Diamond Beach is one of the most spectacular and iconic beaches in Nusa Penida, famous for its dramatic cliffside staircase and breathtaking views over turquoise water and white sand. Located on the island’s east coast, it has become a must-visit destination, alongside landmarks like Crystal Bay and Kelingking Beach. I first visited Diamond Beach in 2018, before the famous staircase was carved into the cliff — back when reaching the beach was not possible.
👉 Just a few minutes away, Atuh Beach offers a complementary experience, with easier access, calmer conditions and a more relaxed atmosphere — making the two beaches perfect to visit together.
With their dramatic limestone cliffs, crystal-clear water and unique rock formations, Diamond and Atuh beaches are a dream for photographers and nature lovers — and they rank among the top places to see in Nusa Penida.
What is Diamond Beach Nusa Penida?
Diamond Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Nusa Penida, known for its spectacular staircase carved into the cliff and its dramatic white sand coastline. Located on the east coast of the island, it offers one of the most iconic viewpoints in Bali and Indonesia.
🌴 Diamond Beach at a Glance
- 📍 Location: East Nusa Penida
- 🪜 Highlight: cliff-carved staircase
- 💵 Entry fee: 35,000 IDR (incl. parking, cash)
- ⏱️ Time needed: 1–2 hours (viewpoint) / 2–3 hours (with descent)
- 🥾 Access: steep stairs, moderate difficulty
- ⚠️ Safety: strong waves, swimming forbidden
- 📸 Best time: morning (sunrise side)
👉 Best experience: visit Diamond Beach in the morning, then relax at Atuh Beach nearby
Diamond Beach Nusa Penida
Diamond Beach will likely be your first stop, as the famous staircase greets you on the right side of the path after leaving the parking lot. Carved out of limestone from the cliff, the initial section of the stairs is both easy to navigate and visually stunning. Don’t forget to glance at the sea as you descend, as you may spot manta rays from the top of the cliff or the staircase — I’ve seen them a few times from the top of the stairs, though it’s fairly rare.
The story of these stairs is part of the appeal: before they existed, the beach was simply unreachable. The Balinese considered carving them too dangerous, so it was Javanese workers who cut the steep staircase into the limestone. Now that access is possible, the landowner charges a small entrance fee — and, in a classic case of competition, other landowners have since carved their own staircases a little further along the cliff.
The final section looks impressive but isn’t actually that difficult — in my experience the descent to Diamond Beach is quicker and safer than the one down to Kelingking Beach. The exception is if you’re heavily loaded: when the French TV crew of Échappées Belles filmed here with all their gear, that last stretch gave them real trouble. You can decide whether to go all the way down to the sand or turn back at the top.
👉 My local tip: if you just want the iconic shot, walk only the first few metres down the limestone staircase, take your photo, then spend your real beach time at Atuh Beach next door — easier to reach, calmer, with warungs for lunch. Go all the way down to Diamond’s sand only if you specifically want that quick, spectacular round-trip.
Upon arrival, locals offer various opportunities for stunning photo opportunities to share on social media. Additionally, a swing and small kiosk provide refreshments and snacks.
Due to recent casualties, swimming at Diamond Beach is now prohibited because of the potential danger posed by the waves. Several tourists have drowned here since borders reopened, caught by powerful rip currents, so take the warnings seriously. If you wish to cool off before ascending the cliff, please stay in shallow water and avoid the waves.
Diamond Beach photo spots
Diamond Beach is one of the most photographed places in Nusa Penida, and you don’t have to reach the sand to get the shot. The three best spots: the staircase view at the top of the descent, where the carved steps, white sand and turquoise water line up (best in the morning light); the midway stop, with a palm-tree swing and a giant woven bird’s nest set up for photos beside the little drinks hut; and down on the beach, at the base of the cliffs and around the small caves and tide pools at the southern end.
What is the best time to go to Diamond Beach Nusa Penida ?
Diamond Beach is situated at the foot of a massive cliff, facing east. As a result, the beach is shaded in the afternoons. It’s best to visit in the morning. Additionally, the sunrise is stunning, but requires an early start to arrive before 6 am.
Atuh Beach
In 2016, the locals of Nusa Penida constructed a concrete staircase on the right side of Atuh Beach, which allowed visitors to descend almost all the way down to the beach. The last step was at that time 2 meters high ! The staircase is now complete with a total of 166 steps. While not aesthetically pleasing, it’s quite practical. The descent is pretty easy, but the ascent may be tiring due to the height of some steps. On the left side of the beach, a slightly shorter staircase enables visitors to reach the top in under ten minutes.
What activities can you enjoy at Atuh Beach?
The beach offers parasols and deckchairs for relaxation, as well as small warungs serving fruit juice, grilled fish, and Indonesian cuisine. As with all beaches in Nusa Penida, caution is advised when swimming due to strong waves and currents. As Atuh Beach is not currently included in the typical tourist itinerary, it remains a peaceful and enjoyable spot to spend the day, particularly when the tide is not too low, as the water can be rocky instead of sandy.
What is the best time to go to Atuh Beach ?
Atuh Beach is not located directly under a large cliff like Suwehan Beach or Diamond Beach, allowing for all-day sun exposure. You can visit Atuh Beach anytime, but for a full day, consider visiting Diamond Beach in the morning and Atuh Beach in the afternoon.
