As the farthest frontier in Bali, Diamond Beach isn’t an easy feat to reach in comparison to most beaches on the island group. Sitting at the far end of Nusa Penida, hidden below a cliff face, it’s just about as far as you can get from Denpasar.
It may take some effort to get to, but it’s worth every bit, as it’s one of the most incredible beaches around. You’ll have no regrets once you get there.
We love it there, and we’re sure you will too. Hopefully, this guide will help you decide whether it’s worth the time and help you along your way, should you go for it.
TL;DR, Summary Of Diamond Beach, Bali
- Located on the far eastern tip of Nusa Penida, more remote and less hectic than the mainland.
- It’s all about the views here, incredible cliffs and ocean, but not really a beach for swimming.
- Despite the remote location, there’s no shortage of hotels, restaurants and other things to do nearby.
Where Is Diamond Beach?
Diamond Beach is located on the far eastern tip of Nusa Penida, the largest of the three Nusa Islands off the southeast coast of Bali’s main island.
It sits at the bottom of a steep cliff in the Pejukutan area, right along the island’s east coast, and is part of the same stretch as Atuh Beach and Thousand Islands Viewpoint.
It’s the complete opposite end of the island to Crystal Bay, and as far as you can go in Bali before you hit the sea, which gives you an idea of how remote this part of Nusa Penida can feel.
Address: Pejukutan, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia
How to Get To Diamond Beach
Providing you’re already on Nusa Penida or one of the smaller islands, Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan, there are a couple of options for getting to Diamond Beach:
- Private Driver – The best option. You can book a reliable driver through your hotel, and they’ll know exactly where they’re going. The price is agreed upfront, and you can easily turn it into a full-day trip, stopping at a few different spots along the way. They’ll also keep an eye on your belongings while you’re out exploring.
- Organised Tour – Organised tours can be booked from Bali’s main island, basically a day trip to Nusa Penida with Diamond Beach being part of the itinerary. The trips start with an early morning pick up, include a speedboat to and from the island, transport around, and food included. Other stops on the itinerary could include nearby Atuh Beach or the secluded Kelingking Beach. Some day trips even include short snorkelling trips, with the opportunity to spot manta rays.
- Motorbike or Scooter Hire – It might seem like a fun idea, but we’d advise against it. You’re unlikely to have the correct licence or insurance, and the roads on Nusa Penida can be rough, even compared to Bali’s main island. Don’t ruin your trip, take a car instead.
- Local Taxi – There’s no Grab or Gojek on Nusa Penida. Local taxis are available, but make sure you agree on a price before you set off to avoid any surprises later. Much like a private driver, the taxi can wait in the car park for you and watch your belongings.
Getting To Nusa Penida
If you’re not already on Nusa Penida, you’ll need to get there first.
The most common way is by fast boat from Sanur Harbour or Padang Bai in Bali, with regular daily departures to the island. The journey usually takes around 20 to 30 minutes, depending on conditions.
There’s a ferry also, which goes from Padang Bai only. The ferry tickets are cheaper, and the journey takes about one hour.
If you’re staying on Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Ceningan, it’s a much shorter trip. Boats run between the islands, and there’s also a yellow bridge connecting Lembongan and Ceningan, so you can easily move between those two before heading over to Nusa Penida.
Once you arrive on Nusa Penida, you can organise transport to Diamond Beach from there.
It’s worth noting that unless you have your own scooter or motorcycle, you cannot bring a hired bike on the ferry over to Nusa Penida.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Diamond Beach
The best time to visit Diamond Beach is generally in the early morning. The beach faces east, so you get a soft early light illuminating the cliffs and the water below, and the sunrise is pretty amazing here if you’re early enough.
It’s also a lot cooler in the morning, which is handy for tackling the stairs. Late morning and midday, it starts to heat up, and it can also be busy at times, especially if a group tour shows up. It’s not nice being stuck behind a group trying to get back up the stairs in the searing heat.
If you can, track the tide online. Low tide is best for visiting, as more sand is exposed along the shoreline. Late afternoons are also nice; the crowds peter out, and the beach is fully shaded now that the sun has gone over the cliff, making it cool down again.
All times of year are good to visit, but be prepared that the stairs might be a bit slippery during the rainy season. It tends to be a bit quieter than during the dry season, however.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Diamond Beach?
Yes, there is an entrance fee to Diamond Beach, which is out of the ordinary as the majority of beaches in Bali are completely free to visit. Don’t sweat it, though, as this fee helps the local authorities with important maintenance of the beach and the surrounding area.
At the time of writing, the 2026 price was 35,000 IDR per person, with additional parking lot fees of 10,000 per car and 5,000 per motorcycle. The fees can only be paid in cash, so, as always, prepare some bills for your visit.
