When people say Bali is paradise, they often picture Uluwatu. Think: dramatic cliffs, turquoise waves, fiery sunsets, and surfers riding endless breaks. And yes – it’s all stunning. But here’s our honest take: Uluwatu is also one of the most touristy areas of Bali. You’ll find more European-style cafés and restaurants than local warungs, and not many locals actually live here. For us, that made it harder to connect with the culture.
We also weren’t looking for a classic beach vacation – we prefer exploring and discovering hidden corners – so Uluwatu wasn’t 100% “our vibe.” But if you’re after a beach-focused holiday, love surfing, or simply want to experience another side of Bali with insane cliff views and world-class sunsets, then Uluwatu can be exactly what you’re looking for.
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That being said, we still had some amazing days exploring the best beaches in Uluwatu, and each one has its own charm. Before diving into them, here are a few tips we wish we knew:
A Few Things to Know Before Exploring Uluwatu Beaches
- Monkeys are everywhere – especially near Uluwatu Temple and Padang Padang Beach. Cute.. until they run off with your sunglasses.
- Tides can make or break your beach day – Uluwatu Beach, for example, basically vanishes at high tide. Always check tide times before heading down (we used Uluwatu Tide Times).
- Stairs. Lots of them. – Nyang Nyang, Bingin, Suluban.. the list goes on. Sometimes locals offer scooter rides back up, and trust us, they’re worth it after 20,000 steps or the steep hills.
- Bring cash – Most beaches have a small entrance fee (5,000-15,000 IDR), plus parking.
- Scooter is your best friend – It’s the easiest way to beach-hop. Parking is cheap and right next to most beaches.
If you’d like to discover not only Uluwatu’s best beaches but also its main highlights in one go, you can join this highly rated full-day tour with a local guide – a great way to experience it all stress-free!
Dreamland Beach – Big, Beautiful, and Easy to Reach
Dreamland was one of the first Uluwatu beaches we fell in love with. It’s big, it’s lively, and it’s super easy to reach (hallelujah, no endless staircases!). The sand stretches far, although part of it is taken up by rentable umbrellas and chairs. The waves here are pretty strong – fun to play in, but maybe not ideal for casual swimming.
We loved grabbing a cold drink at the restaurant, watching the waves roll in, and later heading to nearby El Kabron for sunset with a cocktail.
Entrance fee: ~10,000 IDR
Best for: easy access, great waves, sunset vibes.
Melasti Beach – Chill Morning Vibes
Melasti is one of the most popular beaches in Uluwatu, but if you go in the morning, it’s almost empty and so peaceful. The beach is wide and perfect for a swim, and you’ll find several beach clubs lined up along the shore. Heads-up though: the minimum spend at some of them is super high (we stuck to a quick dip and coconut instead).
The best part? You can literally park right next to the sand. No sweating on stairs.
Entrance fee: 10,000 IDR + small parking fee
Best for: families, swimming, and chill mornings.
Nyang Nyang Beach – For the Adventurers
This one felt like an expedition. The path down is steep, and coming back up is.. let’s just say we gladly paid for the scooter ride back. At high tide, the beach almost disappears, but if you keep walking past the umbrellas and chairs, you’ll find quieter, untouched stretches. Just don’t come hungry – there aren’t many cafes around.
Entrance fee: 5,000 IDR
Best for: adventurers, couples who want a quiet spot, cliff views.
Padang Padang Beach – Monkeys, Rocks, and Sunsets
Padang Padang feels like something out of a movie (literally, it was in Eat Pray Love). You enter through a narrow cave-like rock, and suddenly the beach opens up in front of you. It’s small and gets crowded fast, but it’s great for people-watching and sunsets. Just.. keep an eye on your stuff because monkeys here are absolute pros at stealing.
Entrance fee: 15,000 IDR
Best for: sunsets, quirky entrance, iconic vibes.
Uluwatu Beach (Suluban Beach) – Surfers’ Paradise
This beach was a bit of a labyrinth for us. You walk down through narrow stairs and rock passages, and when you finally reach Suluban’s cave, you either find a hidden beach or.. nothing, if the tide is high. Still, watching surfers from the cliffside cafes above is incredible.
We stayed for sunset at Single Fin, and honestly, it was one of the best evenings of our whole trip – surfers riding waves below, a golden sky, and the most lively atmosphere.
Entrance fee: free (just parking ~5,000 IDR)
Best for: surfing, sunsets, cliffside cafes.
Bingin Beach – Laid-Back and Bohemian
Bingin has this boho surfer-town vibe, with small guesthouses and cozy cafes lining the beach. The stairs down are brutal, but once you’re there, it feels intimate and authentic. At low tide, you can swim, while surfers wait for the waves to pick up.
Entrance fee: free + parking 5,000 IDR
Best for: surfers, chill cafes, romantic beach days.
Balangan Beach – Golden Sands and Epic Views
If we had to name the most photogenic spot, it’s Balangan. The viewpoint from above is jaw-dropping, and the long stretch of golden sand below is perfect for wandering barefoot. The waves are strong (better for surfers than swimmers), but the laid-back warungs selling cheap mie goreng and coconuts make it a great place to relax.
Entrance fee: free + parking 5,000 IDR
Best for: photography, relaxing with local vibes, surfers.
Thomas Beach – Quiet and Underrated
Thomas Beach felt like a little secret. It’s not as famous as the other best beaches in Uluwatu, which makes it perfect if you’re looking for something quieter. The sand is soft, the water clear, and there are a few warungs where you can grab a bite.
Entrance fee: usually free or small parking fee
Best for: swimming, laid-back vibes, fewer crowds.
Green Bowl Beach – Hidden Gem with Caves
Green Bowl is tiny, secluded, and requires a serious stair workout (about 300 steps). But at the bottom, you’ll find turquoise water and caves to hide from the sun. At high tide, space is limited, but at low tide, it’s a slice of paradise. Just watch out for monkeys around the parking area.
Entrance fee: 5,000 IDR
Best for: adventurous travelers, snorkeling at low tide, peaceful escape.
Besides beach hopping, there are plenty of other fun things to do in Uluwatu – here are some activities and tours you can enjoy during your stay:
Our Final Thoughts on the Best Beaches in Uluwatu
If we had to pick just three, we’d say:
- Dreamland Beach – for its easy access and great views.
- Melasti Beach – for a chill morning swim.
- Uluwatu Beach & Single Fin – for the ultimate sunset experience.
But honestly? The magic of Uluwatu is in exploring. Each beach has its own personality – some wild, some calm, some hidden – and together they make up the ultimate Bali adventure. So rent that scooter, check the tides, and go see for yourself why the best beaches in Uluwatu are truly unforgettable.
Planning more of your Bali adventure? We’ve got you covered! Check out our 10 days in Bali itinerary, our guide on where to stay in Bali, some must-know tips before going to Bali, and of course, our foodie favorite list of what to eat in Bali. These will help you make the most of your trip beyond just the beaches of Uluwatu.