Our 9 Favorite Uluwatu Beaches You Need to Visit in 2025

Before heading to Bali, our friends recommended Uluwatu, saying it’s quieter than the well-known area of Canggu. So, we adjusted our itinerary and spent nearly a week in Uluwatu, and you know what? They were right!

Uluwatu charmed us completely, and we fell in love with the place. The roads are free of traffic jams, there are fewer people, and we loved the beaches. Even as beginner surfers, we found the waves here much more beginner-friendly than in Canggu.

We loved it here so much that after a trip to Lombok, where we climbed Mt. Rinjani, an active volcano (one of the most incredible hikes of our lives), we decided to return and enjoy Uluwatu beaches again.

So, if you’re a beach lover, this guide will help you decide which of the best beaches in Uluwatu is perfect for you. But maybe it’s all of them!

Map of the best beaches in Uluwatu

1. Padang Padang – Pantai Padang Padang

Padang Padang Beach was one of our favorite spots in Uluwatu. We kept coming back and enjoyed every visit to the fullest.

Padang Padang is tucked away in a small cove and is perfect for swimming and surfing. While it’s not exceptionally spacious or long like Dreamland Beach, we always managed to find a spot and loved the cozy feel of this beautiful beach.

The entrance to Padang Padang Beach is conveniently located along the main road, with parking available on the opposite side. After paying the entrance fee, you’ll head down 120 steps through cliff passages to reach the beach.

You can lay your towel anywhere, but avoid placing it under the sun umbrellas unless you’re prepared to pay an additional fee.

What makes this beach unique is the cliff that overhangs above the water. During low tide, you can walk underneath it, creating an incredible view and experience.

Beach Facilities

Once you’re down at the beach, you’ll find a few surfboard rentals, local food stalls, and simple warungs with casual seating. It’s easy to grab something quick—grilled corn, cold drinks, or traditional Indonesian dishes like nasi goreng or mie goreng.

Prices aren’t the cheapest, but honestly, they’re fair for a beach like this and the convenience of eating with a sea view.

However, some fantastic restaurants are just a 2-3 minute drive away. We highly recommend trying Ulu Garden Restaurant!

Surfing at Padang Padang

As beginner surfers, we found Baby Padang Padang to be the best spot we tried in Bali. It’s right in front of the beach and much more manageable than the famous Padang Padang wave.

The gentle reef break goes both left and right. We preferred the left break—it’s usually less crowded and offers a longer ride, though paddling back can be tougher. The right break brings you near a rip current, but it’s actually helpful—it pulls you back to the lineup without much effort.

We spent many days surfing here. Despite occasional crowds, it became one of our favorite places in Uluwatu.

Before going to surf, always check the surf forecast and tides. It’s essential because you can’t surf Baby Padang Padang during a low tide.

2. Dreamland Beach

Dreamland Beach is one of the largest and most stunning beaches in Uluwatu. Surrounded by dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views, it has that classic Bali postcard feel.

The beach is only a 1-minute walk from the parking lot.

The soft, white sand stretches for around 400 meters, so even on busier days, it doesn’t feel packed. We always found a good spot to relax, especially if we walked a little further down where it’s quieter and more peaceful.

Swimming here is possible, but getting into the water can be a bit of a challenge—the waves crash hard right onto the shore.

Honestly, we had so much fun playing in them. It took us right back to childhood, laughing and trying to outrun the shorebreak. Just keep in mind that near the main entrance, the waves get strong. Two big red flags mark the area where swimming isn’t allowed.

Since the beach faces west, it’s also one of our favorite places to catch the sunset. Grab a coconut or a cold Bintang and soak it all in—the golden light, the cliffs, the sound of waves. It’s one of those simple moments that stick with you.

Beach facilities

There are a few local warungs just above the beach where you can grab a quick bite, a fresh coconut, or something cold to drink. Super casual and perfect for a no-fuss lunch break.

Umbrellas and loungers are available to rent right on the sand — we saw plenty of them set up every time we visited. The going rate was around IDR 100,000 for the day.

You’ll also find a few surfboard rental stands along the beach, some offering lessons too. Just keep in mind that conditions aren’t always ideal for beginners, depending on the tide and swell.

Surfing at Dreamland Beach

Before visiting Dreamland Beach, we read that it’s a popular surf spot, so we were quite excited to try it out. But once we arrived, the waves were breaking surprisingly close to the shore, and honestly, it looked a bit too risky, especially for beginner surfers like us.

