Atuh Beach: A Complete and Honest Guide for Couples [2024]

Atuh Beach is about an hour's boat ride from Bali, quietly hidden on the southeastern coast of Nusa Penida. It’s unsurprising, then, that the place is free from the usual hustle and bustle you’d find on other, more popular beaches in Bali. So if you’re a couple looking for an adventurous escape to a beach with strong currents, plenty of rocky outcrops, and thrilling cliff-jumping opportunities, you can’t go wrong with Atuh Beach.
In addition to having the beach to yourself, there are several small warungs (local eateries) nearby where you can get snacks and drinks.

Sounds interesting? Then check out the guide below for a complete and honest review of the place.

Couple Trails Honest Review Process

At Couple Trails, we are committed to making every couple's holiday special. 

In other words, it means that every single sightseeing/activity goes through a rigorous review process including analysis of the online reviews, on-ground visits, and validation by our Operations team. So let’s dive into the review right away.

What We Will Cover in this Article:‍

Tripadvisor Rating of Atuh Beach

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5 (365 reviews)

• Excellent: 258
• Very Good: 81
• Average: 16
• Poor: 3
• Terrible: 7

We'll say this from the outset: Atuh Beach is a place you must visit during your Bali trip. While it gets a moderate 365 reviews on Tripadvisor, the majority of them are positive, all of them sharing how wonderful the place is. For instance, many people have praised the beautiful scenery from the top of the stairs (that take you to the beach), the strong waves, and the uncrowded beach. 

Many young adventurous visitors also loved the arcs that allowed them to enjoy cliff jumping.

Some folks had a few issues here and there, for sure, but overall, most people loved the place.                                    

What Did Visitors Like About Atuh Beach?

Here are the aspects most visitors loved about Atuh Beach: 

1. Serene and Uncrowded Atmosphere: One of the top reasons visitors fall in love with Atuh Beach is its peaceful ambiance. Unlike some of Bali's more popular beaches, Atuh remains relatively undiscovered. Early birds, listen up! The mornings are especially magical here, with fewer tourists around. It's quieter than other viewpoint destinations, giving you that perfect escape from the hustle and bustle. Plus, the beach is so spacious that you'll never feel cramped or crowded. It's like having your private slice of paradise!

2. Affordable Prices: Who doesn't love a good deal? At Atuh Beach, you'll find that your wallet stays as happy as you are! The entrance ticket is cheap and totally worth it. Want to lounge in style? Beach chairs are available for rent all day for just 100,000 IDR (about $7 USD), which visitors find quite reasonable. If you're feeling adventurous, renting a scooter is much more economical than joining organized tours. And when hunger strikes, you'll be pleased to know that drinks and food at the local warungs (small family-owned businesses) are budget-friendly too.

3. Friendly and Helpful Locals: The warmth of the Balinese people shines bright at Atuh Beach. Visitors consistently rave about the friendly and accommodating staff. From the helpful locals at the warungs to the super-friendly bar staff, you'll feel welcomed with open arms. Many travelers share stories of kind locals guiding them to the beach, ensuring they don't miss out on this hidden gem. There are even local wardens keeping an eye out for everyone's safety. It's this genuine hospitality that adds an extra layer of charm to your Atuh Beach experience.

4. Perfect for Couples: Calling all lovebirds! Atuh Beach comes highly recommended for couples looking for a romantic getaway. Many visitors have shared their beautiful experiences here, with some even choosing it as part of their honeymoon trip. The serene atmosphere, stunning views, and intimate setting make it an ideal spot for couples to create lasting memories. Whether you're watching the sunset together or enjoying a quiet meal at one of the beachside shacks, love is definitely in the air at Atuh Beach.

5. Delicious and Varied Food Options: Food lovers, rejoice! Atuh Beach offers a delightful array of dining options to satisfy your cravings. From beachside shacks to restaurants and bars, you'll find plenty of choices for food and drinks. Fancy trying some local delicacies? You're in luck! The beach boasts a variety of affordable local food options. Don't miss out on the roasted corn, fresh coconuts, and locally caught fish. And for couples, there are good dining options that add a touch of romance to your beach day.

What Did Visitors Dislike About Atuh Beach?

Here are some things that were disliked by people:

1. Challenging Access: While the secluded nature of Atuh Beach is part of its charm, it does come with some challenges. The road leading to the beach isn't suitable for motorbikes, and many visitors found it difficult to locate. Some reported a long and uncomfortable ride to the parking lot, with drivers even praying before tackling particularly bad road sections! In a few cases, visitors weren't able to reach their promised destination due to these access issues.

