So you are wondering why all the beaches in Uluwatu are so crowded and where to find a beach near the main town that is still relatively uncrowded and quiet. The best beach for those looking for a nice calm experience is Thomas Beach in Uluwatu. Thomas Beach is a beautiful long stretch of white sand with gentle waves that families with kids are sure to appreciate. The beach has all the amenities you need for the perfect beach day. Even though Thomas Beach is right next to the main part of Uluwatu where all the cafes and bars are located, it is still pretty unknown since most people end up going to Padang Padang Beach or Suluban Beach.
How to Get to Thomas Beach
Scooter rental costs around IDR 50,000 to IDR 80,000 per day in Bali, depending on the type of bike and the rental duration. However, if you’re not comfortable riding a scooter, then you can use Gojek or a taxi. Gojek is a popular ride-hailing app in Bali, offering motorbike and car rides at affordable rates. These are easily available in Uluwatu and Canggu.
Tours to Uluwatu Beaches
If you prefer letting someone else plan out the details for your visit to Uluwatu then consider going on one of the tours which includes some of the most beautiful beaches and beach clubs of Uluwatu. Alternatively the full day cultural tour includes all the highlights of Uluwatu like the Uluwatu Temple, Jimbaran Bay and Padang Padang Beach.
What is Around Thomas Beach?
Thomas Beach is in the middle of the part of west Uluwatu where all the cafes, bars, restaurants and shops are located. This makes it the perfect getaway beach if you are staying in west Uluwatu. Some really good restaurants around here are Gooseberry, Soka Espresso, The Place With No Name, and District 6. You will find lots of bars like Ulu Cliffhouse and Hatch nearby as well.
Directions to Thomas Beach?
To get to Thomas Beach you should enter Thomas Beach into Google Maps. The directions will end in front of a cafe called Soka Espresso on the paved road. From here you will have to turn onto a dirt road that is right in front of the cafe. Follow this dirt road to the end of the cliff where you will see a patch of dirt and a small warung. You can park your scooter here. From the top of the cliff you will have to descend around 180 concrete steps to the beach. The stairs end at the south end of the beach and you can walk all the way to the north end which ends at a steep cliff.
Entry Fees and Parking Lot
There are no entry fees to Thomas Beach as of December 2023. This might change in the future. There is not a proper parking lot for the beach. Just a patch of dirt next to the cliff where you will find other scooters and bikes parked. I would not leave any expensive stuff inside the scooter here.
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. I would recommend only visiting this beach during the day. There are no particular tide restrictions at Thomas Beach. The beach becomes a little smaller at high tide and the reef is more exposed at low tide if you want to go swimming.
Surfing at Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach has slow rolling gentle waves that are great for beginners and longboarders while the rest of Uluwatu has fast steep waves that only expert short boarders can ride. This makes Thomas Beach the perfect place for beginner surfers to go while they are in Uluwatu. The beach works well during high tide when you don’t have to paddle far to catch the waves. There is a surfboard rental on the beach that rents boards for IDR 50,000 for one hour.
Surf Schools
Since this is the best place to learn surfing in Uluwatu it makes sense that there would be a few surf schools in Uluwatu. Walkus Surf School is a good school in Uluwatu near Thomas Beach that has great ratings on Google.
Swimming at Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach is one of the only beaches in Uluwatu that has a gentle shore where everyone can easily swim. The rest of the beaches have dangerous shore breaks and currents that prevent people from swimming or getting too deep in the water. Suluban Beach right next door is a great example of a beach with dangerous currents. There is a coral reef underneath here so you can swim above that too and maybe spot a few fish.
Amenities at Thomas Beach
There are a few warungs here that have Bintang beer and water for drinks and local Indonesian food like Nasi Goreng for food. There is no fancy restaurant at the beach down here. For that you will have to climb up and go across the road to Soka Espresso. There are also sunbed rentals here. They rent two sunbeds and an umbrella for IDR 50,000 for the day. There are toilets located at the beach as well.
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 Soka Espresso which is right in front of the beach, Gooseberry, District 6, and Sushimi Uluwatu. There are lots of bars like Temple Bar, Tabu and Hatch. Mana Restaurants & Bar is the best place to have dinner while watching the sunset. I went to Single Fin for lunch which had the best views of the surfers at Suluban Beach.
Beach Clubs Near Thomas Beach
Ulu Cliffhouse
Ulu Cliffhouse is one of the biggest party places in Uluwatu. The club is on top of a cliff and it’s a great place to relax during the day. They have really nice day beds and a beautiful pool. Their drinks and food are equally awesome and I loved being here. The vibe is very chill and not pretentious at all. I would recommend this beach club to anyone in the Uluwatu area.
Ritual Bali
This is a very intimate and beautiful beach club in Uluwatu that is situated on top of a cliff. The beach club has comfy day beds and a gorgeous pool. They often have parties and DJs during the weekends. It had a very exclusive and snobbish vibe which made me a bit uncomfortable but if that’s what you like then go for it.
Things to do Near Thomas 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
This is one of the most famous temples in Bali, located just a few kilometers from Thomas Beach. The temple is a great example of Balinese architecture. Every evening the temple has a Kecak dance performance inside their cliffside amphitheater.
Suluban Beach
This is a very unique cave beach which can only be accessed at low tide. You have to walk down a long stairway before you get to this beach. At low tide you can walk through the cave and get to a stretch of white sand. Single Fin restaurant at the top of the cliff is a beautiful place for lunch.
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 pool, 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
Thomas Beach is one of the last secluded beaches in Uluwatu. You can enjoy ultimate quiet and peace here. When the waves are pumping you can practice your surfing or take your longboard out for a ride. If the waves are gentler you can go swimming above the reef. Right next to the beach are some great restaurants and bars for dinner or lunch. I would recommend this beach over any other beach in west Uluwatu.
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