The TOP 6 outstanding beaches in Uluwatu, Bali
Welcome to the Southwest of Bali. Ulutwatu is located on the peninsula Bukit and known for its steep cliffs. While most of the travellers go directly to Canggu and Seminyak, the true paradise of Bali can be found on the Bukit. Ulutwatu has not only some of the best viewpoints and surfing spots, but as well the most beautiful beaches on Bali and gorgeous accommodation to stay. Ulutwatu is for the surfers and travellers who love to experience the laid-back lifestyle and the positive atmosphere in Bali. But what are the best beaches in Uluwatu?
Which beaches do you need to visit for a relaxed day in the sun and which beaches are best to catch some waves? Welcome to a full guide on Ulutwatu´s beaches, some of the most beautiful spots to be in Bali.
The best beaches in Uluwatu
Bingin Beach, Uluwatu – Number 1 of the best beaches in Uluwatu
On top of the list of the most beautiful beaches in Uluwatu is the Bingin Beach. Like most beaches on the peninsula, it is located at the bottom of a cliff and you need to climb down various stairs to reach the beach itself. There are some very good restaurants directly at the beach, which invite you to delicious a breakfast and lunch.
After you reach the parking lot of Bingin Beach (make sure to get a ticket), just follow the signs and climb down the stairs. You will as well come across some very beautiful houses. Make sure to check with the tides, as the beach is mostly flooded during high tide. It is therefore advised to start your beach day at Bingin at midday.
Secret tip for the best way to end your day at Bingin Beach: stay for the sunset down at the beach. Shortly before the sun sets, the restaurants will start placing plastic chairs and tables in the sand for the people to enjoy their dinner with the best view. Have a seat and grab a Bintang and watch the sunset over the ocean. And don´t forget your way up the stairs, it´s longer than you might think. 😊
Uluwatu Beach, Uluwatu
One of the best beaches in Ulutwatu is the main beach of the region. It is located directly at the top of the peninsula and known as the absolute surfer hotspot in all of Bali. It is also called Suluban beach, a term mostly used among the locals and therefore ideal if you´re asking for directions. The Ulutwatu Beach is the busiest place in the area and most of the travellers and expats spend their day in the water.
The Ulutwatu Beach is highly dependent on the tides. During the high tide, the whole beach is flooded and the waves are crashing into the cliff. It is absolutely forbidden to go down to the beach during this time.
As soon as the high tide begins, the surfers are unstoppable. Find your place at the beach or in one of the restaurants at the top of the cliff and watch the show. Compared to beaches like Canggu and Seminyak, at the Uluwatu Beach you will only find the profi surfers.
But the surfers are not the only show to enjoy at the main beach in Uluwatu. This is the best place to be for sunset. The restaurants are usually filled quite quickly, so make sure to be early and grab a table with the best view. Of course, you can also watch the sunset from the beach. An absolute must-have experience in Uluwatu and one that will prove, why this part of the island is so unique and worth a stay.
Thomas Beach, Ulutwatu – one of the Uluwatu ´ s best private beaches
Another gemstone of the best beaches in Ulutwatu is the Thomas Beach. It is also known as the most relaxed and quiet beach of the area. The beach is ideal for simply enjoying the sun and relaxing on a sunbed. There are some rentals for surf boards and the beach is ideal for beginners.
So, if you are keen on surfing in Uluwatu – this is your place!
Thomas Beach is a private beach and you need to pay a small fee to enter the beach. But it is worth the money to enjoy the tranquility of Uluwatu.
Nyang Nyang Beach, Ulutwatu
Are you looking for a quiet beach in Ulutwatu? Are you aiming to be all by yourself and experience the tranquility of Ulutwatu? Then off to the Nyang Nyang Beach. This is probably the most remote beach on the list of best beaches in Ulutwatu. And yet, in order to get there, you need to conquer a lot of stairs. So if the stairs of Thomas Beach and Bingin Beach already brought you to your limits, better stay at the top of the cliff of Nyang Nyang Beach. Due to this more or less risky way down the beach, most tourists decide to take it easy and spend their days at other beaches. Your chance for a private beach experience! Nyang Nyang Beach shows a completely different side of Ulutwatu and compared to the other beaches on the list, the landscape is rougher.
If you visit the Nyang Nyang Beach, make sure to find your way up the cliff before the sun sets as it might be dangerous in the dark. The view from the cliff down the beach is also worth a sight and great for drone shots (good to know for the travel photographers).
Padang Padang Beach, Ulutwatu
If you watched Eat Pray Love, then this beach in Ulutwatu should ring a bell. The Padang Padang Beach needs to be among the best beaches in Uluwatu due to its popularity in the movie. But of course, it is not only the appearance in the movie which makes the Padang Padang beach worth a visit. It is also popular among surfers for some great waves. The entry of the beach is located directly at the main road and cannot be missed. You will even get the chance to catch a glance from the bridge above.
Please notice that in order to enter the Padang Padang Beach you need to pay a little fee. It is still worth it to experience a different beach in Ulutwatu and to catch a new perspective. If you are limited on time and just got a few days on the peninsula, skip on this beach.
Balangan Beach, Uluwatu – the best photography beach in Uluwatu
Welcome to the pirate beach of Ulutwatu. The beach is characterized by a laid-back atmosphere and ideal if you are just looking for a place to relax and recharge the batteries.
Secret tip for the best view on Balagan Beach: leave your bags at your sunbed and walk along the beach to the very end. You will quickly notice a platform at the top of the cliff, a place which is popular among Balinese wedding photographers. Most of them visit the spot during the sunset, so you will have the view all for yourself. Walk up the cliff and enjoy the view over the Thomas Beach and the crystal blue water. The ideal way to combine both exploring more sights of Ulutwatu and relaxing on the beach!
The “not so best beaches in Uluwatu” you might want to skip despite recommendations
Next to the best beaches in Uluwatu, there are as well some beaches which are not worth a visit. Despite they are often recommended and find their places in every travel book and blog about Bali.
Dreamland Beach, Uluwatu
Are you prepared for many Asian tourists? Are you prepared for many selfie sticks? If not, then better skip the Dreamland Beach. The beach is part of many day tours to the Bukit and therefore all but relaxed and worth a visit for travellers.
Jimbaran Beach, Uluwatu
The Jimbaran Beach is located at the Northern top of Uluwatu, close to Denpasar. It is known for its seafood dinner and the huge crowds watching the sunset. During the day, the Jimbaran Beach seems almost dead. There are rarely any places to sit and enjoy the sun and you will only find some lonely restaurants.
As soon as the sun sets, the Jimbaran Beach seems to come to life. Buses full of people arrive for the famous seafood dinner and local kids play soccer. While on one hand it is a nice atmosphere, it´s, on the other hand, not worth your time. There are better places to watch the sunset or enjoy some delicious food.
Pandawa Beach, Uluwatu
Another beach to skip on your trip to Uluwatu is the Pandawa Beach. It is a total hotspot for East-Asian tourists and full of restaurants. The best beaches in Uluwatu which you are now aware of have great places to eat as well and you will be able to enjoy your time without millions of tourists.
For more tips on travelling Bali, check out The best photography spots in Bali and see where you should go with your camera.
