Diamond Beach Guide: 5 Reasons Why It’s the Best Beach on Nusa Penida
Last Updated on November 10, 2025
Are you planning a trip to Nusa Penida and wondering if Diamond Beach deserves a spot on your itinerary?
I get it — located on the more remote side of Nusa Penida’s East coast, far from the more accessible north-west, Diamond Beach feels like a world apart (and it is, exactly 2 hours away).
But that’s precisely what makes it special. Its location delivers that true sense of adventure and wonder that the island’s more touristy spots simply can’t match.
And honestly, you don’t need me to tell you how breathtaking this place looks — one glance at those white cliffs and turquoise waters and you’ll understand why I’ll often refer to Diamond Beach as the most beautiful beach in Nusa Penida.
In this Diamond Beach Guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know: from how to plan your visit and how to get to Diamond Beach Nusa Penida, to the five reasons why you can’t miss this spot on your Bali itinerary.
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How to Plan Your Visit to Diamond Beach
1. How to Get to Diamond Beach In Nusa Penida
Diamond Beach is located on the east side of Nusa Penida, about 30 km from Toyapakeh Harbor, and there are a few ways to get there once you arrive on the island.
Ferry From Sanur To Nusa Penida
Most travelers visit Nusa Penida on a day trip from Bali, and the easiest way to get there is by fast boat from Sanur Harbor.
Boats depart daily, with multiple departures throughout the day, and take around 30–45 minutes to reach Toyapakeh Harbor on the island’s west coast.
Ferries from Sanur usually start running around 7:00 am, and the last trip from Nusa Penida departs around 5:00 pm.
If you’re planning a day trip to Nusa Penida rather than an overnight stay, I highly recommend catching one of the earliest boats — that way, you can start exploring before the tours and crowds arrive. You can purchase your ferry tickets in advance here.
Ferry From Nusa Lembongan to Nusa Penida
If you’re already on Nusa Lembongan, the easiest way to reach Penida is by fast boat. In Nusa Lembongan, fast boats depart from the Yellow Bridge Harbor (located just below the yellow bridge, as the name suggests).
Right before the pier, you’ll find a small ticket booth where you can buy your ticket (cash only). If you prefer booking ahead, you can check platforms like 12go.asia. I haven’t personally used it, but online bookings are often cheaper.
From the Toyapakeh Harbor to Diamond Beach
This is the tricky part — Diamond Beach sits on the opposite side of Nusa Penida from the main harbor where you’ll arrive. You can reach it in three ways:
- Scooter – The most flexible and affordable option from around IDR 80,000/day ($5). The ride takes about 1.5–2 hours from the port, but be careful: roads to the east can be rough and narrow.
- Private Driver – Perfect if you’re not confident driving yourself. Prices start at IDR 250,000 ($28), and you’ll enjoy air-conditioning and your own custom itinerary.
- Tour – The easiest option if you don’t want to plan logistics. Many Nusa Penida tours include stops at Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, and Tree House viewpoints.
Looking for more information on exploring Nusa Penida? Here are the best ways to get around the island and reach its most beautiful viewpoints.
2. Best Tours of Diamond Beach
Here are a few great Nusa Penida tours that include Diamond Beach along with other top sights on the island:
East Side All-Inclusive Tour: This tour covers the most iconic sights on the east side of Nusa Penida, including Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, and The Roman Pohon Tree House with the “thousand islands viewpoint”. Plus, you’ll stop at Teletubbies Hill — a landscape of stunning half-spherical green hills stretching for kilometers (one of the hidden gems of Nusa Penida)
East & West Side Tour: This is a very packed itinerary, including Diamond and Atuh Beach on the east side, and the Instagram-famous sights on the west: Broken Beach, Angel’s Billabong, and Kelingking Beach.
Nusa Penida Off-The-Beaten-Path: This tour is excellent if you’re looking for something different. It takes you to the Goa Giri Putri Temple (the most sacred on the island), Teletubbies Hill, Semaya Village and its traditional seaweed farms, and of course Diamond and Atuh Beach.
⭐ Visiting both sides of Nusa Penida on a day trip is possible, but there are a few things you should know first. If you’re torn between the east and west sides of the island and can’t decide which to explore, I’ve rounded up the pros, cons, and a few tips on how to combine them in this Nusa Penida Day Trip Guide.
3. Best Time to Visit Diamond Beach
Despite being tucked away on the more remote east side of Nusa Penida, Diamond Beach is far from a hidden gem — it’s actually one of the island’s most visited spots.
When planning your visit, try to arrive as early as possible. Early morning is the best moment to enjoy the beach before the crowds arrive — most tours reach the area around 9 am, often causing a small bottleneck on the stairs leading to the Beach.
If you happen to arrive later, don’t worry — not everyone makes it down to the beach itself (the climb back up is pretty steep). So if you’re up for it, heading down is still the best way to find some uncrowded space.
