Uluwatu's Best Beaches for Surfing & Sunsets
Unwind & Explore Bali’s Southcoast
The Bukit Peninsula is Bali's surf heartland, a string of world-class reef breaks packed into a few clifftop kilometres in the island's south. This guide covers the best beaches around Uluwatu for surfing and sunsets, from the barrels at Padang Padang to the mellow corners of Balangan, with tips on the best tide and time of day for each. For waves elsewhere on the island, see our guide to Bali's best sunset surf beaches.
1. Balangan Beach
Let's start at the beach located in the North on the Bukit Peninsula, just beneath the border between Uluwatu and Jimbaran. Remaining somewhat of a hidden gem from the tourist crowds, Balangan tends to be much quieter than other spots nearby, making it a great spot in Uluwatu for a chilled day at the beach. At the far end of the beach is a large cliff where you can walk to when it’s low tide, the water is really clear and a perfect spot to do some shell searching.
Balangan has quite a lot of exposed reefs so it isn’t ideal for swimming, but at high tide, it is a great surf spot. It’s a left-hand reef break with many sections, known for its long, fast-breaking and consistent waves. The reef is quite flat so the waves tend not to barrel. Balangan is mostly surfed by more experienced surfers due to the fast breaking waves and the reef bottom. If you are a beginner just learning how to surf, Balangan can be a challenging surf spot, but is suitable for when the swell is smaller and the tide is high. With all kinds of different local warungs and surf schools, you can enjoy a delicious nasi goreng or fresh coconut after you enjoy your day at the beach!
2. Dreamland Beach
Dreamland is another of the most popular beaches in Uluwatu, sitting on the peninsula’s west coast. It’s easily accessible, with scooter parking just a few metres from the sand and car/scooter parking a short walk away. With its white sand, blue water, surfable waves and next to a cliff this beach is for sure a dreamland.
Over the years this spot has become a popular beach for tourists, and the beach is also perfectly equipped for them. With sunbeds, toilets, showers, a warung, small stores and a beach club. Even though it’s no hidden gem anymore, the beach is wide enough (400 M) to find some quieter spots. The white sand is very soft and super to relax on, read your book and play games. Swimming is possible, but be careful, because the waves can be very strong.
And where this might not be too great for swimming, it’s great for surfing! With its strong but gentle waves and the only sandy bottom in Uluwatu, Dreamland is one of the best beaches for beginner surfers! Dreamland Beach is also a great spot to enjoy the sunset while sipping on some drinks or a fresh coconut.
3. Bingin
Next up is Bingin Beach, a laid-back sandy beach tucked below the jungle and limestone towering cliffs in west Uluwatu. To access the beach, you’ll need to walk down almost 200 steep and uneven concrete steps, but it's worth it.
When it’s low tide, there’s a lovely stretch of soft white sand you can enjoy. There are no sunbeds on the beach itself, so most people just lay down a towel on the sand. You can grab a Bintang or coconut from one of the small warungs and enjoy the beach. At high tide, Bingin becomes one of the narrowest beaches in Uluwatu, with only a small area of sand left. At this point, it’s best to head into one of the many cafes and restaurants at the back of the small beach with an ocean and sunset view.
Bingin is a popular surf spot, with especially waves for more experienced surfers (due to the fast-breaking, powerful, challenging waves, and the reef bottom). And it’s the easiest surf spot in Bali to get barrelled due to the consistency and predictability of the wave that ever closes out. Many professional and local surfers come to surf at this spot since it’s so perfect compared to the spots around. So if you decide to surf here, please make sure you use the right surf etiquette and pay some respect to the locals.
4. Padang Padang
Located a short distance south is Padang Padang, also known locally as Pantai Labuan Sait. If you have seen Julia Roberts’ iconic movie ‘Eat Pray Love’, you’ll recognize this location. After a small fee for the beach and 120 steps down, you’ll find white sand, blue water and some unique rock formations in the water. This beach is great for swimming, due to the sand bottom and moderate waves.
A little bit further in the ocean, you’ll find one of the most famous surf breaks in Bali, known as the “Balinese Pipeline.” This break has also hosted the yearly Rip Curl Padang Padang Surf Pro, with international and local top surfers, which is one of the main events and biggest surf competition in Bali.
Over the years this tiny beach gained its popularity and isn’t as uncrowded as it was before. It gets overcrowded easily and you’ll encounter quite a few vendors selling the local sarongs, t-shirts, food and drinks, and there are a lot of monkeys to look out for.
So, if you want to surf one of the best surf spots in Bali or are a huge Eat Pray Love fan, Padang Padang is worth a brief visit. But if you’re looking for a relaxed and peaceful day at the beach, you explore other less crowded beaches.
5. Thomas Beach
Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbours, Padang Padang and Uluwatu Beach, it offers a relaxed escape for those seeking a peaceful day away from the crowds. With no entry fee and easy access (130 steps), this beach is a budget-friendly option. It will only take you around 5 minutes to feel the soft sand on your feet.
The beach is long and narrow, with a line of sun loungers taking up most of the space on the sand at high tide. If you walk a little further down the beach you’ll find space to lay on your towel. Since this beach is facing the west, it’s another great spot for an amazing sunset!
For surfers, Thomas Beach offers a less crowded option with a left-handed wave that breaks at mid-high tide. While the wave quality is average, it's important to be cautious of the strong current.
6. Uluwatu Beach / Suluban Beach
Uluwatu Beach, also known as Suluban Beach, is a renowned destination offering breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and the iconic Uluwatu Temple. Access to the beach involves a short but steep staircase, leading to a sheltered bay with pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters.
