The Uluwatu beaches are some of the best in all of Bali! The long stretch of coastline which stretches down the west side of the Bukit Peninsula offers so many great swimming, surfing, and sunset spots. Are you ready to discover the best beaches in Uluwatu Bali? Let us break down how to get to the soft sands in our Uluwatu beach guide with tips from our own experiences.
About the Uluwatu Beaches
Uluwatu is a special part of Bali that no traveler should miss! Between all the fun cafes, restaurants, and seaside clubs, is an Uluwatu beach scene that literally has something from everyone.
The best part is the beaches in Uluwatu are all very unique from each other. They range from spectacular surf breaks to white sandy beaches, and everything between.
One thing to keep in mind is that Uluwatu is very spread out. This means you will need to rent a scooter or hire a driver to get to each place.
You’ll also want to consider the weather when planning out your Uluwatu beach days. Like much of Southeast Asia, the island has a dry and rainy season to experience. Be sure to research the best and worst time to visit Bali before your trip.
Many of the Uluwatu beaches are also located under the towering cliffs which makes them a little more difficult to get to. Be ready to park and walk down plenty of stairs. Yet, know that the beaches in Uluwatu are so worth it!
→ Is Renting a Scooter in Bali Worth it? 10 Tips to Know First
6 Best Beaches in Uluwatu Bali
1. Dreamland Beach
Getting There: Multiple Entries Walk In or Ride Scooter
Beach Access: Easy
Best For: Swimming & Surfing
Dreamland Location
Dreamland beach is one of the most popular in Uluwatu Bali, and for good reason! It’s great location in Pecatu village brings a steady stream of people to this Uluwatu beach at all times of the day.
It’s also one of the easiest beaches in Uluwatu to get to as it doesn’t require any steps or hiking. Still, know that the parking lot does get super busy. It can sometimes be difficult to find a spot for your motorbike if you don’t get there early.
You’ll first need to drive down the steep hill past the entrance to the El Kabron Bali Club. At the bottom there is a small 5,000 IDR parking fee so make sure to have small bills.
Despite the crowds, the waves are the perfect size for boogie boarding and surfing. You can also head to the hill on the left side of the beach and join countless tourists, locals, and food carts for the nightly sunset. This is definitely one of our favorite Uluwatu beaches for golden hour!
→ Is Dreamland Beach in Bali Worth Visiting? (Read This First)
2. Bingin Beach
Getting There: 10 Minute Hike
Beach Access: Medium
Best For: Wave Watching & Surfing
Bingin Beach Location
This might not be the best Uluwatu beach for swimming, but it’s worth visiting for the views. The scenery, rustic beauty, and restaurants on Bingin Beach totally make up for the rocky and shallow waters.
To get here you’ll first need to park up top and pay the cheap parking fee. From there, you’ll take a short 10 minute hike down to Bingin.
Most of the path is paved with concrete steps winding through residential houses and boutique hotels. Be sure to keep an eye out for signs so you don’t take a wrong turn.
Simple restaurants and cafes are built into the hillside and span the length of the beach. Almost every place offers “rooms for rent” that you can’t find online and look like they were built many years ago. We highly recommend the Legends Beachfront Resort if you were thinking about staying overnight here.
Bingin Beach is the ultimate spot to relax and take in the beautiful Uluwatu Bali coastline. There are a few sandy spots to jump in quick and cool down, but the large rocks can make it difficult to swim.
At night some of the restaurants bring tables onto the beach and offer fresh grilled fish dinners for sunset. You should bring a flashlight or utilize your phone if you’re hiking back after sunset. The route is not well lit from Bingin Beach once it gets dark.
→ Discover Bingin Beach! How to Get This Hidden Paradise in Bali
3. Padang Padang Beach
Getting There: Quick Walk Down After The Main Road
Beach Access: Easy
Best For: Swimming & Surfing
Padang Padang Location
Directly off the main road that cuts through Uluwatu lies Padang Padang Beach. There is a bridge you will likely drive over that looks right down to the sand.
If you’re taking a taxi you will be dropped off right at the entrance of Padang Padang Beach. However, if you’re driving your scooter here then cut up the hill across the street to the parking lot.
Like many of the best Uluwatu beaches, there is a 5,000 IDR at the parking area. You will also be charged an additional 15,000 to make the quick walk down and gain entrance.
The easy access and central location makes this an extremely popular spot for tourists. You can grab an umbrella or crawl under the natural rock wall that shades you from the hot afternoon sun.
It’s one of the best places to spend the afternoon floating in the crystal clear water, or catching some waves. Just know it is quite small compared to other beaches in Uluwatu so you’ll want to get there in the morning to avoid the crowds.
→ 9 Padang Padang Beach Tips For the Perfect Bali Beach Day!
4. Thomas Beach
Getting There: Bumpy Dirt Road & 10 Minute Hike Down
Beach Access: Medium
Best For: Swimming & Long Walks
Thomas Beach Location
It would honestly be easy to pass Thomas Beach if you weren’t looking for it! This Uluwatu beach is located down a bumpy road off the main street through town.
The entrance is actually right across from one of our favorite Bali cafes called Suka Express. Every so often, we would grab lunch from here and then head down to Thomas after. The hip cafes which are set around the best Uluwatu beaches can be a nice change up from the local warungs.
Be safe driving down to the parking lot as it’s made up dirt and not paved. Once you park, the quick hike down is made up of paved concrete steps. Yet, know that at the bottom of the steep 10 minute hike you’ll be rewarded with a true Bali paradise!
Small restaurants and beach chairs line the start of the beach where the gentle blue waters crash against the sand. This is one of the best beaches in Uluwatu Bali for a relaxing day of sun, sand, and swimming.
