Gunung Payung Beach
A serene, less-crowded paradise with pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters, accessible via a scenic staircase.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical sunrise, quiet and private
Gunung Payung Beach
Best Time
Magical sunrise, quiet and private
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene, less-crowded paradise with pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters, accessible via a scenic staircase.
"By far the best 20k that I have spent on an entrance ticket, was totally worth it. "
🚶♀️ Conquer the Stairs
Embrace the steps for a rewarding, less crowded experience. Shuttle available!
🌅 Sunrise Seeker's Paradise
Visit at dawn for a magical, private beach experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pristine White Sands
Soft, clean sand meets clear turquoise waters for an idyllic beach escape.
Tranquil Atmosphere
Escape the crowds and find peace on this less commercialized, serene coastline.
Scenic Staircase Descent
The journey down offers beautiful views, leading to a hidden paradise.
Nearby Cultural Charm
A small temple adds a unique cultural touch to the natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Steps for Serenity
Beat the Crowds for a Magical Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Conquer the Stairs
Embrace the steps for a rewarding, less crowded experience. Shuttle available!
🌅 Sunrise Seeker's Paradise
Visit at dawn for a magical, private beach experience.
Uluwatu - what to do/see?
🏖️ Relax with Rentals
Chairs and umbrellas available for rent, perfect for a day of sunbathing.
💧 Facilities Available
Toilets and showers are on-site for a small fee.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Conquer the Stairs
Embrace the steps for a rewarding, less crowded experience. Shuttle available!
🌅 Sunrise Seeker's Paradise
Visit at dawn for a magical, private beach experience.
🏖️ Relax with Rentals
Chairs and umbrellas available for rent, perfect for a day of sunbathing.
💧 Facilities Available
Toilets and showers are on-site for a small fee.
🌊 Moderate Waves
Enjoy swimming with moderate waves suitable for most swimmers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gunung Payung Beach is widely praised as a hidden gem for its pristine beauty, tranquility, and affordability. Visitors love the clean white sand, clear turquoise waters, and peaceful atmosphere, making it ideal for relaxation. While the stairs can be a challenge, the reward is a less crowded, serene experience, with a shuttle service available for convenience.
"I’ve visited Gunung Payung Beach several times, and it has consistently been one of my favorite spots in Bali.
The beach is peaceful, clean, and far less crowded than many of the island’s popular shores — making it a perfect place to truly relax.
Reaching the beach requires walking down quite a number of steps, but the effort is always rewarded with clear turquoise water, soft white sand, and a serene atmosphere. For those who prefer not to walk, there’s also a paid shuttle service available (around IDR 50k), which makes access much easier.
What makes Gunung Payung Beach even more special is its cultural touch, with a small temple nearby adding to the unique charm. It’s a wonderful place to swim, sunbathe, or simply unwind while enjoying Bali’s quieter coastal side.
Overall, it’s a hidden gem that I’m always happy to return to whenever I’m in Bali."
Dessy Febrina
"Came at 5:30am to watch the sunrise and it was magical! Quiet and private. Hidden gem to stay hidden :)
It’s a bit of a walk to get to the beach via stairs but that’s great because less people come to the beach especially for sunrise."
Normy Ose
"One could truly call this beach a Hidden Gem. Wonderful scenery, little to no rubbish, white sand with blue water and moderate waves that allow swimming throughout the entire day.
As this beach is much less commercialized and popular, it is not crowded and the rocks provide a lot of shade, not necessary to rent a sun bed. I arrived around 10:30am, with little to no people around yet. It became busier in the afternoon, however was still much calmer than bigger beaches in the area. The stairs/steps are quite accessible too, not that many, in good condition with railing.
One restaurant on site, a toilet and shower available for a small fee, as well as a shuttle service for those who prefer not to walk up or down the stairs.
The amphitheater that the stairs go through is just the icing on the cake, providing beautiful and peaceful scenery and panorama.
By far the best 20k that I have spent on an entrance ticket, was totally worth it. Would highly recommend."
Kajdi Nóra
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way to reach Gunung Payung Beach is by private vehicle or scooter. From the main road, you'll follow signs towards the beach. For those without their own transport, ride-sharing apps like Gojek are available, though they might drop you at a point where you'll need to arrange local transport or walk. Public bus options like Trans Dewata K5B can get you to Udayana 4 Shelter, from where you can take a Gojek.
Yes, there is parking available at the entrance of Gunung Payung Beach. It's usually a paid parking area, contributing to the overall entrance fee.
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Gojek can take you to the vicinity of Gunung Payung Beach. However, due to its location and the final approach, you might need to arrange a local motorbike taxi or be prepared for a walk from your drop-off point.
