Broken Beach: A Complete & Honest Guide for Couples [2024]

Desc: With a panoramic view, tons of spots for capturing pictures, and scenic beauty, Broken Beach offers it all.

Located in the southern part of Nusa Penida, Bali, Broken Beach boasts a panoramic view and a unique arched cliff and rock formation that’s difficult to find anywhere else. Suffice it to say if you’re a couple out on a romantic trip, it's the place you shouldn’t miss out on. Its turquoise water, coastal aura, and nearby attractions like Angel’s Billabong, add another touch of adventure to the place, while also making it a hubspot for capturing beautiful moments.

So, would you like to take a deep dive into the place? Then, jump into the complete and honest guide below, and we’ll get you up to speed on Broken Beach in no time.

30 Sundays Honest Review Process

At 30 Sundays, we are committed to making every couple's holiday special.

Every sightseeing/activity goes through a rigorous review process including analysis of the online reviews, on-ground visits, and validation by our Operations team. In other words, we bring you the best and the most helpful reviews to help you plan your bookings.

What We Will Cover in this Article:

Tripadvisor Rating of Broken Beach

Tripadvisor Rating: 4.5 (524 reviews)

• Excellent: 363
• Very Good: 120hilly 
• Average: 31
• Poor: 7
• Terrible: 3

If you’re looking to capture moments at a scenic place, you can’t go wrong with Broken Beach. These aren’t our words exactly. They are exactly what many reviewers write, praising the clear blue water on the beach, along with the hilly rock arch—which has sort of become a popular photography spot for tourists all around. The beach also makes this place a great place to experience sunsets, with tons of eateries nearby to make it worth your time.

But these great features are exactly what introduce troubles. For instance, its great views make Broken Beach a prime target for a swarm of visitors, all there to record and capture their moments at the place—this has led to people ruining their experience. At other times, some folks have complained about the long, traffic-laden journey to get to the place.

What Did Visitors Like About Broken Beach?

Broken Beach receives many people throughout the months, and so, unsurprisingly, everyone has their reasons for visiting the place. Some of the top reasons include:

1. Natural Beauty: Visitors to Broken Beach were captivated by its natural beauty and unique geological features. Many praised the stunning views of the circular cove and the natural arch, describing it as a photographer's paradise. The crystal-clear turquoise waters below the cliffs left a lasting impression on many travelers.

2. Entrance Fee: One of the most appreciated aspects of Broken Beach was its affordability. Visitors found the entrance fees and parking costs to be very reasonable, with many mentioning that the view was "worth every penny." The entrance fee is a mere 5,000 Rupiah per person, with an additional 1,000 Rupiah for scooter parking. This makes it an accessible destination for budget-conscious travelers.

3. Ideal for both couples and families: Couples and families alike found Broken Beach to be an ideal destination. The area offers great walking opportunities and breathtaking views, making it perfect for romantic strolls or family outings. Many visitors recommended it as a half-day trip, allowing ample time to explore and soak in the beauty of the surroundings.

4. Amazing local community and guides: The local community also received high praise from visitors. People described the locals as hospitable and helpful, enhancing the overall experience. One guide named August received particular acclaim for his excellent service, demonstrating the positive impact that friendly locals can have on a traveler's experience.

What Did Visitors Dislike About Broken Beach?

While Broken Beach has many positive attributes, there were a few aspects that some visitors found challenging.

1. Overcrowded: The most common complaint was related to overcrowding. Many visitors mentioned that the location can get very busy, especially during peak hours. This led to recommendations to arrive early to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.

2. Bad roads: Another significant issue was the poor condition of the roads leading to Broken Beach. Visitors described the drive as terrible, with broken and bumpy roads causing traffic jams and safety concerns.

Some even mentioned that many scooter riders opted to walk instead due to the challenging road conditions.

