Angel’s Billabong: a natural infinity pool on the island of Nusa Penida (near Bali)

Angel’s Billabong, the bath of the angels, is an alluring sight on the island of Nusa Penida. A natural infinity pool, wedged between the characteristic cliffs and filled with water at high tide.

A rocky lagoon with a green glow

A billabong in this context is a pool of standing water. With the accompanying property that the pool is filled by water temporarily pushed up into it, at high tide.

At this spot you first come across a rocky lagoon. Then a silence of wonder falls over the crystal-clear water with its green glow.

Only the time of day has any real bearing on that vivid palette. No filter is involved here; this is nature in peak visual form.

A rough, bumpy route to Angel’s Billabong on Nusa Penida

This natural swimming pool sits on the western edge of the island. The rough, bumpy route to it was riddled with holes at one point. Which makes experience riding a scooter a must.

And even then it is easy to underestimate. Hire a car with a driver if you have doubts. On the other hand, Nusa Penida keeps improving more of its roads. So this may matter less by the time you visit.

Swimming at the Angel’s Billabong viewpoint?

At high tide swimming is said to be dangerous, because of the risk of being swept away. At low tide it is said to be safe to swim here. That is when it becomes a natural pool that looks like an infinity pool.

The word ‘swimming’ may be a touch too enthusiastic, too. It is more a matter of relaxing in the water, floating on your back for a while. Even that seems harder these days, as direct access to the pool has been closed off more than once.

Early in the morning you may well get in, going by travellers' experiences from around the world. With or without a ‘swimming party’, you have a fine viewpoint either way.

Mystique versus anthill

• Some places breathe mystique, from the Tibumana waterfall near Ubud (Bali) to Angel’s Billabong.
• The unusual nature and the serene quiet create a pleasant, calming atmosphere.
• But. Little mystique survives when countless tourists block the view like an anthill off the rails.

And that is exactly what can happen several times a day at Angel’s Billabong. At which point you want to be off again quickly.

For that reason you can take this spot in as a quick ‘in-between’ on your day trip. Or you ‘start’ your day trip here early in the morning. So that you reach the other attractions reasonably early as well.

Put this sight on your saved list. Note: COVID-19: world on orange.