KUBU BEACH, BALI: Hidden Hike & Beach

I am not in favor of beaches being claimed by private properties. So when I realized that there was a way to get to Kubu Beach without having to book a room at Ayana Resort I was so happy. Ayana Resort had kind of claimed the beach by building the only accessible way to the beach and then preventing anyone that was not their guest from using it. But some adventurous souls found a way through the jungle and now Kubu Beach is accessible to anyone willing to do a little hiking. The beach is a beautiful patch of sand that opens up to the ocean. The view from Kubu Beach at sunset is gorgeous since the sun sets right in front of the west facing beach. This guide about Bali’s Kubu Beach has all the information you need for a little adventure to this hidden gem in Uluwatu.

What is Around Kubu Beach?

Kubu Beach is located on the west coast of Uluwatu. It’s very close to the bridge that connects Uluwatu to mainland Bali. It has a lot of cool restaurants and bars around like Rock Bar, Orchid Tea Lounge, and Forest Bar. After you have spent the day at the beach it would be a great way to end the day at one of these bars in Uluwatu. There are also lots of shops and restaurants that you will find in west Uluwatu as you drive your scooter to the beach.

Tours to Uluwatu Beaches

Uluwatu has some of the best beaches in Bali. You can do a full day tour of the beaches in Uluwatu and visit some of the highlights along the way as well.

How to Get to Kubu Beach

Scooter

If you’re comfortable riding a scooter, this can be a fun and affordable way to get to Nyang Nyang Beach. You can rent a scooter from various rental shops in Bali for around IDR 60,000 – IDR 80,000 per day (approximately USD 4 – USD 6). Be sure to wear a helmet, and make sure your scooter is in good condition before you hit the road.

My Complete Guide to Renting a Scooter in Bali

Local taxi

Taxis are widely available in Bali, and you can easily hire one to take you to Nyang Nyang Beach. Gojek and Grab are two apps that are like Ubers for Bali.

Rent a car

Renting a car can be a comfortable and convenient option, especially if you’re traveling with a group. You can rent a car for around IDR 800,000 – IDR 1,200,000 (approximately USD 55 – USD 85) for a full day. This will include pick up and drop off at your accommodation.

Private Car Charter for Bali

Directions to Kubu Beach

People believe that the only way to enter Kubu Beach is through Ayana Resort. This is not true. There is another way to get to Kubu Beach if you are not a guest at Ayana Resort. Enter the location for Pura Tunjung Mekar or Pura Goa Peteng on Google Maps. You can park your scooter at the parking lot for the temple and go on foot to the beach. From the temple you will see a sign pointing to Kubu Beach. The path takes you over the cliffs and through the jungles to Kubu Beach. The hike to the beach through the jungle will take around 30 minutes.

Entry Fees and Parking Lot

There are no entry fees to Kubu Beach as of May 2023. You can just park your scooter at the parking lot for the temple and walk through the jungle to the beach from there. There are no fees to access the beach similarly.

Timings and Best Time to Visit

The beach is open all the time but as with any Uluwatu Beach or any beach in Bali, it would be dangerous to go at night because there is no light and you have no idea how the currents work in the ocean. Since there is a pretty rough hike to and back from the beach, this becomes dangerous to do at night when the jungle is dark. The best time to visit Kubu Beach would be during low tide when the reef forms rock pools that you can walk in.

Experience at Kubu Beach

When you get to Kubu Beach you will be stuck by the beautiful sand and ocean in front. If it’s low tide and the ocean is calm, Kubu Beach will look the exact color of a light turquoise blue. You can place your sand towel in the shade of one of the trees and then walk to the edge of the water. At low tide, there are small tide pools formed by the reef. These are perfect for kids and adults to sit and play in.

On the right side of the beach is the cement wall for Ayana Resort and you will see people making their way up and down the stairs throughout the day. I would recommend setting up near the stones on the left side of the beach instead. The beach at the back is shaded till afternoon so if you want some sun it’s better to go in the afternoon when you get the sunlight.

The rocks on the left side also have some interesting formations which look really pretty when the light falls through them in the late evening. If you are a bit of an explorer you can go and check these rocks out.