What To Expect At Diamond Beach
Diamond Beach is one of those places that looks just as good in real life as it does in the photos; in fact, it looks better! The first thing you’ll notice from the top of the cliff is the colours, bright turquoise waters set against the white sand and white limestone cliffs that surround the bay.
It feels rugged and wild down there; there’s no big development or rows of sunbeds, just a strip of sand, some palm trees, and the sound of the waves rolling in. It’s easily one of the most beautiful beaches on Nusa Penida’s east coast, but it’s not really somewhere you come to relax all day in the water.
There are some strong waves and undercurrents here, along with underlying reef and rocks, making it a bit sketchy to enjoy swimming properly. Most people just cool off in the shallow water, take a few photos, and soak it all in before heading back up.
Getting down to the beach is part of the experience; the cliff stairs carved into the rock are steep in places, with a rope handrail to hold on to, and some rocks to clamber over at the end. It’s not crazy difficult, but you need to be able-bodied, and you’ll want some proper shoes and a bit of patience.
Once you’ve made it down the epic stairway, you’ll notice the beach is split into two halves. One side is made up of mossy rocks and tide rock pools, which look great, but can be a magnet for trash and debris, unfortunately.
Then there’s the main stretch, which is a strip of pristine white sand backed by palm trees and a few small caves. The entire beach is overshadowed by the huge wall that is the cliff face, and the carved stairs look pretty cool, if a little daunting, from the bottom.
The beach is named after a large diamond-shaped rock formation that juts out of the sea just slightly offshore. Despite the gem-shaped rock, however, the beach is not much of a hidden gem nowadays. It has become quite popular for people willing to make the journey, especially with day-trips out of the main island.
Despite this, it hasn’t lost its charm, even if it does become crowded occasionally.
As for amenities, there is a small “warung” style hut, where you can get some snacks, a drink, and even a beer. The choices are limited, but it’s still handy.
Diamond Beach Viewpoint
Before you think about heading down the stairs, it’s worth visiting Diamond Beach Viewpoint. For many, it’s the highlight of the trip, and the perfect place to admire the natural beauty of the area.
From here, you get incredible views of the whole bay; it’s quite spectacular, and on a clear day, you can see Lombok across the strait, with the mighty Mount Rinjani towering above it.
Of course, if you’re unable to make it down the stairs for whatever reason, or you just don’t fancy it, then this is as close as you’ll get to the beach itself. Plenty of people stop here, take it all in, grab a few photos, and call it a day. You don’t need to feel like you’re missing out if you don’t go all the way down.
Be warned, the midday sun can be strong up on the viewpoint, so stay hydrated and don’t forget your sun protection.
Diamond Beach Swing
As you make your way down the cliff staircase, you’ll come across a couple of photo spots set up along the path, including the Diamond Beach swing. It’s usually positioned between a pair of palm trees with those unreal turquoise waters and the diamond-shaped rock in the background.
It’s one of those classic Bali photo ops. You sit or stand on the swing while someone gives you a push, and you get a few shots with the cliffs and ocean behind you. There’s also often a bird’s nest-style setup nearby.
When we went, we were charged 100,000 IDR each, but reports online show people being charged up to 200,000. Prices seem to depend on the day, how busy it is, and how much you’re willing to negotiate, so it’s worth asking before you commit.
It’s not for everyone, but if you want that Instagram-style shot, it’s easily one of the most scenic swings you’ll come across in Bali.
Turtles
If you’re lucky, you might spot a few turtles around Diamond Beach. It’s not a guaranteed sighting by any means, but green turtles and hawksbill turtles have both been seen in the area, and they do nest along parts of the coastline.
You might notice tracks in the sand or signs of nesting, especially in quieter sections of the beach. If you do, it’s best to leave the area undisturbed and keep your distance. You can also report any sightings to groups like the Bali Sea Turtle Society or the Indo Ocean Project, which monitor and protect these nesting sites.
Realistically, seeing turtles here is rare, so don’t come expecting it. If swimming with turtles is high on your list, you’ll have a much better chance at spots like Turtle Point or Turtle Beach Cove.
Where To Stay Near Diamond Beach
If you’re sticking around in the area for a night or two, there are plenty of hotels nearby. Here are a few:
- Aloka Penida – A bit south of Diamond Beach, this modern Balinese-style resort sits high on the cliffs looking out to sea. There’s a great restaurant here too, serving international and local dishes.
- Golden Garuda Cottages – Fresh and minimalist thatched roof rooms with a small outdoor swimming pool.
- Tropical Glamping Bali – One of a kind stay. There are three villas to choose from, each with its own personality and amazing cliffside views.
Where To Eat Near Diamond Beach
No day out in Bali is complete without a bite to eat and a drink; fortunately, as usual, there’s no shortage of places nearby.
