Last week, during the full moon ceremony (purnama) on Nusa Penida, I walked from my homestay to a hidden cove while the island’s gamelan floated over the cliffside — the smell of incense, coconut oil on offerings, and lanterns guiding families down steep paths. I’m Pebri: diver, photographer, and island local for 10+ years. That night changed how I guide guests to beaches: I now time visits around tides, prayers, and quiet windows when a place stays secret. This guide is built from that evening and every sunrise I’ve shared with Pak Made, Bu Sari, and a dozen curious travelers.

Why these beaches are ‘secret’ (and how I found them)

On full moon nights the island pulses with ritual. Locals slow down; some warungs close early, others only open for ceremony-goers. I used that calm to find quieter approaches to beaches that otherwise get busy at noon. The coastline north-east of Atuh and the high cliffs around Suwehan are best visited with local timing and respect for rituals. Below I give GPS points, step-by-step routes, and exact costs so you can actually follow my route — not just read about it.

Main hidden beaches (GPS & timing)

1) Suwehan Beach — the dramatic cliff inlet

GPS (approx.): -8.76580, 115.55840. Best time: low tide 07:00–10:30 or 16:00–18:00. I visited during the full moon procession at 19:00 and watched locals light torches above — magical.

• Access: steep 20–30 minute descent. Wear trainers; bring a trekking pole if you have one.
• Entrance fee: IDR 10,000 (≈ USD 0.65) — pay Bu Sari at the path entrance.
• Travel time: from Toya Pakeh ~75 minutes by scooter; from Sampalan harbor ~45 minutes by car + walk.
• Facilities: no toilets at the beach; there is a small warung by the trailhead (Warung Bu Sari) serving nasi campur IDR 30,000 (≈ USD 2.00).

2) Seganing & Saren cliff plunge — sunrise only

GPS (approx.): Seganing cliff viewpoint -8.71660, 115.49210; beach descent path (local) -8.71730, 115.49150. Best time: sunrise (05:30–07:30) to avoid heat and crowds.

• Access: short technical descent with roots and loose rock. I recommend a local guide for first-timers (see bookings below).
• Local tip: ask Pak Made (driver) to park at the small temple — fewer tourists go left past the shrine.

3) Atuh’s hidden neighbor (east ledge cove)

GPS (approx.): -8.74220, 115.54900. Best time: late afternoon 15:00–17:30 for golden light and calm sea.

• Access path is not the main Atuh steps; follow the goat trail to the left of the main viewpoint. I first found it during purnama when locals preferred the main beach for offerings.
• Small rock pool for snorkeling at low tide; watch current — I always snorkel with a buddy.

Costs, transport, and booking (step-by-step)

Below are exact, realistic costs I use when planning days with guests. Prices change in high season (July–Aug, Dec–Jan).

Service	Price (IDR)	Approx. (USD)	Notes
Scooter rental (daily)	70,000	≈ 4.50	With helmet; deposit IDR 100,000 recommended
Driver (whole day, 8–10h)	450,000	≈ 30.00	Driver + fuel (Pak Made / Pak Agus)
Guided beach hike (local guide)	200,000	≈ 13.00	Per guide; recommended for Seganing & Suwehan
Fast boat (Sanur–Penida return)	250,000	≈ 16.50	Book early; buy return for best price

How I plan a secret beach day (step-by-step)

• 05:00 — leave Toya Pakeh (or your hotel) on scooter with small pack; carry water (1.5L), dry clothes, reef shoes.
• 06:10 — reach Seganing viewpoint; watch sunrise, then descend (guided) to the small cove.
• 09:00 — quick snack at Warung Sunrise (nasi goreng IDR 30,000 / USD 2). Recharge camera batteries here — their outlet is reliable.
• 12:00 — rest; avoid midday heat and respect local prayer times if near temples.
• 15:00 — head east to Atuh hidden cove for snorkel and golden hour photos.

Safety, incidents, and local etiquette

Safety warnings: The steep stairs at Suwehan and Atuh have loose rocks. I’ve seen three serious scooter spills in the past two years at the switchbacks near Teletubbies hill — always use low gear and avoid sudden braking. For snorkeling, currents can pull you quickly; always go with a buddy and wear a bright vest.

During the full moon ceremony last week I witnessed tourists walk through an offering line — locals were visibly upset. Cultural etiquette matters:

• Always say permisi (/per-MEE-see/) before passing through a procession.
• If you are offered a small palm offering (canang), do not step on it; step around and say terima kasih (/tuh-REE-mah KA-seeh/).
• Dress modestly near temples (sash available at many entrances).

Local businesses, contacts & facilities

• Warung Bu Sari (Suwehan trailhead) — nasi campur IDR 30,000. Bu Sari accepts cash only.
• Warung Sunrise (Seganing approach) — trusted plug point for cameras and good kopi. Open 06:00–18:00.
• Scooter rentals: Pak Agus Motor — IDR 70,000/day, deposit IDR 100,000; helmet provided.
• Drivers/guides: Pak Made (driver) — full-day IDR 450,000; he knows secret descent spots and tide windows.
• Hotels: Budget: homestay IDR 150,000/night (≈ USD 10). Mid: Semabu Hills from IDR 600,000/night. Book ahead in high season.

ATM & clinic: ATM central Toya Pakeh (cash reliable in morning). For medical help, head to Puskesmas Nusa Penida in Sampalan for emergencies; for serious trauma, transfer to Denpasar. Emergency numbers: 112 (national), 110 (police).

Photography & Instagram tips

• Shoot Seganing at sunrise for blue-to-gold gradients; bring 16–35mm for cliffs and 70–200mm for isolating local boats.
• During full moon evenings, include local offering scenes—ask permission first (always get a smile and nod from Bu Sari / Pak Made).
• Drones: use politely and ask village permission; avoid flying over ceremonies. I once had a drone confiscated temporarily during purnama when a family objected.

Sustainable practices & local respect

• Bring reusable bottle and reef-safe sunscreen (no oxybenzone).
• Buy lunch from warungs like Bu Sari — your IDR 30,000 directly supports families.
• Do not remove shells or stones; during full moon, many shells are used in offerings.

Troubleshooting common problems

• Flat tyre? Most warungs will help patch for IDR 30,000–50,000. Call Pak Agus for pick-up if you’re stranded.
• Lost the trail? Look for small bamboo prayer poles (penjor) and the nearest house — ask for Pak Made or Bu Sari; everyone knows our beaches.
• Bad weather/rough sea? If currents are strong, I cancel snorkeling — better to photograph waves from cliff than risk a rescue.

Conclusion — my personal recommendations

If you have one day: hire Pak Made (IDR 450,000) and ask for Seganing sunrise + Atuh hidden cove, and end at Suwehan if you have the energy. If you have three days, do a dawn surf/sketch at Seganing, a low-tide snorkel at the Atuh neighbor, and a full-moon evening walk to watch offerings with locals. During the full moon last week I learned the best secret: slow down. The island will reveal its quiet coves only if you respect its rhythms, ask for permission, and support the little warungs that keep these paths open.

Questions about exact tide times for your dates, or want me to connect you with Pak Made, Bu Sari, or Pak Agus for bookings? Tell me your arrival day and I’ll suggest the specific tide window I’d pick for your visit.