Broken Beach Nusa Penida
There are very few places in the world where geology creates something that looks genuinely impossible. Broken Beach is one of them.
A massive circular cove, completely enclosed by sheer cliffs, connected to the open ocean through a single natural archway carved by centuries of wave erosion. Turquoise water rushes in and out through the tunnel below, and manta rays glide silently in the waters just beyond the arch. From above, it looks like something out of a fantasy film.
And yet it is entirely real — sitting quietly on the western coast of Nusa Penida, waiting for you to show up and have your mind blown.
This guide will tell you everything you need to know before visiting Broken Beach, including what it actually is, how to get there, what to do nearby, and a few things most guides leave out.
What Is Broken Beach?
First, a clarification that surprises a lot of visitors: Broken Beach is not actually a beach you can walk on or swim at.
Known locally as Pasih Uug — which translates loosely to "broken sea" — Broken Beach is a natural coastal formation where the roof of a sea cave collapsed over time, creating a circular enclosed bay. The cliffs surrounding the cove are sheer and completely inaccessible from above. There is no staircase, no path down, and no way to reach the water inside.
What you do instead is walk around the clifftop rim and look down at the turquoise water below, watch the waves surge in and out through the natural arch, and take in one of the most otherworldly views on the entire island.
The name "Broken Beach" comes from the collapsed cave that formed the natural bridge. The arch itself is the remnant of what was once the cave ceiling — and it is now one of the most photographed geological features in Bali.
Where Is Broken Beach?
Broken Beach, also known as Pasih Uug, is located on the west coast of Nusa Penida, about a 5-minute walk from Angel's Billabong. Both attractions share the same parking area and are almost always visited together.
The western coast of Nusa Penida is also home to Kelingking Beach and Crystal Bay, making it the most popular day-trip circuit on the island.
GPS coordinates: -8.7268° S, 115.4622° E
How to Get to Broken Beach from Bali
Step 1 — Bali to Nusa Penida
Getting to Nusa Penida requires a fast boat from Bali. The main departure point is Sanur, with boats running from approximately 07:00 to 16:30. The crossing takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
Book your tickets in advance, especially during peak season (June to August). You will arrive at either Toyapakeh or Banjar Nyuh harbour on Nusa Penida.
Step 2 — From the Harbour to Broken Beach
Broken Beach is on the west side of Nusa Penida island, accessible by car or scooter, about 45 to 60 minutes' drive from the main docks.
Your transportation options:
Private Driver (Car)
- Cost: IDR 500,000 – 700,000 per day
- Strongly recommended for the West Nusa Penida route. The roads can be steep and winding, and having a driver means you can focus on the views instead of the road.
- A private driver also gives you flexibility to combine Broken Beach with Angel's Billabong, Kelingking Beach, and Crystal Bay in a single comfortable day.
Scooter Rental
- Cost: IDR 100,000 – 150,000 per day
- Be careful if you go by scooter — this is one of the roughest roads in Nusa Penida and may be dangerous in some spots if you do not take it slow.
- Only suitable for confident, experienced riders.
Local tip: The West Nusa Penida circuit — Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong, and Kelingking Beach — is best done with a private driver or as part of an organised tour. The roads are not forgiving for people who are unfamiliar with Nusa Penida's terrain. Check out our [West Nusa Penida Day Tour] for a well-paced full-day itinerary.
Entrance Fee & Practical Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Entrance fee | Free (as of 2026) |
| Parking fee | IDR 5,000 |
| Opening hours | Sunrise to sunset |
| Facilities | Small warungs (food stalls), toilets near parking area |
Entrance is free as of 2026, although there is a parking fee of IDR 5,000. Bring cash. There are a few local food stalls near the parking area where you can grab water, snacks, or a simple meal.
Best Time to Visit Broken Beach
Best Season
The dry season (April to October) is the ideal time to visit. Clear skies, calm seas, and the best light for photography. The wet season (November to March) can still be visited, but overcast skies reduce the vividness of the water colour, and the roads can be slippery.
