CategoriesKlungkung Area By administrator

Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida boasts a stunning sandy beach that can be easily reached by road, as well as a renowned location for scuba diving and snorkeling. It’s an exceptional spot, highlighted by a remarkable rock formation in the center of the bay, making it a must-visit destination in Nusa Penida.

Crystal Bay, located on the island of Nusa Penida in Bali, is an awe-inspiring beach that can be easily reached by scooter, thanks to a newly-built road from Toyapakeh harbor. Spend your day reveling in the mesmerizing scenery of the beach and the sea. Or simply unwind under a parasol. You may even get lucky enough to catch sight of dolphins. The sunset from this beach is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular experiences in Nusa Penida. With all these amazing features, it’s no wonder that Crystal Bay is considered one of the top 5 must-visit destinations on Nusa Penida island.

Snorkeling at Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay, along with Gamat Bay, stands out as one of the top snorkeling destinations in Nusa Penida. To explore the enchanting coral and marine life of this stunning spot, you can conveniently rent snorkeling gear from one of the beach warungs. Here, you are likely to spot turtles as well as a diverse range of fish and colorful coral. However, it is crucial to exercise caution as the current can be quite strong at the end of the bay.

If you don’t have fins, it is best not to venture too far out. You can use the mooring points of the boats anchored in the bay as a reference. Even though it may be tempting to explore the small temple built atop the rock, don’t go beyond these boats and do not attempt to reach the rock in the middle of the bay. Also, stay away from the right side of the bay where waves could push you onto the corals during low tide.

If you follow these guidelines, Crystal Bay is a fantastic spot to discover the underwater wonders of Nusa Penida. Additionally, it’s an excellent starting point for a boat trip to see Manta Rays at Manta Bay. You can book the trip through your hotel or inquire with a captain at Crystal Bay early in the morning.

Some individuals claim to have seen the Mola Mola while snorkeling. But the ideal way to spot it is through an experienced scuba diving instructor who can safely guide you to the right location. In September 2017, I captured my first Mola Mola on my GoPro camera with Dune Penida dive center. Nevertheless Crystal Bay is a picturesque diving spot all year round, not just during the Mola Mola season.

Crystal Bay beach
Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida is a fantastic beach to spend the entire day lounging on a deck chair, basking in the shade under a parasol. Additionally, you can purchase refreshing drinks, coconuts, and basic snacks from one of the beach warungs. It’s the most easily accessible beach on the island.
However, in 2016, the government conducted a forceful operation involving the army, police, and bulldozers to demolish all illegally constructed buildings. Many locals were shocked.

There were two interpretations of the event. Some believed it was a move to preserve the island’s authentic character. While others suspected that it was a step towards constructing a luxury hotel.The second interpretation seems more probable since construction of a massive resort began in 2020 (and stopped with the pandemic). Despite this, the beach remains untouched for now, so let’s take advantage of it while we still can!

Sunsets
Crystal Bay offers a stunning sunset experience. The sunset typically begins around 5:30 pm, and the location of the setting sun in the bay varies depending on the season. However, if you’re fortunate, you may capture an amazing photo of the setting sun aligned with the small rock arch in the middle of the bay. The sky often glows with red, pink, and orange hues after the sunset.

For a unique perspective, head to the west side of the beach and climb the stairs that lead to the top of the hill. From there, you can witness a breathtaking sunset view. During the day, you can follow the trail down to Pandan beach, which is usually less crowded. For more adventurous hikers, it’s possible to reach Broken Beach in less than two hours, although good shoes and bravery are required.

If you’re looking for delicious cocktails or food, the Amok sunset bar and restaurant is a great option located close to Crystal Bay.

How to get to Crystal Bay
The road leading to Crystal Bay has been fully renovated and is easy to locate. If you are coming from Toyapakeh harbor it will take only about 15 minutes by scooter. At the first significant intersection, identified by a small temple in the center, take a right. And follow the direction marked for Crystal Bay and Gamat Bay. Namaste Bungalows will be on your route. After descending a steep slope, turn right again, and you’ll see the parking lot. Expect to pay a parking fee of 2000 IDR.

For those who wish to walk from Namaste Bungalows or nearby hotels, it will take approximately 30 minutes to reach Crystal Beach. Upon returning, you may prefer to hire a young local to bring you back on a scooter for a reasonable price of 10,000 IDR.

When returning up the hill, be sure to take a left turn at the initial intersection. Otherwise, you’ll end up in the village of Penida, which is a dead end.

