The number of visitors to Penida Island is growing at a crazy rate every year. This island off the coast of Bali has a lot to offer. Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach and Kelingking Beach have long been known for their picturesque landscapes, which can be seen all over Instagram.
Penida is unique in that, despite the increasing number of visitors, it remains a very authentic island with unspoiled natural beauty and deserted beaches. Less than a third as densely populated as Bali, the island is largely uninhabited and is likely to see significant development in the coming years.
This is just one of the reasons why it is so important to visit Penida now, even though it is still described as "the Bali of 30 years ago". For now, you can still experience the island and its beauty largely undisturbed, but that may not be the case in a few years' time.
Are you planning a trip to Penida Island? Our Three-day itinerary will make your trip perfect.
How to Plan Your Trip to Penida Island
Penida is a relatively small island, but with little infrastructure it is very difficult to get around. The roads are extremely bad and dangerous in places. In addition, the tourist sites are scattered and difficult to access. You may want to visit two beaches less than a kilometer apart, but since there is no road connecting them, you have to drive 12 kilometers inland to get back the way you came.
Because of these problems, you will need at least two days to explore Penida Island, or more if you want to see everything.
Most tourists categorize the island asEast IslandandNishijimaYou can also visit each island separately in one day.
famous Kelingking Beach and Angel's Billabong It is located on the west side of the island, while Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach are located on the east side of the island.
Diamond Beach and ATUH Beach
Diamond Beach and Attu Beach are among the most beautiful places on Penida Island. They are conveniently located next to each other, so it's easy to visit them all in one day.
As beautiful as both of these beaches are, they are very different. Read on to find out how to make the most of your trip.
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How to get to Diamond Beach and ATUH Beach
Atuh Beach can be accessed from both sides, while Diamond Beach can only be accessed from one side. The easiest way to visit both beaches in one day is to drive to the Diamond Beach observation deck and park there.
There's no real advantage to getting to the left side of Atuh Beach, as you either have to climb all the way up to the Diamond Beach Overlook and back, or drive around for nearly 45 minutes.
If you want to enjoy the view, you can still climb the steps on the left and return to the Diamond Beach viewpoint.
Scooter or car?
The roads in Nusa Penida are very bad and there are no apps like grab or gojek. If you don't have a lot of experience, driving a scooter there is a nightmare. The altitude of the island varies a lot, which means that if you don't have the courage to go full speed around sharp corners, you'll be pushing your scooter uphill in the hot sun.
Local drivers are reckless and pose a real danger to tourists on motorcycles. This may be a convenient way to visit most Indonesian islands, but do yourself a favor and hire a driver in Penida.
Where should you stay to visit ATUH and Diamond Beach?
The most popular accommodation on Penida Island is near Banjar Njuh (Toya Pakeh) Harbour and Buyuk Harbour. Here you will find numerous bars and restaurants as well as thePlenty of hotelsAvailable options.
Diamond and Attu beaches are about an hour's drive from Banjar Njuh (Toya Pakeh) Port and 45 minutes from Buyuk Port.
It is recommended to stay on the north side of Penida Island, although this means you will have to hire a driver or rent a motorcycle to visit the tourist attractions. After a busy day of sightseeing, you can find a hotel or homestay on the beach to relax. Here areThe best hotels in Penida Island.
Always compare hotel prices. We like to find the best prices through Booking.com and Agoda.
When are you leaving?
Most of the people who visit Penida Island only stay there for a day. That's why there aren't really that many tourists staying on the island. Most people book a day trip from Bali and leave again in the afternoon.
As a result, places such as Diamond Beach and Attu Beach become very crowded at 9:00 am.
You should start your trip to these beaches early to get the best experience. Since Diamond Beach and Attu Beach face east, the sun will shine on them as it rises. This is the best time to take amazing photos.
