If you follow any travel accounts on social media, you have probably seen at least one version of this image:
Usually, it's accompanied by some romantic couple holding hands, leading each other down steps (which my guide told me are extremely dangerous if you were to actually take them to the beach- most people aren't actually heading down there).
SO, back to our topic- is the trek to Kelingking, also known as dinosaur beach, worth it?
My verdict is dependent on one thing: are you going for a day trip from Bali? Or are you staying on the island of Nusa Penida, where this view can be found?
Because if you chose A, then I'm afraid my answer might be no. Now, don't get me wrong, I am not here to discourage anyone from traveling where they want to. I just believe that the images we see all over social media portray travel as always being a luxurious getaway, and that no one is really telling you the behind-the-scenes work that goes into it. So I'll give you the facts.
If you're staying in Bali, you have to travel to a port. Depending on where your hotel is the drive can take a while, but I never got over watching the rice fields pass by, or how Indonesian drivers never got angry for things that would certainly make my road rage flare up back home.
The port, Sanur Harbor, was a little less peaceful than the rice fields. A hectic, busy, and somewhat confusing process will eventually lead you onto a fast boat to Nusa Penida by one of the boating companies- and make sure you've got your sandals on because you will be wading through the water to climb on. Now, I don't consider myself particularly weak-stomached, but that ride was enough to leave me wishing I was curled up in my bed for the rest of the day. I later in my trip took another boat to a different island and had the same experience, so be prepared for a choppy ride If you get boat sick easily- good luck, and down some Dramamine.
But alas after arriving on the island, if you booked a tour, a guide will pick you up. Since I was feeling quite nauseous, my driver was kind enough to take me to a small grocery store to get some durian flavored crackers before our adventure. And holy crap- I thought the boat ride was rough?
Now, to no one's fault, the roads of Nusa Penida are not meant for a lot of traffic. It used to be a small quiet island, but thanks to the Instagram explosion of Kelingking Beach, hoards of tourists take over the island. Traffic wasn't an issue for us as we went in the early morning, but the road conditions will leave you wishing for the boat. They just were not made for so much traffic, and this has left the roads in less than optimal condition. Eventually the island will have to repave to accommodate for the tourism, but until then...
With no exaggeration, I was bouncing off of my seat, in every which direction. I have never been so carsick in my life. After a few stops, I asked to sit in the passenger seat and that helped immensely, but have fun with that if you're stuck in the back.
My feelings on the day might have been skewed by the rides, but if you do a day tour, you will spend the majority of the day in transit, so be aware that the "travel" part of travel might get to you.
As for the beach? Yea, that view is pretty breathtaking, I won't lie. You stand on the edge of a cliff overlooking beautiful shapes curving into the clear blue sea. If you're lucky, you might have time to sit and enjoy the view before others come to take pictures.
Unexpected bonus: getting this cool picture near the overlook:
All in all, the view is beautiful, but unlike hiking where the view is always better from the top, I'm not 100% sure the boat and car rides warrant a day trip. If I could do this trip again, would I? Yes, but I would make sure to stay on the island, and space out the time between all of the (literal) ups and downs.
Have you ever been to Kelingking? What did you think of that ride?
Follow my (possibly deceiving) pictures @travel.a.map on instagram.
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