Beaches in Uluwatu are some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. The soft white sand, stunning cliffs and crystal clear water make them very alluring. It’s no wonder that you are planning to go and visit some of these beaches yourself!
Uluwatu beaches also have consistent surf most of the year. That makes beach like Bingin Beach and Suluban Beach some of the best places to surf in the world.
At the same time, the beaches are relaxed and quiet which make them ideal to sun tan and chill on your vacation. This article lists the top 12 beaches in Uluwatu that you should definitely visit on your next trip.
Does Uluwatu Have White Sand Beaches?
Yes, Uluwatu has some beaches with white sand. While most tourists are disappointed by the black sand beaches of Kuta and Canggu, Uluwatu on the other hand has white sand beaches that rival those of Maldives and California.
Dreamland Beach is a popular destination in Uluwatu known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters.
Other beaches in Uluwatu, such as Padang Padang Beach, also have soft white sand.
The most touristed and easiest white sand beach to get to in Uluwatu is Nusa Dua. It is very close to the airport and there are lots of resorts there.
While not all beaches in Uluwatu have white sand, the area is known for its stunning and diverse beaches of all types.
Most Famous Beach in Uluwatu
Padang Padang Beach is the most famous of Uluwatu’s beaches. This small beach nestled between two cliffs became very famous after being featured in the movie “Eat Pray Love” starring Julia Roberts.
Padang Padang Beach has gorgeous blue water, soft powdery sand, and a beautiful setting, making it a must-visit destination for many travelers to Bali.
Can You Swim at Uluwatu Beaches?
Yes, you can swim at most of the beaches in Uluwatu. Most of the beaches in Uluwatu have a reef a couple hundred meters out which breaks the strong waves coming in the from the ocean.
The beach water consequently is calm that even children can go in with ease and splash around.
Some beaches in Uluwatu like Suluban Beach have strong currents and large waves, making them more suitable for experienced swimmers or surfers. Other beaches, such as Dreamland Beach and Padang Padang Beach, have calmer waters that are suitable for swimming.
Best Uluwatu Beaches for Surfing
Uluwatu is well-known among surfers for its consistent waves. There are a variety of breaks suitable for surfers of all levels. Some of the beaches in Uluwatu that are particularly popular among surfers include:
- Bingin Beach: Bingin beach is popular for its powerful and fast waves that break over a shallow reef, making it a popular spot for experienced surfers.
- Padang Padang Beach: This beach has a world-class left-hand barrel wave for advanced surfers.
- Dreamland Beach: This is the best beach for beginner and intermediate surfers, because of its gentle waves.
- Balangan Beach: This beach has a long and hollow waves that break over a shallow reef. Only experienced surfers should paddle out here.
- Suluban Beach: Suluban beach is the most famous surf spot in Uluwatu. Kelly Slater himself has surfed here. It always has consistent waves and world-class breaks, including the notorious “Uluwatu Barrel.”
Lesser Known Beaches in Uluwatu
While Uluwatu has some well-known beaches, there are also several lesser-known beaches in Uluwatu that are worth exploring. A few of the lessor known beaches in Bali are below.
- Nyang Nyang Beach
- Green Bowl Beach
- Gunung Payung Beach
- Tegal Wangi Beach
- Melasti Beach
Top 12 Beaches in Uluwatu
Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach is probably the most well known beach in Uuwatu. It’s the cave beach that only opens up into a beach at low tide.
At low tide, you can explore the caves and rock formations along the beach since the water drains out of them.
The beach is also a popular spot for surfing. It has consistent waves and a left-hand barrel break that is great for advanced surfers.
I personally did not enjoy this beach because the area was crowded with too many vendors and tourists and there was trash all around. The beach has become too popular on Instagram which has ruined its beauty. I would recommend skipping this beach in favor of other beaches further away.
Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang Beach is a small but really pretty beach nestled between two cliffs. It became famous after it appeared in the movie “Eat Pray Love” starring Julia Roberts.
The beach has glistening blue water, a long stretch of white sand and tall cliffs rising on each side. It is a popular place for local and tourists alike to surf and go for swimming.
3. Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach is a very longgggg stretch of white sand with very shallow water all around the beach. It is one of the most underrated gems in Bali. Since the beach waves are so mellow this is the best place for beginners to learn surfing.
The end of the beach is also surrounded just by trees so you’ll feel like you have been transported to paradise. It’s one of my favorite places ever.
Thomas Beach has a few small warungs (local restaurants) that serve traditional Balinese food, making it a great spot for a beach picnic or a relaxing afternoon.
4. Bingin Beach
Bingin Beach is a popular spot for surfing, with consistent and powerful waves that are suitable for experienced surfers. Like many of the beaches in Uluwatu, the beach is set at the bottom of towering cliffs with a steep staircase.
The beach is known for its stunning views and picturesque setting, making it a popular spot for photographers and Instagrammers.
At low tide Bingin Beach has a lot of pretty tide pools and exposed reefs which is fun to explore. Due to the shallow coast this beach in Uluwatu is really great for some snorkeling, even for kids!
5. Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach is blessed by a huge rolling wave that surfers are very partial to. It is known to be one of the best places to surf in the whole island.
The beach is accessed via a winding road that leads to a small parking area. You have to descend a steep staircase to reach the beach.
Balangan Beach also has a viewpoint that looks on down the beach from one of the nearby cliffs. This is the best place to get an Instagram worthy shot of the whole area.
6. Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran Beach is a popular spot for couples and families to have dinner at sunset. The food is served on the table spread out over the sand.
I would not go here for enjoying the beach because there are a lot of people but it is a great place for sunset and seafood. In my opinion you can even skip it for one of the smaller beaches that has less people.
7. Dreamland Beach
Dreamland Beach has a powerful shore break like the beaches in California and you can surf all the way to the sand. For the adrenaline junkies you can body surf on this beach!
It is one of the more commercialized beaches in Uluwatu. You can rent sun beds and umbrellas on the beach. There are also a lot of water activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding that you can do on the beach.
8. Nyang Nyang Beach
Nothing can beat the awesome tranquility and seclusion of this beach in Uluwatu. The beach is surrounded by green trees and towering cliffs, making it a beautiful spot to relax by the ocean.
The beach is undiscovered by the insane population of Bali yet and remains calm and quiet and clean. The tiny shipwreck at the beach also adds to its character. Plus it makes for some amazing photo opportunities.
But there are no restaurants or warungs on the beach so you’ll have to carry your own picnic basket.
9. Nunggalan Beach
Right next to Nyang Nyang Beach near the gorgeous Tirtha Bali club is Nunggalan Beach. With the curved hull of a shipwreck greating you in this remote beach you will find yourself transported to a jungle that is barely seen in Bali anymore.
A picnic basket and a couple of bottles will make way for the perfect day on this secluded and pretty beach in Bali. Plus you can stop at Tirtha Bali on your way back!
10. Melasti Beach
Melasti Beach, quickly becoming famous amongst the tourists that go to Bali is one of the last hidden beaches in Uluwatu.
The beach is located in a secret cove, surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery, and is accessible via a steep staircase that few dare to go down.
Melasti Beach offers beautiful views of the Indian Ocean. You can watch the sunset go down behind the ocean while sipping on a cocktail.
If you are interested in local fishing methods then you will also see those here. This used to be a fishermen’s beach and you will see them fishing here on their boats.
11. Karma Beach
The crystal-clear waters of Karma Beach are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. If you’re lucky you will see lots of colorful marine life just offshore.
The best part about Karma Beach is the beachside restaurant and bar that with some of the most delicious food ever.
This beach is for those that are looking to combine luxury with their adventure.The luxurious beach club, built into the cliffside offers a beachside infinity pool, private cabanas, and a range of water sports activities.
12. Green Bowl Beach
The beach is named after a nearby secret cave, which is said to resemble a bowl shape and is covered in green moss. This magical cave is one of the best things about Green Bowl Beach.
The beach is a favorite among surfers, with its challenging waves that offer advanced surfers lots of opportunities to polish their skills. Green Bowl Beach also has great snorkeling, with a variety of colorful marine life visible just offshore.
The beach is relatively undiscovered, and only has a few vendors selling snacks and drinks which preserves its beauty.