Heat is also a major factor. The earlier you go, the less you will sweat under the relentless sun. To get to these beaches, you'll have to do some climbing. Thank yourself for going earlier in the future.
tides
Another thing to consider when planning a trip is the tides. Finding the best time to visit Attu and Diamond Beach can be tricky.
Low tide at Attu Beach means that most of the seabed is exposed, which is not good if you want to take pictures. If you go at high tide, the view is even more beautiful.
Unfortunately, Diamond Beach is inaccessible during high tide. You can still walk down the stairs, but you can't get to the beach. The waves are especially dangerous during this time.
If you are visiting both Diamond Beach and Attu Beach, you must find the best place to visit when the tide is low or high. It's best to visit Diamond Beach near high tide and then visit Attu Beach at high tide.
Before you go, be sure to To view the tides online.
Is there an entrance fee?
Technically, Diamond Beach and Attu Beach are free to visit. However, at the entrance, you will be asked for a donation. This is not optional and you are free to decide on the amount.
The parking fee is Rp 10,000 (approximately €0.60) per vehicle, but prices seem to vary depending on the internet account. The price should not exceed Rp 15,000 (about €1). There is no time limit for parking.
Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in Indonesia, if not the world. It is tucked away at the base of spectacular limestone cliffs, surrounded by palm trees and crystal clear waters.
In late 2018, a set of stairs cut directly into the cliff gave visitors their first access to the beach below.
The stairs are fairly easy to climb, although there are some places without railings. It took less than 20 minutes to get down, and you can do it in flip-flops.
This is one of the best places to take photos on Penida Island. The stairs are still new and you can see that they were carved out of the limestone. It's just beautiful.
At the bottom you will find an overpriced swing and nest where you can take pictures if you wish. There are also basic toilets and changing rooms (for a fee).
You can swim at Diamond Beach, but it can be very dangerous. The currents are strong and there are many sharp rocks in the water.In September 2019, a Malaysian tourist was swept away by a huge wave and drowned.
Try to avoid swimming at Diamond Beach, especially at high tide.
Attu Beach
Attu Beach is right next to Diamond Beach, but it's definitely not as spectacular. The beach is a 15-minute walk along the steps, and it's an easy climb.
At the bottom, you'll find several small snack bars selling traditional Indonesian dishes and cold drinks. They are relatively expensive compared to less popular destinations (a fresh coconut costs Rp 50,000 (about €3.20)). Unfortunately, even if you do buy food or drink, you'll have to pay Rp 200,000 (about €12.80) for a sunbed or lazy boy sofa in the shade.
You can find basic toilets here.
You can swim at Atuh Beach, but beware of strong currents, especially during tidal changes.In 2017, three tourists had to be rescued after being dragged out to sea here. The waters of Penida Island are dangerous and you must use common sense. Often there are no lifeguards on duty, so it is your responsibility to ensure your safety.
After visiting Diamond Beach, head to Attu Beach. This way you can relax with some food and cold drinks and recover from the stair climb.
Lookout Point
If you follow the trail past the two beaches, you will arrive at an abandoned hut with a great view of Diamond Beach. This is the perfect place to fly a drone.
Be very careful when taking photos here. The cliff edge is hard to see in some places and the drop is straight down.
Don't get too close to the edge and be safe.
Drone
You can fly the drone anywhere around Diamond Beach and Attu Beach. The best spots are near abandoned houses and cliff edges.
There's also a snack bar at the top of the stairs leading down to Atuh Beach, where you can sit in the shade with a cold drink and fly the drone.
After visiting Diamond Beach and ATUH Beach, what else is there to see?
Be sure to check out the other side of Diamond Beach.Thousand Islands Observation Deck. The views are breathtaking.This is also the famous Rumah Pohon tree house.The location of the
If you're still energized after seeing all these sights, you can visit Sauvignon Blanc Beach, which is also located on the east coast of the island. However, the road to this beach is almost always impassable by car, so you'll have to ask your driver in advance.