Shoulder months (April–May and September–October) offer a good balance: decent weather without the peak-season crowds.
Best Time of Day
It gets too hot and sunny during the daytime — early morning hours are ideal for a visit.
- Early morning (06:30 – 09:00): The light is soft and directional, temperatures are comfortable, and there are far fewer visitors. Best for photography.
- Midday (10:00 – 14:00): The sun is directly overhead, the water looks vivid and intense, but it is very hot and noticeably more crowded.
- Late afternoon (15:00 – 17:00): If you are planning your route, visiting in the late afternoon or closer to sunset may look much better than at midday when the sun is painfully hot. The side-lit cliffs take on a warm golden tone.
Recommendation: Arrive before 08:00 for the best combination of light, temperature, and crowd levels.
What to Do at Broken Beach
Walk the Clifftop Rim
A path runs around the top of the cove, giving you multiple different perspectives of the arch and the enclosed bay below. A walkway stretches around the pool — which is about 100 metres in diameter — so make sure to experience Broken Beach from all angles. Each vantage point offers a slightly different composition, and it is worth taking your time to walk the full loop rather than just stopping at the first viewpoint.
Safety note: There are no guardrails along much of the clifftop path. Stay well back from the edge, especially when taking photos, and keep children within arm's reach at all times.
Spot Manta Rays from the Arch
This is one of Broken Beach's best-kept secrets. If you are lucky, you might spot manta rays from the arch. The cliff sits right above Manta Bay, a popular spot for snorkeling tours. Scan the water beyond the arch in the early morning — the calm surface and low-angle light make it much easier to see their dark silhouettes gliding just below the surface.
You do not need to get in the water to witness one of Nusa Penida's most iconic marine encounters.
Visit Angel's Billabong (Right Next Door)
Broken Beach is located just a short 5-minute walk from Angel's Billabong, and both attractions share the same parking lot. Almost everyone visits both in the same stop — and you should too.
Angel's Billabong is a natural tidal pool carved into the volcanic rock at the cliff's edge. At low tide, the water inside becomes crystal clear and calm enough to see straight to the rocky bottom. The contrast between the still pool and the crashing ocean just metres away is surreal.
Important: Swimming at Angel's Billabong carries serious risk. Unpredictable waves from the open ocean can surge into the pool without warning. Multiple incidents have occurred here. If you choose to enter the pool, only do so at low tide and never when waves are active. Check tide charts before visiting — a site like Magic Seaweed or Tides.net will show you the tide schedule for the day.
Manta Ray Viewpoint Trail
Between Angel's Billabong and Broken Beach, a shady trail branches off to a clearing where you can sit and spot manta rays in the ocean below. The walk from Broken Beach to Angel's Billabong via the Manta Ray Viewpoint takes about 10 minutes through steep terrain and uneven paths — take care and wear appropriate footwear.
Photography Tips for Broken Beach
Broken Beach is one of the most photogenic spots in all of Bali. Here is how to make the most of it:
- Wide angle is your friend: The arch and cove are large — a wide-angle lens lets you capture the full scale of the formation and the ocean beyond.
- Shoot from multiple points on the rim: Each position along the clifftop gives you a different angle on the arch. Walk the full loop before deciding where to shoot.
- Morning light hits the arch directly: In the early morning, soft light falls on the inside face of the arch and illuminates the turquoise water beautifully.
- Include scale: The arch looks even more impressive when you have a person standing on the rim for reference. The sheer size of the formation is hard to convey without it.
- Watch for manta rays: Keep your telephoto lens ready in the early morning — if rays are in the water below, they are visible from the clifftop and make for extraordinary shots.
- Drone note: Drone use in Nusa Penida is regulated. Check current local rules before flying. Some areas require permits.
