Virgin Beach
Virgin Beach
A white-sand cove tucked between hills. A hidden beach lined with simple *warungs*.
Tucked away in the Karangasem regency of East Bali, Virgin Beach is a beautiful cove where untouched nature remains. Its official name is 'Pantai Putih' (White Beach), but it is affectionately known to tourists as Virgin Beach. Sheltered between steep green hills and isolated from the bustle of tourist development, it feels very private. The contrast of the fine white sand, stretching for about 500 meters, against the stunningly clear turquoise water captivates visitors. The beach is lined with simple *warungs* (eateries) run by local fishermen, where you can relax while enjoying fresh grilled seafood BBQ and cold drinks. It is a true hidden gem where you can experience the authentic side of Bali.
History: A Fishing Village's Treasure
This beach was once known only to the fishermen of the nearby Bugbug and Pengrago villages, serving as a fishing base and a sacred ceremonial site. Access was difficult, and visitors were few. As its beauty gradually spread by word-of-mouth, the number of tourists has increased in recent years. Nevertheless, the beach is still managed by the local village, and the income from the *warungs* is an important source of livelihood for the villagers. A major charm of this beach is that, despite being a tourist spot, the peaceful culture of a fishing village remains strong.
Nature: Calm Waves and a Rich Sea
Protected by headlands on both sides, the beach is relatively sheltered from large ocean swells, making the waves generally calm. This makes it suitable for swimming and snorkeling. Coral reefs extend near the rocks on both sides of the beach, where you can easily see colorful tropical fish. However, the current can be strong further offshore, so it is safest to enjoy snorkeling in the areas closer to the shore.
How to Enjoy and What to Note
The greatest luxury here is simply relaxing on the beach. Rent a sunbed and umbrella from a *warung* (usually free if you purchase food or drinks) and spend the day reading or napping. The seafood BBQ offered at the *warungs* is fresh and reasonably priced, so it's definitely worth a try. The sun is very strong, so be sure to use plenty of sun protection. Access to the beach requires walking down a rather steep hill from the parking lot. The walk back up is a bit of a climb, but well worth the effort.
Highlights (What to See!)
There is a small lookout point on the eastern headland where you can look down on the entirety of Virgin Beach. The view of the crescent-shaped white sand beach and the gradient of the blue sea is stunning. You can also charter a traditional *Jukung* from the beach to be taken to offshore snorkeling spots. If you're lucky, you might even encounter sea turtles.
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