Diamond Beach Bali: The Best Beach On Nusa Penida

Getting to Diamond Beach is a bit of an adventure. First, you’ll need to get a boat over from Bali, then tackle the bumpy roads across Nusa Penida before making your way down a steep staircase carved into the cliff.

It’s definitely not the easiest beach to get to, but after making the trip ourselves, I can promise those turquoise waters, white sand and dramatic limestone cliffs make the journey completely worth it.

Before the stairs were built, you could only admire Diamond Beach from the viewpoint above, and it was a bit of a hidden gem. These days, you can make the climb down to the beach itself, although it’s no longer the secret it once was.

When we visited, we arrived just after sunrise and started the 15-minute descent before the crowds rolled in, and it made such a difference. We had the beach almost to ourselves for a while, but by the time we climbed back up, it was getting much busier. If you can drag yourself out of bed early, I’d definitely recommend it.

The best part? Visiting Diamond Beach won’t break the bank. Entry is just 35,000 IDR (around £1.50) per person, plus a small parking fee if you’re arriving by scooter.

In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know before visiting Diamond Beach, including how to get there, how much it costs, the best time to visit, what to expect, and a few tips I wish I’d known beforehand to help you make the most of your trip.

Where Is Diamond Beach?

Diamond Beach sits on the east coast of Nusa Penida, and it’s 100% worth adding to your Bali itinerary if you’re up for a bit of an adventure.

To get there from mainland Bali, you’ll hop on a fast boat to Nusa Penida. It takes about an hour, and heads up, it can be a bumpy ride. If you get seasick, definitely take something beforehand (we learned that one the hard way).

Once you’re on the island, it’s roughly another hour’s drive to reach Diamond Beach. The roads can be a bit rough in parts, so unless you’re super confident on a scooter and have decent travel insurance, I’d skip renting one.

We booked a private driver for the day, which made things so much easier. He took us to Diamond Beach and a few other spots too.

You could also book a day tour if you prefer everything sorted for you.

Diamond Beach Viewpoint

Before the stairs were carved into the cliffs, this was the spot to see Diamond Beach, and honestly, it’s still pretty jaw-dropping. Even if you’re not up for the climb down to the sand, it’s 100% worth a stop if you’re passing by.

It’s also a pretty place to see the sunset or sunrise.

Atuh Beach is on the other side of this viewpoint, which you can also reach by climbing down a separate bunch of stairs.

What To Expect At Diamond Beach

When you arrive at the car park, you’ll need to pay a small fee, 5k if you’re on a scooter (about 25p), though if you’re with a private driver or on a tour, it’s usually already included.

From there, it’s a short walk to the entrance, where you’ll pay the 35,000 IDR entrance fee (around £1.50, cash only) to access the viewpoint and the start of the stairs.

A few steps in, and you’ll get your first proper look at Diamond Beach, that iconic view of bright turquoise water, soft white sand, and dramatic cliffs. It’s a great spot for photos before you tackle the climb down and get all sweaty!

To reach the beach, you’ll take on the stairs carved right into the cliffside. They look dramatic (and yep, at some points they really are), but if you go steady and take your time, it’s totally doable.

The Climb Down

It takes about 15 minutes to get to the bottom, and I’ll be honest, if you’re not great with heights (like me!), try not to look down too much at the start. The top is pretty high up, and I definitely felt a bit dizzy glancing over the edge.

The first 10 minutes or so aren’t too bad. The stairs are neatly carved into the cliff with a handrail to help you along. But after that? Let’s just say it gets a bit sketchy.

The lower, steeper part is uneven, there’s no handrail, and you’ll be holding onto a loose rope attached to the cliff wall. It’s not impossible, but it’s definitely not a stroll either.

I really didn’t love that bit, but if you’re sure footed and reasonably fit, you’ll be fine. Trainers are your friend here. I saw people trying it in flip-flops, and it didn’t look fun. I’d also recommend chucking your stuff in a backpack so you’ve got both hands free for the rope.

Before you reach the sand, there’s a small flat area where you’ll spot one of those famous Bali swings and a hanging basket.

I didn’t bother with them, if I’m honest, they give me the ick a bit. Back when they weren’t on every corner, I quite liked them, but they’ve become a bit of a tourist trap now, and I think they can take away from a place.

There’s also a tiny warung (local café) and a toilet here if you need a quick break.

From there, it’s the final stretch, another sketchy bit with a rope to help you down that last part to the beach.

Diamond Beach

Once you’ve landed your feet in the sand, you’ll be able to explore the white sandy shores of this beautiful beach. Behind you is the towering cliff face and palm trees along the base of it, while in front of you the bay is filled with turquoise ocean, dotted with rock formations.

We sunbathed for a bit and got some photos while we had the beach almost to ourselves. We only stayed down there about an hour though, as we wanted to see Atuh Beach on the other side of the cliffs too.

