Uluwatu is a top destination for Bali travelers. The best beaches in Uluwatu may take some effort to get to, but the sandy shoreline rewards you with rustic caves and hidden coves.
Since there isn’t just one Uluwatu beach – we are highlighting some of the best for your Bali trip!
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Things To Know About Uluwatu
Dominating the southern end of Bali Island is the Bukit Peninsula, a land mass of sheer rock cliffs and quaint Indonesian villages. The headland is surrounded by stunning teal blue water.
On the southern edge of Bukit is Uluwatu, a word that roughly translates to ‘Land’s End’…which is a very accurate description of the terrain.
With land unsuitable for farming, the area initially had little value. That all changed in the 1970s when nomadic surfers discovered the incredible waves breaking on the reefs just off shore.
Today, Uluwatu is one of the most popular surf destinations in Bali (and the world). Naturally, going to the beach ranks as one of the Top Things To Do in Uluwatu!
Where is Uluwatu Beach, Bali?
Ask a local where Uluwatu Beach is located and they will most likely reply, “Which one?”. Some say it’s the one that sits below Pura Uluwatu, the popular Balinese Hindu temple perched on a cliff.
After speaking to numerous residents and fellow travelers, we gathered that ‘Uluwatu Beach’ can mean any one of a number of places along the coastline.
In fact, it’s difficult to fully understand how many Uluwatu beaches there are. Some small ‘secret’ and nearly inaccessible spots have yet to be named.
Plus, a few have multiple names and a couple share the same name. What can we say? Bali beach names can be confusing!
During our week-long stay in Uluwatu, we did our best to sort out the confusion. Someone has to do it, right?
We visited several Uluwatu beaches in search of the best. None of them disappointed, but each one was different.
To help you discover these sandy oases, we are highlighting our top picks. Plus, we’ve included a Uluwatu Map of Beaches to help you locate the one you may be looking for!
5 Best Beaches in Uluwatu, Bali
We navigated our way all around the coastline to find these spots. The 5 beaches we feature are all on the north side of Bukit and are listed from west to east.
#1 Suluban Beach (Blue Point Beach, Uluwatu)
Suluban is iconic. Without a doubt, it is the most famous beach in Bali with surfers due to the epic break.
Actually, there are five well-known surf spots collectively known as Uluwatu: Bombie, Temples, Outside Corner, Racetracks and The Peak.
Only experienced surfers should attempt riding the waves at Blue Point. Beginners (and those who can’t surf at all) will find plenty of entertainment watching the seasoned surfers from the shore or on top of the cliffs.
Low Tide at Suluban Uluwatu Beach
At high tide, the shoreline may be inaccessible, but low tide attracts sunbathers, walkers and explorers. The beach is accessed by a sturdy set of stairs that lead down into a cave.
Opposite the staircase is the entrance to Delpi Café, which is built on top of a large monolith rock and offers incredible views and a pool.
These cavernous rock formations are interesting to explore, but the pungent scent is intense. However, it’s the scenic landscapes that are most impressive.
Exiting to the beach on the right, there are several small sandy coves between jutting rocks. From this vantage point, you are treated to sea level views of surfers riding the waves.
To the left is a longer stretch of sand where locals sell cold drinks from coolers. It’s possible to walk a good distance, but only if you scramble over a few rocks along the way.
Investigating the marine life inside the deep tide pools on the reef can make the outing feel like an expedition!
Suluban Beach Bars
Clinging to the cliff above this popular Uluwatu surf beach are numerous warungs (small shops and cafes). These open air, ramshackle spots offer sea views, cold Bintang beers and local Bali eats.
At the top is Single Fin, by far the most popular bar and restaurant at Suluban. A rail-side seat at any of these provides an exceptional perspective of the surfers. Hang out for sunset, you won’t be disappointed!
How To Get to Suluban Beach
Follow Jl. Mamo until it ends at this parking lot next to Single Fin. Take the pedestrian path down between the warungs, continuing left along a row of shops. Then find the staircase the goes down to the beach.
#2 Padang Padang Beach (Thomas Beach, Uluwatu)
Remember how we mentioned that Bali beach names were confusing? Well, none are more so than Padang Padang – as two beaches in Uluwatu share this name.
The one we are talking about now is often called ‘The Real Padang-Padang Beach’, because it was named that before tourists started incorrectly referring to the beach next door as such.
To avoid confusion, some took to calling this Thomas Beach, after the Thomas Uluwatu Homestay that previously sat on the cliff overlooking the sea.
Visiting Thomas / Padang Padang Beach
The beach itself is a long stretch of sand that sits between two rocky outcrops. A line of low-key, rickety warungs line the shore, offering chair and umbrella rentals (although some have closed down of late).
A few places also offer board rentals and surf lessons as it often has perfect conditions for novices. If you want to learn how to surf in Uluwatu, this is probably the best spot.
We enjoyed hanging out on the elevated patios that offer sea-facing seats in the shade, along with inexpensive drinks and basic food.
The western end of Thomas Beach, near the stairs, is the most crowded and at high tide those who want to spread out their towels might have a difficult time finding space. The east end has more space and a few shady spots.
If you’d like to explore a bit more, scamper over the rocks at the east end. There you’ll find a small temple on a rocky outcrop above the surf break of the next beach on our list.
Hidden Beach at Padang Padang
At extreme low tide it is possible to explore a ‘hidden’ Padang-Padang beach beyond the rocks at the west end. Lately, it seem this has been called Papa Beach.
The adventurous will find a secluded, powder sand beach below a cave (we even spotted bats inside hanging from the low ceiling).
We actually stumbled upon this beach after following a clifftop nature trail, but we don’t advise taking that route. The shore route is better – but always check the tides before exploring too far.
How To Get to Padang-Padang / Thomas Beach
From Jl. Labuansait, walk north on the gravel and dirt road opposite Suka Espresso. There is a large sign indicating ‘Welcome to Padang-Padang Beach’.
The dusty track leads to a small parking lot and a few simple structures, some selling drinks and snacks. Take the stairs to the right (past the temple) down to the sand.
#3 Labuan Sait Beach (Padang-Padang Beach, Uluwatu)
Extremely popular with tourists, Labuan Sait – now better known as Padang-Padang Beach – is a small, angular strand of sand tucked into a cove.
Busloads of people are dropped at the gates above to descend upon the area, making the tiny beach seem even smaller.
This Bali beach first gained popularity with surfers, but became a hot Uluwatu tourist attraction after it was featured in the movie Eat, Pray, Love.
Things to do here include surfing, sunbathing and splashing in the shallow water. Vendors sell refreshments, trinkets and clothing.
Warungs also rent surf and stand up paddle boards along with other beach equipment…however, it’s the resident monkeys that often garner the most attention!
How To Get to Labuan Sait Beach
The gates (where an entrance fee is collected) face the main road, Jl. Labuansait, and are located directly opposite a smaller street, Jl. Umpeng Sari.
After buying a ticket, take the staircase down to the beach, surely passing several monkeys along the way.
#4 Impossibles Beach (Pantai Pemutih, Uluwatu)
Supposedly named for the level of difficulty in accessing it, Impossibles was the most primitive and private beach we visited in Uluwatu. The area is vacant of warungs, people and at high tide, sand!
Loose softball-sized rocks strewn about were relocated with every wave that crashed on the shore. Only good for sunbathing or walking at low tide, it primarily attracts surfers.
Above the shore is the colossal Anantara Resort. They used to have an elevator up to their pool deck, but now it’s a tower of stairs.
How To Get to Impossibles
From Jl. Labuansait walk north on Jl. Pemutih. Follow the signs to Anantara Resort and look for the small arrows for Rock’n Reef Hotel that lead you through the Village Bali Resort parking lot.
At the end of the pavement, take the dirt path on the outside of the wall next to the gorge and stay on it to the top of the staircase, then follow them down!
#5 Bingin Beach, Bali
Bingin is an old-school surfer hangout with a relaxed atmosphere. Cliffside warungs and sea facing accommodations are stacked on the rocks offering phenomenal views of the turquoise water.
The sea floor is comprised of a craggy reef with large rock formations that sit at the west end. As with other beaches around Uluwatu, surfers can paddle their way to several breaks just off shore.
How To Get to Bingin Beach
From Jl. Labuansait take Jl. Tj. Simah to the Bingin Beach parking lot opposite Salty Coffee.
From the north corner of the lot, follow the signs (not the Google Map directions) through the narrow streets between residences to the steps that lead down.
UPDATE: The local authorities have demolished several (if not all) of the cliffside structures here. We’re not sure what the plan is going forward, but it looks very desolate at the moment.
More Uluwatu Bali Best Beaches
Still searching for your perfect Uluwatu beach? Here are a few more in the region to add to your Bali Beach Bucket List!
Dreamland Beach, Uluwatu (New Kuta Beach)
The beautiful Dreamland Beach is another popular sandy spot in Uluwatu. The prices here are higher for chairs, umbrellas and food than at other places.
However, the prime location (especially for a Bali sunset) and large range of amenities keeps everyone entertained!
Balangan Beach
Just past Dreamland to the east, Balangan also appeals to surfers, but there are many warungs on the cliff that offer stellar viewpoints and yet another nice spot to enjoy sunset.
