Author: Matt and Danielle
08 February 2024
Uluwatu is rapidly emerging as one of the best places to visit in Bali. Travellers, ex-pats, surfers and digital nomads are all rushing to this small tropical paradise in South Bali. How is Uluwatu pulling everyone in on an island already so well known for natural beauty, affordable living, dreamy beaches, and laidback lifestyles? If Ubud has the greenery, ricefields and waterfalls. Canggu has the beach clubs, parties and is typically the foodies' favourite. Uluwatu has the beaches... and lots of them. In a top ten list of best beaches in Bali, Uluwatu would likely have 8 or 9 out of the top 10, and the others would still be in South Bali. This draws all the surfers in, and with that comes the delightfully laidback lifestyle that they bring with them.
That makes Uluwatu a surfing, smoothie bowl-loving, clifftop sunset-viewing, beautiful beach relaxing haven. It's an area that is slowly becoming our home away from home. When we have explored until we can't go any further we turn to Uluwatu to slow things down, rest up and prepare to explore some more. Having spent a lot of time in the area, we know all the best spots.
Here are the best Uluwatu beaches that you cannot miss if you are visiting Bali.
Padang Padang is one of the most popular beaches in the Uluwatu area and a great spot for beginner or amateur surfers. This beach can be found right in the heart of Uluwatu, and it's great to visit at high tide or low tide. The shallow waters here are the perfect place to cool off on a hot day and enjoy a nice swim in the blissful clear ocean. The wave breaks here are typically smaller than in other more advanced surfing areas, which makes it such a great place to learn. You can rent boards right on the beach, and there are plenty of local warungs to buy food, snacks and drinks from. Enjoying a delicious fresh coconut on this beach is a must! Compared to other beaches in the area it is a small beach, but one that is beautiful nonetheless.
Top Tip: If you want some dreamy and aesthetic pictures to share with all your friends back home then there are some rocks perfectly placed on the beach which make for some great snaps!
Entrance fee: 15,000 IDR per person
Perfect for: Sunbathing, swimming, surfing
Thomas Beach is in central Uluwatu and is placed between Suluban Beach and Padang Padang. Even though it's in a popular area it's a significantly less touristy beach, so if you want more space or some privacy then this could be the best beach for you. Even during peak season, you can find a large open space all to yourself here, and it's a beautiful long beach. It's one of the favourite beaches for surfers because the waves here are excellent, but again it is for the more advanced surfers out there. You have to walk quite far down the cliff to get to the sand at the bottom, so if you don't fancy the walk down then you can take in some of the best views from the top of the cliffs. If you do make your way down then a beautiful sandy beach with crystal clear waters awaits you. It's the ideal spot for relaxing and swimming.
Thomas Beach is a little more tricky to reach than some of the others, as the way can be quite confusing. The best way to get there is to head along the main road towards Suka Espresso and then you will see a small path directly opposite. Follow that path and then you will see the ocean views and beach before long. Keep following the path towards the steps, work your way down and you're there. It's a 10-20-minute walk, so if you want to add a bit of exercise to your day then this is perfect!
Entrance fee: Free
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, swimming, surfing
Suluban Beach, also known as Blue Point Beach, is a popular spot for some amazing Instagram photos. To get to this small beach you have to leave your bike or get dropped off at the parking area at the top. Then make your way down the steps through the jungle, keep going when you get to the small buildings and eventually you will see it. A small but incredible beach located inside a cave. For the best photos you will need to get here between late morning and early afternoon as the sun begins to light up the cave. If you stand near the cave entrance, and watch out for any rogue waves or the tide coming in, then you can get some awesome pictures. If you are looking to spend your day relaxing and sunbathing then you should think about visiting one of the other beaches on the list. You won't get much of a tan inside a cave!
This is also a favourite spot for advanced surfers. It's one of the most popular surf spots in Bali for its world-class surf breaks. To get to these waves you're going to need to enter the beach the same way, and then paddle out through the cave entrance. The waves here are awesome, but definitely for more advanced surfers as they take you towards the towering limestone cliffs ahead.
Back high up on the clifftop you can find Single Finns. One of the most popular sunset bars, especially for its famous Wednesday and Sunday sessions. It's an epic spot for all to enjoy an incredible sunset from high on the cliffs, while also looking out on the surfers who make the huge waves seem easy to tackle. Do not be fooled by them and think you can jump straight in at the deep end!
Entrance fee: 5,000 IDR parking for bikes & 10,000 IDR for cars
Perfect for: Great pictures and surfing
As with all the beaches around Uluwatu, Dreamland Beach has beautiful soft white sand. It's great for swimming, sunbathing and ideal to spend a whole day. It's a smaller beach than some, which is packed in by the limestone cliffs. It's also very popular so it can be tough to get a nice open space, but it's great for soaking up the sun and going for a refreshing dip. You can find some warungs here to get food and drinks, and the nearby hills make for some great ocean views if you want to go for a short walk.
This is one of the preferred beaches for beginner surfers, especially during low tide. The waves here aren't too big, so they are perfect for practising.
Entrance fee: Small fee for parking when you arrive (around 2,500 IDR)
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, swimming, beginner surfers
Bingin is a favourite spot for many. This beach has by far the most restaurants and bars that line its soft white sands, which make it very easy to spend a whole day, and much of the evening here. You can park at the top of the cliff and then you have to work your way down the mazey, but easy-to-navigate steps. It may seem like you have too many options to go as there are little steps leading off in different directions, but ultimately all routes lead to the bottom.
This is a great beach for swimming, surfing, sunbathing and enjoying drinks with friends. One of the best things to do on Bingin Beach is to find a nice spot somewhere like Lucky Fish Lounge (there are a few beach bars that do a sunset BBQ) just in time for sunset. Grab a seat at a table on the beach and pick your grub for the evening. They catch fresh seafood every day and hold a beach BBQ, which is delicious. You can enjoy your favourite seafood, an ice-cold beer and watch the sunset. It's perfect, and a must if you are visiting Uluwatu.
Entrance fee: Small parking fee (2,000 IDR - 5,000 IDR)
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, swimming, surfing, eating, sunset
A personal favourite of ours. This long beach is beautifully placed at the bottom of more towering limestone cliffs, and it's large enough that you often get a big open space all to yourself. If you are driving a scooter in Bali then take it easy as you go down the steep road to the free parking area at the bottom. If you are walking then I won't lie to you, you are in for some walk! And it will be steep going back up too. This beach is worth the walk but maybe spend the whole day here to make it worth your while. There is a small restaurant at the bottom where you can buy food, snacks, drinks or rent a surfboard. It's an epic beach and a must if you are in Uluwatu.
Nyang Nyang is a great surfing beach thanks to its big waves, but we wouldn't recommend it to any amateur surfers because of the size of the waves and rocky ocean floor. If you visit during high tide then you can swim, but be careful because there are quite a few rocks even near the shoreline. Most of them are smooth, but still watch out. If you visit during low tide then you will be treated to lots of glassy rock pools all dotted around. If low tide is around sunset then this makes the perfect time to visit as the beautiful colours in the sky reflect off the rockpools.
Entrance fee: Donation when entering, free parking
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, swimming, surfing, sunset
Balangan is a great beach with a beautiful cliff view to go along with it. As you drive in the Balangan Cliff view is to the right, and it gives an amazing ocean view and views of the whole beach below. The beach itself is a good size, with plenty of room for all. This is a popular beach in Uluwatu and for great reason. It's perfect for beginner and amateur surfers as well as those wanting to take a refreshing dip and sunbathe.
There are some surf schools here lining the beach, so sign up for a week or two course and you'll be cruising the waves in no time. There are warungs for food and drinks too. We haven't visited this beach for sunset, but we have heard it's a great option. If you visit late afternoon then you can stick around to watch a beautiful sunset from the dramatic cliffs that line the shores.
Entrance fee: Parking fees - 5,00- IDR for bikes & 10,000 IDR for cars
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, swimming, surfing, sunset
Pantai Pandawa is becoming more and more popular in the Uluwatu area, partly due to it being one of the more developed beaches around. At Pandawa Beach you can find toilets, showers, a beach club, restaurants and a small convenience store. These make it very easy to spend a whole day there if you want. The fact it also has beautiful soft white sand and pristine blue ocean waters doesn't hurt either.
It's a great beach for surfing with some impressive swells just a short swim out from the shoreline but is also perfect for swimmers. You can cool off in the shallows without worrying about any boards coming your way.
Entrance fee: 15,000 IDR per person
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, swimming, surfing
This is a bit more of a hidden gem in Uluwatu because fewer tourists visit Nunggalan Beach, but that doesn't make it any less worthwhile. This long stretch of beach is often overlooked for some of the others above, and that is likely just because it's a little more difficult to reach. You have to walk downhill for about 15 minutes through some lush vegetation without very much of a footpath. At the bottom is a long stretch of beautiful sand and blissful waters. The current here can be a little strong, so be careful when swimming and stick to the shallows.
If you walk around the beach you may come across a "shipwreck". We aren't sure how it got there, but it's great for getting some different-style pictures. If you visit during a mid-tide and bring a drone with you then you may be able to capture a unique experience. A top-down drone view here can perfectly capture the waves as they crash around the boat and it adds such a great effect.
Entrance fee: Free
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, walking, a light paddle
Pantai Gunung Payung is one of the quietest beaches in Uluwatu, as very few people visit this beach. When there are so many options there are always going to be beaches that happen to be overlooked, however, this is still a stunning beach. You may find the occasional local at the bottom fishing, but other than that you may well have the whole beach to yourself. The beach may be yours, but out over by the wave breaks you will see surfers most of the time catching some awesome waves. They are usually 50m or so from the shoreline so you can take a nice refreshing dip by the shore to cool off.
If you do visit this beach then make sure to take some water and snacks with you as there is nowhere to buy anything at the bottom.
Entrance fee: Free
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, swimming, surfing
Another favourite beach in Uluwatu for locals and tourists is Tegal Wangi Beach. It's a little further from Uluwatu Centre, but worth the short drive. The cliffs that surround the beach are a popular place to watch a beautiful sunset, but the beach down below is no less spectacular. If you visit during low tide then you can find some beautiful rockpools here along the rocky outcrops. These are great for capturing some stunning photos and the larger pools are even great for swimming. Unlike much of the Uluwatu shoreline, you can enjoy a delightful swim in the calm waters of the rock pools.
Entrance fee: Free
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, swimming, sunset
Kubu Beach is a hidden gem, and it is located next to the Ayana Resort in Jimbaran, Uluwatu. It is hidden, and not at all easy to reach but there are signposts so stick to them as best you can. Don't be deterred if you find yourself walking over rocks and through wild greenery because there isn't exactly a traditional path down to the sandy shores. At the bottom, you can enjoy the sand, but we don't recommend swimming due to the strong current. You can also get an epic snap of the newly Insta-famous archway rock formation.
If you are looking to simply rest and relax then other beaches will be more suitable. If you want some adventure, then this is it.
Entrance fee: Free
Perfect for: Pictures
Finally, we reach Melasti Beach which is widely regarded as the best beach in Bali. It's about a 20-minute drive from Uluwatu Centre, but worth every second. There is a large parking lot at Melasti Beach and plenty of restaurants and bars. Being one of the top things to do in Bali, we suggest spending a large chunk of your day here when you visit. It's a wonderful beach that looks out onto the vast blue ocean. The soft white sand beach is very easy to walk on so you can get some steps in during a lovely stroll along the pristine beach. Melasti is great for swimming, relaxing and walking. If the tide is a little out then it will start to reveal some small caves and large rocks. We took a walk out to these and took some amazing photos.
If you are looking for something a little more lively then it also has some epic beach clubs for you to enjoy a fun-filled day in the sun. Palmilla Bali Beach Club is one of the best in the area, and it is right in the heart of Melasti Beach.
