This beautiful cove is still secluded from the main road, and mostly undeveloped.  There are some beach huts, a lot of local fishing boats, but no hotels (yet).

The cove is reached via a rough dirt road from the small town of Bugbug.  Although we saw people walking in to the cove, it seemed a long walk, I think driving in is a smart idea.

Bugbug is about 10 mins drive from Candidasa and is the next market town north along the coast road.  The local village cooperative will collect a small entrance fee along the road.

The cove probably doesn’t have an “official” name, but you can call it any of the following, and people will work out what you mean: Virgin Beach, Pasir Putih, White Beach, Patir Putir, White Sand Beach, Bugbug Beach.

 

The beach, although perhaps not pure ‘white’, is at least sandy and reasonably clean.

The beach huts provide lounges and umbrellas, and although not mandatory, you are expected to at least buy some food and drinks from their cafe.  Locals will offer you massages and trinkets (sarongs etc), and it’s OK to bargain and come to a deal.

The ocean was warm, clear and clean, and a little bit rough while we were there, it was fine for confident swimmers, but for novice swimmers you should always take care.

The food we ordered at our local cafe was actually delicious, they did an amazing job with a Mahi-Mahi in coconut sauce, “enak sekali! – very delicious!”