Apart from the small warung on the way down to the beach, there isn’t anything else here (which I love!), so make sure you bring plenty of water, snacks and sunscreen so you can relax here for as long as you like.

Can You Swim At Diamond Beach?

Swimming at Diamond Beach is now officially banned, and honestly, for good reason. The local authorities have made it a no swim zone after several people sadly lost their lives here in recent years, swept out by the currents.

The waves are unbelievably strong, there’s no lifeguard, and no photo is worth the risk, so please don’t ignore the signs.

The waves can get so strong that at high tide they flood the beach right up to the cliff, so keep an eye on the tide and don’t get caught out.

Even at the water’s edge at low tide it’s not worth it, there are broken bits of coral and rocks that get thrown around hard by the waves.

When’s The Best Time To Visit?

Visiting Bali in general is best between April – September and the same goes for Diamond Beach and Nusa Penida.

This is because it’s Bali’s dry season and the weather is best around this time.

The best time of day to visit Diamond Beach is at sunrise as the beach faces eastwards, and this is also when it will be the quietest.

If you can, try to time your visit with low tide too. This isn’t always possible with sunrise, but having more sand exposed makes it easier (and safer) to get around, with the waves also being less intense.

Any time after 9 am, the crowds start to roll in, which makes getting up or down the stairs even more difficult.

How Do You Get To Diamond Beach From Bali?

The fastest way to reach Diamond Beach from Bali is by fast boat from Sanur.

There is also the option to get a ferry, but this will take more time and will only take you as far as Nusa Lembongan where you will then need to get another boat.

Some boat tickets will include pick-up from your hotel, but if you are staying in places that are further out such as Sidemen, Munduk or parts of Canggu and Ubud, you may need to arrange your own transport to the harbour.

You can arrange a trip to the harbour via one of Bali’s ride-sharing apps, a Bluebird taxi or by arranging transport with your accommodation.

I’ve stayed on Nusa Penida itself before, but the time we visited Diamond Beach we actually booked a private boat over from Nusa Ceningan just before sunrise. The ride is really short, only about 15 to 20 minutes, and it meant we beat the crowds down the stairs.

I definitely think that Diamond Beach is worth visiting if you have the time on your trip!

As long as you have a good level of fitness to climb down the stairs (and then back up again!), it’s a great place to visit while you’re on the island.

Things To See Near Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is in a really good spot as it is close to a few of the other popular locations on Nusa Penida.

On the other side of the viewpoint at the top of Diamond Beach is another set of stairs that will take you to the neighbouring Atuh Beach. This beach has a few little cafes and restaurants as well as sun loungers that you can rent for the day.

You may be able to take a dip in the water at Atuh Beach, but always check the tides and be aware of the rocks under your feet.

Rumah Pohon Tree House is also nearby and, although I do think this has turned into a massive tourist trap, it might still be somewhere you plan to visit.

The treehouse has stunning views across the bay, but you will need to queue to get a photo (which you also have to pay for) and it is another big climb down a set of stairs.

Thousand Island viewpoint is also here, but again I’ve heard this has also turned into a bit of a tourist trap since I was last here.

Where To Stay On Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida has lots of great accommodation for you to choose from, and there is a place for all types of budgets.

MAUA Nusa Penida is a luxury, sleek and modern getaway, with private villas and breathtaking views of Gamat Bay and Nusa Lembongan.

A mid-range eco-friendly retreat, Penida Bambu Green, has unique bamboo structures with stunning views and blends comfort with sustainability.

VnS Beachfront Guesthouse, located close to the port in Nusa Penida, offers stunning views of Mount Agung and the ocean.

Where To Eat On Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida might be a small island in comparison to Bali, but there are lots of amazing places to eat.

Eastside Penida Kitchen & Bar is not too far from Diamond Beach and is a great place to fuel up before or after your climb down to the beach.

Vegan Soul Kitchen is nestled in the jungle on Penida Island and is one of my favourite restaurants to visit. They do a really amazing Gado Gado.

Cactus is a beach club on Nusa Penida, but it’s also a great place to grab a bite to eat while relaxing by the pool for the day.

Diamond Beach FAQs

Ready to Visit Diamond Beach?

Diamond Beach has got to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, and even though getting down there is a bit of an adventure, it’s honestly so worth it.

My biggest tip? Hire a private driver for the day, especially if you’re staying on Nusa Penida itself.

It’s around an hour by boat from Bali to the island, then another hour from the harbour to Diamond Beach. The roads can be pretty rough in places, and some of the routes are a little confusing, so having someone who knows where they’re going takes so much stress out of the day.

The best part is that you can set off early if you are already on Nusa Penida and arrive before the crowds. That early start made such a difference for us. We had the beach almost to ourselves for a while, and trust me, those stairs are a lot less intimidating when you’re not trying to squeeze past a constant stream of people coming back up.

Booking a private driver for the day means you can build your own route around the island too, starting with Diamond Beach while it’s still quiet, then carrying on to spots like Atuh Beach and Kelingking while you’ve got the wheels.