Not long after, we saw a wave snap a beginner’s board clean in half, and he ended up having to pay for the damage. That moment sealed the deal for us—we skipped surfing this time.

Of course, wave conditions change, and maybe it’s more beginner-friendly at other times. But even so, the close shore break didn’t feel right for us.

If you’re more experienced and want to give it a shot, there are rental stands right on the beach. Dreamland offers both right and left-hand beach breaks, so when the conditions are right, it can be a fun challenge.

3. Uluwatu Beach – Suluban Beach

Uluwatu Beach and Suluban Beach are well-known spots among travelers, so don’t expect to have them all to yourself. That said, the unique vibe here is still something special.

Getting down to the beaches is an experience in itself — you walk through narrow, bustling streets filled with surfers, tourists, shops, and warungs, all tucked under steep limestone cliffs that give the area its charm.

We got a bit turned around on the way down since the paths aren’t always clearly marked, but it only took a few minutes to figure it out — no worries about getting lost.

When we visited during mid to high tide, Uluwatu Beach was mainly underwater, which was a bit disappointing because we couldn’t really enjoy the sand or swim.

The area was buzzing with surfers, which made the scene lively, but the beach itself felt crowded. Suluban Beach, right next door, was similar — we had to stand in the water to get a glimpse.

One of my favorite parts was the path through the low cave to Suluban Beach — it’s such a cool way to reach the shore and definitely worth the visit.

If you want to relax and sunbathe, take it from me: come at low tide so you can actually spread your towel and enjoy the beach.

If you love watching big wave surfers like we do, skip the beach itself and head to the higher streets overlooking the water. It’s a great spot to watch the action without battling the crowds below.

Honestly, this place is one of my favorites for combining that classic Bali surf vibe with some unique scenery — plan your visit around the tides and you’ll have a much better experience.

Beach facilities

On the way to the beach, you’ll find plenty of warungs, cozy cafes, and popular beach clubs like the famous Single Fin Bali. You can grab a drink or some food with amazing ocean views—even from the pool! It’s the perfect spot to catch a beautiful sunset.

Surfing at Uluwatu/Suluban Beach

This place is a pure paradise for experienced surfers. You can find world-class waves here.

During the dry season, Suluban offers a great left-hand point break with waves ranging from 1 to 6 meters tall. The ideal time to surf here is from May to October, especially at low to mid tide.

4. Green Bowl Beach

Green Bowl Beach is a hidden gem among Uluwatu Beaches. It looks like it was pulled straight from a postcard.

We visited this place early in the morning during low tide. It turned out to be a great decision, as we had the place nearly to ourselves—just one other tourist and a local woman insistently trying to sell us coconuts and snacks.

We don’t recommend coming here during high tide because it barely exists.

Green Bowl Beach is surrounded by majestic cliffs covered in lush bushes and trees, creating a wonderful environment for the local monkeys. There are a lot of them here! You’ll first need to ascend steep stairs to reach this beautiful beach.

Just a friendly reminder to be cautious, as these monkeys might be waiting for you along the way. They’re not looking for playtime; they’re more interested in your snacks, so keeping your food and valuables safely stored in your backpack or pockets is wise.

Green Bowl Beach is not ideal for swimming during low tide — the water is too shallow, and sharp stones make it uncomfortable. If you’re planning a dip, I recommend coming during mid-tide when swimming is much more enjoyable.

One of the things I love most about this beach is the small cave tucked right under the cliff. Inside, there’s a peaceful shrine where locals come to pray. It adds a calm, spiritual vibe that makes this beach feel special.

Beach facilities

There are no toilets, showers or warungs on the beach. Just older women trying to sell you overpriced snacks and coconuts. If you refuse, they’ll be grumpy.

You can find toilets and two warungs with a few local dishes in the parking. However, there are no public showers or toilets on the beach.

Surfing at Green Bowl Beach

This is the perfect spot for skilled and experienced surfers. Waves can get quite big, fast, and steep. Therefore, don’t try your luck here if you’re a beginner or intermediate surfer.

Waves break to the right side. Surfing here is dangerous during a low tide because it’s a reef break, the water level in some places might be too shallow, and you can also get hit by hidden rocks.