Entrance fee: 10,000 IDR per person
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, swimming, sunset
A little further than Melasti, and closer to Nusa Dua, is Green Bowl Beach. This less-visited, but still amazing beach is a must during your trip to Bali. It's a small cove tucked away within the Bukit Peninsula, and the best time to visit is during low tide. If you come when the tide is too high then the already small beach will be tiny. Visit during low tide and you get this glorious cove, which will feel like a castaway island paradise.
More experienced surfers will enjoy the privacy that comes with this beach. Some of the more popular beaches in Uluwatu can often have a lot of surfers all trying to catch the same wave. Not here, you can surf in peace.
Entrance fee: 5,000 IDR per person
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, swimming, surfing
This is the furthest afield from Uluwatu, but it is still South Bali and one that is worth the day trip. Mengiat Beach is the best beach in Nusa Dua, which is a short 30-minute drive from Uluwatu. This beach is different to those in central Uluwatu, as they boast epic waves whereas this beach is much more relaxed when it comes to the ocean. You can easily swim here all day, which makes it a great beach in Bali for families. It is also known to be one of the cleanest beaches in Bali.
If you find yourself here late into the afternoon then stick around for the sunset. It may not be as well-placed as some beaches in Uluwatu, but you will still see some epic colours throughout the sky.
Entrance fee: 5,000 IDR - 10,000 IDR parking fee
Perfect for: Pictures, sunbathing, swimming, sunset
If you are looking to visit Bali and have stumbled upon this page when researching the best beaches on the island, then you may now be eager to start researching Uluwatu in more detail. If you like the look of the pictures and what you've heard so far, then here is everything you need to know about Uluwatu.
Also known as the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu is found in South Bali. It looks out towards the Indian Ocean and is full of glorious beaches, towering limestone cliffs and surf-style cafes, restaurants and beach bars. It's the perfect spot for a relaxing getaway, and our favourite place in Bali to spend months at a time. This small seaside section of Bali has become more and more popular in recent years for people visiting Southeast Asia. The number of incredible soft sand beaches you can find here has played a large part in that. The beaches brought people, people brought investment and investment has meant a thriving area with dreamy homestays, hotels, villas, beach clubs and delicious restaurants.
If you are looking to visit the island of Bali for a 2-week holiday or vacation, then we recommend spending at least 5 days in Uluwatu. You won't regret it!
If you are now set on visiting Uluwatu during your trip to Bali, then here are a few other things you can do in the area.
Sunset fire dance at Uluwatu Temple - This amazing traditional Balinese dance at Uluwatu Temple sits high on the cliffs looking out over the ocean. The temple itself is worth visiting as it's very beautiful and immersed in the luscious nature all around it. So much so that it feels like it's part of the jungle and something out of a storybook. This traditional dance is done every night around sunset, which means you get an amazing show and excellent views too.
Visit the beach clubs - With so many amazing beaches you won't be surprised to hear that Uluwatu boasts some amazing Beach Clubs. Some of the best are Single Finns, which is a must for sunset on Wednesdays and Sundays. If you're staying more in the Ungasan area of Uluwatu then Sundays Beach Club is a great place to visit. It has a beautiful beach there and a dreamy aesthetic. Karma Beach Club is another option near Sundays, which has its own amazing private beach.
There are a whole range of places to stay in Bali. If you want your own private Villa or breathtaking hotel or you're looking for a cheaper room then you can find it all. Check out some options below:
Ronja - Beautiful mini villas with warm and welcoming hosts. They are perfectly placed in the thriving Bingin part of Uluwatu so you are a stone's throw from some of the best beaches, restaurants and bars in the area.
Puri Kelapa Guest House - A popular and great budget option. The staff here are super friendly and helpful and it is usually quite full so a great place to meet people.
As more and more people are finding themselves being drawn to Uluwatu there has been lots of development and new bars and restaurants seem to be popping up every week! Here are some of our favourites in the area:
Breakfast
Three Steps Coffee - Amazing healthy food at a great price. They do a breakfast deal where most of their items come with a free coffee. Even their lunch and evening meals are fantastic.
