I was thinking about visiting Nusa Penida long before my trip.
When I suggested it, my Scottish friend revealed that he desperately wanted to avoid Nusa Penida.
Needless to say, I slept with the lights on that night.
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The island is lush, untouched, and wild.
There is a spark in the air it is equal parts exhilarating, freeing, and nerve-racking.
Between tall hills and rice terraces, we stumbled across charming villages and temples.
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Children excitedly wave at you from the back of scooters while chickens run in circles.
Everything is an adventure on Nusa Penida, even just going to the beach.
We visited Crystal Bay, Angels Billabong, and Suwehan Beach.
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However, most beaches, including the famous Diamond Beach, require steep hikes.
While its natural beauty lures in travelers, Nusa Penida is also known asthe Black Magic Island.
Since ancient times, myths and legends have warned that Nusa Penida was inhabited by demons and warlocks.
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A local friend of mine calls him the one with the long teeth.
With his disguise, Macaling and his army of demons snuck into Bali and destroyed the island.
This is why the Balinese New Year is still aday of silence.
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High priests from around the area came to the island to cleanse it of black magic.
This battle gave Nusa Penida its name, which translates to the island of priests.
It is known as a place to practice dark magic.
Those who practice Balinese Hinduism makea pilgrimageto the temple to find the balance between negative and positive energies.
Macalings presence emphasizes the duality of good and evil.
It is a paradox of sunshine and darkness, calm and adventure.
It all depends on how you look at it.
