Pasir Putih – No More a Secret and a Delight

Like most travellers to the east coast of Bali a visit to Pasir Putih is a definite must-do. The pure white beach located around six kilometres east of Candi Dasa is, or was, a pure gem for those wishing to relax and experience a rarely visited part of Bali.

This stunning stretch of secluded beach sheltered by rocky headlands lost its ‘secret status’ back in 2004 when Lonely Planet included Pasir Putih in their Bali guidebook. Now, the beach is visited on a constant basis.

I was talking to a French couple at the Prawita Cottages the other day and they asked me about the beach and wanted to know if it is worth visiting. They were both unsure after reading the comments about the beach in the latest Rough Guides Bali.

Section from Rough Guides: There are a few small warungs renting out sun-lounges and snorkelling gear in addition to selling inexpensive food and drinks. The beach is rumoured to be earmarked for a big resort development.

After reading the part about resort development, I must admit I was feeling very disappointed and saddened that yet another beautiful part of Bali is to become a tourist haven. There really is no reason why such a beautiful beach should be destroyed for the sake of making money.

I know tourism must be developed in Bali further but, it needs to be done on a sensible level and at a realistic pace. Consideration for the environment is an extremely important factor.

When I went to Pasir Putih in 2003 it was pristine and secluded. We were the only people on the beach except for the fishermen unloading their catch and one small ramshackle warung selling warm drinks only. I suggest to anyone wanting to see this beautiful place before it is overdeveloped do so now.

Meanwhile, here are a few photos of what Pasir Putih used to look like before the beach was overrun by warungs: