Whether you’re looking to surf or experience the pulse of Bali surfing culture at a beachside bar, Nyang Nyang Beach is a must-visit in Uluwatu. Few travelers know about it, so you won’t have to fight for space in the sand.
My Gojek driver informed me that she didn’t even know about Nyang Nyang Beach, turning our ride into an opportunity to sightsee together.
I’ll help you understand the ins and outs of visiting Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali. As a forewarning, your thighs might get a workout depending on your transportation choice.
Accessibility Note: Scroll toward the bottom of this post for details on wheelchair accessibility at Nyang Nyang Beach.
What Is Nyang Nyang Known For?
Nyang Nyang Beach is known for its excellent surfing, paragliding, catching great sunsets, and, paradoxically, for not being well-known.
It’s also home to the Bubble Hotel Nyang Nyang. I’ll talk more about this unique accommodation for the outdoorsy type shortly.
Some people consider Nyang Nyang and Nunggalan the same beach. And that’s for a good reason—these secluded beaches become a single stretch of white sand during low tide.
But as my guide on Nunggalan Beach explains, they vary significantly in their accessibility, with Nyang Nyang being the easier of the two to access.
Nevertheless, it’s hard to go wrong with either if your goal is to kick back at one of Bali’s uncrowded beaches.
Location of Nyang Nyang Beach
Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali, enjoys a privileged location on the south side of the Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu. I inserted the map below to give you a visual of where this secluded beach lies.
If you’re heading to Nyang Nyang by yourself, keep in mind that “pantai” means “beach” in Indonesian.
It’s common for Google Maps to state “Pantai Nyang Nyang,” which is the same as Nyang Nyang Beach. So, either spelling will get you to sunshine-soaked Nyang Nyang…unless you travel during monsoon season, where you might just get plain soaked.
How to Get to Nyang Nyang Beach
Getting to Nyang Nyang Beach, Uluwatu, is relatively easy compared to nearby Nunggalan Beach. There’s a road that, in theory, leads down to the base of the beach.
However, if you’re new to scooter driving or arrived by car, you’ll likely want to park at a parking lot further from the beach. It’s a steep but relatively easy downward walk from there, given that you’ll walk along a paved road.
Don’t spend all your energy surfing, though, for the walk back up the cliff is nothing short of beastly. That’s my firsthand experience talking.
Below are the approximate driving times to arrive at Nyang Nyang from popular tourist destinations in Bali.
| Route | Driving Time |
|---|---|
| Ubud to Nyang Nyang Beach | 1 hour, 40 minutes |
| Kuta to Nyang Nyang Beach | 55 minutes |
| Seminyak to Nyang Nyang Beach | 1 hour, 5 minutes |
| Canggu to Nyang Nyang Beach | 1 hour, 25 minutes |
When traveling to Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali, you’ll arrive the fastest by taking a scooter.
It can be a little jarring to Southeast Asia newbies to experience scooter drivers weaving in and out of traffic. But traveling by scooter and going with the flow of traffic will undoubtedly get you to Nyang Nyang faster.
Aside from the main entrance, you can also arrive at Nyang Nyang via the following methods:
- A staircase near The Sanctus Villa (about 400 stairs)
- A dirt/rock path from the Nyang Nyang Paragliding facility
But if you don’t want to get sweaty before starting your beach day, taking a scooter to the second or third parking lot is best. More on these parking lot locations shortly.
Does Gojek/Grab Operate at Nyang Nyang?
Gojek, Grab, Blue Bird, and all other rideshare and taxi services aren’t allowed at Nyang Nyang Beach.
But there’s a caveat.
Despite a sign stating that rideshares and taxis aren’t permitted to pass beyond the first parking area, you’re allowed to take your ride all the way to the base of the beach.
The kicker is that your Grab/Gojeck/Blue Bird must depart immediately, and they won’t be able to return to pick you up there.
Instead, you’ll either need to use a local taxi to take you outside the entrance area or make the climb up Nyang Nyang’s steep limestone cliff yourself.
I chose to do the latter, and it took me less than 20 minutes to get back to the entrance.
There’s not a lot of shade along the way, so stock up on water from the beachside bar if you didn’t bring your own.
Once you arrive at the entrance, you can technically call a Grab or Gojek. However, I couldn’t get cell phone reception there.
The guy managing the ticket booth assured me I’d be able to get a signal on the main road. I wondered if there had been a language barrier, though, as I arrived just feet away from the main road with my phone still showing “E” for the signal.
But the moment I set foot on the main road, the signal switched to 4G.
Phew! That was a close one.
Entrance Fees
There isn’t a set entrance fee to visit Pantai Nyang Nyang. Instead, Nyang Nyang operates on a donation basis.
So, before arriving at the first parking lot, you’ll pass a little ticket booth-like stand.
The person managing the booth will ask for a donation. I gave 10,000 IDR, which was a middle-of-the-road amount compared to the other Uluwatu beaches I visited.
The man didn’t pressure me to make a larger donation, and he didn’t give me a receipt confirming I donated. Instead, he waived me and my Gojek driver through.
Keep in mind that you should donate per person, as this is how the other beaches in Uluwatu operate.
So, although a 10,000 IDR donation was standard to generous for me to give as a single person, it would be an insufficient amount for, say, a family of four.
Parking At Nyang Nyang
There are three parking lots at Nyang Nyang Beach, Uluwatu.
The first parking lot is at the top of the cliff by the donation booth. You’ll want to park there if you’re driving an SUV. Even small cars are better off parking there.
If you’re traveling to Nyang Nyang by scooter, you can continue about two-thirds of the way down the cliff. At that point, you’ll arrive at a small parking area, which is essentially a large sandy shoulder.
You don’t have to worry about missing it, though—the parking area sits just before a steep hill.
My Gojek driver and I watched a guy fly down that hill with a surfboard attached to his scooter. Upon my arrival at the third and final parking lot above the beach, I realized that many scooter drivers think nothing of cruising down such a steep hill.
But I wasn’t about to make my Gojek driver try it. She laughed with nervous relief when I disembarked at the second parking area.
The bottom line is that if you have a scooter, the second parking area is an excellent place to leave it. From there, it’ll take you less than ten minutes to walk to Nyang Nyang’s white sand beach, including going down the steep hill.
I’d include a picture of the hill’s steepness here, but the photos I took don’t do justice to its steep incline.
So I’ll leave your interest piqued to see it for yourself.
Nyang Nyang’s Amenities
Compared to other areas in Uluwatu, like Melasti Beach, Nyang Nyang has sparse amenities. But if you arrive there from Nunngalan Beach, you’ll feel like you landed in an amenity paradise.
The amenities you’ll have access to at Nyang Nyang Beach include:
- Restaurant/bar
- Surf board rental
- Beach bed & umbrella rentals
And that’s about it, folks.
There aren’t any lifeguards or public restrooms at Nyang Nyang Beach. But there’s always the ocean.
Fun fact: Did you know that the urea in human pee contains nitrogen that can feed aquatic plants?
Things to Do at Nyang Nyang
Grab your surfboard or beach towel and get ready to enjoy a day at Nyang Nyang with these activities.
1. Surf
Surfing is the number one thing to do at Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali. Since Nyang Nyang is off the beaten path, it attracts people searching for adventure and challenging waves.
And as such, Nyang Nyang isn’t ideal for beginner surfers.
It’s notorious for short right-handers over a rocky coral reef bottom. You must take extra care if you surf Nyang Nyang during low tide, for the coral becomes even more exposed, increasing the chances of injury.
You can view Surf-Forecast for current data on Nyang Nyang’s wave conditions.
Surfing is about the only water sport you’ll have access to at Nyang Nyang. Snorkeling and scuba diving are good, in theory, because of the clear blue water. But you’d have to bring your own gear, and the strong current makes it unsuitable for many travelers.
2. Go Paragliding
What better place than Bali to check paragliding off your bucket list?
Paragliding Nyang Nyang is a company that offers tandem paragliding sessions. It’s an excellent way to get bird’s eye views of Uluwatu’s coast and is a more tranquil experience than you might expect.
Insurance is included as part of your paragliding package, and you don’t have to have prior experience.
Although there usually aren’t issues with availability for paragliding at Nyang Nyang Beach, making a reservation is best to ensure they have an instructor available.
3. Hang Out at a Beach
Whether you want to take a break from surfing or your goal with visiting Nyang Nyang is to beach it, there are few better places in Bali to have a relaxing beach day.
Unlike the beaches in Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu, you often have to squint to see a person when looking down the Nyang Nyang coastline. The quieter experience that this offers, though, makes many people happy to forego the luxury resorts and villas of Bali’s more populated and nightlife-oriented beach getaways.
Although there’s a large sandy space even at high tide, I’d be remiss not to point out that there are a lot of rocks at Nyang Nyang. And during low tide, a part of the rocky coral reef bottom becomes exposed.
So, Nyang Nyang doesn’t have a buttery soft kind of white sand, and you’ll be more comfortable wearing water shoes if you want to walk along the shore. But if sunbathing on a towel is up your alley, placing it on the upper part of the beach closer to the treeline will get you into softer sand territory.
Once you’re ready to take a break from the sun, there are a few natural coves. Of course, you can also head to the beach restaurant/bar.
4. Walk the Road
If you’re in moderately decent shape and don’t mind the sun beating down on you, walking the road to Nyang Nyang is an excellent activity.
Sure, you can soak in the picturesque views from a scooter. But admiring them on foot offers a more intimate experience.
Just be sure to keep food out of sight and smell, along with any item that crinkles.
Monkeys are common in the Nyang Nyang area, and you might get some cute-turned-pesky monkeys wanting a look into your bag if they think you’ve brought them goodies.
5. Nunggalan Beach
As mentioned earlier, some people consider Nyang Nyang and Nunggalan to be the same beach.
They’re within walking distance of each other, depending on the tide. However, the waves come up high enough during high tide, creating a cliff barrier, preventing people from being able to walk between the two beaches.
But if you visit during low tide and keep an eye on the time to return to Nyang Nyang before high tide rolls around, you’ll have the unique experience of seeing the painted shipwreck at Nunggalan Beach.
