Buddha Point Underwater Temple Statue In Nusa Penida / Lembongan

by David & Intan

Buddha Point is a group of underwater Buddhist temple statues near Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan in Bali.

It’s a cool spot that can easily be visited from Lembongan or Nusa Penida.

This travel guide will explain how to get there, and everything you need to know before you go!


Where To Stay In Nusa Penida

 

Visiting Buddha Point

The statues are only about 5 meters (15 feet) deep and can easily be reached by snorkeling without any scuba gear.

There’s a 3 meter (8 foot) tall Buddha statue surrounded by some big bell-shaped stupas that look like ruins, similar to the ones at Borobudur Temple in central Java.

Take caution here, because the currents can be strong. My boat guy had to keep scooping me out of the water and dropping me back at the statues again, because I was quickly being carried away by the fast currents.

As long as you’re a good swimmer or have an attentive boat man, it should be OK.

Swimming with fish underwater near Nusa Penida, Bali
 
 

How To Get To Buddha Point

Buddha Point can be reached from Nusa Lembongan, Ceningan, or Penida.

The group of statues is located near the north end of Nusa Ceningan, not far from the mouth of the Ceningan Channel (the channel between Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan).

It can be reached by boat easily from Penida as well. I visited the statues along with several other coral spots on a half day snorkeling trip from Nusa Penida, for just 200k Rupiah ($14 USD).

Underwater Buddha statue and temple ruins near Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan in Bali

The underwater statues are contemporary, but the ocean has already started to make them look like ancient ruins!


 

Now Closed?

Ever since 2019, the statue area is apparently closed for tourists. Some locals even say that the statues have been removed.

I spoke to some Balinese friends in Nusa Penida and they said the company that originally put the statues there as a snorkeling object didn’t like having a bunch of other companies bringing snorkelers to the same spot, so that’s why they’re trying to drive away other tours.

Apparently it’s a turf war created by this snorkeling company claiming ownership over the statues. According to my friends, the same company has also removed the statues now, although that may be just a rumor to keep people away.

I’m still working on getting updated info. If anyone has any current info on the statues, just let me know and I’ll update this post.
 


 

More Nusa Penida Travel Tips

Looking for more information on the beautiful island of Nusa Penida in Bali?

Don't forget to check out my full Nusa Penida Travel Guide with free tips, maps, photos, and more.

This island is loaded with nice beaches, cliffs, caves, and snorkeling spots!

Nusa Penida Island Kelingking Beach

Check out my complete Nusa Penida travel guide for more tips, info, and photos!


 

Day Tours To Nusa Penida

If you're on a tight schedule or want to skip the extra steps involved in arranging your own trip to Nusa Penida, GetYourGuide has prearranged day trips to Penida, complete with hotel transfer, fast boat tickets, island tour, and same day return to Bali.

We've used GetYourGuide for lots of day tours and activities around the world, and they're great! Highly recommended.

Book Now: Nusa Penida Day Trip
 

Nusa Penida Hotels

 

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7 comments

Carlos May 21, 2019 - 3:23 pm

Hi, what’s the current situation on the Buddha temples in Nusa Penida? Did you manage to get any insight on this? Would appreciate a reply, thanks

Reply
David May 23, 2019 - 1:14 pm

Hi Carlos, unfortunately the latest I’ve heard from locals is that the statues aren’t there anymore. I still haven’t been able to confirm this yet. I think the only way to know for sure will be to drop under the surface of the water there and check. Cheers

Reply
xiwen June 9, 2019 - 4:37 am

updated 2019/6/10
it has closed and not avaliable

Reply
laura nieto cubero September 10, 2019 - 3:44 pm

Hi there, I will be staying near Yellow bridge and can walk to the place, now my question is, where do I book the snorkelling there? Thanks

Reply
David September 10, 2019 - 4:12 pm

Hi Laura,

Lembongan has lots of snorkeling companies, but unfortunately I don’t think any of them will take you to Buddha Point anymore, for the reasons mentioned in my blog post above.

The company that put the statues there originally is trying to keep people away from it now.

Reply
Hannah November 19, 2021 - 1:08 am

Hi !

Thank you for your blog, it’s great!

So, have you had more information about Budha statues since 2019?
My boyfriend and I are going to indonesia next summer and we would love to see this

(sorry for my english i speak very badly)

Reply
David November 19, 2021 - 1:24 am

Hi Hannah, sadly the last I’ve heard is that it’s closed, because the company who put the statues there is trying to keep people away from it now.

I will ask again soon, because it could change.

Reply

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