The Bukit Peninsula at the southern tip of Bali is home to some of the most beautiful beaches on the island: white sand coves tucked beneath limestone cliffs, world-class surf breaks and turquoise water. Each beach has its own personality, and getting down to most of them is half the adventure. Here is our local guide to five favourite beaches and the famous surf breaks below Single Fin, with how to get there, what the surf is like, how busy it gets and where to eat nearby.
Uluwatu beaches at a glance
- Best for swimming: Padang Padang and Melasti
- Best for experienced surfers: Uluwatu (The Peak, Racetracks, Temples and Outside Corner), Bingin and Padang Padang Left
- Best for watching the surf: Single Fin above Suluban
- Best for escaping the crowds: Nyang Nyang
- Best easy-going all-rounder: Thomas Beach
- Best for families and beach clubs: Melasti
1. Padang Padang Beach
Access: Padang Padang is reached by a narrow staircase that winds down through a limestone cave, which is one of the most memorable beach entrances in Bali. There is a small entry fee at the top and cheap parking for scooters and cars. Keep sunglasses, phones and snacks out of sight on the way down: the local monkeys are quick.
Surf: Padang Padang Left is one of Bali’s most famous reef breaks, a fast, hollow barrel that is strictly for experts and dangerous at low tide over shallow coral. The softer right-hander inside the bay is far friendlier for beginners and intermediates, and you can rent boards on the beach.
Crowds: It is a small cove and one of the most popular beaches on the Bukit, so it gets busy from late morning to early afternoon when tour groups arrive. Come early or later in the afternoon for more space. The water inside the cove is usually calm, which makes it one of the best Uluwatu beaches for a swim.
2. Bingin Beach
Access: Park at the top of the cliff, then follow the paved lanes and stairways that wind down past guesthouses and warungs to the sand. It is a steep walk, especially on the way back up, so wear proper sandals.
Surf: Bingin is a short, powerful left-hander breaking over shallow reef. It is a wave for experienced surfers, best watched from the cliffside cafes if you are still learning.
Crowds: Bingin has a relaxed, bohemian feel, with small bungalows stacked down the cliff. At low tide the reef flats are exposed and the rock pools are fun to explore. At high tide the beach shrinks, so check the tide before you plan a day on the sand.
3. Melasti Beach
Access: Melasti is the easiest beach on this list to reach. A road has been cut through towering white limestone cliffs right down to the sand, so you can drive or ride almost all the way, with no long staircase. There is a small entry fee.
Surf: Melasti is more of a swimming and lounging beach than a surf spot. On calm days the turquoise water is lovely for a dip, but always check the conditions and stay within your depth.
Crowds: The dramatic road and wide stretch of sand make Melasti one of the most photographed beaches in Bali, and the beach clubs along the sand draw a crowd, especially on weekends and at sunset. It is a good pick for families because there are toilets, showers, sunbeds and food on hand.
4. Nyang Nyang Beach
Access: Nyang Nyang is one of the most remote beaches in Uluwatu. From the east side, a trail of steep stairs and rocky sections takes around 15 to 20 minutes to walk down, so bring water and good shoes. On the west side, a steep road reaches the shore, but it is only suitable for scooters. A small donation or fee is asked at the entrance.
Surf: There is a short right-hander and a bigger, trickier peak at the north end. There are no lifeguards, so swimmers should check the sea carefully and stay close to shore.
Crowds: The long walk keeps the crowds away, and you can often find a stretch of white sand almost to yourself. Look out for the old shipwreck at the eastern end, a favourite photo spot. Facilities are basic, with a few small warungs selling coconuts, snacks and cold drinks.
5. Thomas Beach
Access: Thomas Beach sits between Padang Padang and Suluban. From the parking area, a concrete staircase of a few hundred steps takes five to ten minutes to walk down. Entry is free, with a small parking fee.
Surf: When conditions are gentle, beginners can catch smaller waves here, while bigger days bring out intermediate and experienced surfers. Boards are available to rent on the beach. Waves can be strong at high tide, so swim at low tide and watch for rips.