Alternatively, if you take a Gojek or Grab, a great option is to walk from Nyang Nyang to Nunggalan.
Then, you’ll hike up a forested path to the top of the Nunggalan cliff. From there, you can call a Grab or Gojek—WiFi works at the top of the cliff, and rideshares are permitted to arrive in that area.
Trash at Nyang Nyang
You can expect to encounter natural debris at Pantai Nyang Nyang, Bali. However, plastic and other human-made trash is a widespread issue across the island.
The reason for this is multifold, from poor waste management infrastructure to an increasing number of tourists.
Aljazeera reported that this issue isn’t limited to Bali—Indonesia as a whole contributes 1.3 of the eight million tons of plastic that enters the ocean each year.
Monsoon season (November to March) is when you can expect to see more trash on Nyang Nyang Beach and encounter more garbage in the water if you’re a surfer. During these months, rain pulls trash from the rivers into the ocean, and the wind whips it onto Bali’s formerly pristine beaches.
What to Bring to Nyang Nyang
If you’re ready to visit Nyang Nyang Beach, Uluwatu, the list below will help you prepare.
- Water
- Sunscreen/sunglasses
- Small change for a donation
- Snacks or money for the restaurant/bar
- Water shoes or sandals with a thick sole
If you want to surf at the beach, feel free to bring your surfboard. Otherwise, you can rent one at Nyang Nyang.
Keep in mind that Nyang Nyang isn’t the only Bali beach that’s ideal for surfing. But Uluwatu is notorious for well-formed barrels, and you can read about other surfing beaches in Uluwatu for ideas.
Places to Stay at Nyang Nyang
If you’re interested in staying in Uluwatu, you might be wondering—What hotels are near Nyang Nyang Beach?
There aren’t many hotels in Nyang Nyang Beach proper. But there’s one locally famous accommodation called the Bubble Hotel Bali.
They tout this as a romantic experience to stay in an individual, see-through, bubble-like structure. It’s definitely a unique experience and will plop you in the heart of Balinese nature, getting you as close to the beachfront as it gets for Nyang Nyang.
However, the Bubble Hotel is a rustic experience. So, I encourage you to read client reviews before deciding if it’s the right fit for you.
Keep in mind that the Bubble Hotel is a local chain, so be sure to look up “Bubble Hotel Bali Nyang Nyang” when making your reservation.
Another hotel option around Nyang Nyang is The Sanctus Villa. This beach resort sits on the cliff above the beach, offering breathtaking views, especially at sunset. It makes for a beautiful beach honeymoon base.
A Note on Wheelchair Accessibility
Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali, is a beach sightseeing option for wheelchair users, but it’s only accessible if you’re in a small car.
You’ll get to enjoy stunning views of the Uluwatu cliffs and the beach from above as you drive down to the third parking area.
However, there’s a small staircase leading from the parking lot to the beach, so the beach itself isn’t accessible. Furthermore, the switchback road leading to Nyang Nyang Beach is better suited for scooters than cars.
I recommend Pandawa Beach as the best wheelchair accessible beach in Uluwatu.
FAQs About Nyang Nyang Beach
If you still have questions about Pantai Nyang Nyang, Bali, read on.
Is Nyang Nyang Beach safe?
As a solo female traveler, I felt very safe at Nyang Nyang Beach. Although there aren’t lots of people around, there are some people, especially around the bar/restaurant area. I also felt safe walking from the beach up to the main road by myself, which was about a 30-minute journey.
That said, the waves at Nyang Nyang Beach often aren’t safe for new swimmers. The beach has a gradual incline, so suddenly encountering deep water isn’t an issue.
However, the waves can be very strong, and the fact that they break over a sharp coral bottom can cause serious injuries for inexperienced swimmers and surfers. So, it’s best for many people to stick to walking along the shoreline.
Psst! Check out my guide on safety in Bali for statistics and insights from my experience as a solo female traveler.
Can you see monkeys at Nyang Nyang Beach?
Yes, you can see monkeys playing between palm trees in the jungly tropical area along the back of Nyang Nyang Beach.
Be sure to watch the food you’re eating since it could land in a monkey’s mouth.
Also, avoid carrying yummy-smelling food in your bag and bringing anything that sounds like plastic crinkling. Monkeys are always thinking about their stomachs and will pester you for food.
When is the best time to visit Nyang Nyang?
The best time to visit Nyang Nyang for surfing is during the summer, from around June to August.
But if you want to visit Nyang Nyang strictly for a beach trip, anytime from April to October is ideal. These months fall during the dry season, so there will be a lower chance of rain and less garbage on the beach.
Ready for Nyang Nyang?
Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali, is an idyllic place for travelers wanting to escape the crowds. It takes some work to get to, but beautiful cliff and ocean views will reward you at this remote beach.
Do you have questions about Nyang Nyang? Leave a comment and I’ll be happy to help.
Also, be sure to read my guide on the best beaches in Uluwatu, which talks about ten other beach options aside from Nyang Nyang. Hint: If you like the sound of Nyang Nyang, you’ll love Green Bowl Beach, another one of the Bukit Peninsula’s isolated beaches.
