Nusa Penida arguably has some of the best beaches in Bali, and when it comes to quiet and secluded beaches, it doesn’t get much better than this.
This is one for the adventurous, and a little effort is needed to get there, but once you do, it’s well worth it.
Where Is Puyung Beach, Bali?
Puyung Beach is in the Nusa Penida island group on the western tip of Penida Island.
The beach is located south of Crystal Bay — the main bay in the area with a popular beach — in a small cove looking across the straight towards Nusa Ceningang.
Address: 7FH3+W98, Sakti, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia
How To Get To Nusa Penida From Bali
To get to Puyung Beach you’ll first need to get from Bali to Nusa Penida!
The cheapest way to get to Nusa Penida is via ferry. Ferries leave every day from Sanur and Padang Bai and take about an hour. Fast boats are also available from these two areas and take about 20-30 minutes.
You can also book a private boat from Bali for a day tour over to Nusa Penida and the other two small islands.
How To Get To Payung Beach
By Land – From Crystal Bay, one of the popular areas to stay on the west coast of Nusa Penida, the best way to get there is via a taxi app such as Grab or Gojeck, or a local taxi, which is far less likely to overcharge you than in Bali.
While a Grab or Gojeck may be cheaper, with a local taxi you can ask them to wait for you to return. Either option has the advantage of a driver who knows their way around.
Many people are tempted to hire a scooter, the coastal roads can be fun and there are many beaches to explore, but as always we would recommend against this.
It’s unlikely that you will be legal, causing problems with insurance and the law. The roads on Nusa Penida, all of Bali in fact, can be difficult, why risk an injury when you can travel in the comfort of a car?
Once you reach the parking area, there’s a short hike through some lush greenery then down a small cliff to reach the beach. It wasn’t too difficult and only took us around 15 minutes, but it also wasn’t easy…bring sturdy footwear.
It is possible to walk from Crystal Bay, past Pandan Beach. The walk reportedly takes about 45 minutes. Great if you’re feeling adventurous.
By Sea – Another idea for visiting Puyung Beach is to enter the cove via a small boat. This could be done as part of a multistop boating or snorkelling trip, or just as a solo stop-off.
This can be a great way to make a day trip around the different beaches in the area, and small boats are great for snorkeling spots in areas too far from the beach to reach by swimming.
Be warned though, the sea in these small coves can be a bit rocky sometimes even on a clear day, and the waves can make it difficult to reach the beach itself.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Puyung Beach?
No, as with the majority of beaches in Bali, there is no entrance fee to Puyung Beach. There are so few visitors that maintenance costs are low.
At the time of press though, there was a small parking fee.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Puyung Beach?
The best time of the year to visit Puyung Beach is during the dry season, between April and October.
During the wet season, the waves can be rough, making it dangerous, to swim in and the visibility underwater can be poor, making it unideal for snorkelling. The short hike to the beach is more dangerous when it’s wet, and let’s face it…who wants to sit on the beach while it’s pouring down with rain?
As for the best time of day to visit, all times of day are quiet, or at least they were the few times that we went to visit, so there’s no best time to avoid the crowds.
Low tide is a nice time to visit if you’re interested in small marine life, as the tide goes out revealing some rock pools around the edge of the beach. Low and high tide times can be checked daily online.
Come in the late afternoon if you want to catch the awesome sunset.
What To Expect At Puyung Beach
The first thing that struck us when we arrived at Puyung Beach was the breathtaking natural beauty.
The remote location of Puyung Beach keeps it quiet, with most tourists opting to chill out on the nearby Crystal Bay Beach. Don’t be surprised if you’re one of the only visitors on the beach. The few times we went, only a couple of tourists were there sunbathing, and some local lads were fishing.
This also means that there are no amenities there, such as a toilet or restaurant, so come prepared.
Imagine cliffs cutting you off from the rest of the land, incredible views out towards Ceningan Island, and gentle waves of turquoise waters crashing onto a shore of pristine white sand.
As in most of Bali, you may see a couple of people surfing, and further out in the bay, there are usually a few small boats.
What To Do At Puyung Beach
Swim / Snorkel – If you enjoy swimming then this is a great place. The crystal clear waters are teeming with marine life, so don’t forget to bring your snorkeling gear. This region is a popular destination for snorkeling, and you may even be on one of the boats yourself.
Sunbathing – Is there a better thing to do on a hot sunny than veg out on the beach and sunbathe? Being so quiet, this is one of the best beaches for sunbathing, but be warned, the sun is strong and there are no umbrellas to escape it, don’t get burnt!
Sunset – Payung Bach is renowned for its spectacular sunsets.
As the sun goes down behind Ceningang Island, it lights up the turquoise waters and the cliffs. A true natural beauty.
Walking – The walk to and from the beach is part of the experience, and you can discover some interesting flora and fauna along the way.