- Lebah Ampuak – A cheap and cheerful warung at the top of the descent to Atuh Beach. Amazing views, great for a quick lunch or just a cold drink.
- AB Bar & Resto – Awesome food ranging from pizza to chicken rendang. Definitely worth a stop if you’re sticking around for a while.
- OMONIA coffee & chill – Nice chilled out spot for food, coffee and a selection of alcoholic drinks.
Things To Do Near Diamond Beach
Although much smaller than Bali itself, Nusa Penida Island is still a fairly big place, with lots to see and do. Here are a few nearby attractions on the east side of the island worth checking out.
Atuh Beach
Conveniently located just around the corner from Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach is usually the next stop for most people, and for good reason. It’s a bit easier to relax here, with calmer water, more space to sit, and a handful of warungs and sunbeds set up along the sand.
The setting is just as impressive, too, with big rock formations out in the water and steep cliffs wrapping around the bay. If you were hoping to actually enjoy swimming somewhere nearby, this is the better option. It’s also accessed from the same car park, so it’s easy to go straight there after.
Thousand Island Viewpoint
A short drive from Diamond Beach, Thousand Island Viewpoint is one of the best viewpoints on Nusa Penida’s east coast. From up here, you get a wide, panoramic look over the coastline, with small islands scattered across the water and the cliffs dropping away below.
The walk down involves a few stairs, but it’s a set of blue wooden steps built into the cliffs, not carved from the rocks. It’s nothing too intense compared to Diamond Beach, and the views are worth every step. It’s especially good early in the morning when the light hits the water.
Rumah Pohon “Tree House”
Right next to Thousand Island Viewpoint, you’ll find the famous Rumah Pohon tree house. You’ve probably seen it on Instagram, perched right on the edge of the cliff with an unreal view out over the ocean.
It’s a quick stop, but a fun one. There’s usually a small fee if you want to climb up for photos, and a bit of a queue at times, but it’s still worth a look while you’re there. Even if you skip the photo, the surrounding viewpoints in this area are some of the best on the island.
Teletubbies Hill
If you’re heading back across the island, Teletubbies Hill is a nice little stop. Named after the famous children’s TV show, expect rolling green hills and a completely different landscape compared to the cliffs and beaches.
It’s not a long stop, more of a quick photo and stretch your legs kind of place, but it breaks up the drive nicely if you’re doing a full day on Nusa Penida.
Goa Giri Putri Temple
For something completely different, Goa Giri Putri is a cave temple not too far from Diamond Beach, just around the island slightly, on the north eastern coast.
You actually have to squeeze through a small rock entrance to get inside, and it opens up into this huge cavern with shrines and walkways.
It’s still an active place of worship, so you’ll need to wear a sarong and be respectful, but it’s a pretty unique experience.
Angel’s Billabong
Not exactly nearby, but if you’re exploring more of Nusa Penida, Angel’s Billabong is worth mentioning. It’s located on the west side of the island, so it’s a bit of a drive from Diamond Beach, but it’s one of the most famous spots on Penida.
This natural rock pool looks like an infinity pool carved into the cliffs, with clear water and incredible views out to sea. It’s best visited at low tide when the water is calm, as the ocean here can get pretty rough.
FAQs
Is Crystal Bay Near Diamond Beach?
Not really. If you look at Google Maps, you’ll see they’re on opposite sides of Nusa Penida, with Crystal Bay on the west and Diamond Beach on the far east. It’s around a 1 to 1.5-hour drive between them, depending on road conditions.
What Is The Best Beach On Nusa Penida?
It depends on what you’re after. Diamond Beach is one of the most beautiful, but not ideal for swimming. For calmer water and a more relaxed day, Crystal Bay or Atuh Beach are better options.
Is Nusa Penida One Island?
Yes and no. Nusa Penida is an island off the southeast coast of Bali, but the term “Nusa Penida” is also used when referring to all three Nusa Islands: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan.
Can I Collect Trash At The Beach?
Yes, of course you can. Many people collect trash at every location they visit around the world, their way of saying thanks. It’s an online movement called Adventure Bag Movement, the philosophy being that everywhere one travels, they fill one adventure bag of trash to take back and dispose of properly.
Final Thoughts On Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali
If you’re already on Nusa Penida, Diamond Beach is one place that’s hard to leave off your list. If you’re not on the island but considering it, then again, it’s worth pencilling in to your plans.
It’s not the easiest beach to reach, it’s not exactly a 10-minute drive from Crystal Bay, and the cliff walk down and back up isn’t for everyone, but that’s part of what makes it so rewarding.
Whether you make the full descent down or just stop at the viewpoint, it’s a place that you won’t ever forget.
