Nusa Penida · Beach
Atuh Beach, Nusa Penida: Stairs, Swimming and Sunrise Guide
A sunny crescent of sand under the Pejukutan cliffs, next door to Diamond Beach.
By The Bali Guideline Editorial TeamUpdated 11 November 2026
Overview
Atuh Beach, before you go.
Atuh Beach is a crescent of white sand below forested cliffs in Pejukutan, on Nusa Penida’s east coast, about an hour by road from the north-coast harbors. It shares a parking lot with Diamond Beach and is the easier, sunnier of the two, with loungers, small warungs and a concrete stairway. Come for a slow morning after Diamond Beach, and wade rather than swim.
Atuh lies in Banjar Pelilit, part of Pejukutan village, in a bay closed off by two high headlands. Offshore stand the rock islets that make the view. Bali’s official tourism portal gives the names villagers use for the two biggest, Nusa Batupadasan and Nusa Batuabah; nusa means island. A natural arch stands at the far end of the beach, and one rock just offshore is said to look like an elephant or, to some, a stiletto. The beach faces southeast, so the cliff tops are a sunrise spot.
Villagers built the first concrete stairway in 2016, when its last step was still a 2 m drop to the sand. Today 166 concrete steps lead down on the right-hand side, and a shorter stairway on the left gets most people back up in under ten minutes. Diamond Beach, whose own cliff stairway opened in late 2018, is about 15 minutes away on foot across the shared parking lot. Unlike Diamond Beach, Atuh is not under a sheer cliff, so it gets sun all day, and the strip behind the sand holds parasols, deck chairs, beanbags and small warungs selling juice, grilled fish and Indonesian dishes.
Fees changed in 2026. Before September, guides from 2024 to 2026 reported one cash charge covering Atuh and Diamond Beach, IDR 20,000 to 35,000 with parking. On 10 September 2026 Klungkung’s tourism office barred the Diamond Beach operator from charging entry while its permits were reviewed, allowing parking fees only. Atuh is not among the regency’s ticketed sites named in September 2026 reports, though the Molenteng tree house on the cliffs above is. Expect to pay for parking and loungers, and ask for an official ticket if anyone asks for more.
The sea is the catch. Atuh is not covered by the regency’s January 2023 swimming ban, which named Diamond Beach, Kelingking and Angel’s Billabong, but it faces the same open water. On 4 March 2020 a 22-year-old Japanese man drowned here around 11 AM after swimming near the rocks and stepping into a deep trough. A villager and another tourist pulled him ashore, but too late. On 8 August 2017 three young men spearfishing off Atuh were dragged south by the current. One swam back, and the other two spent nearly 20 hours on a rocky islet before rescuers reached them. No lifeguard service has been reported, and at low tide the shallows turn rocky. Paddle at the edge on calm days and treat Atuh as a beach to rest on.
- Opening hours
- No official hours; daylight, sunrise from the cliff (checked Nov 2026)
- Ticket
- No regency site ticket listed; parking fee, check on arrival (checked Nov 2026)
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours; half a day with Diamond Beach
- Best time
- Sunrise from the cliff; on the sand 8–11 AM; April–October
- Dress code
- Swimwear on the sand; shoes with grip for the stairs
- Location
- Pejukutan, east coast; about 1 hour (28 km) from Banjar Nyuh
Banjar Pelilit, Pejukutan, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia
Open in Google MapsWhat to See
What to see at Atuh Beach.
- 01
The stairways down
From the parking lot, the main concrete stairway of 166 steps zigzags down the right-hand side of the bay. Going down is easy. Coming back up in the midday heat is the tiring part. A shorter stairway on the left-hand side climbs back in under ten minutes, so many people go down one way and up the other. Both are solid concrete rather than the rope-railed rock steps at Diamond Beach.
- 02
A beach day on the sand
The beach is a wide curve of pale sand, and unlike its neighbor it sits in sun from morning to late afternoon. Behind it, parasols, deck chairs and beanbags are rented out by the day, and small warungs sell coconuts, fruit juice, grilled fish and Indonesian plates. There is no hotel on the beach itself. Bring cash, since the nearest ATMs are back on the north coast.
