Angel’s Billabong is one of the most enchanting sights in Bali and one of the most deadly.
The natural infinity pool that forms due to the erosion of the volcanic rock shelf at this point on the coast draws huge numbers of visitors and deservedly so.
But there’s more to this spot than meets the eye and you should know everything before you visit Angel’s Billabong if you want to stay safe there.
Where Is Angel’s Billabong?
Angel’s Billabong is on the West Coast of Nusa Penida Island one of the three Nusa Islands off the coast of Bali (the other two are Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Dua is not an island, it’s an area on the Bali mainland).
The Address is Sakti, Banjar Sumpang, Nusa Penida Island, Kelungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
How To Get To Angel Billabong?
You get to the island by fast boat from Bali or by a local transfer from Lembongan.
Nusa Penida’s Angel’s Billabong or Angel Billabong or Angels Billabong depending on which source you read is only accessible by car with a private or scooter.
It’s fair to say that the majority of visitors rent a scooter but we want to stress that the roads and winding streets on Nusa Penida are really bad and accidents are common.
We’d strongly urge you to opt for a car rather than renting a scooter. So, would this visitor on TripAdvisor; “We went to Nusa Penida for one day and had a private driver take us places. Of course, it really is more expensive, and you feel kind of followed everywhere. But I stopped counting the number of tourists on scooters that had fallen off and hurt themselves (on the boat back to Lembongan, half the people had bandages). This is because the roads start out really fine and then it’s just a bunch of holes.”
If you really must ride a scooter on Nusa Penida then please wear a helmet.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Angel’s Billabong?
You will want to visit Angel’s Billabong at low tide as at high tide, the pool disappears beneath the waves.
There is no bad time of year to visit Bali and Nusa Penida Island though and you can enjoy the scenic seascape at Angel’s Billabong all year round.
The best time to visit Nusa Penida Angel’s Billabong is whenever the urge takes you to do so, as long as it’s at low tide.
You can check the tides on Tides Near Me, they also have free apps for both Apple and Android users.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Angel Billabong?
There is no entrance fee at Nusa Penida Angel’s Billabong but you will be asked to pay a parking fee to use the car park at the top of the cliffs.
The fee for the car park is a very reasonable 10,000 IDR.
The Natural Infinity Pool
It’s very easy to get to the natural infinity pool at Angel’s Billabong and to several viewpoints where you can get some great photographs of the naturally formed rock lagoon.
You just walk down the steps from the car park following the marked signposts.
It’s important to note that this is not the easiest staircase to climb and you should be reasonably physically fit to tackle it – there is also no wheelchair access of any kind.
Things To Do At Angels Billabong
Bathing?
You’re going to see a lot of people get in that infinity pool at Angel’s Billabong at low tide. We’d strongly urge you not to join them.
It’s not just high tide that presents a serious risk to swimmers, there is a freak wave phenomenon that occurs with large waves crashing over the infinity pool.
This can drag swimmers straight out to sea and, at least, four people have drowned at Angel’s Billabong.
Don’t turn a day trip into a tragedy for an Instagram photo, it’s best to enjoy the ride there through the natural countryside and then take some cool photos.
Photography
We absolutely do recommend taking photos when you’re on the island and Nusa Penida Angel’s Billabong offers some excellent opportunities for some dramatic shots.
To get the most out of this location, we’d recommend bringing a tripod, a circular polarizer (this can really help you get the best colour in the sea and sky) and an ND filter (to assist with long exposure shots).
You will probably want, at least, a wide-angle lens in your bag but you can get some really cool shots through clever use of a long-telephoto lens here too.
Enjoy The View – Manta-Ray Viewpoint
Angel’s Billabong also offers access to the Manta Ray Viewpoint where you can watch manta rays swimming in the sea below.
The fish break the surface on a regular basis and it’s amazing to see and clever photographers can get some absolutely stunning photos too.
Swing At Angel’s Billabong Sunset Point
The Bali Swing trend hasn’t escaped Angel’s Billabong and there’s a clifftop swing nearby.
You can pay a small fee to use it and get your photograph taken while doing some death-defying swinging out over the water.
If you’re on a Nusa Penida Tour, then they will almost certainly stop here.
Facilities At Angel’s Billabong
There’s not a huge amount of facilities in this area but there is a car park and you will find a few places that sell food and cold drinks if you need refreshments.
Best of all, there are toilet facilities which can come in very handy after a bumpy ride out to the billabong.
Broken Beach – Angel’s Billabong’s Neighbour
Broken Beach is right next door to Angel’s Billabong on Nusa Penida and it’s another “must-see” when you’re visiting Nusa Penida.
There’s nothing wrong with this beach, it’s called “Broken Beach” because of the unusual archway that envelopes the beach with a break in it to allow water in and out.
Broken Beach makes for an awesome photography opportunity. However, you can’t swim at Broken Beach as you can’t get down to the beach itself.
FAQs
Why Is It Called Angel Billabong?
“Billabong” is an Australian term to describe a lake that has formed by a river diverting and losing its connection to the lake.
Angel’s Billabong is more of a natural pool in the ocean.
It’s filled with crystal clear water which may cause some to think of it as “Angelic” which explains the name.
Can You Swim At Angel’s Billabong?
Nobody is going to stop you from swimming at Angel’s Billabong but just because you can swim, it doesn’t mean that you should.
Four people have lost their lives swimming at Angel’s Billabong and that’s because the popular attraction can turn deadly in a heartbeat.
You cannot predict the ocean and the waves arising from it and it only takes a moment for a swim to turn deadly at Angel’s Billabong.
We recommend you stick to enjoying the spectacular views near Angel’s billabong, instead.
Is Angel’s Billabong Deep?
No, it’s very shallow, it’s very similar to any man-made infinity pool, in fact.
How To Book A Trip To Angel’s Billabong?
We always recommend that you book any Bali travel experience through the amazing Bali Res Centre.
That’s a locally owned and operated travel service that focuses on travel in Bali.
That means they can ensure you get the right hotels, the right boats and flights, and the right guides at a competitive price that’s always value for money.
Booking your holiday or trips through the Bali Res Centre means you’re supporting the Balinese economy with your holiday spending too.
Final Thoughts On Angel Billabong
Angel’s Billabong is very much worth visiting and the naturally formed rock lagoon is a tempting place to bathe at low tide, but we just don’t recommend it.
The waves crashing onto the scenic seascape can turn mean in a heartbeat and if they do, you could be swept out to sea.
It’s best to avoid swimming here and just grab some awesome photos before you visit Broken Beach.
