Day 2: Scooters, Jungle Pools & Sea Giants

Day 2 started with a message from the EDIS team — checking in to make sure I was ready for my transfer to Penida. Following their instructions, I left my villa at the right time and scootered over to the Yellow Bridge. They’d told me exactly what type of ticket to buy, at the local price, so there were no surprises.

Waiting for me on the other side was my EDIS guide, Putu, who had come over from the mainland to join me for the day in Penida. Everything had been lined up perfectly — transport, tickets, timing — so I could just enjoy the day.

First stop: Tembeling Natural Pools. Hidden and peaceful, accessed through protected rainforest and only reachable by motorbike along narrow, winding paths. You really needed an experienced rider to navigate safely, which made having Putu there even more reassuring. We walked down steep steps to the first pool, taking photo and breather breaks as often as we needed. The water was crystal clear, and there was a tiny warung selling cold beer and chips — yes, we stopped.

A little further along, we came to a second pool fed by a natural spring, right on the beach, with an iconic Bali swing over the sand — perfect for a morning Insta moment. Hardly anyone was around. Total bliss.

After a quick beer and lunch, it was time for snorkeling with manta rays. Having Putu alongside made it so much fun — it felt like I had a friend all day. We laughed, took silly underwater photos, and his calm confidence made diving in the strong currents completely stress-free. Two massive mantas glided right next to us — unbelievable. On the trip back to the island, we even spotted turtles and dolphins at Crystal Bay.

A big day in the sun and water ended with pizza at Ba Bar Cottage, a café with accommodation in the back, where I would be staying the night. Another win from the EDIS team, who used their contacts to get me a $23 room with its own bathroom and balcony — a place I would never have found on my own (I will be back).