From Kuta, it's best to rent a scooter or hire a private driver. The journey takes approximately 45-60 minutes. Ride-sharing apps can also be used, but ensure your driver is comfortable with the route.
The descent to Gunung Payung Beach involves a significant number of stairs. While they are generally in good condition with railings, it can be challenging for some. A paid shuttle service is available for those who prefer not to walk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Gunung Payung Beach is very affordable, often cited as around IDR 20,000 per person. This fee is considered excellent value for the experience.
Besides the entrance fee, there might be small charges for using the toilets and showers. Parking is also typically a paid service. The shuttle service down to the beach also incurs a fee.
Gunung Payung Beach is generally accessible from early morning, with many visitors coming for sunrise. It remains open throughout the day until sunset.
No, tickets are typically purchased on-site upon arrival at Gunung Payung Beach. It's not a place that requires advance booking.
No, the shuttle service down to Gunung Payung Beach is an additional paid service, usually around IDR 50,000, for those who wish to avoid walking the stairs.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming in the clear waters, sunbathing on the white sand, and simply relaxing in the serene atmosphere. The moderate waves make it suitable for swimming.
Yes, Gunung Payung Beach is generally good for swimming due to its clear waters and moderate waves. However, always be mindful of the ocean conditions.
Yes, there are toilets and showers available at the entrance of Gunung Payung Beach for a small fee. Some changing facilities are also located closer to the beach.
Yes, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent at Gunung Payung Beach, offering a comfortable spot to relax and enjoy the sun.
Gunung Payung Beach is known for being less crowded than many other popular beaches in Bali, especially if you visit during off-peak hours or early in the morning. It becomes busier in the afternoon but remains calmer than larger beaches.
📸 📸 Photography
The amphitheater-like structure formed by the stairs leading down to the beach offers stunning panoramic views. The white sand, turquoise water, and dramatic cliffs also make for beautiful shots. Early morning light is particularly good for photography.
Gunung Payung Beach is excellent for sunrise photos, offering a peaceful and magical start to the day. While sunsets can also be beautiful, the beach faces east, so it's more renowned for its morning light.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive ocean views and cliffside scenery. A polarizing filter can help enhance the blues of the water and sky. For sunrise, a tripod is useful.
The unique amphitheater-like staircase is a distinctive feature for photos. The presence of a small temple nearby also offers cultural photography opportunities.
Early morning, especially for sunrise, provides soft, beautiful light and fewer people, making it ideal for photography. Mid-morning also offers good light before it gets too harsh.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting earlier in the day to avoid the peak heat and potential crowds. The on-site restaurant offers a convenient option for meals, and the availability of toilets and showers adds to the practicality for families. The natural beauty and relative quietude make it a pleasant outing for all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save further, pack your own snacks and water. The beach itself offers plenty of natural beauty without needing to spend extra on activities. Visiting during off-peak hours can also enhance the experience without additional cost.
📸 Photographers
Early morning is the prime time for photographers, offering soft, diffused light perfect for capturing the serene atmosphere and the magical sunrise. The lack of crowds during these hours allows for unobstructed shots. Consider bringing a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the scenery and a polarizing filter to enhance the colors of the sea and sky.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Journey to Paradise: Accessing Gunung Payung Beach
Travelers often recommend visiting early in the morning, particularly for sunrise. This not only offers a magical experience with minimal crowds but also provides the best light for photography. The stairs, while numerous, are generally well-maintained and equipped with railings, ensuring a safe passage. The unique amphitheater-like structure that the stairs traverse adds to the scenic beauty of the descent.
For those without personal transportation, ride-sharing apps like Gojek can be utilized to reach the vicinity. However, it's advisable to confirm with your driver about the exact drop-off point, as you might need to arrange a local motorbike taxi or be prepared for a short walk from the main road. Public transport options, like the Trans Dewata K5B bus, can also be used to get close, followed by a ride-sharing service.
Experiencing the Tranquility of Gunung Payung Beach
The moderate waves at Gunung Payung Beach make it suitable for swimming, allowing visitors to cool off and enjoy the ocean. While the beach is less commercialized, there is a single restaurant on-site, offering refreshments and meals. For added comfort, sunbeds and umbrellas are available for rent, allowing you to lounge by the sea. The presence of a small temple nearby adds a unique cultural dimension to the natural beauty, offering a glimpse into local traditions.
Many reviewers describe Gunung Payung Beach as a 'hidden gem' and highly recommend it for those seeking a quieter side of Bali's coastline. The effort required to reach it acts as a natural filter, ensuring a more peaceful experience for those who make the journey. It's a perfect destination for a day of sunbathing, swimming, or simply soaking in the breathtaking scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit