Tonsai Beach
a hidden paradise…
The land no longer belonged to the people but to an investor. For many years, locals have been fighting; it has indeed been a nonviolent resistance: painting the walls with artworks of protest and using it as a symbolic form of resistance, and not leaving the place they loved. Instead, the community built new homes in the jungle. Bungalows, huts, bars, restaurants, climbing schools and much more. A staircase over the wall was assembled and destroyed many times, but the locals haven’t given up the fight for freedom to enjoy the beach, which used to be their peaceful home and place of their businesses.
Tonsai Beach is a terrific location for rock climbers and beach lovers. This little beach is a tiny piece of heaven. Over the years, it changed from tiny beach huts and bars at the oceanfront equipped with hammocks that you could rent for a few bucks. -You would simply look out for a free one and place your backpack underneath, and it would be yours for a while. But that belongs to the past.
Tonsai Beach always had, and still has, this friendly, welcoming, everything-goes vibe: colourful, big smiles, peaceful living within nature, and great music.
The beachfront was bought by an investor, and the local community, who used to call the beach home, were moved back into the jungle. A massive stone wall was built around the acquired land.
This has been going on for about 10 years, maybe more. Luckily, the new owner of the beach decided to build more “natural” beach huts and bungalows that blend in with the area. I believe till this day, 2 Hotels are built within the walls and another one close to the cliffs. No skyscraper Hotel!
From far away, it looks like a win to those who fought for their land. The Freedom Restaurant has never left and has been the only bar on the beach for many years, but nowadays, a little market and some fancy restaurants have joined. Tonsai Beach now seems a bit more modern and fancy.
I remember the time when there were only about 12 hours of electricity a day, no big stores, no ATM machines, no pools, no hot-water showers, but a quadrillion cats, many big-hearted people, Dam Dam - the only dog on the beach and a lot of peaceful living.
Not having the modern world conveniences didn't matter and was somehow charming. Mostly backpackers and those who came for the rock climbing, deepwater solos and the tranquil lifestyle love Tonsai for its minimalism. Don't get me wrong, Tonsai changed a lot after the land was taken from the people, but with hope, I am looking forward to a brighter future where local businesses return to the land, which used to belong to no one but nature and those who took care of it and lived within in peace.
last update 18. February 2026
