Atuh Beach

If you're heading to the famous Diamond beach, you have to visit Atuh Beach as well. Just a short walk from each other, Atuh beach is a slightly better option if you would like to go swimming. The waves are still enormous, and there are still plenty of  sharp rocks to watch out for (Jack learned that the hard way!) but as long as you're careful, be sure to take a dip! 

Atuh beach is also the best place to access Diamond beach from, as you can walk over the hill and bypass the Diamond Beach entrance fee (Atuh beach is much cheaper!) 

There are plenty of places along Atuh beach to buy drinks and food and even rent sunbeds for the day. The beach is most famous for its offshore rock formations, particularly a massive natural stone arch known as Batu Melawang, which creates a sick backdrop for photos against the bright blue water (it's the background in our profile picture!). 

Reaching the shore requires a steep descent down a concrete staircase of about 166 steps, which is definitely worth it. The name 'Atuh Beach' reflects a local legend of a "never-dry" spring located near the beach temple, making it not just a scenic landmark, but a place of long-standing spiritual significance for the islanders.

Check out our YouTube video to see more of what the beach is like.