Gunung Payung Beach in Bali

Features of Gunung Payung Beach

Approaching the cliff edge after the temple, you’re immediately welcomed to soaring ocean views and sounds of the waves below. The beach is quite an effort to reach, only for the fit and determined – down a steep flight of stairs that locals claim to total around 300. The deep green patches in the clear waters are growing grounds of local seaweed farmers, and upon reaching the base, you’ll discover deep and coarse sand with calm waters great for snorkelling.

The remoteness and effort required to discover the beach keeps it untouched by vendors. Therefore, it’s good to bring your own drinking water and perhaps some snacks to replenish once you get down here. The natural reef barriers also mean calm and swimmable waters most of the time. Even so, beware of spiny sea urchins that frolic around these southern coasts as well as the high tide conditions as there are no lifeguards around.

Midday trips are recommended when the seascape is clearer and the water warmer. The temple has its piodalan anniversary every full moon on the 8th month of the Balinese pawukon calendar (coinciding January or February on the Gregorian calendar).