Summary
Uluwatu beaches are known for their white sand, blue waves, impressive sea cliffs, perfect sunsets, and top-quality surfing. This area of Bali has some of the best beaches on the whole island.
While you might find nicer beaches in Nusa Penida, Uluwatu offers the advantage of easier accessibility, more clubs and hotels, as well as better infrastructure.
Without further ado, let’s dive into the complete list of the best beaches in Uluwatu, Bali!
Where To Stay
Uluwatu Beaches Map
Plan your Bali trip with this useful map of Uluwatu beaches. You can click the icons for more information and directions, keeping in mind that some locations may be approximate.
The Best Beaches In Uluwatu Bali
1. Bingin Beach
Bingin Beach is renowned for stunning sunsets, surfing, and delightful seafood barbecues in the evenings. The coast here is incredibly photogenic, adorned by large tropical boulders and algae-covered rocks. Surf camps and rentals on the beach offer surf lessons, making it a prime surf spot in Bali.
As hotels and restaurants continue to emerge, visitors can stay longer and enjoy the beach. Villas such as Kerang Bingin and Inn Possible Cliff House provide beautiful ocean views with direct beach access.
During low tide, it’s possible to walk to other nearby beaches like Dreamland, Pemutih, and Padang Padang. To access Bingin Beach, visitors must descend a set of steep stairs from the parking area, but it’s only a 5-minute walk. Overall, it’s a top favorite!
2. Pemutih Beach
Pantai Pemutih is an up-and-coming surfing hotspot with cliffside hotels and a charming white sand beach.
This beach remains relatively undiscovered, enhancing its appeal. For a beachside stay, consider Rock N Reef Hotel Uluwatu.
3. Padang Padang Beach
This intriguing beach is tucked away among cliffs. Accessing it requires navigating a narrow passage in the rocks and descending steps.
Padang Padang is a favorite for surfing, or for simply sipping a fresh coconut while enjoying the white sand and playful monkeys.
Unlike many supposedly ‘hidden’ beaches in Bali, accessing Padang Padang requires squeezing through a narrow path and descending steps to arrive at this secluded beach, enclosed by cliffs. Its modest size compared to other beaches doesn’t detract from its status as one of the best surfing spots in Bali, where you can rent surfboards or bring your own. While it’s no longer a secret, it remains a captivating location.
Be cautious of monkeys, particularly near the entrance, as they might attempt to take your belongings! I’ve witnessed them snatch food from visitors, especially if it’s in a recognizable plastic bag.
4. Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach is a lovely free beach that features white sand and vibrant blue waves. Much like other Uluwatu beaches, it is a spectacular spot for watching the sunset.
It is also a favored choice for pre-wedding photo shoots due to the cliff above the beach that offers extraordinary views of the ocean and coastline.
Surprisingly, the beach retains a quiet atmosphere, making it a great escape from commercial tourism. Access it via a set of stairs, with two parking areas available – one near the beach and another on the cliff above.
Balangan Beach offers one of the most breathtaking views in Uluwatu, Bali.
5. Thomas Beach
One of Bali’s hidden gems and a personal favorite, Thomas Beach is characterized by its extensive stretch of white sand interspersed with boulders and fewer crowds.
6. Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach offers seclusion amidst caves and gigantic rocks to discover, along with surfable waves. My favorite feature is the restaurant’s breathtaking view from the cliffs. This little warung offers spectacular views of the coastline.
We enjoyed drinks here while absorbing the scenery, and even spotted a monitor lizard wandering the cliffs! It’s a fantastic dining locale while exploring Uluwatu, Bali.
7. Nunggalan Beach
Nunggalan Beach (also known as Nyang Nyang) is one of the larger white sand beaches in southern Bali, featuring pristine blue waters and ample open space.
The trek down can be intense, but you’re rewarded with a huge private beach and a stunning wooden shipwreck for captivating photographs! This beach is nestled at the base of a large cliff and requires a 20-minute descent and a 30-minute ascent.
