Marine Wonders

Rolex's Perpetual Planet Initiative and Mission Blue join forces to support the conservation of Indonesia's island paradise of Nusa Penida and its magnificent biodiversity

- Annabel Tan

When visiting the tropical paradise of Bali in Indonesia, many travellers often make a day trip by ferry to Nusa Penida, a nearby island, for its idyllic lagoons, hidden beaches and incredible marine life. Unbeknown to many of its visitors is the fact that the beauty and magic of Nusa Penida is only possible because of the dedicated individuals working to preserve and protect its biodiversity.

Nusa Penida is part of the Nusa Penida Marine Protected Area (MPA), established in 2014, and spanning 20,057 hectares around the Balinese islands of Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Nestled in the Coral Triangle, a region celebrated for its unparalleled marine biodiversity, the Nusa Penida MPA is home to approximately 570 species of reef fish and nearly 300 species of coral—representing over 76 per cent of all known coral species. More than just a stunning destination, it is essential for both marine life and local communities, not only serving as a sanctuary for majestic creatures such as manta rays and ocean sunfish, but also providing livelihoods for its people—not least through the hundreds of thousands of visitors it draws each year.