Nunggalan Beach, also known by the locals as Pantai Nunggalan, is what many beach lovers dream about. Think secluded white sand beach, clear blue water, bright green cliffs, surfable waves, and a beached shipwreck. This is all yours when you make the trek to Nunggalan Beach in Uluwatu, Bali.
When I say trek, I do mean trek. Unlike some beaches in Bali that are easy to find and you can pull right up next to, Nunggalan requires more effort and instructions. I will cover everything you need to know about visiting Nunggalan Beach.
Since I live in Bali and spend much time exploring this beautiful island, I will give the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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Is Nunggalan Beach Worth Visiting?
Depends. If you’re after a unique beach adventure away from crowds and are okay with getting sweaty, then Nunggalan Beach may be right up your alley.
However, if you want a relaxing beach day and aren’t cool trekking down and back up a fairly steep incline, then maybe Nunggalan isn’t for you.
It’s also important to note that amenities like restaurants or toilets are only sometimes available. If you’re looking for a place to relax and have some food delivered to your lounge chair, there are better spots than Nunggalan.
Where is Pantai Nunggalan?
Pantai Nunggalan or Nunggalan Beach is located in the southern region of Uluwatu on the Bukit Penninsula of Bali. It’s about an hour and a half drive from Canggu or Seminyak.
Once you reach the Bukit, you must descend a winding road until you reach the trailhead. You can tell when you’re close because signs should state ‘Pantai Nunggalan’ in Indonesian and English.
Just a note when you are researching and navigating in Bali that ‘Pantai’ means ‘beach.’
How To Get to Nunggalan Beach
There are several different methods to get to this somewhat hidden beach. I’ll cover the directions after the different transportation options.
First, if you’re experienced (and brave), you can rent a scooter and drive yourself. This is the most popular for solo or pair travelers. To rent a scooter in Bali, the cost depends on the size, year, and style of bike but plan on a budget of about 7-10 USD per day. I recommend renting a 155cc or larger because the bigger bikes are more comfortable and stable for longer rides like Nunggalan.
Second, you can rent a self-drive car and again do it yourself. Check out everything you need to know about renting a car in Bali.
Third, hire a private car with a driver to take you. This is the most popular transportation option for groups or families visiting Bali. The cost for 8-10 hours ranges between 30-50 USD which is a good value considering they will handle all of the navigation and liability of driving.
Lastly, if you’re on a budget and are interested in something other than riding your own scooter, you can use the ride-sharing services GoJek or Grab. Depending on where you’re coming from the ride cost can range 2-4 USD. Heads up though, sometimes it can be challenging to find a driver to pick you up in the more remote places. You may have to wait a while until one becomes available.
If you decide to self-drive the easiest way to navigate is by using google maps and searching up ‘Nunggalan Beach.’ This will take you to the start of the trailhead beside Villa Plenilunio. We’ve heard of a parking fee of 5k IDR but no one was around last time we went.
From here the trekking begins.
How Much is the Entrance Fee?
There is no entrance fee to Pantai Nanggalan. Access to the beach is free.
There is a parking fee of 10k IDR for cars and 5k IDR for scooters, but no one collected payments the last time we went.
How to Hike to Pantai Nunggalan
The hike down to the beach will take about 20-25 minutes and is relatively straightforward once you’re on the brick path which starts off to the right of Villa Plenilunio.
Continue to follow this path until it turns into a dirt trail and keep going. There are signs along the path pointing the way but the biggest thing to remember is to stay on what looks to be the main pathway.
There are a couple of huts along the way with vendors selling water and a select assortment of drinks and snacks. This is not a guarantee though so it is always best to pack your own in case they aren’t there.
After about 15 minutes of walking, you will come to the top of a set of cliffs with stairs that lead down to the beach. Stop here if you want an incredible view of the beach before descending.
The rest of the trek is easy and you can follow the main pathway until it opens into grass fields and Pantai Nunggalan.
Note: The area does have monkeys so be sure not to have food items or anything that looks like it could be food exposed. We saw some monkeys but they didn’t pay any attention to us.
Things To Do at Nunggalan Beach
Beach lounging
One of the great advantages of Nunggalan is its seclusion. You don’t have to worry about crowds and can easily find a quiet place to relax for the day.
Surfing
The waves at Nunggalan Beach are deceptively good. They may look small from afar, but they do break quite well and offer great conditions for beginner and intermediate surfers.
Exploring
When you visit Nunggalan Beach, you can’t miss the shipwreck that is half buried in the sand. It’s a unique site and a cool piece of history that’s worth checking out!
Take photos
The views from Nungalgan are stunning. From the top of the cliffs, you can see the beach below and in the distance, miles of rolling waves.
