a quiet custodian of Bali’s cultural essence. Sculptures inspired by wayang (traditional shadow puppets) dot the island’s walkways, while stone monuments inscribed with messages from international visitors and environmental delegations speak to a shared reverence for the land.
On the island’s northwest side lies Taksu Art Stage, an open-air amphitheater that occasionally comes alive with traditional performances. Farther south, nestled behind a grove of frangipani trees, a temple known as Pura Bias Tugel welcomes those who enter with respect and ritual; reminding visitors that even in this serene landscape, the sacred is never far.
In a Bali that’s increasingly busy, Peninsula Island offers something more rare than luxury: space. Space to breathe, to walk, to admire without agenda. It’s a place where you’re encouraged to slow down, take in the sea, and lose track of time. Whether you come to jog, sketch, or simply sit still under the tropical sun, this little island delivers the kind of gentle, soul-nourishing experience that lingers long after the footprints fade.