Nyang Nyang Beach
A more secluded beach due to the off-the-beaten-path entrance, Nyang Nyang is a relatively unspoiled treasure in Bali these days.
Although it’s the abandoned airplane on the cliff (that’s actually been converted into a villa) that attracts many to the area.
Sundays Beach Club
This posh Uluwatu beach club boasts a private lagoon and infinity pool on the cliff with a cable car down to the sand. Entry comes at a hefty price, but includes a food and beverage credit.
Klive Beach Club
Offering a full calendar of daily events, Klive is right next to Sundays and fronts the gorgeous Karma Beach. They also charge an entrance fee, but it includes a credit for drinks, meals and beach gear.
Green Bowl Beach
Reached by a steep staircase (go figure, right?), Green Bowl is an untarnished beach with no services. The view from the top is also said to be spectacular and everyone loves the monkeys, until they steal your stuff!
Melasti Beach
Also along the southern shoreline, Melasti is a beautiful stretch of sand with crystal-clear water. There is a descent road to this beach in Uluwatu, but a fee is required to enter.
Uluwatu, Bali Map
Use this Google Map to get the interactive version of our Uluwatu Beaches Map below.
The blue markers indicate our favorite locations and the green markers are the access points. Red markers are for other beaches in the area.
Uluwatu Beach Tips
Before setting off on a full day at the beach, there are a few things that travelers should know about the Uluwatu coastline.
Surfing and Swimming at Uluwatu
Surfing is serious business in Uluwatu – and several spots proclaim to be the best surf beach in Bali. Bragging rights aside, the waves are intense. Know your limits before paddling out.
Furthermore, these are not the best beaches in Bali for swimming. The powerful waves, swift currents and rocky undersea landscapes can make it extremely difficult if not dangerous.
Uluwatu Tides
When visiting the beaches in Uluwatu, it’s essential to know the tides. High tide can completely erase any evidence of a beach and send waves crashing against the cliffs. Extremely low tide exposes sharp reef, reveals tide pools and uncovers caves.
Always check the tides before heading to the beach. We use this report for accurate tide chart information and this Uluwatu Surf Report for swell activity.
Uluwatu Cliff and Staircases
With the growing popularity of Uluwatu, steep staircases have been built to allow for easier access to the sea. However, the steps are usually uneven and often without railings.
Be prepared to descend and ascend hundreds of steps with caution when exploring the beaches. There isn’t a single public Uluwatu beach that can be accessed without some stairs.
Uluwatu Beach Essentials
Before setting off for a full day of sand and sun, make sure you have the essentials! Don’t forget proper sunscreen, a wide-brimmed travel hat, polarized sunglasses and insect repellent.
For the best photos, consider using a real travel camera for your Bali pics. We shoot with a Canon Rebel, which is an excellent budget camera for travelers.
Want videos from the water? Invest in a GoPro – or a similar (less expensive) waterproof action camera. Speaking of water, you will also want to protect your electronics with a waterproof case.
Finally, it’s best to carry a great day bag where you can stow all of your necessary beach items!
Bali Beach Travel Tips
We have shared our top tips to help you find the best beach in Uluwatu, Bali. Now we have some general travel advice to help make your trip planning a breeze!
Getting Around Uluwatu
The best way to get around Uluwatu is to use scooters or your own two feet. Since the Bali taxi mafia drive up the prices by banning rideshare apps and we don’t ride scooters, we walked.
Although it kept us from venturing too far from our accommodations, we didn’t mind roaming Uluwatu on foot.
If you are experienced at riding a scooter, keep in mind that you will need to pay a small fee for parking at most beach access lots.
Uluwatu Accommodation
During our visit to Uluwatu, we stayed at D’Padang, a centrally located hotel with 16-units and two pools.
What we liked most was the affordable price, included breakfast, friendly staff, refreshing pools and adorable on-site Bali-dog named Poke.
Whether you are looking for a beachfront Uluwatu surf resort or an inexpensive place to crash, we recommend starting your search on Booking.com – like we do!
Bali Travel Insurance
From canceled flights to lost luggage to getting ill or injured while abroad, trip insurance might help recoup costs when travel go wrong
If you haven’t already obtained coverage for your vacation to Bali, consider traveling protected with World Nomads.
Indonesia Travel Planner
Keeping track of the details of your trip is essential! As you begin making reservations, stay organized with our Travel Planning Printables.
Start planning your trip to Indonesia! Search for the lowest airfares, the best accommodations and fun things to do…then start packing! Want additional advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page and for country-specific information, take a look at our Travel Guides Page!
More Bali Travel Guides
- Best Things To Do in Uluwatu
- How To Spend 2 Weeks in Bali
- What to Do in Canggu
- The Best of the Nusa Islands
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