Ours Home - More Ours restaurants are popping up in the area because they are so popular. It's a great breakfast and at Ours Home they have a bundle deal where you get food, coffee and juice for around 125K IDR (+ tax). The Shakshuka is amazing! They also have pasta, steak and chicken parm nights.
Suka Espresso - You can find Suka Espresso all over Bali, and they're always packed because they're so popular. You can get a very good breakfast, lunch or dinner here.
The Place With No Name - Another newer addition to the Uluwatu food scene, but one that started strong! They do some good breakfast deals and all their food is healthy and delicious.
Drifters - If we are talking about breakfast burritos then this is the best in Uluwatu. It is amazing, but a bit more pricey. They don't do deals because they don't have to.
Dinner
A lot of the above you can also visit for dinner, but some of our other favourites are...
Laggas - Our new favourite place to eat in Uluwatu. It's Asian fusion, and their food is delicious. We'd like to offer a few recommendations but Danielle and I can't help but get the same thing every time we go. Danielle's favourite is the sesame-crusted tuna and I can't look past the BBQ boat noodle. One day we will try other things, but we love what we love.
DiVino by Casa Asia - Incredible pizza and pasta.
Satu - This only opened recently but it's excellent. The food here is a great price and delicious.
Ulu Wasabi - Danielle's favourite sushi restaurant. They do amazing food and it's a really good price.
Lolas Cantina - Really tasty Mexican food and they do cocktail discounts for happy hour.
BB52 - Best burger in Uluwatu.
Annapurna - The best Indian food in Uluwatu
Other places to mention
Single Finns for Sunday and Wednesday sessions
Cashew Tree on Thursday nights for live music
What are the best beaches for surfing in Uluwatu? The best beaches for beginner surfers are Padang Padang Beach, Bingin Beach and Daydream Beach. Suluban Beach is the best beach in Uluwatu for advanced surfers.
Best beaches in Uluwatu for swimming? Most beaches in Uluwatu are great for swimming, as long as it's a shallow paddle. The large swells when you get further from the shore are what draw many surfers to this part of Bali. Padang Padang Beach, Dreamland Beach and Melasti Beach are three of the best beaches in the area if you're looking for a refreshing and safe swim.
What is the best beach for families in Uluwatu? Uluwatu is an amazing area for the whole family to visit. Padang Padang Beach is the best in the area for families. It's easy to reach, safe to swim and there are plenty of places where you can get drinks and snacks throughout the day.
What is the most beautiful beach in Uluwatu? Suluban Beach is the most beautiful and unique beach in Uluwatu and is the reason many people come to Uluwatu in the first place. They've seen the Instagram pictures and want that same shot for themselves.
What is the best beach in Bali? Melastic Beach is widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in Bali, for good reason.
Which beach is the least crowded in Uluwatu? Pantai Gunung Payung is by far the quietest Beach we have visited in Bali. It's a small beach and a fairly long walk down to the bottom but it's awesome once you are there. Other than that Nunggalan Beach, Nyang Nyang Beach, Thomas Beach and Green Bowl Beach are also considerably less crowded.
When is the best time to visit Uluwatu? The Dry season (April - October) is the most popular time to visit, as it isn't as hot as the Wet Season, and there's less chance of rain. It is also very busy during this time. We have stayed in Uluwatu for the whole of The Wet Season before and it is not such a bad time to be here. It's less crowded and being in South Bali means it gets significantly less rain than other parts of the island. When it does rain it is typically at night, or over very quickly followed by sunny blue skies. An insider tip is also that the Wet Season in Bali means the greenery is even more luscious and beautiful.
We hope our Uluwatu beach guide helps you when planning your trip to Bali. This is a comprehensive list of all our favourite beaches and things you need to include on your bucket list if you are looking to visit Uluwatu. We know that you will love this part of Bali as much as we do.
Looking for more information on different places in Bali? Check out our other blogs and guides here.
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