Tucked away on Bali’s serene east coast — better known for its black sand beaches — sits the humble white-sand Virgin Beach, or Pantai Bias Putih as it’s known locally.
A peaceful retreat not far from civilisation, but far from the hustle and bustle, Virgin Beach is known for its soft white sand and clear blue waters. It’s an ideal spot to relax, swim, and appreciate the island’s natural beauty.
Whether you’re looking to unwind by the shore, explore nearby beaches, or enjoy fresh local cuisine, Virgin Beach provides an authentic and tranquil Bali experience.
Where Is Virgin Beach?
Virgin Beach is located in Karangasem Regency, on the far east coast of Bali, near the village of Bugbug in the Manggis District.
It’s not far, about 30km, from the popular seaside town of Candidasa, making it an easy trip for people staying there.
Address: Jl. Raya Bukit Asah No.Desa, Adat Bugbug, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80851, Indonesia
How To Get To Virgin Beach
Taxi/ Ride Share App – If you’re coming from nearby, Candidasa, for example, then one of the easiest and most affordable ways to travel is with a taxi app such as Grab or Gojek. The price is cheap, especially when travelling with more than one person.
Private Car And Driver – Instead of taking a one-way taxi, you and your partner or friends could hire a private driver from your hotel and stop at Virgin Beach as part of your big day out.
From Further Afield – It’s a fair distance from somewhere like Kuta or Ubud, we’re talking 2.5 – 3 hours, so it’s probably not somewhere you’d make such a long return trip to in a day, but it could be included as part of a group tour or private tour of Eastern Bali.
Scooter/Bike Hire – We generally recommend against hiring a scooter casually, especially if you’re not an experienced rider or not licensed to ride legally in Bali. While the idea of cruising with the wind in your face might sound appealing, Bali’s roads can be unpredictable and dangerous. Accidents happen often, and being uninsured can turn a small mistake into a serious issue. Play it safe, rent a car or take a taxi instead.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Virgin Beach?
No. Like most beaches in Bali, there is no entrance fee to Virgin Beach. There is, however, a small parking fee, so if you’re driving yourself or have a private driver, make sure to have some small change on hand.
What To Expect At Virgin Beach
Virgin Beach, or Pantai Bias Putih, lives up to its name with soft white sand and clear blue water that is perfect for a swim. It’s a peaceful little bay on Bali’s east coast, slightly off the beaten path but still lively enough to feel welcoming. Colourful fishing boats line the shore, and a row of warungs, beach bars, and shops adds to the laid-back charm.
It attracts a mix of local visitors and foreign tourists, but it remains far less crowded than the busy south and west coast beaches.
You can rent a sunbed and umbrella, grab a cold drink or fresh seafood, and enjoy the slower pace. Basic amenities like toilets and showers are available, making it easy to spend a few lazy hours soaking up the sun, snacking, dipping in the water, and watching the boats come and go.
What To Do At Virgin Beach
Relax On The Soft White Sand – This one is kinda obvious really, there’s nothing like sitting on the beach and watching the world go by with the sound of the waves hitting the beach. Bringing a towel isn’t a bad idea, as the sand can get very hot on a sunny day.
Swim – Another obvious one, maybe, but the crystal clear waters here make it a great location for swimming, bring a snorkel if you’re into marine life, there’s an abundance in the blue sea of the east coast. Of course, just be careful not to swim beyond your limits
Explore the Small Fishing Boats – Take a wander and watch the locals go about their day-to-day business.
Enjoy A Beachside Massage – Some of the places offer sunbed and umbrella rental also offer massage services, perfect!
Take A Walk – Take a relaxing walk along the shore, people watch, and see what’s swimming close to the shoreline.
Stop For Some Lunch – If you’re feeling peckish, there are plenty of places to eat, more on that below…
Where To Eat Near Virgin Beach
Despite being kinda quiet and laid back, there are a few places to eat directly on Virgin Beach. Here are a few that we liked:
Fisherman Cafe – A chilled-out seafood joint with a view of the boats. The grilled fish is solid, and it’s a great place for a cold Bintang.
D.Tropical Warung Pasir Putih – A casual warung serving up tasty local Indonesian dishes, perfect for lunch or a relaxed dinner by the sea. The satay chicken was great here, we ordered several rounds.
Warung Kokak – Really nice beachfront warung serving a variety of food, including a BBQ with fresh fish. They serve drinks and rent sun loungers, also, perfect for sipping a drink after your lunch.