Pro-tips to Keep in Mind While Visiting Broken Beach

Now that you’ve been through an intro of sorts, it’s time to look at some top tips. These are tips that will help stay abreast of all the top spoilers, and help you get the most out of your trip:

1. Arrive early: To avoid the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience, try to reach the beach as early as possible.

2. Wear comfortable shoes: The area around the beach involves some walking, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is essential.

3. Bring water and snacks: While there are food options available, it's always good to have your supplies, especially if you plan to spend several hours exploring.

4. Use a reputable driver or tour guide: Given the challenging road conditions, consider hiring an experienced local driver who knows the area well.

5. Don't forget your camera: The views are spectacular, so make sure you have a fully charged camera or phone to capture the memories.

6. Be cautious near the cliffs: While the views are tempting, always prioritize safety and don't venture too close to the edges.

Deep-Dive into Finer Aspects of Broken Beach

Now that you have an overall view of the place, it’s time to get into the nitty-gritty and then take a deep dive into how things work at the place. By this, we of course mean things like the crowd, the expenses, and other important stuff.

So, let’s jump right in.

Is It Overcrowded at Broken Beach?

Unfortunately, overcrowding can be an issue at Broken Beach, especially during peak tourist seasons and popular times of the day. Many visitors reported that the location can get very busy, with crowds quickly gathering at the site. Some felt that too many people were allowed in the area at the same time, which could detract from the natural beauty and tranquility of the place.

To mitigate this issue, it's highly recommended to visit early in the morning.

Not only will you avoid the crowds, but you'll also have a chance to enjoy the beautiful morning light for photography.

Is Broken Beach Expensive?

One of the most appealing aspects of Broken Beach is its affordability. Visitors consistently praised the reasonable prices associated with visiting this natural wonder. The entrance fee is very affordable at just 5,000 Rupiah per person (approximately $0.35 USD), with an additional 1,000 Rupiah for scooter parking.

For those looking to explore more of Nusa Penida, hiring a driver for the day was reported to cost around £25 (approximately $35 USD), which many found to be a good value considering the challenging road conditions.

Food and drinks at the nearby Holy Penida restaurant were also described as reasonably priced, allowing visitors to enjoy local cuisine without breaking the bank. Some visitors even mentioned enjoying fresh coconuts from local vendors at affordable prices.

Overall, the consensus among visitors was that Broken Beach offers excellent value for money, with the stunning views and unique geological features far outweighing the minimal costs involved.

How Is the Local Staff at Broken Beach?

The local staff and community around Broken Beach received overwhelmingly positive reviews from visitors. Many described the locals as hospitable and helpful, contributing significantly to the overall positive experience of the trip.

One guide, in particular, named August, received high praise from visitors for his excellent service. This highlights the positive impact that knowledgeable and friendly local guides can have on a traveler's experience.

While there isn't a large staff presence at the beach itself, the interactions with local vendors, restaurant staff, and tour guides were generally reported as positive and enriching.

Is It Couple-Friendly?

Broken Beach comes highly recommended for couples looking for a romantic and picturesque destination. Many visitors who traveled as couples reported having a positive experience, praising the beach for its stunning views and serene atmosphere.

The area around the beach offers great opportunities for couples to walk together and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. Many described it as an ideal location for a half-day trip, perfect for couples who want to spend quality time together in a beautiful natural setting.

The unique geological formation of the circular cove and natural arch provides an excellent backdrop for a couple of photos, making it a popular spot for those seeking memorable vacation pictures.

Is It Family-Friendly?

Broken Beach is indeed family-friendly, with many visitors reporting positive experiences when visiting with their families. The beach and surrounding area were described as safe and suitable for families, with the beautiful and pristine environment being a major draw.

Many families visited the beach multiple times during their stay, indicating its appeal to all age groups. The natural wonder of the circular cove and arch can be educational for children, sparking their interest in geology and nature.

However, parents should be mindful of the cliff edges and ensure children are supervised at all times. The walking required to explore the area might also be challenging for very young children or those with mobility issues.

