Diamond Beach is the star of Nusa Penida’s east coast, a crescent of white sand at the foot of sheer limestone cliffs, reached by a stairway carved into the rock. Its name comes from a diamond-shaped pinnacle that rises from the shallows offshore, and the run of white sand, turquoise water and towering cliffs gives the island one of its most dramatic settings. It sits beside Atuh Beach on the same headland, with a clifftop viewpoint that takes in both coves at once.
The descent
For years the only way down was a rough scramble. A stairway has since been cut and built into the cliff face, with handrails through most of the descent, but it is still a steep and tiring walk of around fifteen minutes each way, and the climb back up in the heat is the hardest part of the visit. Proper footwear and a steady pace help on the uneven steps. That effort is part of what keeps the beach feeling separate from the world above.
The beach
At the bottom, the white sand runs beneath the cliffs, with the diamond pinnacle standing offshore and clear water washing the shore. It is a place for the setting rather than for swimming, as the beach faces open ocean with strong currents, a shore break and no lifeguards. Some visitors paddle in shallow pools near the rocks at low tide, but caution is essential and full swimming is not advised. Loungers and swings have appeared on the sand, and there is little natural shade.
The clifftop and Atuh
Many visitors take in the view from the clifftop before or instead of descending, as the panorama over Diamond Beach, the pinnacle and neighbouring Atuh Beach is superb in itself. Atuh, next door, is a separate cove with its own natural arch and warungs, easily combined with Diamond on the same stop. Warungs at the top of the cliff sell drinks and snacks, welcome after the climb.
How to visit
Diamond Beach is on the east coast of Nusa Penida, about an hour from the harbour by scooter or a hired car and driver over rough roads. Go in the morning to beat the heat on the stairs and the midday crowds. Combine it with the swimming and snorkelling at Crystal Bay on the opposite coast if you have a full day. For the wider island, see our guide to Nusa Penida and the full list of things to do in Nusa Penida.