2. Not Family-Friendly: Continuing from above, if you're planning a family trip, you might want to think twice before including Atuh Beach in your itinerary. Many visitors advise against bringing young children due to the high temperatures and challenging terrain. The trek to the beach involves over 200 steep steps, which can be tiring even for adults. So the place is unsuitable for families with young kids, elderly members, or anyone with physical disabilities or walking difficulties.

Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind While Visiting Atuh Beach

Now that you have already been through an introduction, it’s time to look at some details. Follow these tips, and you’ll be best prepared for your visit to the Beach:

1. Start Early: Beat the heat and the crowds by visiting in the morning.

2. Wear Comfortable Shoes: The trek down to the beach involves steep steps, so sturdy footwear is a must.

3. Bring Water: Stay hydrated, especially during the climb back up.

4. Rent a Scooter: If you're comfortable riding one, it's a more affordable way to explore than joining tours.

5. Pack Light: Remember, you'll need to carry everything down (and up) those steps!

6. Bring Cash: Many local vendors may not accept cards.

7. Stay for Sunset: The sunset views are spectacular if you can manage the climb in low light.

Deep-Dive into Finer Aspects of Atuh Beach

You’ve some idea about the place, great. But as is often the case it’s not enough. You need to get into the nitty-gritty. Here are all the things you need to know:  

Is It Overcrowded at Atuh Beach?

Atuh Beach is far from overcrowded. In fact, it's known for being less busy compared to other popular Bali beaches. Visitors often mention how quiet and serene it is, especially in the mornings. The beach's large size also helps prevent any feeling of overcrowding, even on busier days. 

So if you're looking to escape the tourist masses, Atuh Beach might just be your perfect hideaway.

Is Atuh Beach Expensive?

Not at all. Atuh Beach is praised for its affordability. The entrance fee is cheap, and most visitors find it well worth the price. Beach chair rentals are reasonably priced at around 5,000-7,000 IDR (less than $1 USD). Food and drinks at local warungs are also budget-friendly. If you're looking to save even more, consider renting a scooter instead of joining organized tours. 

Overall, you can enjoy a fantastic day at Atuh Beach without breaking the bank!

How Is the Local Staff at Atuh Beach?

The local staff at Atuh Beach receive glowing reviews from visitors. They're described as helpful, friendly, and accommodating. From the warung owners to the bar staff, everyone seems to go out of their way to ensure visitors have a great time. Many travelers share stories of locals guiding them to the beach or offering assistance. There are even local wardens present to ensure everyone's safety. 

This warm hospitality adds significantly to the overall positive experience at Atuh Beach.

Is It Couple-Friendly?

Atuh Beach is a dream destination for couples! Many visitors highly recommend it for romantic getaways. The serene atmosphere, stunning views, and intimate setting create the perfect backdrop for couples to relax and connect. Some visitors even chose Atuh Beach as part of their honeymoon trip. With good dining options available, you can enjoy a romantic meal while soaking in the beautiful surroundings. 

Whether you're looking for adventure or relaxation, Atuh Beach offers a memorable experience for couples.

Is It Family-Friendly?

Unfortunately, Atuh Beach isn't the most family-friendly destination, especially for those with young children or elderly family members. The main issue is the challenging access to the beach, which involves a steep trek with over 200 steps. This can be tiring and potentially dangerous for kids and those with mobility issues. The high temperatures and lack of shade also make it less suitable for families. 

If you're traveling with young children, elderly relatives, or anyone with physical disabilities, it might be best to consider alternative beach options in Bali.

How's the Food at Atuh Beach?

Food lovers won't be disappointed at Atuh Beach! There's a variety of options available, from beachside shacks to restaurants and bars. You can enjoy local Balinese dishes, fresh seafood, and international cuisine. Many visitors praise the affordable local food options, including roasted corn and fresh coconuts. The fresh fish is a particular highlight. 

While it's not a gourmet dining destination, the food at Atuh Beach is generally described as tasty and satisfying, perfectly complementing a day of sun, sand, and sea.

The Basic Things to Know About Atuh Beach

Here are the basic things you need to keep in mind about the Atuh Beach:

Location of the Activity & How to Get There

As we said before, Atuh Beach is located on Nusa Penida, an island southeast of Bali. Here are the approximate distances from key areas in Bali:

• Ubud: 40 km + boat ride
• Seminyak: 35 km + boat ride
• Kuta: 30 km + boat ride
• Nusa Dua: 25 km + boat ride
• Uluwatu: 35 km + boat ride
• Jimbaran: 30 km + boat ride
• Sanur: 20 km + boat ride

Here’s how you can get there from key areas:

1. From your stay area, take a car or taxi to Sanur or Padang Bai harbor.

2. Take a fast boat to Nusa Penida (about 45 minutes).

3. Once in Nusa Penida, rent a scooter or hire a driver to take you to Atuh Beach (about 1 hour drive).

Entrance Fee

The entrance fee for Atuh Beach is relatively cheap, typically around 10,000 IDR (less than $1 USD) per person.