Crowds: Thomas is a calmer alternative to nearby Padang Padang, with sunbeds, umbrellas and a few simple stalls and cafes. It is a great spot for a lazy half day.
6. Uluwatu’s surf breaks below Single Fin
Below Single Fin and Suluban Beach is the wave that put Uluwatu on the world surf map: a long stretch of left-hand reef breaks, each with its own name and character. Surfers paddle out through the famous Suluban cave, so even if you are not surfing, the clifftop at Single Fin is one of the best places in Bali to watch. The best season is the dry season, roughly May to October, when consistent swells roll in from the Indian Ocean.
The Peak
The first wave in front of the cave and the most consistent of the breaks, with short, powerful and often hollow sections. It is also the most crowded line-up in Uluwatu, and there are rocks at the end of the ride, so kick out early. Experienced surfers only.
Racetracks
The inside section closest to the cliff, and the name says it all: a very fast, hollow wave that races down the reef. The reef here is shallow and sharp, and low tide is especially dangerous, so it is for advanced surfers who know the spot.
Temples
The southern peak, sitting below Uluwatu Temple. It needs a longer paddle, which keeps the crowds a little thinner, and rewards you with long walls and hollow sections. Shallow reef and a fast-breaking wave mean it is not for beginners.
Outside Corner
One of the most famous big-wave spots in Indonesia. Outside Corner only really comes alive on a solid swell, when it produces huge, open faces built for high-speed surfing. On the biggest days it can link up with the sections further in for a very long ride. Strictly for advanced surfers.
Good to know: booties and a strong leash are a good idea, getting back in through the cave can be tricky at high tide, and conditions change fast, so check the surf report and ask locals before paddling out. Learning? Stick to the inside at Padang Padang or smaller days at Thomas, and watch the pros from Single Fin with a cold drink.
Tips for visiting Uluwatu beaches
- Check the tide. Many Uluwatu beaches shrink dramatically at high tide, and reef breaks can be dangerous at low tide.
- Bring cash. Entry fees, parking, sunbeds and warungs are mostly cash only.
- Wear proper footwear. Expect steep stairs, rock and reef.
- Go early. Mornings are quieter and cooler, and you avoid the midday heat on the stairs.
- Respect the ocean. Most beaches have no lifeguards. If in doubt, stay out.
Where to eat near Uluwatu beaches
Every beach on this list has simple warungs for a coconut, a nasi goreng or a cold Bintang between swims. For a proper meal after a day in the sun, head to CAVO Bar & Bistro, our neighbourhood Italian bar and bistro on Jl. Labuansait in Pecatu, a short drive from Padang Padang, Bingin and Thomas.
We open from 12 PM (4 PM on Mondays), so you can come straight from the beach for a long lunch, an Italian aperitivo or dinner: focaccia sandwiches and panuozzo (our pizza dough folded and baked into a sandwich), oval Roman-style pizza made with 48-hour fermented dough, fresh pasta from family recipes, gluten-free pasta and vegetarian dishes, plus Italian wine and cocktails. Heading to the cliffs for golden hour first? Our Uluwatu sunset guide has the best spots.
Walk-ins are welcome, or book a table on WhatsApp at +62 813 2830 088.
Uluwatu beaches FAQs
What is the best beach in Uluwatu for swimming?
Padang Padang’s sheltered cove and Melasti are the best choices for swimming on calm days. Always check conditions, as most Uluwatu beaches have no lifeguards.
Which Uluwatu beach is the least crowded?
Nyang Nyang. The long walk down keeps most visitors away, so you can often have a stretch of sand to yourself.
Can beginners surf in Uluwatu?
Yes, on the right days. The inside right at Padang Padang and smaller days at Thomas Beach suit beginners. Bingin, Padang Padang Left and the Uluwatu breaks (The Peak, Racetracks, Temples and Outside Corner) are for experienced surfers only.
Where can I eat near Padang Padang and Bingin?
Beach warungs serve simple local food on the sand. For Italian food, CAVO Bar & Bistro on Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu serves focaccia sandwiches, panuozzo (folded pizza dough sandwiches), Roman-style pizza, fresh pasta and Italian wine from 12 PM daily (4 PM on Mondays).