Surfing at Kubu Beach

There is no surfing at Kubu Beach. Since there are no surfable waves here, trying would be futile. There are no facilities like surf rentals either.

Swimming at Kubu Beach

Kubu Beach is not suitable for swimming because of how rough the waves get at high tide. The shore break is very strong and it becomes dangerous if you don’t know how to get out from it. At low tide you can go and explore the small tide pools and the waves are a little more gentle.

Amenities at Kubu Beach

For the guests of the resort there are all kinds of amenities here like drinks, sunbeds, showers and toilets. For the guest from outside you are not allowed to use any of the facilities. I heard that this might have changed and outside guests can pay for the amenities during low season.

What to Pack for the Beach

Since there is a bike hike before you get to the beach you will want to pack enough water, snacks and lots of sunscreen or a hat for yourself. If you forget any of these you will have to come back for 30 minutes to grab it which is not fun at all. Also take a beach towel if the resort is not renting sunbeds at the time that you go there.

Nearby Bars and Cafes

Since the beach is so close to the hub of west Uluwatu there are lots of amazing cafes, restaurants and bars near the beach. Some of the best restaurants nearby where you can have breakfast or lunch before going to the beach are Clay Craft, Scusa, Sundara, and Sami Sami. There are lots of bars like Rock Bar, Orchid Tea Lounge, and Forest Bar.

Beach Clubs near Kubu Beach

Kubu Beach Club at Ayana

This is the beach club at Ayana which is only accessible to guests staying at the resort. I am mentioning it since some of you might see it on the map and wonder why I haven’t mentioned the beach club. I did not stay at Ayana so I did not go there either. It seems nice enough in the pictures with lots of bamboo sunbeds, massages, tiki bar and much more going on.

El Kabron

If you are willing to go a little bit away to Dreamland Beach you can instead go to El Kabron beach club which is fantastic. The view is unbelievable at sunset, the parties are great and they have the best food. You can relax here and sip on the cocktails which watching the sun dip behind the ocean.

Things to do Near Kubu Beach

Yoga Studios

Uluwatu has some amazing yoga studios. La Tribu, Ulu Yoga and 360 Move are some studios where you can take classes or practice on your own.

Uluwatu Temple

Everyone should visit the beautiful Uluwatu Temple once to appreciate the Hindu culture in Bali. The Kecak Dance performances every evening are wonderful. You won’t see a dance like this anywhere else in the world other than Bali since it uniquely developed on the island.

Dreamland Beach

The beach is very close to Kubu Beach and has an awesome beach club where you can relax. If it feels like too much work to walk 30 minutes to Kubu Beach then this is an amazing alternative to that beach.

Where to Stay in Uluwatu

Luxury Hotel: Ayana Resort

Ayana Resort in Uluwatu is the epitome of luxury. If you are going to Bali for a relaxing and peaceful vacation spending hours poolside then this is the perfect hotel for you. They have 11 beautiful pools, a spa with hoards of treatment options and the most famous bar in Asia called the Rock Bar.

Price: From $360.
Booking.com link

Mid-Level Hotel: Le Yanandra

Le Yanandra is a beautiful resort with pretty rooms that have all the modern amenities. They have an onside restaurant with both international and local cuisine. Their spa and wellness center, pool area and sitting lounge are all designed keeping luxury and relaxation in mind.

Price: From $120.
Booking.com link

Budget Hotel: Flower Bud Bungalow

Flower Bud Bungalow offers cozy and clean rooms that provide comfort while being mindful of your budget. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of the bungalows, surrounded by lush tropical gardens. Although simple, the accommodation ensures that you have all the necessary amenities for a comfortable stay.

Price: From $25.
Booking.com link

Conclusion

Kubu Beach used to be a private beach for the Ayana Resort but it has now become accessible to everyone because of a few adventurous souls that decided to find a way to the beach through the forest. You can walk this path and get to the beach too. The beach is a secluded paradise next to the cliffs in Bali. It is a great place to see the sunset and enjoy a relaxing day.