Diamond Beach (Nusa Penida)

Diamond Beach is one of Nusa Penida’s most striking sights: a strip of bright white sand at the foot of towering limestone cliffs on the island’s east coast, with sharp rock pinnacles rising from turquoise water just offshore. Until recently the beach was nearly inaccessible, but a staircase carved into the cliff face now leads down to the sand, and the view from the top has become one of the island’s signature images.

It shares a car park with neighbouring Atuh Beach, a wider cove to the other side of the headland, making the two an ideal morning combination.

What to see

From the clifftop viewpoints you look down on the curve of sand, the pinnacles known locally as rock islands and the deep blue of the Badung Strait. The stairway down is carved directly into the rock and fitted with rope handrails, twisting along the cliff face – an experience in itself. On the beach, you can relax on the sand and admire the cliffs, but swimming is currently prohibited because of dangerous waves and currents, so wading at the edge is as far as you should go. At the top, a treehouse viewpoint and photo swings are available at neighbouring spots for small fees.

How to visit

• Pay the Nusa Penida island retribution when arriving on the island – it’s separate from Bali’s IDR 150,000 tourist levy – and the site fee at the car park.
• The descent is steep in places, especially the final section. Take it slowly and use the handrails.
• Visit early: the beach is shaded by the cliff in the afternoon, and morning light is best for photos.
• Pair it with Atuh Beach, which has a separate 166-step staircase and allows careful swimming in calm conditions.
• The road from the west coast harbours takes around an hour, so start early.

Etiquette & dress

Wear shoes with a firm grip; flip-flops are risky on the stairs. Don’t attempt the stairway in rain or strong wind. Respect the swimming ban – currents here have claimed lives. Keep the beach clean and carry rubbish back up. Drones are popular but be considerate of other visitors, and give way on the narrow stairway.

Nusa Penida’s roads are narrow, steep and potholed, so hiring a car and local driver is strongly recommended over scooter riding for anyone without solid experience. Bring cash, as card payments are rare on the island.

The limestone around Diamond Beach is dazzling in morning sun, so bring sunglasses and sun protection. Allow time to sit at the clifftop warungs after the climb and enjoy the view over the pinnacles.

Combine it with

• Atuh Beach, next door via the same car park.
• Thousand Island Viewpoint and the Rumah Pohon treehouse nearby.
• Kelingking Beach on the west coast (better on another day).
• Snorkelling with manta rays from Toyapakeh.