Pemuteran: 8 Reasons to Visit the Mezmerizing Coastal Village in North Bali

by Tsvete Popp
Aerial view of Pemuteran, Bali coast with lush greenery and boats on clear blue waters.

If you’re looking for a slice of Bali untouched by mass tourism, Pemuteran is your dream destination. Nestled between the towering mountains of West Bali National Park and the calm waters of the Bali Sea, this tranquil fishing village is one of Bali’s best-kept secrets. Unlike the busy beaches of Canggu or Seminyak, Pemuteran offers a slower, more authentic Balinese experience, where nature and culture blend harmoniously.

Here, you’ll find stunning coral reefs, volcanic black sand beaches, jungle-covered hills, and some of the best diving and snorkeling spots in Indonesia. It’s also the gateway to Menjangan Island, a paradise for underwater explorers. But Pemuteran is more than just a beach retreat—it’s a place where you can trek through untouched forests, explore ancient temples, and witness some of the most breathtaking sunrises and sunsets Bali has to offer.

Whether you’re a nature lover, adventure seeker, or just someone looking for a peaceful getaway, Pemuteran promises a refreshing break from the crowds. Let’s dive into everything you need to know about this hidden coastal gem!

Sunset over lush rice fields and palm trees in Ubud, Bali.

Where to Stay in Pemuteran

As you would expect from a major travel destination in Southeast Asia, Bali has no shortage of options when it comes to accommodation. As always, I’d suggest you stay somewhere central, to make accessing all the attractions as easy as possible.

Amertha Bali Villas – We stayed here for four days and absolutely loved our experience. We cannot recommend this adorable peaceful place enough. Hands down, it’s one of the best places we’ve ever stayed! Amertha’s 14 gorgeous Villas are surrounded by lush tropical gardens, serene open spaces, emerald-green mountains, and the turquoise sea. Amertha Villas Bali offer 2 categories of Villas: Oceanfront and Garden View. All Villas have private swimming pools and exceptional luxury amenities. You can also make a direct booking here.

Luxurious poolside villa surrounded by palm trees in Bali, Indonesia.

Amertha Bali Villas offers a compelling stay for several reasons:

  • Serene Beachfront Location: The villas are situated in a tranquil beachfront setting, providing a peaceful and picturesque environment for relaxation. Guests can enjoy stunning ocean views and easy access to the sandy beach.
  • Spacious and Luxurious Villas: The villas at Amertha Bali are spacious and well-appointed, providing a luxurious and comfortable stay. Each villa features a private pool, modern amenities, and stylish interiors, creating a serene and inviting atmosphere.
  • Excellent Facilities and Services: The resort offers a range of facilities and services to enhance your stay. These may include a spa, restaurant, bar, fitness center, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The attentive and friendly staff are dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring a memorable experience for guests.

Aerial view of Pemuteran, Bali, featuring a lush coastal village and mountainous backdrop.

Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

Best Luxury Hotels in Pemuteran

The Menjangan: This is a beautiful beachfront resort that offers an ideal mix of tranquility and adventure. It is part of the protected West Bali National Park and boasts lush gardens, a pool, and beachside dining.

Amertha Bali Villas: This hotel offers beautiful villas with private pools, spacious interiors, and Balinese-style furnishings. It's located by the ocean, so you can enjoy stunning views right from your villa.

Plataran Menjangan Resort & Spa: Nestled in the heart of West Bali National Park, this resort provides a unique blend of luxury and nature. The villas and residences are beautifully designed, offering privacy and panoramic views of the ocean or the forest.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Pemuteran

Taman Sari Bali Resort & Spa: Located right by the beach, this resort offers comfortable and affordable accommodation with excellent facilities. There's a great outdoor pool, restaurant, and the hotel even has its own turtle hatchery.

Adi Assri Beach Resorts & Spa: This resort offers clean, comfortable rooms and bungalows in a lovely garden setting. It has a swimming pool, a spa, and an on-site restaurant. It's also close to the beach and offers snorkeling and diving opportunities.

Pondok Sari Beach Bungalow Resort & Spa: This hotel offers cozy, traditional-style bungalows with modern amenities. It has beautiful garden grounds, an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and a spa. The location is great – just a short walk to the beach.

Best Hostels in Pemuteran

Doubleyou Homestay: This homestay offers both private and dormitory-style rooms. It's well-loved for its friendly staff, cleanliness, and great location. They offer free Wi-Fi and bicycle rentals, and it's just a short distance to the beach.

Tirta Sari Bungalow: This is a lovely budget option for travelers, offering simple yet comfortable rooms. They have a beautiful garden, a pool, and offer a delicious breakfast. The beach is easily accessible from the hostel.

Mango Moon: Situated near the beach, this is a favorite choice among backpackers for its chill and friendly atmosphere. Mango Moon offers mixed dormitory rooms, a communal kitchen for guest use, and a garden lounge area.

Why you should travel to Pemuteran?

Tired of Bali’s overcrowded beaches and chaotic traffic? If you’re looking for a peaceful coastal retreat, Pemuteran is the perfect escape. Nestled in Northwest Bali, this charming fishing village is one of the island’s best-kept secrets, offering a unique blend of pristine beaches, untouched nature, and world-class diving and snorkeling.

Unlike the bustling hotspots of South Bali, Pemuteran remains unspoiled, slow-paced, and authentic. It’s the gateway to Menjangan Island, home to Bali’s best coral reefs, and sits right at the edge of West Bali National Park, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers, divers, and adventure seekers.

Ready to explore one of Bali’s most mesmerizing coastal villages? Here’s everything you need to know about Pemuteran, including must-visit spots, hidden gems, and insider tips.

Vibrant coral reef with tropical fish in Pemuteran, Bali's crystal-clear waters.

Located approximately 150km from the southern tourist hotspots means that a trip to Pemuteran is either going to be a long day out, or plans need to be made to stay for a night or two. We suggest the latter, as there are a lot more things to do and see at Pemuteran than might be expected. Pemuteran is a place that features serene beaches, crystal clear waters, award-winning reefs, and views that seemingly run forever.

Aerial view of the beachfront greenery and hills in Pemuteran, Bali at sunrise.

We stayed and enjoyed our time at Amertha’s Bali Villas which has 14 gorgeous Villas surrounded by lush tropical gardens, serene open spaces, emerald green mountains, and the turquoise sea. They offer 2 categories of Villas: Oceanfront and Garden View (the one that we chose to stay in).  All Villas have private swimming pools and exceptional luxury amenities.Tropical poolside villa with thatched roofs in Pemuteran, Bali, surrounded by lush greenery.

Things to do in Pemuteran

Menjangan Island – A Diver’s Paradise

A short boat ride from Pemuteran, Menjangan Island is one of the best snorkeling and diving destinations in Bali. Protected within West Bali National Park, the waters surrounding this tiny island boast crystal-clear visibility, thriving coral gardens, and an abundance of marine life.

🌊 Why You’ll Love It:

  • Spectacular coral reefs and underwater caves
  • Encounters with sea turtles, reef sharks, and manta rays
  • Ideal for both beginner snorkelers and experienced divers

👉 Pro Tip: Visit between April and October for the clearest waters and best marine life activity.
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Underwater coral-encrusted statue in Pemuteran, Bali's vibrant marine conservation area.

Enjoy your private villa as much as you can!

Well, as we all know (unfortunately) it’s not every day that we can get to enjoy staying in a private pool villa on a tropical island like Bali. Wake up to the wonderful garden and ocean views, have coffee and breakfast by the poolside, take a plunge in the crystal clear water of the pool, and spend undisturbed quality time with those you love most. Permuteran is perfect for it! No distractions, just natural beauty, privacy, luxury, and oceans of time. Amertha Bali Villas is the perfect place if you are searching for all of these!Aerial view of a villa with a pool and garden in Pemuteran, Bali.