From the beach itself, there are lots of photo ops, especially around the beached shipwreck. It’s a great place to take some beautiful shots.
Nunggalan Beach Shipwreck Photo Tips
This one-of-a-kind Bali shipwreck makes for a great photography subject. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your time at Nunggalan Beach:
- Get there early – The best light is usually around sunrise and sunset so try to arrive in the morning or evening for the best photos.
- Bring a tripod – If you’re serious about capturing unique shots, consider bringing a lightweight tripod to help with long exposure and evening shots.
- Visit in the off-season – During the rainy season, fewer people come to Nunggalan Beach so you can get some great photos without worrying about people in your shot. Just keep in mind that the trails can get muddy and slippery after it rains.
- Go during high tide – No matter where the tide is at you’ll be able to capture some fantastic shots. However, during high tide, the waves will lap up against the ship’s hull and even wrap around.
- Bring a drone – The bird’s eye view of this beach shipwreck is insanely cool and like nothing you’ve ever seen.
Best Time To Go to Nunggalan Beach
The best time of day to go to Nunggalan Beach is in the morning. The cooler temperatures make the hike to the beach much more pleasant and you can catch some incredible sunrise shots.
The beach is also much less crowded at this time, so if you’re looking for a quiet spot to relax and enjoy the view without being bothered by other visitors, it’s best to come early.
If you plan on surfing or snorkeling, remember that Nunggalan Beach is best visited during high tide for the best conditions.
Is Pantai Nunggalan Beach Good For Kids?
Yes, however, it is one of the more difficult beaches to access in Bali. The steep rocky trail is not improved but well maintained.
There are also minimal shade options at the beach. You can usually find some shaded chairs offered for a fee but not guaranteed. Also, be advised that there are no toilets.
We brought all four of our kids with us. The youngest ones did get a little tired on the way back up after spending a few hours at the beach. But, the trail is mostly shaded, and there are plenty of spots to stop and rest.
Other Things To Do Near Nunggalan Beach
Nyang Nyang Beach
If you are visiting during the low tide it is possible to access Nyang Nyang Beach. The waves retreat just enough to open up access around the rocky point that separates the two beaches.
Bubble Hotel Nunggalan
You won’t find brick-and-mortar accommodations at Nunggalan Beach but you will find a Bubble Hotel. Nunggalan Bubble Hotel Bali is a perfect way to connect with nature.
This unique hotel experience lets you sleep under thousands of stars while listening to the waves crash on the beach. It’s better than sleeping out in nature because you have the protection from the elements plus, a shower, toilet, and too many amenities to list.
What To Bring to Nunggalan Beach
Since it’s a bit of a trek to get to Pantai Nunggalan you’ll want to bring everything you’ll need for your adventure. Here is a list of items that you should consider packing.
- Water (bring a little more than you think)
- Lightweight towel
- Sunscreen
- Insect Repellant
- Snacks/food (make sure to conceal and secure from the monkeys)
- Toilet Paper
- Sunglasses/hat
Nunggalan Beach FAQ
It’s okay to swim during high tide just be aware of strong currents. Swimming during low tide is nearly impossible due to the rocky reef.
Depending on your fitness level, the hike down to the beach will take about 20-25 minutes.
Yes, Nunggalan Beach is safe. We brought our entire family and felt completely comfortable the whole time. However, it is pretty secluded so solo travelers may get uneasy without many people around.
The best time to visit is in the morning. You’ll beat the few people that will come and potentially have the beach to yourself. The morning lighting is ideal for photos of the shipwreck.
It is also nice to go in the early evening but remember that you must walk up the jungle path in the dark if you stay too late.
Yes, there are monkeys at the beach and also along the pathway to get to the beach. We did see them in both places but didn’t have any uncomfortable encounters.
But, always be careful to secure belongings such as sunglasses, wallets, hats, and food items.
Like many beaches in Bali, trash can be a severe problem. We always like to bring an extra bag to collect trash on our way back up from the beach.
It’s also always a good idea to practice leave no trace principles while at Nunggalan Beach and any other beaches you visit.
By taking responsibility for your actions and being aware of your impact, we can help keep this incredible place beautiful for years!
Wrapping Up: Nunggalan Beach
Nunggalan Beach is a stunning destination that offers visitors the opportunity to experience an incredible shipwreck, breathtaking scenery, and plenty of activities. While it may be difficult to access for some people due to its steep trails and rocky shoreline, this beach is worth the extra effort. Whether you come here to take pictures, relax in nature or explore Nyang Nyang Beach during low tide – Nunggalan Beach will not disappoint! Just remember: as with any outdoor activity, leave-no-trace principles should always be followed when visiting beaches like Nunggalan so we can keep them beautiful for years to come.