Where To Stay Near Puyung Beach
There isn’t anywhere to stay directly near Puyung Beach, and most of the hotels in the area are in Crystal Bay, just inland from the beach. Here are a few we had a look at:
Maharga Bungalows – Comfortable bungalows set in nice gardens, within walking distance from the beach. Budget prices.
Crystal Bay Pool View Bungalows – Guests of these midrange bungalows have an outdoor pool, which is great for the evenings after you get home from the beach.
Puri Garden Penida – Beautiful, airconditioned bungalows at mid to high prices, just a short distance from the beach. Includes breakfast and wifi.
Where To Eat Near Payung Beach
Similar to accommodation, there are no restaurants in the immediate area of Puyung Beach. There are some restaurants in Crystal Bay and also a few dotted around just southeast of the beach for you to discover:
The Santi Warung – Right on Crystal Bay Beach, here you can enjoy local food including fresh seafood. Great views out across the ocean.
Manthies Resto – This restaurant is on the road going towards the parking area for Puyung Beach. They have a selection of local and Western food.
Warung Kampuak Mesari – Located slightly south, near the cliffs of Hana Beach. Hands down some of the best food in Nusa Penida.
Nusa Penida’s Vibrant Coral Reefs
The waters and coral reefs around the Nusa Penida region are teeming with various fish and other creatures. If you go snorkeling in and around Puyung Beach then this is some of the vibrant marine life which you could expect to find.
Mola Mola (Ocean Sunfish) – these large, majestic fish can often be seen in the area. They are one of the largest bony fish on earth. Best seen between July and October.
Manta Rays – These are common all year round and one of the most sought-after fish by divers and snorkelers.
Turtles – Green and Hawkbill Turtles can often be seen cruising along the reefs looking for jellyfish to eat.
Reef Sharks – Black and White Tip Sharks may be spotted deeper in the water, but are more commonly seen when diving.
Clownfish – The fish made famous by Nemo, these can be spotted hiding in the sea anemones, usually as a pair.
Angelfish – Angelfish come in many varieties of colours and can be seen in abundance at most times of the year.
Moray Eels – If you’re lucky, you can see a Moray Eel hiding in a crevice of the coral. They look a bit scary, but they’re mostly harmless.
Nudibranchs (Sea Slugs) – These strange creatures come in a variety of peculiar shapes and colours, amazing.
Remember, to not touch or interfere with the sealife in any way. The ecosystem is very complex, and even touching the coral can damage it. Likewise, leave no trash on the beach, as this can harm marine life and other animals on the beach.
Other Beaches Near To Puyung Beach
There are many beautiful beaches in Nusa Penida, which has some of the best beaches in the region. Here are a few we went to which aren’t so far from Puyung Beach:
Pandan Beach
The next beach up from Puyung Beach. It is easily accessible from Crystal Bay Beach, and although it’s still quiet, expect more people here. Most visitors attempting to walk from Crystal to Puyung Beach would probably stop here.
Sun loungers and umbrellas are available to rent here.
Crystal Bay Beach
The busiest beach in the area. Most of the diving and snorkeling boats head out from here, and in the morning you can watch the fishing boats come in. This is a great location for beach volleyball.
Secret Point Beach
This beach is on Ceningang Island, a small island sandwiched between Nusa Penida Island and Nusa Lembongan. Another great snorkeling spot, you can go there as part of a boat trip from Nusa Penida or Bali.
Kelingking Beach
A secluded beach on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida. This is one of the best beaches if you enjoy swimming and white sand.
There are some resorts and restaurants behind the beach, and it’s another great place to set up base to explore the island.
FAQS
What Is The Difference Between Nusa Penida and Nusa Penida Island?
Nusa Penida is the name given to the group of islands, Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and, the largest, Nusa Penida — “Nusa” meaning island in Balinese and Indonesian.
Sometimes, to differentiate from the island group, people will refer to the main island as Nusa Penida Island. All of the islands are of course part of Bali, Indonesia.
Is Diamond Beach Near Puyung Beach?
No, Diamond Beach is on the opposite side of Nusa Penida Island to Puyung Beach, near the eastern tip of the island.
It’s a fair distance between the two, and to drive between the two beaches would take more than one hour.
Are Beaches In Nusa Penida Good For Surfing?
Unlike Bali, it is not the best place for surfing in Indonesia. Most visitors go there to explore the landscape, seascape and cliffs.
Are Puyung Beach And Gunung Payung Beach The Same Place?
No, Puyung Beach and Gunung Payung Beach are two very different places, in fact, they’re not even on the same island!
Gunung Payung Beach is on the Bukit Peninsula, Bali, near Nusa Dua, not to be confused with Nusa Penida.
Final Thoughts On Puyung Beach
Whether it’s the adventurous trek through lush greenery that appeals to you, the quiet, no-nonsense beach or the clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life…Puyung Beach is one of the best beaches we’ve been to, not just in Nusa Penida but all of Bali and Indonesia in fact.
A great spot for anyone looking to escape to their own slice of paradise.
