Health
There are 3 health centres in Nusa Penida.
One is a private clinic, the other two are state hospitals.
If you have insurance and money is not an issue we recommend the private clinic, Nusa Medika: you will be seen rapidly and they will take care of all the logistics if you need to be sent to a bigger facility in Bali. They have all the necessary medicine on-site and will include it. They are expensive though and may recommend additional treatments that might not be completely useful to make a little more cash. A new one has also opened in Sampalan, Griya Penida, that we have yet to test.
Toyapakeh's RSUD Gema Santi is a state hospital with much more affordable prices even for non-resident foreigners. They have all the basics for an emergency and treat simple problems relatively well. They are state-run though so you will most probably have to wait a while before being seen and they will not organise transfers etc. You will need to buy medicine yourself (see chemists' below)
Sampalan UPTD Puskesmas offers similar services but mostly caters to locals as it is a 'rural zone health facility' with free services destined for the poor. Most people use the Toyapakeh one.
There are now three real Chemists (Apotek in Indonesian). One in Toyapakeh on the main drag, one near the hospital in Toyapakeh (50m from the main entrance) and one in Sampalan.
2. Money
Getting money in Penida can be a bit of a challenge, especially in high season.
There are a few ATMs by BRI, Mandiri and BNI banks. the Balinese local bank BPD also has a few but will not take foreign cards. They are situated in Toyapakeh (3), Ped (1), Sampalan (3) and Batununngul (1). They are often empty of cash so arm yourself with patience or better still with cash from Bali. There are two money changers, one in Toyapakeh and one in Sampalan with exorbitant rates. Again, if possible, change your money in Sanur before coming over, as you will get a better rate.
3. Western food shops
For those of you craving Western food like butter, fresh bread, cream, peanut butter, olive oil, gluten-free or vegan eats, there is one main Western food place in Penida: Penida Pantry. There is another smaller shop selling a few Western goods in Sampalan in a small alley opposite the market (on the last visit it was not sign-posted).
For those craving fresh bread, there are two bakeries. One French style with lovely croissants and baguettes etc. in Ped: Secret Bakery. They also make European-style espresso and cappuccino. There is a more Eastern European/American style bakery in Toyapakeh: Orion Bakery with lovely muffins and cinnamon rolls as well as sandwiches.
4. Transport
There are not many options for getting around Nusa Penida. You either drive a scooter or get a taxi, though you could also get a push bike but unless you are super fit you won't see much of the island.
For taxis: If you have reserved a hotel or with a diving centre they will be able to organise one for you. Alternatively, there will be many people happy to drive you to your destination on arrival at the harbour but you will have to haggle in all probability.
For scooters, there are a few scooter rental places, like Anananda Scooters, with good quality scooters that will also give you helmets and a drop-off pick-up service. Alternatively, just rent one at either of the harbours. This allows you to check your vehicle and haggle the price if staying a little longer. Make sure you ask for a helmet, they are not always included. Finally, every hotel and most restaurants will be able to help you find a scooter to rent but make sure you check there is a helmet included and working brakes and lights.
5. Petrol
There are often insane queues to get petrol so if you see only a few people are waiting, get in there and fill up! You will also find small stalls by the side of the road selling petrol by the litre or even 1/2 litre but expect to pay 30 to 50 per cent more (it's got to be worth it to queue and lug the petrol around for them). If going on a long exploration trip, try and fill up before you go there is no guarantee you will easily find petrol in the more remote parts of the island, it's a bit of a lucky draw. There are 3 petrol stations on the island: one in Toyapakeh, one in Sental in the middle of the north coast and one in Batu Nunngguul at the beginning of the East coast.
6. Laundry
There are plenty of laundry places in Penida. Most hotels will offer this service but if you want a slightly cheaper option look out for laundrey signs. Do not be surprised to pay 20 per cent more per kilo than you would in Bali and check and double-check when it will be ready and tell them if you are on a tight schedule.
We hope this little Nusa Penida Survival guide comes in handy and makes your stay even more enjoyable.
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