5. Suluban Beach
Getting There: Paved Road & 10 minute Walk Down the Developed Cliff
Beach Access: Medium
Best For: Surfing & Surf Watching
Suluban Beach Location
This epic surf break has drawn travelers to Uluwatu long before Bali became the international destination that it is today. Surfers charge down the cliffside with their boards all day, while others pull up a chair and admire the waves from afar.
To get here is simple as it’s located in one of the most popular areas to stay in Uluwatu. Aside from the actual beach, you can grab a seat at one of the many restaurants on top of the cliffs to take in the views.
The parking lot is right in front of one of the most famous Bali restaurants. Single Fin is a place where many tourists head to party and watch the stunning sunset.
You may also see Suluban go by the name Blue Point Beach. This comes from the Blue Point Bay Villas that sit directly above it. We actually stayed at this resort and it was super convenient! There is a pool which overlooks the ocean and is connected to Single Fin Bali restaurant.
To get out to the surf you can paddle your way out from the beach after a short hike down. The other option is to cut through a small cave at low tide and make your way from there.
Even if you’re not surfing at this Uluwatu Beach, Suluban is a fun place for a refreshing dip. Just watch out for the dangerous tides and rip currents here if you plan to go into the sea.
→ How to Visit Suluban Beach & Bali’s Famous Cliffside Restaurants
6. Nyang Nyang Beach
Getting There: Bumpy Dirt Road & Hike 20 Minutes Down the Mountain
Beach Access: Difficult
Best For: Swimming & Beach Walks
Nyang Nyang Location
The view from above Nyang Nyang beach will literally take your breath away. The massive green mountain rolls down the hillside and transforms into a long stretch of perfect soft white sand.
However, know that this isn’t a beach that you can make a quick stop at. It’s a bit further away than most of the best beaches in Uluwatu on the outskirts of town.
The steep path also requires a steep hike or drive down. So much so, that Brigitte actually had to jump off our motorbike as we weren’t sure if it was going to make it up the road with two people!
Due to its location, you should plan for a full afternoon at Nyang Nyang. Once you arrive you’ll see what brings people to this great beach!
The wide sands offer plenty of space to relax and find your own slice of paradise. It’s one of the most undeveloped beaches in Uluwatu which makes for a completely different experience than other destinations on this list.
There is a small restaurant at the start of the beach, but besides that you’ll be on your own. Make sure to bring your own water and snacks if you’re heading there for the day.
→ Is Nyang Nyang Beach Worth Visiting in Bali? (Our Experience)
More of the Best Beaches in Uluwatu
While we have named our six favorites in this article, know that there are so many more Uluwatu beaches to discover! Use this as a loose guide to plan your own visit and don’t hesitate to do some exploring on your own.
There are endless sandy coves, small caves, and views to enjoy from the limestone cliffs. We’ve listed more of our favorites we haven’t mentioned yet below. You could easily spend weeks in this amazing town in south Bali at the best beaches in Uluwatu.
- Balangan Beach
- Melasti Beach
- Green Bowl Beach
- Nunggalan Beach
- Tegal Wangi Beach
- Pandawa Beach
Don’t Miss the Uluwatu Temple
One of the best things to do after visiting the Uluwatu beaches is to see this incredible temple. The Uluwatu Temple is perched atop the dramatic cliffs in a dreamy jungle-like setting.
The best way to experience this cultural attraction is go in the late afternoon. Take in the Kecak Fire and Dance show before watching the sunset over the island.
As with the many beaches in Uluwatu, you’ll want to watch out for the monkeys here. They’re known to take peoples backpacks, food, and even will throw your Iphone straight off the cliff!
Bali has so many amazing temples to visit and this should be at the top of your list. Even if you’re not going there for the epic performance, the views are still totally worth it.
→ 8 Uluwatu Temple Tips For Your First Visit (Dress Code & More!)
Where To Stay Near the Uluwatu Beaches
Ultra Luxury – Alila Villas Uluwatu – If you 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 fun twist to your Bali vacation with the fun and colorful decor. This hotel has the perfect location near Padang Padang beach.
Boutique Hotel – Hari Indah Boutique Hotel & Spa – Upscale bed and breakfast in a beautiful jungle setting. On site spa & restaurant, Bali decor, and a fun swimming pool to enjoy.
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
Are the Uluwatu Beaches Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Uluwatu is our favorite area of Bali to stay in and we’ve now been several times. The beaches in Uluwatu are all unique from each other and offer something for every type of traveler. As you can see, the town is also full of great restaurants, beach bars, and cafes you will love.
We recommend at least two days to explore all the Uluwatu beaches, and even that will feel very rushed! If you have time this part of the island is better experienced over a week or two. It’s also an excellent location to relax and explore more of Bali from.
Have any questions about this article or want to share more of the best Uluwatu beaches? Leave us a comment below.
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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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!
Uluwata has a beach for every kind of sun-seeker and surfer, doesn’t it? Nyang Nyang sounds especially alluring!
Author
Absolutely! And we love Nyang Nyang
These beaches are absolutely gorgeous! And what amazing photos you’ve captured! I’d so love to visit Uluwatu one day!
Author
Definitely our favorite area of Bali to stay in! Love these beaches (-:
Such stunning beaches! I can’t wait to check them all out. Thank you again, for your invaluable tips!
Author
Anytime! The beaches in Uluwatu are so beautiful 😊
Wonderful! I will undoubtedly stay at Uluwatu throughout the summertime to unwind and enjoy my free time. When I get there there, my top goal will be to visit Dreamland Beach!
Author
Awesome! Dreamland beach is amazing. Hope you have a great trip (-: