Summary
Nusa Penida is full of beautiful scenic viewpoints and hidden spots; however, if you’re seeking a truly remote destination, Batu Siha Beach is the perfect choice. This is one of the most obscure, well-hidden beaches on the island, and last January, I had the privilege of being one of the first foreigners to visit!
This travel guide will explain how to get there and provide all the essential information you need before you go!
Where To Stay In Nusa Penida
Batu Siha Beach Hike
Firstly, there is no information about this hike available online, as of 2019. Searching for the name will yield no results, either in English or Bahasa Indonesia. This beach is genuinely hidden, which is exciting!
Currently, this site remains unknown except to a handful of locals. Interestingly, my driver/guide had never even heard of the beach and was convinced I was the first foreigner to ever visit.
The only reason I discovered it was by randomly noticing the pin on Google Maps and deciding to investigate. Not knowing the details, I instructed my driver to take us to the pin, at least as close as we could get.
Consequently, we found that the road ended at a dead end, requiring us to hike down a long river wash and some steep cliffs to reach the beach. There is indeed a trail, but it can be challenging to follow at times.
This hike is rigorous and exhausting. A good pair of shoes is advisable—though I wore sandals, which proved sketchy in certain areas. Along the way, we encountered a few Bali snakes, climbed down significant cliffs, and were swarmed by many ants.
During the hike, we passed by a couple of old Hindu temples, including one that had apparently succumbed to a landslide following the 2018 earthquake. These were some of the only indicators that anyone had traversed this path before.
At last, after a long and grueling hike, we reached an incredible hidden beach nestled within the cliffs. Despite high tide, we still managed to explore the area.
A small stretch of white sand and some large boulders, including one strikingly diamond-shaped rock reminiscent of the one at Diamond Beach Nusa Penida, greeted us.
From here, you can gaze up at the massive white cliffs towering above. We relaxed for a while, and I flew my drone around to capture the stunning surroundings.
My driver/guide was equally thrilled to discover this new beach, taking videos with his phone during our visit. At low tide, this beach should be even more inviting.
Eventually, the time came to head back. This part was steep and exhausting. At one point, near the top of the river wash, we found ourselves completely lost and had to ask a local farmer for directions.
Overall, the round-trip hike took over 4 hours, closer to 5, with no other hikers encountered during our journey, apart from some farmers near where we parked our vehicle.
We began our hike in the afternoon, and it was becoming dark by the time we returned. Starting early is crucial for this hike.
Bring plenty of water! We ran out, as this is a steep and exhausting hike that presents a significant workout on the return, particularly on a hot day.
Above all, enjoy your trip and remember to prioritize safety!
Entrance Fees
As of 2019, entrance is FREE. There are no fees for parking or hiking, primarily because few are aware of this location.
How To Get To Batu Siha Beach
Batu Siha is located on the southwest side of Nusa Penida island. The trail can be accessed by car or scooter, approximately a 1-hour drive from the main docks and accommodations in northern Penida.
If you choose to travel by scooter, exercise caution, as the road is rough and may be hazardous in certain areas without a slow approach!
The footpath to Batu Siha can be somewhat difficult to navigate, with multiple paths leading to it. The best advice is to stick to the clearest trail and follow the river wash down the slope.
The river wash is marked with a dotted line on Google Maps, which can serve as a helpful guide.
If you’re looking for more information on traveling to Nusa Penida island, you can find additional details here.
Nusa Penida Private Driver
If you wish to explore Nusa Penida comfortably and safely in a van with a driver, my top recommendation is GetYourGuide.
They provide a full day of driving and sightseeing in Penida (for up to 8 hours), accommodating 1-5 passengers. This service includes the entire van, driver, and petrol.
We’ve utilized GetYourGuide for many tours and activities worldwide, and their service is exceptional! Highly recommended.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at Saren Villa on the north coast of Nusa Penida, paying 240k Rupiah ($15 USD) for a private double room with cold A/C, hot shower, and reliable WiFi.
This is one of the most affordable options in Penida, conveniently located near excellent dining options! We were satisfied with our stay.
Keep in mind that prices may vary, so ensure you monitor for favorable deals.