- 03
Rock islets and the arch
The islets off the beach give Atuh its shape. Bali’s tourism portal records the local names of the two largest as Nusa Batupadasan and Nusa Batuabah. A natural arch stands at the far end of the bay, and the rock just offshore, which villagers compare to an elephant or a stiletto, is in most photos. Admire them from the sand. The 2017 rescue showed how hard the islets are to reach.
- 04
Rock pools at low tide
When the tide drops, the rocky shelves at the ends of the beach drain into pools that trap small fish, crabs and other sea life. It is the safest way to see what lives here, especially with children, but the rocks are sharp and slippery, so wear reef shoes. Watch the sea while you explore: waves can wash over the outer shelves without warning.
- 05
Sunrise from the cliff
Atuh faces southeast, and the cliff tops around it are among the best places on the island for sunrise. The sun rises between about 5:45 AM in November and 6:35 AM in July. Bali’s tourism portal suggests arriving by about 5:30 AM. A viewpoint by a small shrine on the headland toward Diamond Beach looks over both bays at once. Bring a flashlight for the path in the dark.
- 06
Diamond Beach next door
About 15 minutes on foot from Atuh, Diamond Beach is the view everyone photographs: a stairway cut into the cliff and pointed rock stacks in turquoise water. Swimming there has been banned since January 2023. Go down Diamond’s stairs first while the light is soft and the steps are cool, then come to Atuh to rest on the sand and eat.
- 07
Thousand Islands viewpoint and the tree house
About 1 km away by road, the Thousand Islands viewpoint looks over a cluster of limestone islets off the coast. A short path leads down to Rumah Pohon Molenteng, a thatched tree house on the cliff edge reached by a ladder. Molenteng has been a regency ticketed site since 1 September 2026, and the owners also charge for a timed photo on the ladder, so arrive early to avoid a long line.
Seasons
Best time to visit Atuh Beach.
Come early. For sunrise, be on the cliff by about 5:30 AM. For the sand, aim for 8 to 11 AM, after Diamond Beach and before the heat. Day tours from the morning boats reach the east coast from late morning, and the cliff paths get busy until mid-afternoon. Because Atuh gets sun all day, it also works in the afternoon when Diamond Beach is already in shade.
Check the tide. At low tide the shallows turn rocky and the pools appear, which is the time to explore the edges on foot rather than wade. April to October brings drier stairs, calmer seas and safer roads. From November to March, rain makes the steps and the clay roads in the east slippery and the sea rougher.
July, August and the Christmas weeks are the busiest. On Nyepi, 8 March 2027, no boats run and everyone stays home. Nyepi Segara closes the sea around the Nusa islands for 24 hours around the full moon of September or October. In 2026 it began at 6 AM on 27 September, so check the date before booking a crossing in those months.
Coming between November and March? Read our Bali rainy season guide →
Getting There
How to get to Atuh Beach.
| From | Time | How |
|---|---|---|
| Banjar Nyuh or Toyapakeh harbor | About 1 hour | About 28 km by car or scooter, east along the north-coast road toward Sampalan, then inland and south to Pejukutan. Drivers wait at the harbor, and east-side tours start here. |
| Sampalan or Buyuk harbor | 40–60 min | About 21 km by road, the shortest drive from any harbor. Sampalan is where boats from Kusamba land, and some Sanur boats run to Buyuk. |
| Sanur Harbour (Bali) | 2.5–3.5 hours with check-in | Fast boat to Banjar Nyuh, Buyuk or Sampalan in 30–45 min from about 6:30 AM, about IDR 170,000–250,000 one way (checked Nov 2026), then about an hour by car. Check in 60–90 min early. |
| Kusamba (Bali) | 1–1.5 hours plus check-in | Fast boat to Sampalan in 20–30 min, then 40–60 min by car. Kusamba is about 45–75 min by car from Sanur and is the quickest way to the east coast. |
| Bali airport (DPS) | 3–4.5 hours | 30–60 min by car to Sanur Harbour, check-in, the fast boat, then the drive across the island. If you land after mid-afternoon, spend the night in Sanur first. |
| Kelingking Beach | 1–1.5 hours | About 29 km by road across the island on narrow, hilly roads. Doing both coasts in one day leaves little time at either. |
| Nusa Lembongan | About 1.5 hours | Local boat to Toyapakeh in 10–15 min, about IDR 60,000 each way (checked Nov 2026), then about an hour by car with a driver from the harbor. |
Getting around Atuh Beach
Atuh and Diamond Beach share one cliff-top parking lot, with more parking on the far side of the bay. From the main lot it is about 15 minutes on foot to the top of the Atuh stairs. Guides from 2026 list scooter parking at about IDR 5,000. Car rates are not published, so carry small bills. The Thousand Islands viewpoint and the Molenteng tree house are about 1 km away by road, with their own parking.