Another reason to get there early? Being on the East Coast, Diamond Beach is the perfect spot to catch the sunrise and that soft, rosy morning light that makes your photos truly shine.
4. Diamond Beach Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Diamond Beach is IDR 25,000, and the ticket itself is a small keepsake — it features a picture of Diamond Beach, making it the perfect little souvenir.
If you’re arriving with your own transport, parking costs are IDR 5,000 for motorbikes and IDR 10,000 for cars. Make sure to carry cash in small denominations, as ticket booths and parking attendants rarely have change for IDR 100,000 notes.
5. Hotels Near Diamond Beach
You can also plan to stay near Diamond Beach for your overnight stay. However, keep in mind that the east side of Nusa Penida is more remote than the west, and it’s not very common for travelers to spend the night here.
There are fewer hotels and restaurants, and it can be harder to find necessities if you need something last-minute.
That said, staying near Diamond Beach is a unique and unforgettable experience — the views are breathtaking, the atmosphere is peaceful, and you’ll have the chance to visit Diamond or Atuh Beach at sunrise without having to wake up at the crack of dawn.
Here are a few great places to consider:
The Raja Lima hotel: Just a few steps away from Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, this stay is all about the view. The hotel and rooms are simply beautiful, with a pool, restaurant, and wellness center. Since it’s pretty far from everything else, you’ll be happy to know you’ll have everything you need right here.
Aloka Penida: Located about 15 minutes by scooter from Diamond Beach, Aloka Penida offers a more authentic Indonesian homestay experience — simple, cozy, and with everything you need. There’s a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, comfortable rooms, and of course, the view. Sunrise from here is breathtaking.
6. Restaurants Near Diamond Beach
On the east side of Nusa Penida, you’ll find fewer restaurants compared to the more developed western coast.
Still, there are a few great spots worth checking out. One of them is Tropical Cliff, a cozy warung-style restaurant serving Indonesian specialties with a view.
If you don’t mind the climb down to Atuh Beach, you’ll find a few more options there — like De Oscar Beach and Grill Bar or The Fisherman’s Hut, both perfect for Indonesian dishes and seafood.
5 Reasons Why Diamond Beach Is the Best on Nusa Penida
1. The View From The Top Of The Stairs
Getting to Diamond Beach feels like reaching the edge of the world — and that feeling only grows stronger once you arrive.
With Atuh Beach stretching out on the left, a picture-perfect bay that looks miles away below you, and Diamond Beach shimmering on your right, the view from the top is honestly one of the most breathtaking you’ll see in Bali.
The rocky formation in front of you extends for a few meters and offers what might be the most spectacular viewpoint to take it all in.
The narrow staircase carved into the cliff is the most iconic spot for photos — right in front of the three diamond-shaped rock formations rising from the turquoise sea.
The cliffs drop dramatically to a strip of white sand below, and the water shifts from crystal-clear blue to deep ocean tones as your eyes move further out.
From above, the waves crashing against the rocks look small — but wait until you get down there. Even if you don’t make it to the beach itself, the view from the top is already worth the trip.
2. Crashing Waves & The View From The Sand of Diamond Beach
Once you’ve made it past the crowds and down the stairs, you’ll find yourself standing on the soft, white sand of Diamond Beach.
Depending on the time of day, it’s unlikely you’ll have the beach entirely to yourself. Still, the crowds are thinner here, giving you plenty of space to enjoy the view and snap those photos with only the diamond-shaped rock formations now towering behind you.
The view from above may be picture-perfect, but from the beach, it’s raw and wild — palm trees and lush greenery drape over the cliffs, and only then do you realize how high the cliffs rise above you. This small strip of white sand truly feels like a gift from nature.
Until 2018, there were no stairs at all, and the few who dared to climb down to the beach didn’t have an easy time.
From the shore, the waves appear massive and the currents strong. What looked like a calm gradient of blue from above is now a rush of white foam crashing against the sand.
3. Close To Atuh Beach: Stunning Viewpoints & Swimming in One Spot
If you’re hoping to swim, you’ll be glad to know that Diamond Beach is right next to Atuh Beach — a calmer bay that’s perfect for a dip, especially during high tide.
These two beaches are often visited together. From the parking area, before heading down to Diamond Beach, you’ll spot what looks like a tiny secluded bay on your left.
In front of the bay, a small island-like rock formation called Nusa Batupadasan ends in what appears to be a stone bridge stretching into the turquoise water.
When I visited Nusa Penida, the tide was low, and all the rocks on the seabed were visible from above. But during high tide, Atuh Beach turns into the perfect spot to relax— a place to swim, sunbathe, and take a break from all the exploring on the east side of the island.
There’s no separate entrance fee for Atuh Beach — just the same parking fee as for Diamond Beach.
Keep in mind, though, that, just like Diamond, getting there involves another steep, narrow staircase. It takes about 15–20 minutes to climb down (and back up)!
4. The Perfect Spot for Catching The Sunrise On Nusa Penida
Unfortunately, I didn’t get to see it myself, as I visited Nusa Penida on a day trip and arrived well past sunrise.
