Nyang Nyang Beach is often referred to as a “secret beach”. Located in the Pecatu area in southern Bali, it’s nestled away under a hill, and devoid of any crowds. There are countless beaches in the Bukit peninsula region. From Bingin, to Padang Padang, and Uluwatu. The only problem is that they are as commercial and crowded as they are beautiful.

But Nyang Nyang Beach is unlike any of the beaches in the area. It is one of the longest stretches of white sand (almost 2 km) with literally a handful of people at any given time.

The “secret beach” title is derived from the journey one must undertake to reach the beach. Not many people are willing to hike 30 minutes through steep, rugged terrain in Bali’s heat and humidity. But if you do, not only will you be rewarded by a white sand beach with few or no people, but also breathtaking views of a pristine coastline.

Check out the video

Nyang Nyang or Nunggalan Beach?

Many often ask if the beach is called Nyang Nyang or Nunggalan Beach? From what I know, this part of the coastline is divided into two beaches. Nyang Nyang on the western half, and Nunggalan on the eastern half. Some people simply refer to the entire stretch as Nyang Nyang Beach.

Beautiful blue waters of Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali

However, you should also know that there are different ways to get to either side of the beach. If you have the time, you could visit both beaches.

But if you only have a day to spare, we recommend Nunggalan Beach.

• It’s less crowded because it’s more difficult to reach
• Fewer reefs, so it’s easier to swim
• And more beautiful. It’s the beach with beautiful shipwrecks!

So, first, let’s talk about Nunggalan Beach.

Neha on top of the shipwreck at Nunggalan Beach, Bali

Visiting Bali?

Pick up a 6 GB local SIM card at the airport. Or charter a private car to drive you around the island.

How To Get To Nunggalan Beach

If you use Google Maps, click on this link, and follow the directions. It will bring you to the car park from where you can walk to the beach. Parking should be IDR 2,000.

If you don’t have Google Maps at your disposal or want to drive down the old fashion way follow these instructions.

1. Make your way down Jl. Raya Uluwatu Pecatu Road.
2. If you’re coming from the Uluwatu Temple side, turn right onto Jl. Batu Nunggalan when you see the sign for Villa Plenilunio.
3. Drive down to the end of the road till you see fancy looking accommodation called Villa Sol y Mar. Turn left, and you’ll see the car park.
4. From the parking, follow the signs for the beach.

The Hike Down To Nunggalan Beach

Nunggalan Beach is located at the foot of the hill. Most beaches on the Bukit Peninsula require you to walk down a side of a hill. However, most of them have stairs or are fair easier to reach (5 mins at most).

However, the hike to Nunggalan Beach is neither paved with stairs nor is short. From the car park, it can take anywhere between 20–30 mins depending on your speed, and the number of breaks. I would advise you to descend slowly as the rocks on the path can be slippery.

I would also advise you to stop and admire the views. At the midway point, there is a lady who sells some essential products, such as hats and bottled water. The view from behind her tiny shop is simply breathtaking! Although you may be able to buy water from her, I would highly advise you to carry your supplies. There are no restaurants or vendors on the beach.

On our way down to Nunggalan Beach, Bali

Surf, Sand, & Shipwreck

Unlike the rest of Bali, Nunggalan Beach is deserted! It makes you feel like you’re in paradise.

There aren’t many who are willing to hike down to these beaches. If you think walking down is difficult, going back up is twice as hard! But once on the beach, you will be rewarded with soft white sand and crystal clear water for as far as the eye can see. It’s hard to believe that this is still Bali. It’s so quiet and empty!

There are no crowds at this gorgeous beach – Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali

On the beach, keep an eye out for colourful shipwrecked boats. These iconic shipwrecks are difficult to miss, and make you feel like you’re on a deserted island!

Nyang Nyang Beach is also a popular destination for surfers. One of the surfers we met on the beach told us that there was a time when this beach was only known to them. That they could come here and surf naked. Sadly, this beach is no longer is secret just among surfers.

You can stay on the beach for the sunsets, but it’s advisable to hike back up before it gets dark. However, if you choose to stay on, Nyang Nyang Beach is a great location for camping under the stars. Just remember to bring your tent.

Nyang Nyang Beach Hotel

If you want to spend the night on the beach, but not in a tent, there is another secret I’m going to reveal. There is a unique hotel on Nunggalan Beach called Bubble Hotel. With 3 inflatable, translucent bubbles/pods that serve as rooms, the Bubble Hotel is one of those unique hotels that should be on your bucket list.

Imagine spending your night under the stars, on a secret, secluded beach! In case you were wondering, the Bubble Hotel has pretty great reviews.

Can you spot the Bubble Hotel in the picture below?

Aerial view of Nyang Nyang & Nunggalan Beach, Bali. Can you see the Bubble Hotel?

Now let’s talk about the western half of the beach, i.e. Nyang Nyang Beach.

How To Get To Nyang Nyang Beach

If you’re interested in going to Nyang Nyang Beach, click this link to open the location for the car park in Google Maps.

Nyang Nyang Beach is much easier to get to than Nunggalan.

1. If you’re coming from Uluwatu Temple, turn right from Jl. Raya Uluwatu Pecatu onto the road with the sign for Nyang Nyang Beach.
2. The turn has two short pillars made of stone and cement.
3. Follow this road till the end.

Unlike Nunggalan Beach, here you’ll find a couple of restaurants. From the end of the road, the walk down to the beach is pretty straightforward. Although not as gruelling as the hike to Nunggalan, the path to Nyang Nyang is not shaded.

Bali’s Secret Beaches

Although Nyang Nyang and Nunggalan see very few tourists, we were shocked at the amount of plastic and trash on the beach. A couple of days before we left for Bali, we saw this shocking video of a diver at Manta Point (near Nusa Penida). The point, which is famous for spotting manta rays, was instead filled with plastic bags. I guess a lot of that plastic and rubbish just washes up on these beaches, destroying their beauty.

If you happen to head down to the beach, please refrain from leaving any rubbish behind. It’s heartbreaking to see a gorgeous, untouched beach overrun with plastic.

Other than that, we hope you found this post helpful, and that you enjoy your time on Nyang Nyang and Nunggalan Beach. Be sure to check out my aerial photos from Bali, or my Bali photo gallery.

And if you’re looking for more amazing things to do in Uluwatu, check out our list.

Nyang Nyang & Nunggalan Beach

Aerial Panorama