Pantai Purnama is a real hidden gem in East Bali. This long black coastal strip of sand is a popular spot for full moon purification ceremonies and long walks among local people.
This peaceful beach lies off the beaten path and doesn’t have any sunbeds or tourist attractions, but its natural beauty and tranquillity are what make it great for quiet family getaways and solo walks.
If you want to make a stop at an uncrowded beach during your East Bali trip, here is a full guide on what to expect from your visit to Pantai Purnama.
Where Is Pantai Purnama?
Pantai Purnama is a beach destination on the East coast of Bali, in Sukawati village of Gianyar regency.
It is located right on the main road connecting South Bali and areas like Candidasa or Amed, in a small residential area.
How To Get To Pantai Purnama
Your best option to reach Pantai Purnama is to use a car. There is no public transportation coming this way, and a bike ride can be too tiring. Two options there:
- Rent a car for a day and get the most out of it by exploring nearby places
- Hire a private driver and don’t worry about navigating traffic around the island.
Coming from the South, you follow the main road (Jalan Professor Doktor Ida Bagus Mantra) and you simply turn right onto Jalan Pantai Purnama at an intersection with lots of DIY billboards and a traffic light.
At the end of this road, you will find a paved parking lot for bikes and cars, and the beach is directly accessible from there.
There are just 6 steps leading to the beach, but there is no ramp for wheelchair-friendly access.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Pantai Purnama?
Usually, there is no security at the beach parking lot to collect a parking fee, probably because there are simply not so many visitors, so Purnama Beach is free to visit.
However, if it is a day for ceremonies or public holidays, there can be a fee of 2,000 to 5,000 IDR per vehicle (0.2 – 0.5 AUD).
When Is The Best Time To Visit Pantai Purnama?
Pantai Purnama is uncrowded year-round, but since there are no beautiful sunset views on this side of the island, the best time to come here is early morning, around sunrise (6 – 6.30 AM).
Things To Do At Pantai Purnama
There is no entertainment at Pantai Purnama beach – it is a perfect setting for when you need some peaceful environment, ideal for thinking or switching off.
Note: there are no public facilities here, like a toilet, a shower, or changing rooms. There is also no shaded place or anywhere to hide from the rain, so check the weather!
Balinese Temple & Ceremonies
If you’re curious about local culture, visit Pantai Purnama during the full moon. There is a big Balinese temple – Pura Erjeruk up the road, so the beach is naturally is source of sacred water for locals here.
You will witness unique rituals of water purification called melukat and melasti, long processions of Balinese people dressed in traditional attire, and you can see how priests work their magic.
Sometimes you can also see funeral ceremonies, known as ngaben, at the beach.
Of course, you can see many ceremonies in Ubud and other areas of Bali, but there is a certain charm to observing a ceremony when there are no tourists around.
Peaceful Walks
During low tide, the beach’s peaceful environment is ideal for a long leisurely walk as you can easily keep walking for about 3 km to your left without meeting a soul.
While the East Coast may not be among the top-ranking places to enjoy a sunset, it is the ideal spot for watching the sunrise.
At the same time, this beach strip will be great for walking with dogs and a romantic rendezvous to stargaze!
Swimming & Sunbathing
Despite high waves, there is no surfing at Purnama beach: good swell is rare and inconsistent. But you can enjoy splashing in the water by the shore.
Swimming can be challenging when the sea waters are rough, so check the forecast before coming.
However, on a sunny day, you can indulge in sunbathing, too.
Fishing
Among other activities, you can also go fishing around Pantai Purnama, but there are no organised tours.
Your best bet will be either staying in a beachfront hotel that offers such a day trip or chatting with locals who will be willing to take you.
Explore Sukawati Village
While you are here, a visit to Sukawati village is a must. It is one of the most popular Balinese villages, well known for its craft scene, especially silversmiths!
You should also check out Sukawati Art Market – an amazing shopping spot with fair prices. Apart from crafts, there are a few temples, waterfalls, and a zoo nearby.
Where To Stay Near Pantai Purnama
Bali Paradise Beach Estates
The OG accommodation option, just 100 meters from Pantai Purnama, Bali Paradise Beach Estates, is more popular among groups.
It is a private villa that can accommodate up to 8 guests, and has a shared swimming pool, jacuzzi bathtub, spacious kitchen and living room.
Where Is It? Purnama Beach, Jl. Pantai Purnama, Sukawati, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80582, Indonesia
The Royal Purnama
A big, adult-only resort right on the Purnama Beach. You can book a private villa with a pool or jacuzzi, a presidential beachfront villa with breathtaking views, or even plan a whole wedding here.
The property also has a dining venue and activities for guests like day trips around the island, horse riding, wellness treatments, purification ceremony on the beach (yep, your own!), and more.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Purnama, Sukawati, Kec. Gianyar, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
The Bodhi Leaf Wellness Resort
This resort is a bit up the road from the beach, on the other side of the main road, yet it is still only a 20-minute walk to Pantai Purnama.
A stunning hotel with a serene atmosphere, surrounded by rice fields. Staying at Bodhi, you join a wellness retreat with spa and healer sessions and will return home refreshed and relaxed.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Purnama No.17A, Sukawati, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali 80581, Indonesia
Where To Eat Near Pantai Purnama
Local Food
There are a few street stalls that serve local food right at the entrance to the beach, you can grab simply fried dishes, some rice (nasi), or cold drinks.
It is best to bring your own snacks and organise a picnic (bring all you need, there are no barbeque facilities to rent here) since food stalls can be unreliable.
The Segara Seaview Pool Garden & Eatery
Just a 5-minute drive from Purnama beach, there is a cool family restaurant – The Segara.
The menu is a mix of local and Western food (pizza and burgers), and the prices are incredibly affordable.
Kids will love the pool area here as it has a little slide thingy and some swings in the garden. Parents can chill on the sun beds or cabanas.
Where Is It? Gn. Kaba, Saba, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali
Standing Stones Beach Restaurant
An adults-only restaurant at The Royal Purnama resort with weekly special dinner sets featuring fresh seafood and local produce.
Plus, dinner here is accompanied by live music or traditional Balinese dance performances.
The resort also has a bar (Stone Bar) with ocean views and happy hour!
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Purnama, Sukawati, Kec. Sukawati, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali, Indonesia
Final Thoughts On Pantai Purnama
Pantai Purnama’s volcanic black sands, pretty rock formations, and secluded atmosphere make it an amazing stop on your Bali road trip to stretch, breathe in some fresh ocean air, and feel how Bali was just a few decades ago.
There are not many similar places left in Bali, so if you’re not into crowds, make sure to explore East Bali!