Uluwatu Temple and Beaches Tour
A White Sand Beaches and Sunset Tour is a great way to explore the culture and gorgeous beaches of Bali.
You will go to Nusa Dua to swim and snorkel in crystal clear waters. Then you will visit the Tanjung Benoa Beach, where you can dive, jet ski, fly-board or rent a banana boat. Then, make you way to Uluwatu Temple to watch the sunset at the end of the day. You will also stop at Padang Padang Beach, famous from the blockbuster movie, “Eat, Pray, Love.” The day ends with a delicious seafood barbecue at a relaxing restaurant in Jimbaran Bay.
Four Day All Uluwatu Beaches Itinerary
Day 1 Itinerary
- Padang Padang Beach and spend about 2 hours (10 mins from Uluwatu). Visit the natural tidal pool and the surrounding cliffs.
- Bingin Beach and spend about 2 hours (5 mins from Padang Padang). Chill in the soft white sand here.
- Dreamland Beach and spend about 3 hours (20 mins from Bingin). This beach has the most picturesque views of the Indian Ocean from the beachside cafes.
- Balangan Beach and spend about 2 hours (20 mins from Dreamland)
- Uluwatu Surf Villas
Day 2 Itinerary
- Melasti Beach – 2 hours (30 mins from Balangan)
- Karma Beach – 2 hours (10 mins from Melasti)
- Green Bowl Beach – 3 hours (35 mins from Karma)
- Nunggalan Beach – 2 hours (25 mins from Green Bowl)
- Stay : The Edge Bali
Day 3 Itinerary
- Nyang Nyang Beach – 2 hours (20 mins from Nunggalan)
- Thomas Beach – 2 hours (10 mins from Nyang Nyang)
- Suluban Beach – 3 hours (25 mins from Thomas)
- Jimbaran Beach – 2 hours (20 mins from Suluban)
- Stay : AYANA Resort and Spa
Day 4 Itinerary
- Gunung Payung Beach – 2 hours (25 mins from Jimbaran)
- Pandawa Beach – 2 hours (10 mins from Gunung Payung)
- Geger Beach – 3 hours (15 mins from Pandawa)
- Nusa Dua Beach – 2 hours (10 mins from Geger)
- Stay : The St. Regis Bali Resort
Top 5 Beach Clubs on Uluwatu Beaches
Sundays Beach Club
Sundays Beach Club is on a secluded beach in Uluwatu, surrounded by towering cliffs. It features crystal clear waters, water sports activities, a restaurant, and a bar serving delicious cocktails. The club is perfect for visitors who want to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Uluwatu.
Ulu Beach Club
Ulu Beach Club is located on Padang Padang Beach, famous for its rolling waves and pristine blue waters. The club has a large pool, a restaurant, and a bar that serves awesome cocktails and delicious international cuisine.
Single Fin Bali
With a killer name like Single Fin you can expect this beach club to be equally awesome. Single Fin Bali is a beautiful beach club with a stunning view of the ocean. This beach club has live music, cheap drinks, and a laid-back surfer vibe. You can drink a tasty cocktail while watching the surfers ride the waves below. The menu at Single Fin Bali has a menu including international and local dishes, from burgers to nasi goreng.
The Cashew Tree
The Cashew Tree is a pretty beach club with a focus on healthy options. And since I am big on health I loved this beach club. This beach club has very chill vibe and full of healthy options. The food is vegetarian and vegan-friendly. They have healthy dishes like Buddha bowls and smoothie bowls. They also have drinks like fresh juice and smoothies. The beach club also has live music and and interesting events through the week so be sure to check those out before you visit and plan your trip accordingly.
Minoo Beach Club
Minoo Beach Club is located on Bingin Beach, a secluded cove in Uluwatu known for its stunning sunsets. It features a large pool, a restaurant, and a bar serving delicious cocktails and international cuisine.
Conclusion
Each beach in Uluwatu has its charm, making it challenging to choose just one to visit. Some beaches are hidden gems, while others are bustling with activity. Still, each offers visitors a chance to take in the beauty of the area and indulge in various activities such as surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.
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Melasti Beach in Uluwatu: Best White Sand Beach in Bali