Although there are sections with loose rocks, they present no significant danger. We managed perfectly well in sandals.
The climb back up can be quite draining, and there aren’t always refreshments available, so I suggest bringing some water!
8. Melasti Beach
Melasti is a beautifully developed beach with a road carved into towering limestone cliffs, creating a stunning backdrop.
This beach boasts a long stretch of white sand, clear turquoise waters, ample parking, and various upscale clubs lining the beachfront: Cattamaran, Minoo, and Palmilla. You can also reach Karma Beach Club by walking.
While I generally disapprove of the commercialization of once-quiet beaches, Melasti is developed thoughtfully. Occasionally, you might notice slight litter, but overall, it’s surprisingly well-maintained.
Melasti Beach is rapidly becoming one of the most favored beaches in south Bali, attracting visitors for pre-wedding photo ops, traditional Balinese Kecak dance performances, and a vibrant beach club scene.
The full length of the beach approaches two kilometers, especially when combined with Karma Beach, which connects at its western end. At Melasti’s entrance, there’s an Instagram-worthy Balinese-style gate where you can capture impressive photos.
9. Karma Beach
Karma Beach is beautiful, featuring some picturesque boulders, but primarily offering white sand and blue waves. It hosts the Karma Beach Club.
Although it is typically regarded as a private beach accessed from the cliffs above Karma Kandara, you can also walk to it freely from Melasti Beach.
Access to Karma Beach Club’s facilities incurs a fee, but irrespective, Karma Beach remains one of the stunning white sand beaches in the Uluwatu region!
10. Green Bowl Beach
Green Bowl is one of my best-kept secrets among Uluwatu beaches.
Though it may not be expansive, and the steep trek down can be exhausting, it offers beautiful white sand and excellent sunset views.
Surfers frequent Green Bowl for its waves, and two caves provide opportunities for exploration. It’s also a nice spot to retreat to when the sun gets overwhelming.
Be cautious of monkeys in the parking area and along the trail as they might attempt to pilfer your belongings if you come too close.
11. Gunung Payung Beach
This undiscovered beach is sheltered by cliffs and features a tranquil Hindu temple.
Accessing it requires descending a long staircase, but once you arrive, the beach is all yours to enjoy. Walking along the coast reveals a substantial sea cave for exploration.
12. Dreamland Beach
Dreamland provides a lengthy stretch of white sand adorned with sunbeds for rent.
However, this beach has experienced some decline in recent years, primarily due to debris carried in by the ocean; yet, we can only hope for improvements going forward.
13. Tegal Wangi Beach
Tegal Wangi is relatively small, but it remains a secret to many Bali tourists, ensuring it’s never overly crowded.
This beach features two sea caves. Although the first one is quite modest, a larger cave can be found further along the beach. At low tide, you can also find natural pools to relax in while soaking up the views.
We visited at sunrise, although sunset is likely the best time since the beach faces west, offering an incredible sunset view from within the caves!
UPDATE: Current information indicates that Tegal Wangi is temporarily closed. We hope it reopens soon!
14. Uluwatu Beach Clubs
The stunning beaches and cliffs surrounding Uluwatu create the perfect environment for beach clubs, and the area boasts several incredible options.
Typically, the entrance fee ranges from 100k to 500k Rupiah, which often doubles as a food and beverage credit. You’ll enjoy access to a lounge area featuring a pool, sunbeds, and WiFi.
Your view from these lounges might encompass a beautiful beachfront or even an infinity pool. Sipping drinks beside an infinity pool during the Uluwatu sunset is truly remarkable.
Some popular clubs to visit include Ulu Cliffhouse, Sundays Beach Club, Palmilla, El Kabron, and Oneeighty.
Our favorite sunset spot is the Oneeighty cliff pool at The Edge! With a glass-bottom pool and spectacular views of the Uluwatu cliffs, it’s unbeatable.
More Things To Do In Uluwatu Bali
Thank you for reading! I hope you found this Uluwatu beach guide helpful!