Since it’s so popular among tourists, you’ll often need to find your way past group tours and Insta photoshoots. However, Uluwatu Beach remains a must-visit destination for its stunning scenery and world-class surfing!
If it’s low tide and you go through a small sea cave, you’ll enter Suluban beach. It’s a small untouched white sand beach with clear water and gentle waves that are great for swimming. It’s only safe to visit Suluban Beach when it’s low tide. At high tide, the passageway that leads to Suluban Beach is dangerous.
Uluwatu is the first reef break that has been discovered in Bali and is now the most famous surf spot in Bali. It's known for its consistent and powerful waves and is surfed by many advanced and professional surfers. Since this spot is more exposed to swell then other spots in the area, it's the spot that most likely always has waves. However, Uluwatu isn't just about surfing.
This vibrant area offers a variety of activities for visitors of all kinds. You can relax on the beach, explore the Uluwatu Temple, or simply experience the lively atmosphere. With numerous beach clubs, warungs, and bars, there's always something to do!
7. Nunggalan
Nunggalan is a relatively undiscovered beach, offering a peaceful escape from the crowds. This beach offers a sense of seclusion and tranquillity that’s hard to find on most other beaches in Uluwatu. It’s a great spot for spending the day lounging in the sun in peace. The beach has several kilometres of soft white sand and turquoise waters backed by limestone cliffs, and an Instagrammable shipwreck. A 20-30 minute hike down a steep dirt path leads to this hidden gem, but the effort is well worth the reward.
Once you enter the beach you’ll find the shipwreck, now a big canvas for graffiti, and some sun beds. Walk a bit further down the beach, and you'll likely find yourself alone on this secluded beach. While swimming is possible, be cautious of the strong currents and rocky bottom.
Surfing is also possible at the western side of Nunggalan Beach. The surf here is best for intermediate to advanced surfers due to its large and fast breaking right-hander waves. The biggest downside of surfing here? You’ll need to carry your board up and down the cliff. Upside? The upside is a virtually empty lineup, and there will probably be almost no surfers who can snake or drop in on you!
8. Nyang Nyang Beach
Right next to Nunggalan, Nyang Nyang. Another quiet, untouched and beautiful beach with extensive beaches surrounded by high cliffs. Same like the neighbour, you can only reach this paradise through a steep, winding and adventurous path. Even though this road is possible with a scooter, it’s more for experienced drivers and not when it has been raining, when it’s all muddy and slippery.
With a wide beach of wide sand and only a couple small warungs selling cold drinks, you’ll probably have the feeling you’re all alone on the beach. Another great place to visit to escape the busier crowds from other beaches in Bali. Swimming here might be a bit tough because of the strong waves, so it's better to just relax on the sand and soak your surroundings. When it's low tide the reef is largely exposed and you can take a refreshing dip in the shallower pools.
This is one of the places in Bali that has waves all year round, so Nyang Nyang beach welcomes quite a few surfers. The waves here are always much bigger than anywhere else, as there is nothing between this beach and the South Pole but empty ocean. At high tide, Nyang-Nyang offers short, punchy right-handers that break over coral into a channel. At lower tides and larger swells the waves will break in the channel and the waves will become a close out.
9. Melasti
White soft sand, clear blue waters and beautiful reef to explore the underwater marine life, that's what you can find at Melasti beach, the most southern beach point of Bali. This beach is easy to access and perfect for swimming and snorkelling, allowing you to explore the colourful marine life.
And like most beaches in Bali, Melasti beach features numerous sunbeds, places to relax, read your book, warungs offering traditional Balinese food, and fancy beach clubs with pools overlooking the beach. With the beach being 2 kilometres long, you'll find plenty of room to relax and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere.
At low tide, the waves break further out on the reef, creating a beautiful lagoon perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Surfing is not ideal due to the strong current and smaller waves, and Uluwatu offers many other excellent surfing spots to explore!
10. Green Bowl
What once was a secret spot known only by surfers, now more and more people are heading there in search of the ‘hidden gems’ of Bali. Green Bowl is a tiny hidden bay nestled under the cliffs between Melasti and Pandawa. A 50 metre, small crescent-shaped patch of white sand feels like that hidden gem that you have been looking for. Especially with only a handful of beachgoers ever there at one time, this is one of the things that make it so special.
To reach this paradise, you must climb 320 steep steps for around 5-10 minutes. The concrete staircase is well-maintained and sheltered by lush green trees, so the walk down isn’t too heavy and challenging. It’s a small beach without any further facilities, so don't forget to bring plenty of water and sunscreen. If it becomes too hot during the day you can find some shadow under the caves, that will shelter you from the sun.
Green Bowl is a really popular surf spot among more experienced surfers. Mid tide is best for paddling out and on a good day, you’ll be able to find some great right-hander waves. Even though Green Bowl is known as one of the strongest currents on the island and a snapped leash or lost board could leave you sucked out to sea, fanatic surfers dare to surf this spot. The strong currents and sharp reef make it unsuitable for beginners. For those seeking a challenging and rewarding surf experience, Green Bowl is a must-visit.
After a full day of surfing or relaxation, (and after walking up those stairs again) you can refuel yourself with refreshing drinks and snacks at one of the Warungs at the car park.
So what are you waiting for? What beach will you go first? Uluwatu's beaches offer a diverse range of experiences, from adventurous hideaways to world-class surf spots. Whether you're a surfer, a beach bum, an adventure seeker, or a combination of all, Uluwatu has something to offer everyone and is great for a day trip. Explore the diverse range of beaches and find your perfect spot to relax, surf, and enjoy your time in Uluwatu!
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