Visit Gili Putih Sumberkima – Bali’s Secret Sand Island

Hidden just off the coast of Pemuteran, Gili Putih Sumberkima is a tiny white-sand island that looks straight out of a postcard.

What Makes It Special:

  • Stunning white sandy beaches with turquoise waters
  • Ideal for relaxing, swimming, and drone photography
  • Best visited at sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views

👉 Pro Tip: Rent a private boat from Pemuteran Beach to visit Gili Putih for a peaceful, crowd-free experience.

Jungle Trekking in West Bali National Park

For those who love the great outdoors, West Bali National Park is a must-visit. This protected wilderness is home to exotic wildlife, ancient forests, and breathtaking viewpoints.

🐒 What to Expect:

  • Hike through mangrove forests and dense jungles
  • Spot Bali starlings, deer, and monkeys
  • Enjoy panoramic views over the Java Sea

👉 Pro Tip: Hire a local guide for an immersive experience and learn about Bali’s rare wildlife.

Aerial view of coastline and mountains in Pemuteran, Bali surrounded by lush greenery.

Witness the Blue Fire at Mount Ijen

Located just across the Bali Strait in East Java, Mount Ijen is famous for its otherworldly blue fire phenomenon and stunning crater lake.

🔥 Why It’s Worth the Trip:

  • See the world’s rarest blue flames at night
  • Hike up for a breathtaking sunrise over the crater
  • Witness sulfur miners working in extreme conditions

👉 Pro Tip: Take an overnight trip from Pemuteran and start the hike at 2 AM for the best experience.

Coral Conservation in Pemuteran Bay

Pemuteran is home to the world’s largest Biorock reef restoration project, aimed at protecting coral reefs and marine biodiversity.

🐠 Why You Should Visit:

  • Learn about sustainable reef conservation efforts
  • Snorkel around the artificial coral structures built to restore marine life
  • Support eco-tourism and local conservation initiatives

👉 Pro Tip: Visit during high tide for the best snorkeling conditions.

Couple posing at the historic Taman Ayun Temple in Mengwi, Bali.

Discover Ancient Temples & Sacred Sites

Pemuteran isn’t just about nature—it’s also home to some incredible cultural landmarks.

🛕 Temples to Visit:

  • Pura Pulaki – A Hindu temple with a stunning sea view and resident monkeys.
  • Pura Pabean – A unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and Chinese influences.
  • Pura Melanting – A hidden jungle temple where locals pray for prosperity.

👉 Pro Tip: Visit Pura Pulaki at sunrise to see the temple bathed in golden light.

Ceremonial offering by a man in traditional attire in Pemuteran, Bali.

Enjoy the Best Sunrises & Sunsets in Bali

One of Pemuteran’s biggest surprises is that you can enjoy both sunrise and sunset on the same beach.

🌞 What Makes It Special:

  • The beach features black volcanic sand in some areas and golden sand in others
  • Dramatic mountain backdrops create stunning sunrise photos
  • Crystal-clear waters make it perfect for early-morning swims

👉 Pro Tip: Grab a fresh coconut from a local vendor and watch the sky transform in real time.

Sunset over Pemuteran, Bali, with boats dotting the serene coastline and mountains in the distance.

Conclusion: Is Pemuteran Worth Visiting?

If you're searching for an off-the-beaten-path escape in Bali, Pemuteran is the perfect destination. With its unspoiled beaches, thriving marine life, and serene atmosphere, this hidden coastal gem is ideal for divers, nature lovers, and those seeking tranquility away from the tourist crowds.

Whether you're snorkeling at Menjangan Island, exploring ancient temples, trekking through West Bali National Park, or simply unwinding by the sea, Pemuteran offers an authentic Balinese experience unlike any other. So if you're looking for a more peaceful, raw, and breathtaking side of Bali, Pemuteran should be on your travel list.

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Begin your search for the perfect accommodation now while the excitement is still fresh in your mind. Discover stylish and affordable options, and find the best accommodations at the lowest prices:

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