But the east side of the island, and especially Diamond Beach, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places to watch the sun come up.
The beach already leaves you speechless in broad daylight, even with the crowds and the crowd of visitors.
Now imagine standing there at sunrise — the sky slowly turning pink and gold, the tide still low, and the whole bay completely silent.
That would truly be a one-of-a-kind experience to live.
5. The Raw Beauty of Nusa Penida’s East Coast
After visiting Nusa Penida, I genuinely believe there are two ways to explore it.
You can take the easier route — staying close to the port and visiting the most popular (and undeniably stunning) spots like Kelinking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong.
The other option is to venture deeper, into the island’s wild inland and all the way to its remote eastern coast.
Reaching the east side, where Diamond Beach lies, feels like discovering the real Nusa Penida.
You’ll drive through endless stretches of jungle and palm trees, along roads that get bumpier the further you go.
It’s definitely a journey — and I get that not everyone wants to spend nearly two hours in the car each way, especially on a day trip.
But that’s the small price to pay for the unforgettable views that will welcome you once you arrive (and there are definitely fewer people!)
⭐ One day in Nusa Penida is not enough. Ideally, you’d want at least two days (or more). If you’re planning a 2-day trip, I found a tour I would’ve absolutely booked if I had more time. It’s a slow travel experience (that you can book through this link), that takes you through some of the island’s most meaningful places — a chance to discover the real Nusa Penida.
FAQs About Diamond Beach
1. Can you snorkel at Diamond Beach?
Snorkeling at Diamond Beach is not recommended. The currents are too strong, the seabed can be rocky, and the waves are often high.
If you’re looking to snorkel in Nusa Penida, the western side of the island is actually a better option. Popular spots for casual snorkeling include Crystal Bay, Gamat Bay, and Manta Point (spots usually included in most snorkeling tours).
2. Can you swim at Diamond Beach?
Swimming at Diamond Beach or venturing too far from the shore is not considered safe. The waves are strong and the currents can be unpredictable.
However, if the heat becomes unbearable, you can still put on your swimsuit and cool off near the shore. The water is shallow at the beginning, and it’s usually safe to stand on the sand with the waves reaching your legs. It’s not a full dip, but it’s definitely something.
3. Is The Staircase Safe?
Yes, the staircase is entirely safe — but I have to admit that going down (and especially climbing back up) can feel a bit intimidating, particularly if you’re already tired after a long day of exploring. Still, that’s the small price to pay to enjoy the beauty of the view from the sand itself.
The walk down and back up is absolutely doable; it usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes each way. Just take your time, rest when you need to, and keep in mind that the stairs are pretty steep.
4. Atuh Beach vs Diamond Beach: which is better?
Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach are different — but luckily, you don’t really have to choose between them. They sit on opposite sides of the same cliff, so you can easily see both from the top viewpoint.
If you only have time to go down to one, here’s my take: choose Diamond Beach if you want to experience the dramatic cliffs and rock formations (it’s not ideal for swimming).
Choose Atuh Beach if you’re after a relaxing stop and a swim — make sure it’s high tide when you visit (you won’t be able to swim with low tide).
5. How long does it take to get from Kelingking Beach to Diamond Beach?
To get from Kelingking Beach to Diamond Beach, expect the drive to take around 1.5 to 2 hours by car — or a little less if you’re traveling by scooter.
The two beaches are located on opposite sides of Nusa Penida, so while it’s absolutely possible to visit both on a day trip (that’s what I did!), keep in mind that you’ll spend quite a bit of time on the road and less exploring each spot.
If you want to plan your day trip without feeling rushed, check out my day trip guide —where I share what to expect when visiting both sides of the island.
6. Is it worth visiting Diamond Beach if you can’t go down the stairs?
You may get stuck in traffic or something blocks the road (hey, anything can happen in Bali!), and you might end up with less time than you planned to head down to the beach. After visiting it myself, I’d say the real highlight is the view from the top anyway.
Before taking the stairs, walk straight ahead toward the point between the two bays — the crowds are usually thinner there, and the view is breathtaking. Here’s the pin so you can see exactly where I mean.
Even if you don’t have time to go all the way down, make sure to walk a little way down the staircase — just enough to get past the crowd that usually gathers at the top.
And there you have it — five reasons why Diamond Beach is, to me, the best beach in Nusa Penida. If I had to pick just one place to visit during my day trip, it would’ve been Diamond Beach — and honestly, the long car ride was worth every minute.
I hope this Diamond Beach Guide helped you decide whether to include it in your Bali and Nusa Penida itinerary. It’s truly a one-of-a-kind place — raw, wild, and unforgettable.
If you found this guide helpful, don’t forget to share it on Pinterest and help spread the word about the beauty of Nusa Penida’s untamed east side. And if you have any questions about Nusa Penida or Bali in general, drop them in the comments — I’m always happy to help.
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