Nusa Penida has no Grab, Gojek or metered taxis. Most visitors come with a car and driver, about IDR 700,000–1,000,000 a day for up to six people, or rent a scooter for about IDR 100,000–200,000 a day (both checked Nov 2026). Ride only if you are confident: the clay roads in the east turn slippery after rain. Fill up and withdraw cash on the north coast.
The stairs are the main effort. Going down the 166 steps is quick, but the climb back in the heat is slower, so many people use the shorter left-hand stairway to get out. Sand and rain make the concrete slick, so wear shoes with grip rather than flip-flops.
Tickets & Tours
Atuh Beach tours on Klook.
You can visit on your own with the details above. If you would rather have the driver, guide or entry sorted, these Klook tours include Atuh Beach. Prices, pick-up areas and what is included vary, so check the listing before you book.
Affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure
Know Before You Go
Atuh Beach tips that save time and trouble.
- 01Wade, do not swim. Stay where you can stand, away from the rocks at either end, and never swim out toward the islets.
- 02Bring cash for parking, loungers and food, since the ATMs are on the north coast. The island fee and regency site tickets are cashless, so carry a card too.
- 03Wear shoes with grip for the stairs and reef shoes for the rock pools.
- 04Pair Atuh with Diamond Beach: Diamond first in the soft morning light, Atuh afterward for a lounger and lunch.
- 05Carry at least a liter of water per person, since the climb back up is the hard part.
- 06Check a tide table before you go. Low tide brings out the rock pools but leaves the water rocky underfoot.
- 07If anyone asks for an entrance fee, ask for an official regency ticket. In September 2026 the regency limited the Diamond Beach operator to parking charges.
- 08Bring a flashlight if you come for sunrise, as the paths and stairs are unlit.
- 09Pay Bali’s IDR 150,000 tourist levy before you travel. Nusa Penida’s island fee, IDR 25,000 per adult, is charged on arrival.
FAQ
Atuh Beach questions, answered.
Can you swim at Atuh Beach?
Swimming is not banned at Atuh, unlike Diamond Beach, Kelingking and Angel’s Billabong, but it is not safe to swim far out. Waves and currents are strong, and a 22-year-old Japanese man drowned here in March 2020 after stepping into a deep trough near the rocks. No lifeguard service has been reported. Paddle in the shallows on calm days and stay away from the rocks.
How many steps are there down to Atuh Beach?
166 concrete steps on the main stairway on the right-hand side of the bay. They are easy going down and tiring coming back up in the heat. A shorter stairway on the left-hand side takes most people back to the top in under ten minutes. Both are solid concrete, much easier than the rope-railed stairway at Diamond Beach.
Is there an entrance fee for Atuh Beach?
There is no regency ticket, as far as reports from September 2026 show, but check on arrival (checked Nov 2026). Earlier guides listed one cash charge of IDR 20,000–35,000 for Atuh and Diamond Beach with parking, but on 10 September 2026 the regency limited the Diamond Beach operator to parking fees. Loungers and parking cost extra, and foreign visitors pay the island fee on arrival.
Atuh Beach or Diamond Beach: which is better?
Do both. They share a parking lot and are about 15 minutes apart on foot. Diamond Beach is the view, with rock stacks, a cliff stairway and a swimming ban. Atuh is the beach day, with 166 concrete steps, loungers, warungs and sun until late afternoon. Go to Diamond first in the morning, then rest and eat at Atuh.
How do you get to Atuh Beach?
Take a fast boat from Sanur to Banjar Nyuh, Buyuk or Sampalan in 30 to 45 minutes, then drive about an hour to Pejukutan on the east coast. From Kusamba, boats reach Sampalan in 20 to 30 minutes, and Sampalan is 40 to 60 minutes from the beach by road. There is no Grab or Gojek on the island, so hire a driver or ride a scooter.
