Are you looking for a secluded and stunning beach to escape the crowds and enjoy the natural beauty of Bali? If yes, then you should definitely visit Atuh Beach, one of the most amazing and breathtaking beaches on Nusa Penida island. Atuh Beach is a hidden gem that offers spectacular views, crystal clear water, white sand, and rock formations that will leave you speechless.
Whether you want to relax, swim, snorkel, hike, or explore, Atuh Beach has something for everyone. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive and practical guide for visiting Atuh Beach, including how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and what to expect. Read on to discover why Atuh Beach is a must-see destination on Nusa Penida island.
How to Get to Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach is located on the eastern side of Nusa Penida island, about 30 km from the main harbor of Toyapakeh. To get to Atuh Beach, you first need to get to Nusa Penida island from Bali. There are three main ways to do that:
By boat:
This is the most popular and convenient way to get to Nusa Penida island. There are several fast boats that depart daily from Sanur, Padang Bai, or Serangan in Bali, and take about 30 to 45 minutes to reach Toyapakeh. The price ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 IDR (10 to 17 USD) per person for a one-way ticket, depending on the season and the operator. You can book your tickets online or at the harbor, but make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Some of the reputable boat operators are Maruti Express, Angel’s Billabong, and Mola Mola Express.
By car:
This is a more adventurous and scenic way to get to Nusa Penida island, but also more expensive and time-consuming. You can rent a car in Bali and drive to Kusamba or Padang Bai, where you can board a car ferry that takes about 90 minutes to reach Toyapakeh. The price is about 300,000 IDR (21 USD) per car for a one-way ticket, plus 31,000 IDR (2 USD) per person. The car ferry operates from 7 am to 4 pm, and can accommodate up to 40 cars. However, the schedule is not fixed and depends on the weather and the demand. You can check the availability and book your tickets at the harbor or through a local agent.
By scooter:
This is a more budget-friendly and flexible way to get to Nusa Penida island, but also more challenging and risky. You can rent a scooter in Bali for about 50,000 to 100,000 IDR (3 to 7 USD) per day, and drive to Sanur, where you can board a public boat that takes about 90 minutes to reach Toyapakeh. The price is about 40,000 IDR (3 USD) per person for a one-way ticket, plus 20,000 IDR (1 USD) per scooter. The public boat operates from 6:30 am to 4:30 pm, and can accommodate up to 20 scooters. However, the boat is often crowded and overloaded, and the ride can be bumpy and wet. You can buy your tickets at the harbor, but be prepared to bargain and wait.
Once you reach Toyapakeh, you can either continue your journey to Atuh Beach by car or scooter, or hire a driver or a guide. The road to Atuh Beach is mostly paved, but also narrow, steep, and winding. It takes about an hour to drive from Toyapakeh to Atuh Beach, and the scenery along the way is stunning. You will pass by lush green hills, rice fields, villages, and temples. However, you will also encounter some potholes, bumps, and traffic. Therefore, you need to be careful and attentive, especially if you are driving by yourself.
Alternatively, you can hire a driver or a guide who can take you to Atuh Beach and other attractions on Nusa Penida island for about 500,000 to 700,000 IDR (35 to 49 USD) per day, depending on the itinerary and the negotiation. This can be a safer and more comfortable option, especially if you are not confident or experienced in driving on Indonesian roads.
What to Do at Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach is a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers. There are so many things to do and see at Atuh Beach, that you will never get bored or run out of options. Here are some of the activities and attractions that you can enjoy at Atuh Beach:
Swimming:
Atuh Beach is a great place to swim and cool off, especially during high tide, when the water is calm and clear. You can swim in the turquoise water, admire the colorful coral reefs, and spot some tropical fish. However, you need to be careful of the strong currents and waves, especially during low tide, when the water is shallow and rocky. You also need to watch out for the sea urchins, jellyfish, and sharp corals, that can sting or cut you. Therefore, it is advisable to wear water shoes and a rash guard, and avoid swimming too far from the shore.
Snorkeling:
Atuh Beach is also a great place to snorkel and explore the underwater world, especially during high tide, when the visibility is good and the marine life is abundant. You can snorkel along the shore, or rent a boat and snorkel around the islets, where you can see more variety and diversity of coral and fish. You can rent snorkeling equipment at Atuh Beach for about 50,000 IDR (3 USD) per set, or bring your own. However, you need to be aware of the same hazards and precautions as swimming, and always snorkel with a buddy or a guide.
Sunbathing:
Atuh Beach is also a great place to sunbathe and relax, especially during low tide, when the beach is wide and sandy. You can lay on the soft white sand, soak up the sun, and enjoy the breeze. You can also rent a sunbed and an umbrella at Atuh Beach for about 50,000 IDR (3 USD) per set, or bring your own. However, you need to be careful of the sunburn and dehydration, and always apply sunscreen and drink plenty of water.
Hiking:
Atuh Beach is also a great place to hike and admire the views, especially during sunrise, when the sky is colorful and the sun is shining. You can hike up the hills on either side of the beach, and enjoy the panoramic views of the ocean, the cliffs, the arch, and the islets. The hike is not too difficult, but it can be steep and slippery, especially after the rain. Therefore, you need to wear proper shoes and clothes, and bring a flashlight and a camera.
Climbing:
Atuh Beach is also a great place to climb and challenge yourself, especially if you are looking for some adrenaline and excitement. You can climb up the arch that is located on the left side of the beach, and enjoy the thrill and the view. The climb is not too hard, but it can be dangerous and risky, especially if you are not experienced or equipped. Therefore, you need to be careful and cautious, and always climb with a partner or a guide.
