Padang Padang Beach is one of the most popular in all Bali! First made famous by the movie “Eat, Pray, Love,” it now draws thousands of visitors a year to its sands. This also happens to be only of the easiest beaches in Uluwatu to access for swimming and surfing. Here’s everything you need to know about Padang Padang Beach and 9 helpful tips for your visit.
9 Tips For Padang Padang Beach Bali
1. How to Get to Padang Padang Beach
The entry to Padang Padang Beach is right off the main road that runs through Uluwatu. From the bridge, you can see right down to the beautiful sands! It’s worth pulling over on your motorbike or walking over from the main entrance onto the bridge to view it.
If you’re taking a taxi you will be dropped off right at the entrance of Padang Padang Beach. However, the many tourists driving by motorbike will need to cut up the small hill across the street to the parking lot.
If you plan to explore multiple beaches consider hiring a driver for the day to take you around.
There are plenty of signs so it will be easy to find. The small fee of 5,000 IDR (.30 cents USD) for parking is more than worth it. Just remember to have some small change.
2. Cash for Parking & Beach Fee
Padang Padang Beach is the only one in the area that has a set entry fee. The other beaches in Uluwatu you may have to pay to park your motorbike, or even give a small donation to enter. Yet, there isn’t an actual set rate like Padang Padang Beach in Bali.
At the time of our visit the cost was 15,000 IDR per adult. The prices are slightly less for children and locals. Basically it comes out to be right around $1 USD to enter.
If you have a scooter and it’s low tide you can also park at the entry for Le Cliff Bali and walk down the steps. When you get to the water veer to the left to head towards the beach. This passing is only accessible at low tide so plan around it or you’ll have a hard time getting back!
3. Steps Down to Padang Padang Beach
When exploring Uluwatu, you will quickly find that the steps down to the beaches are steep and unforgiving!
After paying your entry fee you can take a left for the more gradual steps to Padang Padang Beach. The other options is to go right on the steeper, but more direct stairs to the water.
We typically chose left on the way down which is actually through a small rock passageway. When leaving we climb up the steep direct route as we’re usually ready to get home!
Either way, make sure you are physically fit enough to climb back up as it’s the only way to get back from the beach.
4. Check the Tides Before Your Visit
The best time to head to Padang Padang Beach Bali is at high to mid-tide when the water is going out. Unlike other beaches in the area you CAN visit it at low tide. Still, mid to high tide is much better for swimming.
5. Watch Out For Monkeys!
One thing to note is that this location is known for having lots of monkeys! Specifically at the Dreamsea parking location we discussed, they will try to get into your seat looking for food. If you see people leaving rocks, sticks, and leaves on their bikes it’s in hope of deterring the monkeys.
It is also common to see monkeys on the stairs down to Padang Padang Beach. Once you get down to the sand be careful of your belongings. If you leave food or anything important out it’s fair game for the monkeys!
→ Are the Monkeys in Bali Friendly or Dangerous? (Our Experience)
6. Pay for Some Shade at Padang Padang Beach
Hanging out at Padang Padang Beach is one of the best ways to enjoy an afternoon in Uluwatu. Still, when you get there you’ll notice that there isn’t many options for shade! The best thing to do is to actually rent an umbrella.
If you’re looking around and don’t see any open chairs for rent then we have a helpful tip for you. On our visit we went to the front row and set all our things down.
We then asked for an umbrella and the nice ladies on the beach quickly dug and hole and popped it up for us. So just because you don’t see them doesn’t mean they aren’t available.
We paid 100,000 IDR ($6.50 USD) and the umbrella was large enough for everyone in our group to sit under. The sun in Bali is crazy strong and if we didn’t have it there is no way we would have been able to stay as long.
7. Take a Surf Lesson
If you’re coming to Bali to surf then Uluwatu is the place to be! You’ll be happy to know that the surf is also one of the most popular in the area. If you’ve surfed before and know the basics then you’ll be happy with the wave selection.
You can rent boards right from the beach and get a quick rundown of the area and tides beforehand. We don’t surf and didn’t at Padang Padang Beach but were told by our friends it’s a great place to take a lesson!
Just be aware at low tide it can be dangerous because of the currents and shallow reef. Even if you don’t grab a board yourself it’s still super fun to watch.
8. Low Tide Beach Walk
Padang Padang Beach in Bali is quite small but at at low tide you can still go for a long walk. That’s because as the tide retreats, a path opens to the right along the sand so you can pass.
You will be able to walk quite far just keep an eye on the tides and leave yourself enough time to get back. Just around the corner from here is Dreamsea Surf Camp hotel and restaurant. This is a fun spot with a beautiful view to grab a cold drink or food!
9. Catch the Padang Padang Beach Sunset
Whether you spend the whole day at Padang Padang Beach or just return for sunset, it is truly stunning! However, to actually see the sunset you need to walk all the way to the right side.
Unfortunately, if it’s at high tide you might not be able to see the actual sun go down. Yet, if the tides are in your favor then it can be the ultimate golden hour spot in Uluwatu!
After sunset be sure to check out Uluwatu’s great restaurant scene for dinner. Here’s our 17 awesome places to eat in town that we tried and loved!
Have any questions about this article or want to share your own tips for Padang Padang Beach Bali? Let us know in the comments below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where To Stay Around Uluwatu Bali
Ultra Luxury – Alila Villas Uluwatu – If you have some money to spend and want a taste of luxury near Uluwatu Temple, this is the spot for you! Most villas include private pools and incredible views of the ocean.
Fun Vacation – Village Bali – Add a cool twist to your Bali vacation with the fun and colorful decor. This hotel is located perfectly near Padang Padang beach.
Boutique Hotel – Hari Indah Boutique Hotel & Spa – Upscale bed and breakfast surrounded by a beautiful jungle setting. On site spa & restaurant, Bali decor, and a fun swimming pool!
Relaxing Stay – Davu Sundara Villa Uluwatu – A family run guesthouse with large rooms that overlook a lush jungle swimming pool. Quiet and relaxing area just outside of the main hustle of Uluwatu.
→ 18 Best Uluwatu Hotels For a Dreamy Bali Holiday
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Indonesia Travel Planning
Flights: We always find deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Singapore to Bali for $60 USD, and Bali to Surabaya for less than $40!
Accommodation: Compare competitive sites for hotels such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Transportation: 12Go is where we look first in Asia for ferries, trains, buses, and transfers! From speed boats to the Gili Islands and bus transfers around the country.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for activities all over Bali. We recommend taking a sunrise Mount Batur hike with breakfast, an authentic cooking class in a local village, and the Ubud waterfall tour!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Here’s all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
I had a great time during my visit to Padang Padang Beach last year. It was low tide at the time, so it was ideal for my partner and me to go for a long walk. Watching the sunset with your loved ones is lovely and romantic; I’ll definitely return here.
Author
Absolutely! Such a great beach to enjoy at sunset.