The Best Uluwatu Beach For Your Bali Trip

Uluwatu is a top beach destination for Bali travelers. The best beaches in Uluwatu are found at the base of a sheer cliff wall – and the sandy shoreline features rustic caves, hidden coves and posh beach clubs. There isn’t just one Uluwatu beach, but many – and we are highlighting the best of the best! 

 

Things To Know About the Best Uluwatu Beach

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 Peninsula 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 and beaches inaccessible, historically the area 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. 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 ask, “Which one?” Some people say Uluwatu Beach is the beach that sits below Pura Uluwatu, the popular Balinese Hindu temple perched on a cliff. However, a pin drop locates Uluwatu Beach in a cove at Suluban Beach. 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 and Bukit Peninsula beaches there are. Some small ‘secret’ and nearly inaccessible beaches have yet to be named. A few beaches have multiple names. And a couple beaches 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, right?!). We visited several of the Uluwatu beaches in search of the best. None of them disappointed, but each one was different.

To help fellow travelers discover the best beaches in Uluwatu, 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 (because getting to these Bali beaches can also be confusing).

Save, Pin or Bookmark our Uluwatu Beach Guide for your trip to Bali!

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5 Best Beaches Uluwatu, Bali

We navigated our way around the coast in search of the Best Beaches in Uluwatu. These 5 beaches are all on the north side of Bukit and are listed from west to east. 

 

#1 Suluban Beach (Blue Point Beach, Uluwatu)

Suluban Beach, Uluwatu is iconic. Without a doubt, it is the most famous beach in Bali with surfers due to the epic Uluwatu surf break. Actually, there are five well-known surf breaks collectively known as Uluwatu: Bombie, Temples, Outside Corner, Racetracks and The Peak.

Only experienced surfers should attempt riding the waves at Blue Point Beach Uluwatu. Beginners (and those who can’t surf at all) will find plenty of entertainment by watching the seasoned surfers from the sandy shore or from the top of the Uluwatu cliff.  

 

Low Tide at Suluban Uluwatu Beach

At low tide, the Suluban Uluwatu Beach attracts sunbathers, walkers and explorers. The beach is accessed by a sturdy set of stairs that lead down into an Uluwatu 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.

At low tide, the cavernous rock formations inside the cave at Blue Point Uluwatu Beach are interesting to explore, but the pungent scent is intense. However, it’s the scenic landscapes on the beach that are most impressive. Exiting to the beach on the right, there are several small sandy coves between jutting rocks. From this vantage point, beach-goers are treated to sea level views of surfers riding the waves.

To the left is a longer stretch of sandy beach where locals sell cold drinks from coolers. It’s possible to walk a good distance on the coast, 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). The open air, ramshackle spots offer sea views, cold Bintang beers and local Bali eats.

At the top of the heap is Single Fin Beach Club, by far the biggest – and trendiest – restaurant at Suluban Beach Uluwatu (read reviews). A rail-side seat at any of these Uluwatu beach bars provides an exceptional perspective for watching and photographing surfers. Hang out for sunset, you won’t be disappointed!

 

How To Get to Suluban Beach

Follow Jl. Mamo to the Uluwatu Beach parking lot. Take the pedestrian path down between the warungs, continuing left along a row of shops below Single Fin. That path will lead to the top of a staircase where there is a large sign for Suluban/ Blue Point Beach.

 

#2 Padang-Padang Beach (Thomas Beach, Uluwatu)

Remember how we mentioned that Bali beach names were confusing? Well, none are more confusing than Padang Padang Beach – as two beaches in Uluwatu share this name.

The sandy beach we are talking about now is often called ‘The Real Padang-Padang Beach’, because it was named Padang-Padang Beach 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 cheap chair and umbrella rentals (although some have closed down of late). A few places also offer board rentals and surf lessons – Thomas Beach 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 offers sea-facing seats in the shade, along with inexpensive drinks and basic food. It’s a great spot to chill on the beach in Uluwatu while watching the waves.

The western end of Thomas Beach, near the stairs, is most crowded – and at high tide those who want to spread out their own towels might have a difficult time finding space. The east end of the beach has more open space and a few shady spots.

Travelers who like to explore a bit more can 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. 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 the route. The beach 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 Café. There is a large blue 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 Thomas Beach.

 

#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 tourists 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 Julia Roberts’ movie, Eat, Pray, Love.

Like other Uluwatu beaches, the top Padang-Padang Beach things to do include surfing, sunbathing and splashing in the shallow water. Vendors sell refreshments, trinkets and clothing. Warungs rent surf and stand up paddle boards along with other beach equipment…however, it is the resident monkeys that often garner the most attention!

 

How To Get to Labuan Sait Beach

The gates (where a Padang-Padang Beach entrance fee is collected) face the main road, Jl. Labuansait, and are located directly opposite a smaller street, Jl. Umpeng Sari. After paying the entrance free, take the staircase down to the beach, surely passing monkeys along the way.

 

#4 Impossibles Beach (Pantai Pemutih, Uluwatu)

Supposedly named Impossible Beach Uluwatu because of the level of difficulty 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, the beach itself.

Loose softball-sized rocks strewn about the beach were relocated with every wave that crashed on the shore. Only good for sunbathing or beach walking at low tide, Impossible Beach primarily attracts surfers.