Timings of Atuh Beach

Atuh Beach is generally open from sunrise to sunset. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety reasons, especially considering the challenging trek to and from the beach.

Other Things to Do Close to Atuh Beach

While the beach is great, you don’t have to limit yourself just to that. Here are a few other things to try out during your visit to the place:

1. Visit Diamond Beach: Just a short walk away, this stunning beach offers equally breathtaking views.

2. Explore Rumah Pohon Treehouse: A popular Instagram spot with amazing views of the coastline.

3. Check out Thousand Islands Viewpoint: Offers panoramic views of the surrounding islands.

4. Visit Teletubbies Hill: A unique landscape reminiscent of the children's TV show.

5. Explore Goa Giri Putri Temple: A large cave temple with spiritual significance.

Hotels Near Atuh Beach

It’s not easy to pick a hotel from the dozens of great options available in Nusa Penida. So we’ve tried to make the whole ordeal a whole lot simpler for you. Here are your top choices:   

1. Golden Garuda Cottages

About 1km from Atuh Beach, Golden Garuda Cottages is a cozy hotel with air-conditioning and a swimming pool.

A. Google Rating: 4.6
B. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/JpRPszCgvS9PmLvd8
C. Average Price per night: INR 5,131

2. Lempeh Jungle Cottage and Restaurant

Lempeh Jungle Cottage and Restaurant is a minimalist hotel that comes with a terrace free WiFi and other modern amenities in your room.

A. Google Rating: 4.1

B. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wABagjTrV41DwSdw7
C. Average Price per night: INR 2,275 

3. Suan Bubble & Triangle Diamond Beach

Located near Diamond Beach, the Suan Bubble & Triangle Diamond Beach is where you go if you’re looking for a stay at a place with free parking and a neat garden view.  

A. Google Rating: 4.7

B. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dMQwPPkFPWmY2XN9A

C. Average Price per night: INR 1,383

4. Sun Colada Villas & Spa

Just a few meters away from Atuh Beach, Sun Colada Villas & Spa is what you pick when what you want is modern accommodation with all the handy facilities right next to the beach.

A. Google Rating: 4.7 

B. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/KoGKwSEWmAq2Vgif9 

C. Average Price per night: INR 2,101

5. Kepaon GARI inn

A popular accommodation offering everything from a garden a free parking to a restaurant and terrace. It’s about 1.1 km from Diamond Beach.

A. Google Rating: 4.9

B. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dPdfD3PQRB5cMRbK6

C. Average Price per night: INR 2,758 

Restaurants Close to Atuh Beach 

Here are a few restaurants close to the Atuh Beach that are worth checking out:

1. The Chill Penidasome text
   1. Google Rating: 4.8
   2. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AgPXguTxSLs852vd7
   3. Type of Restaurant: Restaurant

2. Cactus Beach Club & Restaurantsome text
   1. Google Rating: 4.8
   2. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/29cLW3iFFcPv2o639
   3. Type of Restaurant: Restaurant
      
3. Street Foodsome text
   1. Google Rating: 4.9
   2. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ajFsHHB95XVV9aDf6
   3. Type of Restaurant: Restaurant
      
4. SLAZA PENIDA Restaurant & Barsome text
   1. Google Rating: 4.7
   2. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/dsMW37P3Fv7L2Tup8
   3. Type of Restaurant: Restaurant
      
      
5. Mambo Beach Restaurant | Beach Bar & Cafe Nusa Penidasome text
   1. Google Rating: 4.9
   2. Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/3L5r7T2jDs7NvZ399
   3. Type of Restaurant: Restaurant

The Final Verdict

So that’s all about Atuh Beach from our side. In short, if you’re a couple looking for some romantic quiet time you won't be wrong to add Atuh Beach to your next Bali itinerary. Its remote location, strong currents, and the nearby cliffs make sure that you will be having a well-earned couple escape. 

It certainly isn’t a place for those with health or mobility issues, but if you’re a young couple looking to make some adventurous memories, then you can’t go wrong with picking it. At Couple Trails, we highly recommend you visit this place during your next trip to Bali; it will be well worth the effort.