Is Virgin Beach (Indonesia) Worth Visiting?
Virgin Beach, also known as Perasi Beach, is a hidden gem on the eastern coast of Bali, near Karangasem. It's all about the tranquil atmosphere, pristine sands, and clear turquoise waters that make it a standout from the busier beaches in the south. Its popularity stems from its untouched beauty and the sense of escape it offers, drawing tourists seeking a more serene Balinese experience.
Opening Hours & Best Time to Visit Virgin Beach (Indonesia)
Planning your trip to Virgin Beach? Knowing the best time to visit will ensure you experience its beauty to the fullest. Here's what you need to know about the opening hours and ideal visiting times:
- Opening Hours: Virgin Beach is generally accessible 24 hours a day, but the warungs (small restaurants) and sunbed rentals typically operate from around 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Virgin Beach is during the dry season, which runs from April to September. The weather is sunny, with lower humidity, making it perfect for swimming and sunbathing.
- Best Time to See: To avoid crowds, aim to visit Virgin Beach on weekdays, particularly Monday to Thursday. Weekends tend to be busier with both local and international tourists. The best time of day is early morning (before 10:00 AM) or late afternoon (after 3:00 PM) for fewer people and softer sunlight.
- Estimated Visit Duration: Allow at least 3-4 hours to fully enjoy Virgin Beach. This gives you time to swim, sunbathe, have a leisurely lunch at one of the warungs, and simply relax by the sea.
Location Details about Virgin Beach (Indonesia)
Want to know where is Virgin Beach? This secluded paradise is tucked away on Bali's eastern coast. Here are the essential location details to help you find your way:
- Address: Virgin Beach (Perasi Beach), Jl. Raya Candidasa, Perasi, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80811, Indonesia.
- Parking Availability: There is a designated parking area near the beach. The parking fee is typically around IDR 5,000 for motorbikes and IDR 10,000 for cars.
- Wheelchair Accessibility: Unfortunately, Virgin Beach is not easily wheelchair accessible due to the sandy terrain and some uneven pathways leading to the shore.
How Much to Enter / Visit Virgin Beach (Indonesia)
Curious about the cost of visiting Virgin Beach? Here's a breakdown of the entrance fees and other potential expenses:
- Entrance Fee: The entrance fee to Virgin Beach is generally free. However, you may be asked to pay a small "donation" for the upkeep of the beach, typically around IDR 10,000 per person.
- Pricing Variations: There are no significant pricing variations between weekends and weekdays, or between adults and children. The donation is usually a flat rate.
- Where to Buy: Since there's no official ticket booth, any donation is usually collected by locals managing the beach access.
How To Go to Virgin Beach (Indonesia)
Figuring out how to go to Virgin Beach can be part of the adventure! Here are a few options to get you there:
- Ride Hailing: Using ride hailing services like Traveloka is a convenient option, especially if you're coming from areas like Candidasa or Padang Bai. Simply book a ride through the app and enjoy a direct transfer to the beach.
- Rented Car or Motorbike: Renting a car or motorbike gives you the most flexibility. From Candidasa, follow the main road east towards Bugbug. The journey takes about 15-20 minutes. Look for signs indicating "Virgin Beach" or "Perasi Beach."
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available in most tourist areas of Bali. Negotiate the fare beforehand or ensure the driver uses the meter.
- Organised Tour: Many tour operators offer day trips to Virgin Beach, often combined with visits to other attractions in the Karangasem region. This can be a hassle-free way to visit, especially if you're not comfortable driving yourself.
Things To Do in or near the Virgin Beach
Virgin Beach and its surroundings offer a variety of activities to make your visit memorable. Whether you're looking for relaxation or adventure, there's something for everyone. Here's a list of nearby attractions and activities:
- Activities in Virgin Beach:
- Swimming and Sunbathing: The calm, clear waters are perfect for a refreshing swim, and the soft sand is ideal for sunbathing.
- Snorkelling: The coral reefs just offshore are teeming with colourful fish and marine life, making it a great spot for snorkelling.
