Suwehan Beach is a place that epitomizes Nusa Penida. You’ll find huge towering cliffs, crystal clear yet strikingly blue water, an insane staircase down to the beach and maybe a turtle or two. In 2018 an earthquake ruined the stairs but by the end of the year, the locals had fixed them enough to make the access possible yet very sketchy. I’m sure throughout 2019 they will repair the stairs to their former glory.
WHERE IS SUWEHAN BEACH
Suwehan Beach is on the far southeast corner of Nusa Penida. The road down to Suwehan is very steep and at times very sketchy. That’s par for the course on Nusa Penida.
To give you an idea, it is much, much worse than the road to Kelingking. Having said that, if you take it slow and steady you should be okay.
To get to Suwehan it will take about 1.5 hours from Toyapakeh, which is the main port and where many people stay during their visit to Nusa Penida. I have included a map below, which shows the location of Suwehan Beach.
HOW TO GET THERE?
If you are based in Bali you can join a customizable tour from Bali with Four Elements Adventure Tour Company (the best tour operator on Nusa Penida) that lets you pick the beaches spots you want to visit. They will pick you up in the morning from your hotel in Bali, take you across to Nusa Penida by fast boat, and then bring you back after an incredible day of adventures.
I recommend choosing the Nusa Island Epic Tour or Nusa Penida East Tour if you are keen to check out the best beaches, and viewpoints or want to snorkel with Manta Rays. Remember to tell them which spots are on your Nusa Penida Bucket list and they will make it happen!
Remember to use the code ‘JACKSON‘ to get 5% OFF YOUR ENTIRE TRIP.
WHAT TO EXPECT AT SUWEHAN BEACH
On the drive down to Suwehan Beach, keep your eyes out on the left for a little hill. I pulled my bike over and went for a look at the viewpoint, which is known as Abangan Hills. The viewpoint has a few trees on it and looks out over the many rice fields on Nusa Penida. It could be a great spot for sunrise but was still nice during the midday sun.
Once you do continue down the steep, rocky road, you will eventually reach the parking lot for Suwehan Beach. I don’t recall paying anything to park but I usually buy a drink of the local vendor and say hello. I then began heading down the 342 steps and began the cliffside trail. It reminded me of Seganing, which is another cliffside hike on Nusa Penida.
After ten minutes, I reached the area where the landslide had destroyed the stairs. It looked a little sketchy and I was running short for time so I decided not to rush my way down. I ended up flying the drone around Suwehan but decided that I wouldn’t head down with high winds and the sketchy crossing to the other side of the path. I know they are fixing it over 2018/2019 Christmas so it should be close to finished by early 2019.
Here is an image I took of myself while deciding whether to continue or call it a day.
On the other side of the sketchy landslide gap, the path continues for another 10-15 minutes until you reach the beach. Here you have a huge strip of sand to relax on.
The beach has a jagged rock, similar to that on Diamond Beach. It makes a beautiful backdrop for photos and is the focal point of the stunning bay. This entire strip of coastline is phenomenal.
Make sure you check the tide charts because you don’t want to be at Suwehan at high-tide. The entire beach is swallowed by the tide and you can’t walk down to the jagged rock I mentioned early. Make sure you arrive after high tide or well before.
These are the pictures from the drone I took of the beach and surrounding coastline.
Where to stay on Nusa Penida
Save money on Nusa Penida by staying at an Airbnb! Get a FREE $40 Airbnb Coupon by using my code when you book!
I’m going to recommend three places to stay on Nusa Penida. All three of these spots are in great locations but each one is a little different. One is a luxury pick, one is a value selection and the last recommendation I have for you is where I recommend for the budget backpackers.
Ananta Bungalow – Value: The Ananta Bungalow is an awesome location right next to Crystal Bay, which is the best sunset beach on Nusa Penida and where the Manta Ray and snorkel trips launch off from. Basing yourself where you want to spend every sunset is a great idea.
The beautiful bungalows have a thatched roof, terrace and combine the island life with modern facilities. The bungalows how WiFi and air conditioning. These are iconic looking bungalows and for less than $25 a night they really are the best value place to stay on Nusa Penida.
Semabu Hills Resort – Luxury: Semabu Hills is definitely the best pick of the luxury options. It has an epic infinity pool that looks out over the ocean, which is an amazing spot to relax after adventuring around the island. With breakfast included each morning and luxury rooms, this is the kind of place you treat yourself to as a family or a couple.
Hostel Nusa Penida – Budget: There’s always a good hostel when backpacking in Indonesia and on Nusa Penida, this is your pick. Hostel Nusa Penida has free WiFi, is in a good central location, which is close to most of the main attractions, beaches, and hikes. It’s clean, modern and the staff are legends.
MORE NUSA ISLANDS BLOG POSTS
There’s a ton of epic things to do on Nusa Penida, but I also wrote detailed guides for all of the adventurous things to do on Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan, and the Nusa Islands as an overall guide.
NUSA ISLANDS GUIDE: LEMBONGAN, PENIDA, CENINGAN
27 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON NUSA PENIDA
9 AWESOME THINGS TO DO ON NUSA LEMBONGAN
Jenn
Thursday 10th of January 2019
Hello! Thanks for all your tips on Raja Ampat and other off the beaten path Indonesian sites! It's probably mentioned somewhere here but what drone do you use? Your photos have inspired me to buy one for my trip to Bali and either Flores or Raja Ampat in May. Although you sure make me want to explore Penida! Spent 5 days on Lembongan last May lazing around that and Ceningan. Anyway, amazing blog thanks for tips and ideas for people who don't care to see what the average tourist would :) Oh one more Q: any issues bringing the drone around as you travel, at customs entry points etc?
Jackson
Thursday 10th of January 2019
Hey, I use a dji mavic 2. You can check out all of my photography gear and why I use it in this blog post: https://www.journeyera.com/travel-blogger-camera-gear/
I've had very few issues in SE ASIA with the drone. i don't fly in cities though. Not many police at the beach or mountains :P