Jumping:
Atuh Beach is also a great place to jump and have fun, especially if you are looking for some adventure and fun. You can jump off the cliff that is located on the right side of the beach, and enjoy the splash and the sensation. The jump is not too high, but it can be scary and exhilarating, especially if you are not used to it. Therefore, you need to be brave and confident, and always check the water depth and the tide before jumping.
Where to Stay near Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach is a remote and secluded beach, which means that there are not many options for accommodation nearby. However, there are some places that you can stay near Atuh Beach, depending on your budget and preference. Here are some of the types and examples of accommodation that are available near Atuh Beach:
Hotels:
Hotels are the most comfortable and luxurious option for staying near Atuh Beach, but also the most expensive and limited. There are only a few hotels that are located near Atuh Beach, and they offer amenities such as air conditioning, hot water, wifi, swimming pool, restaurant, and spa. However, they also charge high prices, ranging from 500,000 to 1,500,000 IDR (35 to 105 USD) per night, depending on the season and the quality. Some of the hotels that are located near Atuh Beach are Semabu Hills Hotel, La Roja Bungalows, and Kabeh Jati Garden Villa.
Resorts:
Resorts are another comfortable and luxurious option for staying near Atuh Beach, but also expensive and limited. There are only a few resorts that are located near Atuh Beach, and they offer amenities such as air conditioning, hot water, wifi, swimming pool, restaurant, and spa. However, they also charge high prices, ranging from 500,000 to 1,500,000 IDR (35 to 105 USD) per night, depending on the season and the quality. Some of the resorts that are located near Atuh Beach are Nusa Penida Tree House, Sunrise Penida Hill, and La Roja Bungalows.
Villas:
Villas are another comfortable and luxurious option for staying near Atuh Beach, but also expensive and limited. There are only a few villas that are located near Atuh Beach, and they offer amenities such as air conditioning, hot water, wifi, swimming pool, kitchen, and garden. However, they also charge high prices, ranging from 500,000 to 2,000,000 IDR (35 to 140 USD) per night, depending on the season and the size. Some of the villas that are located near Atuh Beach are Kabeh Jati Garden Villa, Villa Penida, and Villa Atuh.
Bungalows:
Bungalows are a more affordable and cozy option for staying near Atuh Beach, but also less comfortable and luxurious. There are several bungalows that are located near Atuh Beach, and they offer amenities such as fan, cold water, wifi, terrace, and breakfast. However, they also charge moderate prices, ranging from 200,000 to 500,000 IDR (14 to 35 USD) per night, depending on the season and the quality. Some of the bungalows that are located near Atuh Beach are Atuh Forest Cottage, Atuh Beach Bungalow, and Bukit Sunrise Bungalow.
Homestays:
Homestays are the most budget-friendly and authentic option for staying near Atuh Beach, but also the least comfortable and luxurious. There are several homestays that are located near Atuh Beach, and they offer amenities such as fan, cold water, wifi, and breakfast. However, they also charge low prices, ranging from 100,000 to 300,000 IDR (7 to 21 USD) per night, depending on the season and the quality. Some of the homestays that are located near Atuh Beach are Atuh Beach Homestay, Atuh Sunrise Homestay, and Atuh Nusa Homestay.
What to Expect at Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach is a unique and wonderful beach, that will make you feel like you are in a different world. However, there are also some things that you need to expect and prepare for when visiting Atuh Beach, such as:
Entrance fee and parking fee: Atuh Beach is not a free beach, and you need to pay an entrance fee and a parking fee to access it. The entrance fee is 10,000 IDR (0.7 USD) per person, and the parking fee is 5,000 IDR (0.4 USD) per scooter or 10,000 IDR (0.7 USD) per car. You need to pay these fees at the ticket booth near the parking area, and keep the receipts with you.
Facilities and services: Atuh Beach is a remote and secluded beach, which means that the facilities and services are limited and basic. There are some toilets and showers near the parking area, but they are not very clean or well-maintained. There are also some warungs (small shops) and restaurants along the beach, but they are not very hygienic or varied. They offer some snacks, drinks, and local dishes, such as nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and sate ayam (chicken skewers). The prices are reasonable, ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 IDR (0.7 to 3.5 USD) per item, but the quality and taste are not very consistent. You can also rent some equipment and services at Atuh Beach, such as sunbeds, umbrellas, snorkeling gear, boats, and guides, but they are not very cheap or reliable. The prices vary, depending on the season and the negotiation, but they can be as high as 100,000 IDR (7 USD) per set or per hour.
Cleanliness and conservation: Atuh Beach is a beautiful and natural beach, but it is also a fragile and vulnerable beach, that needs to be protected and preserved. Unfortunately, Atuh Beach is not very clean or well-conserved, and you can see some trash and plastic on the beach and in the water. This is mainly due to the lack of awareness and responsibility of the visitors and the locals, who do not dispose of their waste properly or recycle it. Therefore, you need to be respectful and mindful of the environment.
Atuh Beach is a hidden paradise on Nusa Penida island, that will amaze you with its beauty and charm. Atuh Beach is a perfect destination for those who love nature and adventure, and want to experience something different and unforgettable. However, Atuh Beach is also a remote and secluded beach, that requires some preparation and planning, and some respect and responsibility.
In this article, we have provided you with a comprehensive and practical guide for visiting Atuh Beach, including how to get there, what to do, where to stay, and what to expect. We hope that this article has helped you to plan your trip to Atuh Beach, and that you will enjoy your visit to Atuh Beach.
If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with us. Thank you for reading, and happy travels!