What time is sunrise at Atuh Beach?
Between about 5:45 AM in November and December and about 6:35 AM in July, and around 6 AM in early October. The beach faces southeast, so watch from the cliff tops or the viewpoint by the small shrine toward Diamond Beach. From a north-coast base, leave at about 4:45 AM, or stay the night in Pejukutan.
Is Atuh Beach worth visiting?
Yes, if you are already on the east side of Nusa Penida. It is the most comfortable beach on that coast, with sun all day, loungers and food, and it pairs naturally with Diamond Beach. It is not worth a special trip for swimming or snorkeling, and on a single day trip from Bali the hour-long drive from the harbor eats into your time.
Can you snorkel at Atuh Beach?
Not reliably. Strong waves and currents make it unsafe to swim out to the reef, and in 2017 two spearfishers were swept onto an islet. At low tide the rock pools at the ends of the beach show plenty of sea life. For real snorkeling, take a boat trip from Toyapakeh or Crystal Bay to Manta Bay and the west-coast reefs.
Can you visit Atuh Beach and Kelingking in one day?
Yes, but it is rushed. They are about 29 km apart, 1 to 1.5 hours each way on narrow roads, on top of the boat crossings from Bali. Many combined tours spend most of the day in the car. Give the east coast its own day, or sleep in Pejukutan and see Atuh and Diamond Beach at sunrise.
Is Atuh Beach good for children?
For children who can manage 166 steps and will stay in the shallows, yes. The sand is wide, the stairway is concrete, and the low-tide rock pools are a highlight. Keep them out of the waves and away from the rocks at either end, since no lifeguard service has been reported. Families often prefer Atuh to Diamond Beach for exactly these reasons.
Nearby
Where to go after Atuh Beach.
Places close by that fit into the same trip, with realistic travel times.
About 15 min on foot
Diamond Beach
The cliff stairway and rock stacks next door, a view and a walk rather than a swim.
Visitor guideAbout 1 km, 5 min by road
Thousand Islands viewpoint and Molenteng tree house
Limestone islets offshore and the cliff-edge tree house, a regency ticketed site since September 2026.
About 11 km, 30 min by road
Teletubbies Hill
Rows of small rounded hills in Tanglad, green from about December to April.
About 14 km, 30–40 min by road
Goa Giri Putri cave temple
A temple inside a large cave near Suana, entered through a narrow opening; sarong required.
Visitor guideAbout 22 km, 45–60 min by road
Peguyangan Waterfall
A blue stairway down the Batukandik cliffs to a spring and temple above the sea.
Visitor guide1–1.5 hours by road (29 km)
Kelingking Beach
The T-Rex headland on the southwest coast; best saved for another day.
Visitor guide
More in Nusa Penida
Plan the rest of your time in Nusa Penida.
Area guide
Nusa Penida travel guide
Read the guide
Viewpoint
Kelingking Beach
Visitor guide
Nature
Broken Beach and Angel’s Billabong
Visitor guide
Beach
Diamond Beach
Visitor guide
Beach
Crystal Bay
Visitor guide
Temple
Goa Giri Putri Cave Temple
Visitor guide
Nature
Manta Point and Manta Bay
Visitor guide
Nature
Peguyangan Waterfall
Visitor guide
Read Next
More Atuh Beach guides.
Guide
Top Places to Visit in Nusa Penida
Guide
Where to Stay in Nusa Penida (2026): 20 Best Hotels, Villas and Glamping
Guide
20 Best White Sand Beaches in Bali (2026): Fees, Access & Swimming
Guide
13 Best Day Trips from Seminyak (2026): Ubud, Nusa Penida & Uluwatu
Guide
A Complete Guide to Nusa Lembongan Island
How we researched this
Sources and fact checks.
Prices, opening hours, show times and travel times in this Atuh Beach guide were checked against official sites, government tourism pages and recent reporting on 11 November 2026. Where sources disagreed, we give the official figure and say so. Rankings are our editorial judgment, set out in our editorial policy.
We re-check the guide at least every three months and whenever we hear about a change. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.
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