Virgin Bar – Now this place is a bar really, and they do some great cocktails, served on a raised terrace looking out to sea. We went there for a drink, though they actually had a food menu also with anything from nasi goreng to fish and chips.
Where To Stay Near Virgin Beach
Most people tend to stay in nearby Candidasa (check out hotels in Candidasa), and there is nowhere directly on the beach to stay, but there are a handful of places just off of the beach:
Balisen Luxury Villas – Comfortable villas with pools, great if you want a bit of luxury close to the beach but away from the crowds.
Pondok Diana – A cosy guesthouse with friendly hosts and a relaxed vibe, perfect for a chill Bali stay.
Jepun Didulu Cottages – Simple, budget-friendly cottages just a short drive from Virgin Beach, good for visitors looking to save and explore.
Places To Visit Near Virgin Beach
There’s plenty to see and do on the east coast of Bali, some directly nearby Virgin Beach, and some a bit further away.
Close by:
Bali Chocolate Factory – A cool spot to check out if you love chocolate, but it’s worth a visit just for the views, to be fair. Don’t attempt this one in the wet season, however, the road up to it is ridiculous when it’s been raining.
Bukit Asah Desa Bugbug -A nice little viewpoint with sweeping ocean views. Perfect for a quick stop to stretch your legs and snap some photos.
Pura Dalem Desa Bugbug – A quiet local temple worth popping into if you want to soak up some culture.
A bit further away:
Lempuyang Temple – Pura Lempuyang Temple is one of Bali’s most iconic temples with epic views and the famous “Gates of Heaven” photo spot. Worth the trip if you have time.
Bukit Cinta – A peaceful hilltop with amazing coastline views. Bukit Cinta, or “Love Hill”, is a famous spot for sunset views and photography.
Japanese Shipwreck Point – A snorkelling and diving hotspot where you can explore a sunken Japanese ship in crystal clear waters, surrounded by vibrant marine life.
Other Beaches On The East Coast
If you’re into beach hunting, then you’re in luck, as there’s no shortage of beaches on the East Coast. Here are a few:
Amed Beach – A chill fishing village in East Bali known for its beautiful blue sea and rich marine life. It’s great for snorkelling and has unique black sand beaches formed from Mount Agung’s volcanic rock. The natural beauty of Amed and its beach make it a top spot in Bali.
Bias Tugel Beach – A small, quiet beach with white sand and crystal-clear waters. Perfect if you want to escape the crowds and just relax with a good book or take a peaceful swim.
Bugbug Beach – A laid-back spot with calm waters and a few local warungs nearby. It’s less touristy and offers a real slice of Bali’s coastal charm.
FAQs
Can I Travel To The Gili Islands From East Bali?
Yes, you can catch a fast boat from Padang Bai, about an hour from Virgin Beach, directly to the Gili Islands.
It’s a popular route for those looking to go beyond East Bali.
Is There A Boat From Near Virgin Beach To Nusa Dua?
No, there are no direct boat services from Virgin Beach to Nusa Dua. Virgin Beach is on Bali’s east coast, while Nusa Dua is on the southern tip of the island.
The best way to get between them is by car or taxi, which takes around 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic.
Is There A Bus From Ubud To Candidasa?
If you’re staying in Ubud and wish to travel to Candidasa by bus, then you’re in luck. At the time of going to press, buses leave from Ubud at 8.30 am every day and arrive in Candidasa at around 10 am.
It’s a nice way to travel, cheap and safe, and a great way to see some sights out the window as you travel.
Is Virgin Beach Really “Virgin”?
Well, it’s not completely untouched; there are warungs, sun loungers, and the occasional guy trying to sell you a cold Bintang. But compared to Bali’s busier beaches, it’s refreshingly low-key.
So, while it might not be a true castaway paradise, it’s definitely one of the island’s lesser-spoiled coastal gems. Just don’t expect to have it entirely to yourself… unless you show up early, or pretend you’re lost.
Final Thoughts On Virgin Beach, Bali
If you’re craving a quieter beach day on Bali’s east coast, Virgin Beach is a must-visit.
Its stunning white sand shores and calm waters provide a peaceful escape, ideal for swimming, snorkeling, or simply kicking back under the sun.
Easy to reach yet still relatively untouched, this beach offers the best of Bali’s natural charm without the crowds. So pack your sunscreen and head east for a relaxing trip to Virgin Beach.
