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Diamond Beach

A turquoise cove between limestone sea stacks on the east tip of Nusa Penida — descend the carved staircase for a swim.

Best for: Photographers and adventurous swimmers

About Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach is the postcard image of Nusa Penida — a crescent of brilliant white sand and turquoise water hemmed in by towering limestone sea stacks on the island's eastern tip. A hand-carved staircase zig-zags down the cliff face to the sand, a descent that is part of the adventure and rewards you with one of the most photographed views in Bali.

The beach is stunning to look at and to walk on, but the ocean here has a powerful shore break and strong currents, so swimming is risky and often unsafe — most visitors come to photograph the sea stacks, relax on the sand and paddle at the shoreline rather than swim out.

Diamond Beach sits right next to Atuh Beach, and the clifftop above both offers spectacular viewpoints. Together they make up one of Nusa Penida's must-see stops, best visited in the morning before the midday tour crowds and heat arrive.

Quick facts

Waves
Strong shore break
Sand
White
Crowds
Busy at midday
Accessibility
Carved cliff staircase (20 min down)

Beach-specific planning notes

Best fit

Photographers and adventurous swimmers. Sand and setting: White.

Conditions and timing

Strong shore break Waves; Busy at midday Crowds. Check local sea conditions before swimming or entering the water.

Access to confirm

Carved cliff staircase (20 min down) Confirm current access and fees locally before setting out.

Things to do at Diamond Beach

  • Climb down the carved cliff staircase — The dramatic hand-cut stairway to the sand is an adventure in itself, with jaw-dropping views on the way down.
  • Photograph the limestone sea stacks — The towering karst pinnacles and turquoise water make this one of Bali's most iconic photo spots.
  • Relax on the white sand — Deck chairs and a photogenic swing sit beneath the cliffs — perfect for soaking up the view.
  • Visit neighbouring Atuh Beach — The calmer cove next door, with a rock arch and safer swimming at high tide, is a short walk away.

How to get to Diamond Beach

  • From the Nusa Penida port (Toya Pakeh/Banjar Nyuh) — About 1 to 1.5 hours by car or scooter across the island to the east coast — roads are steep and rough in places.
  • By organised tour — Most visitors book an east-coast day tour from Bali that combines Diamond Beach, Atuh and the Thousand Islands viewpoint.
  • From Atuh Beach — A short walk or a few minutes by scooter — the two beaches share the same clifftop area.

Diamond Beach FAQs

Can you swim at Diamond Beach Nusa Penida?

Swimming is risky at Diamond Beach. It has a strong shore break and currents, so it is often unsafe to swim out. Most visitors paddle at the shoreline, relax on the sand and enjoy the views rather than swimming.

How many steps are there down to Diamond Beach?

A hand-carved staircase descends the cliff to the sand — a steep 15–20 minute climb down and back up. It is manageable for most people with reasonable fitness but can be hot and tiring in the midday sun.

Is Diamond Beach worth visiting?

Yes — it is one of the most spectacular and photographed spots in Nusa Penida, with white sand, turquoise water and dramatic limestone sea stacks. Pair it with neighbouring Atuh Beach for a half-day on the east coast.

Beaches near Diamond Beach

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