How's the Food at Broken Beach?

While Broken Beach itself doesn't have extensive dining facilities, visitors reported positively on the food options available in the vicinity. The Holy Penida restaurant, located near the beach, received good reviews for its food quality and variety of choices.

Many visitors enjoyed drinking fresh coconuts from local vendors, adding to the tropical experience. Others mentioned enjoying cold drinks in the shade, which was particularly refreshing after exploring the area. It's worth noting that while there are food options available, some visitors choose to bring their snacks and water, especially if planning to spend several hours at the beach.

This can be a good option, particularly during busier times when local facilities might be crowded.

The Basic Things to Know About Broken Beach

Now that you’re clear about the place, it’s time to get a bird’s-eye about the place and make the most out of your trip:

Location of the Activity & How to Get There from Key Areas

Broken Beach is located on the island of Nusa Penida, which is southeast of the main island of Bali. Here are approximate distances from key locations in Bali:

- From Ubud: About 40 km (25 miles) to Padang Bai Harbor, then a 45-minute fast boat ride

- From Seminyak: About 43 km (27 miles) to Sanur Harbor, then a 30-minute fast boat ride

- From Kuta: About 40 km (25 miles) to Sanur Harbor, then a 30-minute fast boat ride

- From Nusa Dua: About 35 km (22 miles) to Sanur Harbor, then a 30-minute fast boat ride

- From Uluwatu: About 45 km (28 miles) to Sanur Harbor, then a 30-minute fast boat ride

- From Jimbaran: About 38 km (24 miles) to Sanur Harbor, then a 30-minute fast boat ride

- From Sanur: About 3 km (2 miles) to Sanur Harbor, then a 30-minute fast boat ride

Here’s how you can get there from key areas:

1. From your stay area in Bali, arrange transportation to either Padang Bai Harbor or Sanur Harbor.

2. Take a fast boat from the harbor to Nusa Penida. The journey typically takes 30-45 minutes.

3. Once in Nusa Penida, you can hire a local driver or rent a scooter to reach Broken Beach. The drive from the main harbor to the beach takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on road conditions.

Entrance Fee for Broken Beach

The entrance fee for Broken Beach is very affordable:

- 5,000 Rupiah per person (approximately $0.35 USD)

- 1,000 Rupiah for scooter parking (approximately $0.07 USD)

Timings of Broken Beach

While there are no official opening and closing times for Broken Beach, it's generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. However, for safety reasons, it's not advisable to visit during darkness or in adverse weather conditions.

Other Activities to Do Close to Broken Beach

While the beach is enough of an adventure on its own, there are a whole lot of places to enjoy and explore around the place. Some of your top options include:

1. Angel's Billabong: This natural infinity pool is located very close to Broken Beach and is often visited in conjunction with it.

2. Kelingking Beach: Another famous spot on Nusa Penida, known for its T-Rex-shaped cliff formation.

3. Crystal Bay: A beautiful beach known for its clear waters and good snorkeling opportunities.

4. Atuh Beach: A picturesque beach surrounded by dramatic cliffs.

5. Tembeling Beach and Forest: A hidden gem featuring a natural pool and lush forest.

6. Peguyangan Waterfall: A scenic waterfall with blue stairs leading down the cliff face.

7. Manta Point: A popular spot for diving and snorkeling, where you might see manta rays.

The Final Verdict

So that’s Broken Beach for you in a nutshell. The place is well-known as an ideal destination for both couples and families, its pricing considered “worth every penny”, while its beauty and scenic scenes are a place of appreciation for many. Make sure you avoid the afternoons to beat the crowds; in other words, try to reach the place as early as possible. Also, make sure you’ve got durable footing—it’s a rocky and tough journey to the main place—and carry a camera with good quality (there’s going to be tons of stuff for your Instagram).

At Couple Trails, we can’t help but suggest you give the place a shot—and then experience the best of Bali for yourself.