- Relaxing at a Warung: Enjoy fresh seafood and local dishes at one of the beachfront warungs while soaking in the stunning views.
- Reading a Book: Find a quiet spot under a palm tree and lose yourself in a good book.
- Photography: Capture the beauty of the beach, the turquoise waters, and the surrounding landscape.
- Activities Nearby Virgin Beach:
- Tenganan Village: Visit this traditional Balinese village, known for its unique customs and handicrafts, including the famous "Gringsing" double ikat weaving.
- Tirta Gangga Water Palace: Explore the beautiful water gardens, pools, and fountains of this former royal palace.
- Lempuyang Temple: Hike up to the iconic "Gates of Heaven" at this sacred temple, offering breathtaking views of Mount Agung.
- Candidasa: Visit the coastal town of Candidasa, known for its relaxed atmosphere, beaches, and temples.
- White Sand Beach (Pasir Putih): Another beautiful beach in the Karangasem region, offering similar tranquil vibes to Virgin Beach.
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Nearby MRT Station & Bus Stops near the Virgin Beach Indonesia
Unfortunately, due to its location in a more rural area of Bali, there are no MRT stations or formal bus stops directly near Virgin Beach. Public transportation options are limited in this region. However, here's some information about transportation in the general area:
- Nearest Public Transportation Hub: The closest major transportation hub is likely the Padang Bai ferry terminal, which connects Bali to Lombok and other islands. However, this is still a considerable distance from Virgin Beach and would require a taxi or ride hailing service to reach.
- Ride Hailing: Ride hailing services like Traveloka are the most practical option for getting to and from Virgin Beach.
Tips To Go to Virgin Beach (Indonesia) and Safety Tips
Planning a safe and enjoyable trip to Virgin Beach? Here are some essential tips to keep in mind:
- What to Bring:
- Sunscreen: The Balinese sun can be intense, so protect your skin with high SPF sunscreen.
- Swimsuit: Don't forget your swimsuit for swimming and sunbathing.
- Towel: Bring a beach towel for drying off and relaxing on the sand.
- Hat and Sunglasses: Protect yourself from the sun with a hat and sunglasses.
- Cash: While some warungs may accept card payments, it's always a good idea to have cash on hand for entrance fees, parking, and smaller purchases.
- Snorkelling Gear: If you plan to snorkel, consider bringing your own gear for a better fit and hygiene.
- Water Shoes: Water shoes can be helpful for navigating the rocky areas of the beach and protecting your feet from sharp coral.
- Tourist Safety Tips:
- Be Aware of Currents: While the waters are generally calm, be mindful of currents, especially when swimming further out.
- Protect Your Belongings: Keep an eye on your belongings and avoid leaving valuables unattended.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the hot sun.
- Bargain Respectfully: If you're shopping at local stalls, bargain respectfully and be mindful of local customs.
- Be Respectful of Local Culture: Dress modestly when visiting temples or other religious sites.
- Use Reputable Transportation: When using taxis or ride hailing services, ensure they are reputable and licensed.
Best Hotel Area in Indonesia
Choosing the right area to stay in Indonesia can significantly enhance your travel experience. Each region offers a unique atmosphere and caters to different preferences. Here are some of the best areas to consider:
- Ubud, Bali: Best for those seeking a cultural and spiritual retreat. Known for its rice paddies, yoga retreats, and traditional arts.
- Seminyak, Bali: Ideal for travellers looking for a stylish and vibrant atmosphere. Offers upscale restaurants, trendy boutiques, and lively nightlife.
- Canggu, Bali: Perfect for surfers and digital nomads. Features laid-back vibes, black sand beaches, and a thriving café culture.
- Jakarta: A great base for exploring Indonesia's history and culture.
- Yogyakarta, Java: Suited for history buffs and culture enthusiasts. Home to ancient temples like Borobudur and Prambanan, as well as traditional Javanese arts and crafts.