Tree house
Tree house has also become a nice place to visit. You will pay 10 000 rupiahs as entrance fee and another 50 000 rupiahs to be allowed to take photos and videos during 3 minutes on the wooden staircase leading to the actual Rumah Pohon “Tree House”.
How to get to Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach
Atuh Beach can be accessed via two separate roads, each leading to a different side of the beach. Signage can be confusing, often pointing in opposite directions. My recommendation is to take the road that leads you to the right side of Atuh Beach which offers easy access to Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach, and the Tree House. All while driving on a newly constructed road. To locate this route, search “Diamond Beach” on Google Maps or always follow signs pointing to the right.
It takes around one hour to drive from Toyapakeh Harbour to Diamond Beach, on the far east coast — roughly 1 to 1.5 hours from Kelingking Beach on the west side, so the two are best done on different days. You can either rent a scooter to go there or book a tour. Usually the tour, called East Tour Nusa Penida, includes a visit to Diamond Beach, Atuh Beach, Thousand Island Viewpoint, and Rumah Pohon “Tree House”, allowing you to experience all these attractions in one go. To know more, read our Get around Nusa Penida Guide.
Entrance fee
There is an entrance fee of 35,000 IDR per person to visit Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida, including parking. Both Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach can be accessed from the same car park. Please note that payment must be made in cash using Indonesian Rupiah.
How do you get from Bali to Diamond Beach Nusa Penida ?
Read how to get from Bali to Nusa Penida island to know which ports and fast boats to choose, the time tables and prices.
Where to stay near Diamond & Atuh Beach
Most travellers base themselves on the north or west coast, but staying on the quieter east coast lets you reach Diamond and Atuh Beach for sunrise, before the day-tour crowds arrive. A few options near the beaches: Maha Gangga Valley (luxury bungalows in a valley near Atuh), La Roja Bungalows and Diamond Beach Bungalow (mid-range, close to the access road), and several simple guesthouses in the Pejukutan/Tanglad area for smaller budgets.
You can compare availability and prices for the whole island here:
For more options across the island, see our full guide on where to stay in Nusa Penida.
What to do after ?
For deserted beach lovers, the nearby beach of Suwehan Beach can be an alternative or a second destination (on the same day). If you want to reach Suwehan by coming from the North coast, an option may be to return by Tanglad and the interior of the island. Please check itinerary ideas for Nusa Penida island.
Conclusion
Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach perfectly showcase the wild beauty of Nusa Penida’s east coast, combining dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and unforgettable viewpoints. Whether you come for the scenery, the photos, or the adventure, these beaches are among the island’s true highlights. To plan the rest of your journey and discover more must-see spots, explore our Guide to visiting Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida Travel Guide
Plan your trip to Nusa Penida with our local expert guide: beaches, diving sites, hotels, transport tips, itineraries and seasonal advice.
Where to stay in Nusa Penida
How to choose where to stay in Nusa Penida among the 500 listed hotels. 5 stars, boutique hotel, glamping or charming bungalows?
Top 15 to see in Nusa Penida
After more than 10 years exploring Nusa Penida, I’ve updated my list of the 15 most incredible places to see on the island — from stunning beaches to dramatic cliffs.
FAQ – Diamond Beach & Atuh Beach, Nusa Penida
Is Diamond Beach worth visiting?
Yes, Diamond Beach is absolutely worth visiting. It is one of the most iconic beaches in Nusa Penida, famous for its cliffside staircase, white sand and dramatic coastal views.
Is there an entrance fee for Diamond Beach?
Yes, the entrance fee is 35,000 IDR per person, including parking. The same car park serves both Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, and payment is in cash (Indonesian Rupiah).
Can you swim at Diamond Beach?
No, swimming at Diamond Beach is forbidden. Strong waves and powerful rip currents make it dangerous, and several drownings have occurred in recent years. You can paddle in the shallows, but stay clear of the waves.
How many steps are there at Diamond Beach?
Diamond Beach has several hundred steps carved into the cliff. The exact number varies depending on how you count, but the descent usually takes 15 to 25 minutes.
What is the best time to visit Diamond Beach?
The best time to visit Diamond Beach is early in the morning. The beach faces east, making sunrise and morning light ideal for photos, while afternoons are often shaded by the cliff.
Diamond Beach vs Atuh Beach: which is better?
Both are worth it, but it depends on your plan. For a quick, spectacular round-trip just to take photos, Diamond Beach is faster and more dramatic. If you’d rather take your time — swim, have lunch, relax — Atuh Beach is the better choice: walk only the first few metres of Diamond’s staircase for the photo, then spend the day at Atuh next door.
How far is Atuh Beach from Diamond Beach?
Atuh Beach is located just a few minutes from Diamond Beach. Both can be visited from the same parking area, making them easy to combine in one trip.
How far is Kelingking Beach from Diamond Beach?
About 1 to 1.5 hours’ drive. Kelingking is on the west coast and Diamond Beach on the far east coast, so it’s best to visit them on different days rather than rushing both in one.
Can you visit Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach in one day?
Yes, most visitors explore both beaches in a few hours. A typical visit includes Diamond Beach in the morning and Atuh Beach later for a more relaxed experience.
Dear admin nusapenida.org
Mohon info jumlah kunjungan turis ke diamond beach per hari. Terima kasih
Saya kurang tahu. Saya pikir beberapa ratus turis per hari.