A peaceful white-sand beach in East Bali, ideal for swimming, relaxing and escaping the tourist trail.
Hidden between rugged headlands on Bali’s eastern coast, Pasir Putih – often called “White Sand Beach” or Pantai Virgin by locals – is a quiet stretch of coastline that still feels like a secret. Located near the village of Perasi, between Candidasa and Amlapura, Pasir Putih offers soft, pale sand, calm waves, and a laid-back beach vibe that stands in contrast to Bali’s more built-up shores. It is one of the few white-sand beaches on the east coast, earning it a special place among local favourites and those travellers willing to venture a little further.
Unlike the popular beach hubs of the south, Pasir Putih remains low-key. There are no nightclubs or big resorts here – just a dirt road, a string of rustic warungs, swaying palm trees, and plenty of space to spread out. On weekdays, it is often nearly empty. On weekends, local families set up umbrellas and picnic under the trees. It is the kind of place where you can spend an entire afternoon doing nothing in particular, and feel better for it.
Reaching Pasir Putih takes a little effort, but it is not difficult. From Candidasa, it is about a 15 to 20-minute drive east. Look for signs pointing toward Perasi village. Once you turn off the main road, you will follow a bumpy track down to the beach. The final descent can be steep and rocky in places, but the road is manageable for cars and scooters. Parking is available near the entrance, and a small fee is charged – usually IDR 10,000 per person, plus a bit more for vehicle parking.
What to Expect at the Beach
What makes Pasir Putih different is its setting. The beach stretches about 500 metres between two rocky headlands, forming a natural bay that shelters it from big waves. The sand is soft and light in colour – unusual for this volcanic part of Bali – and the water is typically clear and calm, especially in the dry season. It is suitable for swimming, floating, or just wading in the shallows. While not a major snorkelling destination, you might spot a few fish near the rocks at either end of the bay.
The beach itself is clean and well maintained, thanks to the local families who run the warungs lining the shore. These small, open-air eateries offer grilled seafood, nasi goreng, cold drinks, and coconuts, along with sun loungers and umbrellas that you can rent for the day. The vibe is relaxed – there is no pressure to buy anything, but a cold drink goes a long way toward earning a shady spot. Some warungs will even let you nap in one of their hammocks.
Time seems to slow down at Pasir Putih. Without Wi-Fi or background music, the soundtrack is waves, rustling palms and the occasional shout of kids playing football in the sand. It is a great place to bring a book, enjoy a massage under a thatched umbrella (local ladies often offer them at affordable prices), or simply stare at the sea.
There are no big hotels directly on the beach, but several accommodation options can be found in nearby Candidasa. If you are staying in the area, Pasir Putih is an easy half-day trip. You can also include it in a broader exploration of East Bali, combining it with a visit to Taman Ujung Water Palace, Tirta Gangga, or the traditional village of Tenganan. The area has a slower pace and deeper cultural feel compared to the south, and beaches like this reflect that same unhurried spirit.
Tips for Visiting
Pasir Putih is also popular with domestic tourists, especially during Indonesian holidays. On weekends, you might see fishing boats pulled onto the sand, local food vendors serving fried snacks, and kids splashing in the surf. It never feels chaotic, but it is worth timing your visit if you prefer quieter surroundings – early morning or midweek is best for peace and space.
There are basic toilets and change rooms on site, but no formal shower facilities. It is best to bring what you need – towels, sunscreen, water, and maybe a speaker if you want your own soundtrack. The beach gets hot around midday, so having some shade is essential. If you do rent a chair and umbrella, prices are usually around IDR 50,000–75,000 for the day, depending on the vendor and how long you plan to stay.
Like many places in Bali, Pasir Putih also carries local meaning. The name “Virgin Beach” comes from the belief that the area was untouched by development for many years. It is not a temple site, but the land and sea are still considered spiritually important by nearby villagers. As always in Bali, a little respect goes a long way – take your rubbish with you, avoid loud behaviour, and support the local businesses keeping the beach clean.
What you will not find at Pasir Putih are big crowds, surf breaks, or loud bars. And that is the point. It is the kind of beach you come to when you are ready to exhale. A quiet, sun-soaked escape with nothing to prove, just the simple beauty of Bali’s coastline in one of its gentlest forms.
If you are exploring East Bali or looking to take a break from the busy southern beaches, Pasir Putih is more than worth the detour. It is one of those places that does not need a lot of words to win you over. Just sand, sea, shade – and a long afternoon with nowhere else to be.