5. Thomas Beach

Thomas Beach is one of the quieter gems in Uluwatu — honestly, it was a really pleasant time on the beach. Compared to Dreamland or Padang Padang, it’s far less crowded, yet it still has everything you need for a relaxed beach day: a few warungs, sunbeds, and even surfboard rentals right at the entrance.

You can park your motorbike for free just above the beach. To get down, expect about 130 steps — the staircase could use some maintenance, so take it slow and watch your step.

Surf beginners can also book surf lessons here, which is a nice bonus if you’re looking to try something new.

If you prefer not to use sunbeds and enjoy a more natural setting, head to either end of the beach.

I recommend the left side during low tide — it feels wilder and more secluded, surrounded by massive boulders. The right side backs onto a beautiful patch of greenery, though it doesn’t offer much shade from the strong afternoon sun.

During our visit, the beach had a fair bit of seaweed, even though locals do clean it often. It didn’t bother us much, but it’s something to keep in mind.

And if you’re a sunset lover, this beach is west-facing — so bring a drink, find a spot on the sand, and enjoy one of Bali’s iconic fiery sunsets.

Beach Facilities

As I mentioned above, there are a few beach vendors and one warung. You can buy traditional Indonesian food, such as nasi goreng (fried rice), cold drinks, and fresh coconuts.

We bought stainless steel straws to help reduce pollution, and you can do the same! Plastic straws are everywhere, but reusable ones make a big difference.

There are no showers and public toilets. Some vendors offer paid toilets (10 000 IDR).

Surfing at Thomas Beach

Even though you can rent a surfboard and get an instructor, we didn’t see anyone surfing. It was because we came at the wrong time of day—low tide. Don’t make the same mistake, and plan your visit during mid to high tide if you want to ride some waves.

On Thomas Beach you can enjoy left hand break without the crowds.

6. Bingin Beach

Bingin Beach (Pantai Bingin) is a stunning 200-meter stretch of white sand with turquoise water and cozy cafes nestled into the cliffs. It has a laid-back atmosphere that’s hard to beat, especially if you time your visit right.

To reach the beach, you’ll need to walk down about 190 uneven steps. It took us around 10 minutes from the parking area. The staircase isn’t difficult, but it’s a bit steep. The views on the way down are already worth it.

We recommend visiting during low tide — the beach becomes much wider, and there’s enough space for everyone to relax. During high tide, the area becomes narrow and crowded, leaving barely enough room for a towel.

If you’re wondering when to go during the day, come before sunset. That’s when Bingin truly shines.

One of our favorite evenings in Bali was right here. We ordered grilled fish at one of the warungs, sat down with a cold Bintang, and just watched the colors shift in the sky while the waves rolled in around our feet. It was simple, but honestly, so memorable.

Swimming at Bingin isn’t as easy as at other beaches because the sea floor is rocky and covered in coral. We suggest wearing water shoes to protect your feet, especially during mid-tide when the rocks are just under the surface.

Beach facilities

As I mentioned, Bingin Beach is dotted with laid-back restaurants and cafes. Two of the top-rated spots are Kelly’s Warung, which we stopped at for a smoothie bowl and iced coffee (their view over the beach is one of the best), and Bingin Bagus Seafood BBQ, where we once had dinner with our feet in the sand.

There are no public showers or toilets, but we’ve always been able to use the restrooms in the warungs after ordering something. Just make sure to bring some tissues, as they’re not always stocked.

Sunbeds cost around 150,000 IDR for the whole day, and most come with an umbrella. Worth renting if you’re staying longer or visiting at midday.

Surfing at Bingin Beach

Bingin Beach is the ideal spot for experienced surfers. If you’re just a beginner, we don’t recommend surfing here.

These waves are strong and produce the perfect left-hand barrel. This is no longer a hidden gem among surfers, so you can’t expect to be alone or just with a few surfers here.

7. Nyang Nyang Beach

Nyang Nyang Beach isn’t as easily accessible as most of the other Uluwatu beaches — and that’s actually a good thing. Because it takes more effort to get here, it’s often peaceful and nearly empty, giving you that rare feeling of being on a hidden island surrounded by nothing but the ocean and cliffs.

The road leading down has recently been repaired and is easy to navigate on a motorbike, but it’s still not suitable for cars. We parked our scooter directly on the beach but if you leave your vehicle on the cliff — the descent will take you around 15 minutes.

I still remember the first time we arrived here — long stretches of golden sand, powerful waves crashing into shore, and not a single person in sight not like other Uluwatu beaches.