Where to Eat Inside or near Virgin Beach (Indonesia)
Craving some delicious Indonesian food? While Virgin Beach itself is relatively secluded, there are still some great options for where to eat nearby. Here are a few recommendations:
- Cafes/Restaurants:
- Warungs on Virgin Beach: The small warungs directly on Virgin Beach offer a variety of Indonesian dishes, including fresh seafood, nasi goreng (fried rice), and mie goreng (fried noodles). They're perfect for a casual lunch with a stunning view.
- Warung Babi Guling Sari Kembar 2: Located in nearby Candidasa, this warung is famous for its Babi Guling (suckling pig), a Balinese specialty.
- Loaf Candidasa: A bakery and cafe in Candidasa offering a range of pastries, sandwiches, and coffee.
- Local Street Food:
- Sate: Grilled meat skewers served with peanut sauce.
- Nasi Goreng: Indonesian fried rice, often served with egg and vegetables.
- Gado-Gado: A traditional Indonesian salad with vegetables, tofu, tempeh, and peanut sauce.
Shopping Places near Virgin Beach (Karangasem)
While Virgin Beach is primarily known for its natural beauty, there are some shopping options available in the surrounding area. Here are a few places to check out:
- Pasar Amlapura: A traditional local market in Amlapura, the main town in Karangasem. Here you can find fresh produce, local snacks, clothing, and handicrafts.
- Candi Dasa Square: A small shopping area in Candidasa with a few souvenir shops and boutiques selling clothing, jewellery, and local crafts.
- Hardys Malls Singaraja: A department store in Singaraja, offering a range of products from clothing and cosmetics to household goods and electronics.
Best Hotels to Stay near Virgin Beach (Indonesia)
Finding the perfect place to stay near Virgin Beach can enhance your overall experience. Here are a few highly-rated hotels in the area:
- Candi Beach Resort & Spa: A beachfront resort in Candidasa offering comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and a spa.
- Alila Manggis: A stylish boutique hotel in Manggis, known for its tranquil atmosphere and beautiful gardens.
- Ramayana Candidasa: A beachfront hotel in Candidasa with a swimming pool, restaurant, and bar.
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Hotels with Swimming Pools near Virgin Beach
Cooling off in a swimming pool after a day at the beach is the perfect way to unwind. Here are some hotels near Virgin Beach that offer refreshing swimming pools:
- Candi Beach Resort & Spa: This resort boasts a large swimming pool overlooking the ocean, perfect for a relaxing dip.
- Alila Manggis: The hotel features a stunning infinity pool surrounded by lush greenery, offering a tranquil escape.
- Ramayana Candidasa: This hotel has a swimming pool with a sun deck, ideal for soaking up the Balinese sunshine.
Hotels with Parking near Virgin Beach
If you're planning to rent a car or motorbike to explore the area around Virgin Beach, it's essential to choose a hotel with parking facilities. Here are a few options:
- Candi Beach Resort & Spa: This resort offers ample parking space for guests.
- Alila Manggis: The hotel provides secure parking for cars and motorbikes.
- Ramayana Candidasa: This hotel has a designated parking area for guests.
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Best Hotels near Airport Indonesia
For travellers seeking convenience and comfort, staying at hotels close to the airport can be a great option. Here are some of the best hotels near airports in Indonesia:
- Bali (Ngurah Rai International Airport):
- Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta International Airport):
Average Room Rate hotels near Virgin Beach
Hotel prices near Virgin Beach can vary depending on the season, the type of accommodation, and the amenities offered. Generally, you can expect to find a range of options from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxurious resorts. To find the most accurate and up-to-date information on hotel prices, discounts, and promotions, it's always best to check Traveloka.
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Conclusion
Virgin Beach is undeniably a worthwhile destination for travellers seeking a tranquil and authentic Balinese experience. Its pristine beauty, calm waters, and laid-back atmosphere offer a refreshing escape from the crowds. Whether you're looking to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or simply relax and soak in the stunning scenery, Virgin Beach has something to offer everyone.
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