Diamond Beach

At a Glance

• Where: southeast Nusa Penida, Klungkung regency
• What it is: a white-sand beach beneath sheer cliffs, reached by a staircase carved into the rock
• Descent: 166 steps, ~15–20 minutes down
• Swimming: dangerous — strong waves and currents; mostly for photos and relaxing on the sand
• Best time: mo ing in the dry season (April–October), low tide
• Getting there: ~1–1.5 hours from the Nusa Penida harbours

Diamond Beach is one of Nusa Penida's most striking postcards: a strip of white sand and turquoise water beneath tall limestone cliffs, reached by a staircase cut straight into the rock face. It's named for the diamond-shaped rock pi

acle standing in the water just off the shore. Together with neighbouring Atuh Beach it forms the most scenic stretch of the island's east coast.

Why Visit

This is the view people come to the east of Penida for: a turquoise cove, white sand and dramatic cliffs above. Even without going down, the viewpoint over the beach offers one of the island's best panoramas.

• Who it's for: lovers of views and photography, and anyone up for the descent to a secluded beach.
• Note: swimming here is risky — the ocean is open, with strong waves and currents.

The Staircase

The beach is reached by a 166-step staircase carved into the cliff; the descent takes 15–20 minutes, with a rope-assisted section near the bottom. The steps are solid but steep.

• Wear grippy footwear — don't attempt it barefoot or in flip-flops.
• The climb back is harder, so allow time and bring water.
• In the rain, the steps and rocks tu slippery.

Swimming and Waves

The water at Diamond is mesmerisingly turquoise, but the ocean here is treacherous: the waves are large and the currents strong. Most people come for the view and photos on the sand rather than to swim. If you do enter the water, stay right at the shore on a calm low tide and take great care.

When to Visit

The best time is early mo ing in the dry season: soft light, fewer people, and a cooler climb. In the wet season the descent gets slippery. At low tide the beach is wider and calmer.

Plan Your Visit

Diamond is on the southeast of the island, roughly 1–1.5 hours by road from the harbours on the northwest of Nusa Penida.

• Roads are narrow and rough in places; a driver or scooter is easiest.
• There's a paid entrance (shared with Atuh Beach); warungs, loungers and umbrellas are at the top.
• Bring water, sunscreen, cash and sturdy shoes.

Combine Your Trip

• Atuh Beach — the neighbouring cove with an easier descent and calmer water.
• The Thousand Islands viewpoint and the photogenic Tree House are minutes away.
• Teletubbies Hill — rolling green hills along the road.

FAQ

Can you swim at Diamond Beach? Better not — the waves and currents are strong. Most visitors come for the view and photos and only enter the water at the shore on a calm low tide.

Is the descent hard? The 166-step staircase takes 15–20 minutes and is fairly steep; you need good footwear and reasonable fitness, and the climb back is harder.

When is the best time to visit? Early mo ing in the dry season — soft light, fewer crowds and a cooler climb back up.