West Nusa Penida Itinerary — One Full Day
Broken Beach sits at the heart of the best day-trip circuit on the island. Here is a well-tested itinerary:
07:00 — Arrive at Angel's Billabong at low tide for the calmest pool conditions and fewest crowds 07:30 – 08:30 — Walk the trail to Broken Beach, stop at the Manta Ray Viewpoint en route 08:30 – 09:30 — Explore Broken Beach, walk the full clifftop rim, take photos 10:00 – 12:30 — Drive to Kelingking Beach (approximately 20–25 minutes). Walk down to the lower viewpoint for the famous T-Rex cliff view. Those who want the full experience can descend to the beach, but allow 1.5 hours for the round trip. 12:30 – 13:30 — Lunch at one of the warungs near Kelingking 14:00 – 15:30 — Drive to Crystal Bay for a swim or snorkel in calmer waters 16:00 — Head back to the harbour for the afternoon boat to Bali
This covers all the major highlights of West Nusa Penida in a single comfortable day, without rushing.
⚠️ Safety Reminders
A few things worth repeating clearly:
At Broken Beach: You cannot and should not attempt to descend the cliffs. There is no access to the water or the inside of the bay, as the cliffs are steep and completely enclosed. Attempting to climb down is extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged. Stay on the marked clifftop path and away from the edge.
At Angel's Billabong: Although swimming is not technically prohibited, it is genuinely dangerous. A large wave can come at any time and sweep you into the open ocean. Only enter the pool at low tide, and get out immediately if wave activity increases.
On the roads: The drive to Broken Beach involves steep hills and narrow roads. If you are renting a scooter, only do so if you are an experienced rider. For everyone else, a private driver is the safer and more relaxed choice.
FAQ
Can you swim at Broken Beach? No. There is no way to access the water inside the cove — the cliffs are completely sheer and enclosed. Broken Beach is a viewpoint-only attraction. You walk the clifftop rim and look down at the water below.
Is the entrance free? Yes, as of 2025 there is no entrance fee to visit Broken Beach. There is a parking fee of IDR 5,000.
How far is Broken Beach from Angel's Billabong? They are right next to each other — a 5-minute walk along a shaded trail, sharing the same parking area. Almost all visitors see both in the same stop.
How long should I spend at Broken Beach? Around 30 to 45 minutes is enough to walk the full clifftop rim, take photos from multiple angles, and soak in the view. Combined with Angel's Billabong and the Manta Ray Viewpoint, allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the whole stop.
Can you see manta rays from Broken Beach? Sometimes, yes. The arch sits directly above Manta Bay. In calm, clear conditions — particularly in the early morning — manta rays can be spotted from the clifftop. It is not guaranteed, but it does happen regularly enough to be worth watching for.
Is Broken Beach suitable for children? Yes, with supervision. The path around the rim has no guardrails in many sections, so keep children close and away from the cliff edge at all times.
Is there an organised tour to Broken Beach from Bali? Yes. West Nusa Penida day tours typically include Broken Beach, Angel's Billabong, and Kelingking Beach, with fast boat transfers and a private driver included. It is the most convenient option for first-time visitors. See our West Nusa Penida Tour for details.
Final Thoughts
Broken Beach is not a beach you swim at, relax on, or even touch. But it might be the most impressive single view on all of Nusa Penida — a circular window in the earth, filled with impossible blue water, with the open ocean pouring in from below.
It takes about five minutes to reach from the parking area and roughly 30 minutes to explore properly. For the effort involved, the return is extraordinary.
Pair it with Angel's Billabong next door and a manta ray sighting from the clifftop, and you have one of the best mornings you will spend anywhere in Bali.
Need help putting together a West Nusa Penida itinerary? Our team is based right here on the island. Check out our West Nusa Penida tours or [get in touch] and we will take care of the details.
For a complete overview of everything Nusa Penida has to offer, check out our Nusa Penida Travel Guide.
Questions about Broken Beach or anything else on Nusa Penida? Leave a comment below — we answer from direct, on-the-ground experience.
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