Pasir Putih Beach in Bali

Getting to Pasir Putih Beach

Getting to Pasir Putih Beach can be a big part of the experience. From the main area of Candidasa, continue on to the Jalan Raya Candidasa-Bugbug main road until you arrive at Perasi village. The best landmark to look out for is the village’s large Pura Bale Agung temple on the northern side of the street (on the left if you come from Candidasa). From here, a kilometre of rocky trails and dirt tracks lead you down to the shore.

A large parking lot has ample space for cars and motorbikes under the shade of coconut trees, and from where you can usually already see the sand and the rolling waves. The name ‘Virgin Beach’ perhaps was what came into the minds of the first foreign visitors who ‘discovered’ the beach and found a pristine stretch of sand with fantastic views of the small rocky islet of Gili Biaha on the horizon.

Pasir Putih Beach features

The allure of Pasir Putih lies in its serene setting and calmer waves compared to the more popular shores to its west. A unique combination of boulders in the sand near the cliffs as well as white sand streaked with black add to its appeal – the multicoloured sand defies its other nickname, White Sand Beach.

Following its growing popularity, several locally-run restaurants and cafes (traditional warung, rather) line most of the eastern side of the beach. Several others also provide booking services for fishing, snorkelling and sailing tours, besides serving a good selection of local meals.

Laid out in front of these warung and cafes are colourful parasols and cushioned daybeds. At the far western end, you can often see traditional jukung outriggers of the local Perasi and Bugbug fishermen parked in rows, all set against a backdrop of the rock face known as Bukit Penggiang. The opposite hill is named Bukit Apem.

Good to know about Pasir Putih Beach

You can enjoy various water activities at Pasir Putih, such as swimming, snorkelling, and sunbathing, and you can also simply indulge in the various dishes served with an excellent seascape.

Seafood and grills are the common treats here, while international yet simple selections such as sandwiches and omelettes are also available. Drinks range from refreshing young coconuts (cut open to order) to cold bottled soft drinks and beers and fresh fruit juices.

Several warung also provide gear rentals, and some also offer guided services to accompany you on various fishing, snorkelling and diving trips.

Along the way up back to Candidasa, a stopover featuring a high vantage point overlooking distant rice paddies reveals the hills of Bukit Apem and Penggiang, with the blue sea and horizon in between.

Pasir Putih Beach is well hidden from this view, cradled between the hills and behind the greenery. While the beach can be enjoyed at any time of the day, most of the cafes, especially those that serve grilled seafood, only open near sunset time.