Expedition Overview
Nusa Penida, an island off the south-east coast of Bali, has one of the most dramatic coastlines in Southeast Asia — white limestone cliffs dropping sheer to turquoise water, natural rock arches framing hidden beaches, and a geological formation at Kelingking that creates the silhouette of a T-Rex when viewed from the right cliff-top position. The island is large enough (202 km²) and rugged enough that even the most popular viewpoints are accessible only by steep trails, which keeps the crowds manageable.
This three-day expedition covers the principal photography locations of Nusa Penida — all of which require careful timing, positioning, and knowledge of the sun angles — together with the snorkelling waters of Crystal Bay where manta rays gather year-round. Professor Nasrul Eam has mapped the optimal light windows for each location and teaches the technical approach to high-contrast coastal cliff photography.
Expedition Itinerary
Day 1: Kelingking & Thousand Islands
The Kelingking cliff viewpoint requires a 40-minute descent on a rope-assisted trail to the beach level (optional but the photograph from beach level is entirely different from the cliff top). Afternoon at the Thousand Islands viewpoint — rocky outcrops in turquoise water.
The Goal of the Day: High-contrast cliff photography; the multiple-angle approach to a single subject.
Day 2: Atuh Beach & Broken Beach
Atuh on the east coast is Nusa Penida's most isolated and beautiful beach — a curved white crescent below limestone cliffs accessed by 400 steps. Broken Beach is a natural rock arch 8 metres above the sea with the water flowing through it — a unique geological formation.
The Goal of the Day: Cove beach photography; rock arch and marine light.
Day 3: Angel's Billabong & Crystal Bay Manta Rays
Angel's Billabong is a natural rock pool carved by wave action — turquoise water fills it at high tide, dries to an emerald pool at low. Crystal Bay's manta rays are photographed from the surface with an underwater housing or from the rocky headland above.
The Goal of the Day: Tidal pool photography and marine photography from land and water.
Book Your Expedition
Note: Final price may vary based on specific expedition details and customizations.
Expedition Leaders
Professor Nasrul Eam is a seasoned explorer and visual storyteller who has spent over two decades traversing Asia’s diverse landscapes and cultures. As Dean of the Department of Art and Photography at Light & Composition University, he leads immersive photography expeditions to regions like the Himalayas, Sundarbans, and Bali. These journeys blend cultural exploration with hands-on learning, culminating in a complete photography diploma. With a portfolio of over 50 publications—including The Quintessence of Photography and Illuminating Nature—his work captures the profound beauty of everyday life. His background in advertising, linguistics, and visual arts enriches his mentorship, guiding participants to uncover compelling narratives through their lenses. Professor Eam’s expeditions are transformative experiences, inspiring photographers to engage deeply with the world around them.
Travel Information
Fast boat from Sanur (Bali) to Nusa Penida: 30 minutes. The island is explored by scooter or chartered car. Best season: April–October. Seas can be rough November–March.
What to Bring
• Polarising filter (essential for cliff-top turquoise water)
• Wide-angle and telephoto both useful
• Underwater housing or waterproof compact for Angel's Billabong
• Strong footwear for steep cliff trails
• Sun protection (UV intense on open cliff tops)
