Atuh Beach Nusa Penida, off the coast of Bali, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the Nusa Islands (besides maybe Kelingking T-Rex Beach) and is definitely worth visiting when staying on Nusa Penida. However, this beautiful and fairly remote beach can be pretty tricky to find – even if using Google Map and following what appears to be newly-erected road signs.
One will take you to the beach, and one will take you to the viewpoint. And they are surprisingly quite far away from each other!
Atuh Beach Nusa Penida Map
These maps from Auto Beach area should help explain what I mean about how far away the parking area is from the viewpoint – almost a half hour drive to get from one to the other!
Getting to Atuh Beach Viewpoint
Here’s the main problem: when locals (and local road signs!!) refer to Atuh Beach, they’re actually referring to the Atuh Beach view point – which to be fair does have one of the most spectacular views on the island.
The problem is you can’t actual get down to the beach from the view point – you have to drive around 25 minutes back to a main road then back towards the coast again just to access the small parking area and concrete steps that lead down to paradise.
I’m ashamed to say I’ve made this mistake not once but TWICE in the last few months when visiting Nusa Penida. I start out my following the map, then when I got close I just followed the road signs and ended up at the view point rather than the beach, kicking myself for being so stupid.
The view point is spectacular and the road to get here is surprisingly one of the smoothest, and quietest, you will come across in Nusa Penida. In fact I was so blown away by how smooth the road was, running along a mountain ridge, I flew the drove over it to get some cool aerial shots.
At the viewpoint there are a few fun photo spots, some locals selling water and beer (as usual!) and some pretty great views of the small sea arch below, the turquoise waters and of course Atuh Beach.
There’s also a place called “Dolphin Point” so be sure to walk right down the end and spend a few minutes gazing into the turquoise waters on the search for wild dolphins.
Once we left the view point, we met a couple from England and two guys from Venezuela who all appeared to be lost in the search for Atuh Beach. So it’s all thanks to them that I’m now writing this article to stop future visitors from getting too lost!
Using maps: https://goo.gl/maps/LwCa2S9BXWQ2
How to get to Atuh Beach Nusa Penida
To get to the beach itself, you will have to get back on the bike and drive for another 25 minutes. Following Google Maps to “Auto Beach Parking” is your best best for getting to Atuh Beach Nusa Penida – although for MOST of Nusa Penida this is a bad idea as Google Maps takes you down roads that are death traps!!.
As you get closer to Atuh beach, the road starts to deteriorate and get much narrower. You WILL doubt if you are on the right road as the pot holes become so big they could swallow you and your bike whole. Eventually you will end up in a Atuh Beach parking area, and from here you can walk down the steep steps to the left to get down to Atuh Beach.
This beach is drop dead gorgeous and I would say in par with some of nicest beaches in Bali, such as the ones in Uluwatu. There are bean bags and sun loungers on the beach that you can pay to use, or often if you buy something from one of the little shops you can use for free.
It’s quite remote so don’t expect luxury or too many creature comforts. Remember that Nusa Penida is an adventure island!
From here you can also take in the Thousand Islands Viewpoint and make your way down to Diamond Beach, which is to the right of Atuh Beach parking area. There are a few small warnings here so you can have lunch with a view or enjoy an ice cold Bintang.
There are also some unique accommodation options in the area such as the famous Thousand Islands Viewpoint Treehouse or about a 15 minute drive away, you can find some more eco treehouses looking out into the ocean that are bookable on Airbnb and will soon be as famous as that Ubud treehouse!
Using maps: https://goo.gl/maps/AQk99xnakPp
More photos of Atuh Beach
Hi! I’m Janet Newenham, an Irish-born digital nomad and blogger. My blog, Journalist On The Run, is a journal of my travels and career hurdles, as well as a “bucket list for life.” In my youth, reading inspired me to create and achieve goals for my future.
My long list of goals took me to places I could never have dreamed of, each one inspiring me toward the next. Along the way, I picked up a few awards like “Digital Media Travel Journalist Of The Year” in both 2017 and 2019 while simply doing what I love.
Now, well into my 30s, I’ve seen so many of the world’s alcoves that it would be wrong not to share my experiences with you. This blog is my way of taking you around the world with me, and I hope you enjoy the ride.
My goal was to visit 50 countries before I hit 30. I never imagined that at 37, I could proudly say I’ve seen 101 of the world’s beautiful countries. Of course, no matter how much you think you’ve traveled, there is still so much left to see, and I look forward to going on the run with you.