CategoriesKlungkung Area By administrator

Diamond Beach

Atuh beach is a beautiful beach located in a remote cove under steep green cliffs on the east coast of Nusa Penida island. Atuh beach, also known as Pantai Atuh by locals, is a perfect beach to relax and swim for the day. Therefore it’s one of the best beaches on Nusa Penida if you ask us. Located in the next bay to Diamond beach you can perfectly combine these two wonderful Nusa Penida beaches. Both have some of the most crystal clear water and are surrounded by towering limestone rocks. With Diamond beach being a rugged, untouched beach without any sunbeds or warungs, Atuh Beach offers a handful of warungs where you can order drinks, food and rent sunbeds. Read in this complete guide everything you need to know about Atuh Beach Nusa Penida.

How to get to Atuh beach Nusa Penida
Located on the eastern side of Nusa Penida island, getting to Atuh Beach is a scenic drive. If you are used to driving motorbikes you can rent a NMax bike on Nusa Penida for about 100 000 IDR per day. With some steep roads it is highly recommended to rent a powerful bike with about 150 cc, so an Nmax is a great option. Always check the brakes before using the bike on Penida island because you’ll use the brakes a lot!

Atuh Beach is clearly signposted along the way. If you follow the navigation of Google Maps it will take you about 50 minutes from the main tourist spot on the island in Toya Pakeh. Drive carefully because there can be potholes in the road and sharp turns.

Entrance fee Atuh Beach
The entrance fee for Atuh Beach in 2022 is 10 000 IDR per person and the parking fee is 5000 IDR per vehicle. This entrance feel includes Diamond beach as well.

On this drone picture you can see Atuh beach and the parking lot and entrance road on the left side of the cliff. When you follow this path there is an intersection to hike down to Atuh beach and the other stairs cut into the cliff go down to Diamond beach which you see on the left side of the picture.

Best time to go to Atuh beach Nusa Penida
Facing east, Atuh Beach gets most of the sunshine in the morning and early afternoon. So that’s why the best time to relax on Atuh Beach is in the morning hours. You can perfectly combine a visit to Atuh Beach after you’ve seen the sunrise from Rumah Pohon tree house for example at the thousand island viewpoint.

You also have to keep the tides into account because with low tide there is not much ocean left to swim in. It will just be the beach with exposed rocks and the ocean will be too far away to take a dip in. If you’re planning to come in the morning you will most likely have high tide, but check a tides app to be sure.

You can perfectly combine Diamond beach and Atuh Beach because it has the same access road. If you want to visit both then be prepared to climb a lot of stairs! For accessing both beaches you have to descend some steep stairs. The stairs to Atuh Beach are safer than Diamond beach which is a challenging walk along narrow stairs cut out from the cliff wall. 

What to expect at Atuh beach Nusa Penida
Coming from the parking lot you will first pass Diamond beach viewpoint which is absolutely worth a stop and photo. This beach is like a perfect postcard so even if you’re not making your way down Diamond beach, a photo is a must here.

If you continue the walk you will see Atuh Beach on your left hand. The stairs down to Atuh Beach are easy to find and you’ll only have to follow them all the way down to get on the beach. Be prepared for some sweat! Especially on your way back up! It’s gonna be a good work out but with a stunning tropical beach to rest and cold coconuts or beers waiting for you!

The Atuh Beach cliff
What makes Atuh Beach so unique is the stunning arch and rock formations out in the water. If you’re at Atuh Beach for sunrise you might be in for some great photographs. But also during the morning when the ocean gets it bright blue color thanks to the sunshine, the interesting shaped rock formations make a fantastic point of interest for photos. The contrast between the turquoise blue water, light yellow sand and green cliffs creates the perfect tropical setting!

Warungs, sunbeds and umbrellas at Atuh Beach
If you’re down for a chill day by the beach then Atuh Beach is without a doubt some of the best and most beautiful beaches on Nusa Penida to do this. What we loved so much about Atuh Beach are the comfortable sunbeds which are for rent in combination with umbrella’s for some shade. The warungs also offer all sorts of drinks from cold coconuts, beers, juices and local food like Nasi Goreng and all sorts of other dishes. After we watched sunrise at the Thousand Island viewpoint and hiked down to Diamond beach, we recharged our batteries for the rest of the day at Atuh Beach.

Swimming and snorkeling at Atuh Beach
The crystal clear turquoise water at Atuh beach looks very inviting to take a dip in. It it definitely some of the safer beaches in Nusa Penida to swim. However, you should always keep the current into account. The further you go out, the higher the chance that the current of the ocean gets stronger. Especially if you go snorkeling, which is actually a great idea at Atuh beach, you might forget how far away from the shore you are. And because there is no lifeguard on duty at Atuh beach, you really have to keep yourself safe.