Pandan Beach on Nusa Penida

Pandan Beach is a quiet, secluded beach on Nusa Penida accessible only via a 20-minute hike from Crystal Bay. It is not accessible by car or motorbike. Whereas many of the beaches on Nusa Penida have become quite popular and crowded, Pandon Beach remains quiet and secluded. 

If you’re willing to put in a little effort, you’ll be rewarded with access to one of the most peaceful beaches across all of Nusa Penida.

How to you get to Pandan Beach?

Parking at Crystal Bay Beach

To reach the secluded Pandan Beach, you first need to head to Crystal Bay Beach, a long stretch of sand about 20 minutes from the main harbor on Nusa Penida. 

The road leading to Crystal Bay Beach is hilly, narrow, and winding. However, compared to most roads on Nusa Penida, it’s actually in good shape, with few potholes or unpaved sections.  

As you approach Crystal Bay Beach, you will need to pay a 5,000 IDR fee to park. The parking lot, which is quite large, is located right in front of the beach. 

Crystal Bay Beach

Before you start the hike over to Pandan Beach, it’s worth spending some time exploring Crystal Bay Beach, which is one of the most popular things to do on Nusa Penida. Crystal Bay Beach is probably the most easily accessible beach on Nusa Penida and is wider and longer than most other beaches on the island. 

Along the edge of the beach, there are plenty of small warungs, or family run restaurants, offering local dishes, fresh seafood, cold beer, and lounge chairs for rent. 

Hiking to Pandan Beach

To reach Pandan Beach, you need to hike over the small cliff on the southern end of Crystal Bay Beach. 

Start by heading south, or to the left, when you arrive at Crystal Bay Beach. As you approach the end of Crystal Bay Beach, you’ll see a small sign pointing you towards Pandan Beach and a set of concrete stairs leading upwards.

Pro Tip | The staircase to Pandan Beach is located around here. 

From here, continue climbing up the stairs, enjoying nice views of Crystal Bay Beach behind you. In 10 minutes or so, you’ll reach the top of the incline, and the trail levels out for a few minutes. 

Then, the trail quickly descends down to Pandan Beach via another steep set of concrete stairs. 

All in all, the trail from Crystal Bay Beach over to Pandan Beach took us about 20 minutes and probably covers about three quarters of a mile (1.2 km). The trail is well-trodden and easy to follow. There is some elevation gain as you hike up from either beach, but it’s nothing too extreme. 

Exploring Pandan Beach

While Pandan Beach isn’t as wide or as long as Crystal Bay Beach, you’ll still likely have more space to spread out and enjoy the beach around you. 

Pandan Beach sits at the back of a small cove that protects it from some of the stronger currents and bigger waves. While you may need to keep an eye out for large chunks of coral, it is a great place to cool off with a swim. 

If you’re in need of some refreshment, there is a small shack selling cold drinks and small snacks. 

Once you’re done enjoying Pandan Beach, you can simply head back over to Crystal Bay Beach the same way you came.

Pandan Beach | Frequently Asked Questions

Can you swim at Pandan Beach?

Yes, you can swim at Pandan Beach. Although swimming is prohibited at many Nusa Penida beaches, Pandan Beach is a nice spot to go swimming. The beach is tucked away in a narrow cove, meaning the water is relatively calm.

When is the best time to visit Pandan Beach? 

While you can visit Pandan Beach at any time, we’d especially recommend going to watch the sunset. 

While crowds flock to the neighboring Crystal Bay Beach to watch the sunset, you could slip on over to Pandan Beach to enjoy essentially the same view with significantly fewer people. 

However, make sure you don’t stay for too long after the sun slips below the horizon, so you don’t end up hiking back in the dark! 

What should I pack? 

We’d recommend bringing all the standard beach gear, including a towel, bathing suit, and sunscreen. Wear a pair of comfortable shoes or sandals, like Chacos, with good traction, since the trail is steep and slippery in spots.

It’s also important to remember to bring plenty of water and some snacks, so you have enough fuel for the hike to Pandan Beach and back. 

How hard is the hike to Pandan Beach? 

The hike to Pandan Beach is on the easier side due to its short distance, but that doesn’t mean it should be underestimated. There is some significant elevation gain that can be a challenge, especially if you’re hiking in the heat of the afternoon sun. 

Are there bathrooms available? 

When we hiked to Pandan Beach, it looked like there was one shoddily constructed restroom, that cost 5,000 IDR to use. 

We didn’t use the restroom ourselves and we didn’t see anyone else using it so can’t exactly attest to the quality of the facilities, but we wouldn’t expect much. 

Other Nusa Penida Resources

Looking for more to do on Nusa Penida? You may also be interested in these resources!

We want to hear from you! What did you think of Pandan Beach? Questions about how to get there? Drop us a comment below!