Fronting Impossible Beach is the colossal, upscale Anantara Resort. Much to our delight, the posh property has installed a single-shaft elevator from their pool deck down to the beach (which still requires a few dodgy stairs to get your feet into the sand).

 

How To Get to Impossibles Beach

From Jl. Labuansait walk north on Jl. Pemutih, directly across from Usha Cafe & Bakery. 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 bright, turquoise water.

The sea floor is comprised of a craggy reef with large rock formations that sit at the west end of Bingin Uluwatu Beach. As with other beaches around Uluwatu, surfers can paddle their way to several wave breaks just off shore.

Non-surfers can find a perch-with-a-view at one of the many popular beachfront warungs. In fact, our favorite Uluwatu beach restaurant, Kelly’s Warung, sits on Bingin Beach. The eatery offers seats under the shade of umbrellas and a menu of healthy and tasty Balinese fare.

In addition to observing the skilled surfers on Binging Beach, we also caught sight of a dugong (similar to a manatee or sea cow) playing in the waves and feasting on reef vegetation!

 

How To Get to Bingin Beach, Uluwatu 

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 Google Map directions) through the narrow streets between residences to the steps that lead to Bingin Beach. 

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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 Uluwatu beach. 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

Balangan Beach Uluwatu 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, Uluwatu

A more secluded beach due to the off-the-beaten-path entrance, Nyang Nyang Beach is a relatively unspoiled treasure in Bali these days. Although the abandoned airplane on the cliff (that’s actually been converted into a villa) attracts many to the area.

 

Uluwatu Sunday Beach Club

The posh Sundays Beach Club boasts a private lagoon and infinity pool on the cliff and a cable car down to the sandy beach below. Entry to this Uluwatu beach club comes at a hefty price of 650k ($42 USD) per person, however, 400k is a food and beverage credit. Read Reviews!

 

Karma Beach, Uluwatu

Offering a full calendar of daily events, Karma Beach Club is right next to Sunday Beach Club and fronts a gorgeous stretch of beach. Karma Beach Bali also charges an entrance fee, but includes a credit for drinks, meals and free beach gear. Read Reviews!

 

Green Bowl Beach, Bali

Reached by a steep staircase (go figure, right?), Green Bowl Beach is an untarnished beach with no vendors or shops. 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 Beach 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. 

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Uluwatu, Bali Map

On our Uluwatu Map, we have indicated where each is located, as well as the access point. All beaches mentioned in the post are pinned on the map. Use this Google Map to get the interactive version of our Uluwatu Beaches Map online.

ULUWATU BEACH MAP KEY: The Blue markers indicate our favorite beach locations. The Green markers indicate the access point for said beach. The Red markers indicate other beaches in the area. 

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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, Snorkeling, Swimming in Uluwatu, Bali

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. Novice surfers will benefit from taking a surfing lesson in Uluwatu from a professional. 

Furthermore, while the waves are ideal for surfing, these are not the best beaches in Bali for swimming. The powerful waves, swift currents and rocky undersea landscapes can make it extremely difficult to swim.

It is possible, when the tide is right, to splash in the waves knee-to-waist deep to cool off from the afternoon heat. At low tide, we often saw people immersing themselves into the deep tide pools. We even witnessed a few people snorkeling in Uluwatu in the shallow water. Rather than relying on the tides dictating when we could dip into the sea, we booked accommodations with a pool!

 

Uluwatu Tides

When visiting the beaches in Uluwatu, it is essential to consult tide charts. High tide can completely erase any evidence of a beach and sends waves crashing against the cliff wall. Extreme low tide at Uluwatu exposes the sharp reef, reveals tide pools and uncovers beach caves.

Always check the tides in Uluwatu before heading to the beach. We use this report for accurate tide chart information and this useful Uluwatu Surf Report for swell activity.

 

Uluwatu Cliff and Staircases

With the popularity of Uluwatu surf spots, steep staircases have been built to allow for easier access from the top of the cliff to the water. However, the steps are usually uneven, often without railings, so 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 climbing stairs.

 

Uluwatu Beach Essentials

Before setting off for a full day of sand and sun, make sure you have your beach essentials! Don’t forget must-have items, like proper sunscreen, a wide-brimmed travel hat, polarized sunglasses and insect repellent.

Of course, flip flops are great for the beach – but make sure you wear good travel shoes for the stairs. 

For the best photos, consider using a real travel camera for your Bali pics. We shoot with a Canon Rebel which takes high quality photos and is priced affordably, making it an excellent budget camera.

Want videos from the water? Invest in a GoPro for your trip – or a similar (less expensive) waterproof action camera. Speaking of water, you will also want to protect your phone with a waterproof case. 

Finally, it’s best to carry a great day bag where you can stow all of your necessary beach items!

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Bali Beach Travel Tips

We have shared our top tips to help you find the best beach in Uluwatu, Bali – and now we are sharing 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.

While we enjoyed staying at D’Padang, there are many places to stay in Uluwatu, Bali. 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! First, however, use our tips for Booking Top Hotels at the Best Price. 

 

Bali Travel Insurance

Trip insurance might help recoup the extra costs when travel plans go wrong. From canceled flights to lost luggage to getting ill or injured while abroad. If you haven’t already obtained insurance 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 more travel advice? Head over to our Travel Planning Page for more tips on traveling – 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
• Top Nusa Penida Day Trip

 

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