It honestly felt like a scene from a movie. We laid down our sarong under a small shady cliff and spent hours doing almost nothing.

Swimming at Nyang Nyang is best during mid-tide, when the waves are calmer and the water is deep enough. At high tide, waves get strong and can feel intimidating.

On the other hand, low tide leaves only small natural pools, perfect for cooling off, but not deep enough for a real swim.

Beach Facilities

There are a few warungs, but none of them sell food; they sell cold drinks, beer, and coconuts. At the end of Nyang Nyang Beach, you’ll find a Bubble Hotel, a really unique place to stay.

You won’t find any public showers or toilets on the beach.

Surfing at Nyang Nyang

Nyang Nyang does have a few surfable waves. The main surf spot is to the right of the beach, near the entrance to a channel. It’s best enjoyed during high tide with a small swell. When conditions align, it creates a short but fun, punchy right-hander.

8. Melasti Beach

Melasti Beach, also known as Pantai Melasti, quickly became one of our favorite Uluwatu beaches. It’s easy to reach by motorbike or car, with parking almost right on the beach.

The soft white sand stretches for about 2 kilometers, and the water here is calm, perfect for families or anyone looking to swim without waves.

Based on my visits, Melasti can get busy, but thanks to its size, you’ll still find plenty of space to relax without feeling crowded. It’s one of the first places I recommend checking out if you want a convenient yet peaceful beach experience.

The atmosphere here is just right for unwinding and soaking in the surroundings, making it a solid choice on any Uluwatu itinerary.

Surfing at Melasti Beach

Surfing at Melasti Beach is possible, but almost no one comes here to surf. The wave is ideal for advanced surfers as it picks up a lot of swells, but not many people surf at this beach because of the poor wave quality.

Beach facilities

Public showers, toilets, and changing rooms are available for donation. If you’re craving food, you can walk along the beach and stumble upon several warungs. Beach clubs are also available for fun and delicious drinks.

We highly recommend visiting one of the most famous beach clubs in Bali – Sundays. It’s located at the western end of Melasti Beach and has a private entrance.

9. Balangan Beach

Balangan Beach is next to Dreamland Beach, the most northernly located of all Uluwatu Beaches.

Even though it is slowly developing, it’s still one of the quieter beaches in Uluwatu, making it a great place to unwind without the crowds.

The beach has soft white sand and offers fantastic surf conditions for experienced surfers. If you’re planning to swim, we recommend coming during high tide.

At low tide, the water becomes very shallow and the coral bottom is exposed, so bring water shoes to protect your feet.

One of the things I love most about Balangan is the cliff viewpoint on the right side of the beach. It’s getting more popular, and for good reason — the view is stunning, especially at sunset.

One of my favorite memories here was when Nika surprised me with a date on the cliff. We brought snacks, a couple of beers, and watched the sun dip below the ocean.

It’s one of those simple, unforgettable evenings. If you want to enjoy the same, arrive a bit earlier — the best spots fill up quickly.

Beach facilities

Several restaurants, warungs, and cafes are located on the beach. Sunbeds are also available for around 150,000 IDR per day. Public toilets and showers are unavailable, but many restaurants have customer toilets.

Surfing at Balangan Beach

Balangan is a left-hand reef break with multiple sections known for its long, consistent waves. The reef is relatively flat, so the waves usually don’t barrel. Because the waves are strong and big, this spot is more for experienced surfers than beginners.

There are a few surf rentals and schools on the beach.

Best time to visit Bali

The best time to visit Bali mostly depends on your preferences. Each season has something to offer and shows a different side of the country.

Dry season

In general, the best time to visit is the dry season. Days are mostly sunny with clear skies, and there might be occasional rains. During peak months, it can get unbearably hot and humid. It’s also the most popular season, so expect higher prices and crowds.

Rainy season

The most intense rains come in December and January. Storms during the rest of the rainy season are usually short and intense. Because of this, you can have a good time even during the rainy season. But prepare for occasional floods.

Best beach clubs on Uluwatu

Bali is well-known for its incredible beach clubs. Travelers from all around the world want to enjoy the vibes that can be found only here. Uluwatu is no exception, and you can find one of the best beach clubs in Bali here.

Here is the list of the best beach clubs in Uluwatu:

1. Sundays
2. Ulu Cliff House
3. Savaya
4. Single Fin
5. Loca Sea House
6. One Eighty
7. Timbis Beach Club
8. El Kabron