Atuh Beach, Sand beach in Nusa Penida, Indonesia
Atuh Beach is a sand beach on Nusa Penida, set inside a crescent-shaped cove enclosed by limestone cliffs on both sides. The wide strip of sand runs along the base of those cliffs and slopes gently toward the water.
The beach was hard to reach for a long time, which kept it largely unknown to outsiders. In 2016, local residents built a concrete staircase down the cliffside, making it accessible to visitors for the first time.
Local fishermen still work from this bay, and their wooden boats are often pulled up onto the sand between trips. The beach has also become a known spot for marriage proposals, which has given it a particular reputation on the island.
The stairs leading down to the cove are steep and can be slippery when wet, so wear shoes with good grip. For swimming, try to visit at higher tide since low tide exposes coral and can make getting into the water uncomfortable.
A natural rock arch rises from the water just offshore, and its shape shifts noticeably depending on where you stand on the sand. Walking from one end of the beach to the other gives you several very different views of the same formation.
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