Bali’s Uluwatu beaches are the perfect mix of dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and golden sand, which is why they are the best beaches in Bali. They are also home to some of the best surf breaks in the world. This stunning corner of the Bukit Peninsula is home to Bali’s most iconic coastline, with beaches that range from hidden coves only accessible by stone staircases to lively shores lined with beach clubs and warungs serving fresh coconuts and fancy cocktails.
As someone who has visited Bali more than 30 times, explored every corner of the Bukit, and created detailed guides to Bali’s best itinerary, Bali bucket list, and the best things to do in Uluwatu, I can confidently say Uluwatu’s beaches are some of the most spectacular in the world. Whether you’re planning a surf trip, a family beach day, or simply want to sink into the sand with a cocktail at sunset, Uluwatu has a stretch of coastline to match.
In this guide, I’ll share the best beaches in Uluwatu – including hidden gems, world-famous surf breaks, and family-friendly shores. You’ll discover where to go for crystal-clear swimming, where to watch Bali’s most magical sunsets, and which beaches are perfect for pairing with a day at a Uluwatu beach club. By the end, you’ll know exactly which beaches to add to your Bali itinerary (and maybe a few that will stay your little secret).
Let’s dive in and explore the magic of Uluwatu’s coastline!
Best Beaches in Uluwatu Overview
The Bukit Peninsula, or ‘Uluwatu’, is home to some of Bali’s most spectacular stretches of sand, each with its own unique charm. Here’s a quick snapshot of the best beaches in Uluwatu:
- Suluban Beach (Uluwatu Beach) – A dramatic cliffside beach and the ultimate spot to watch skilled surfers in action.
- Padang Padang – One of the most popular Uluwatu beaches, famous for its surf and relaxed vibe.
- Bingin Beach – Trendy, bohemian, and perfect for sunset and surf.
- Thomas Beach – Best Uluwatu beach for long days of sunbathing in a quiet setting
- Dreamland Beach – A wide sandy bay great for swimming and beginner surfers.
- Balangan Beach – The go-to Uluwatu beach for magical sunsets.
- Nyang Nyang Beach – Wild, natural, and ideal for paragliding or off-grid beach days.
- Melasti Beach – One of the best Uluwatu beaches to spend an entire day, thanks to its calm lagoon and nearby beach clubs.
- Pandawa Beach – Perfect for families with safe swimming and plenty of amenities.
Suluban Beach (Uluwatu Beach)
One of the most famous Uluwatu Bali beaches, Suluban Beach (often called Uluwatu Beach) is a mecca for surfers. Accessed through caves and rocky paths, it opens up to jaw-dropping cliff formations and rolling waves perfect for advanced surfers.
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Best for: Surfing, photography, dramatic scenery
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Good to know: Not ideal for swimming due to strong waves and rocky shore.
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Nearby: Uluwatu Temple and Single Fin – one of Bali’s most iconic sunset bars.
If you’re not a surfer, grab a spot on the cliffs to watch the professionals carve up some of the best waves in the world. My husband’s favourite spot is on the deck at Single Fin, watching the surf. It’s no wonder Suluban is considered one of the best beaches in Uluwatu.
Padang Padang Beach
Arguably, the most well-known Bali Uluwatu beach, Padang Padang or Labuan Sait to the local,s shot to fame as a filming location in Eat Pray Love. A small sandy cove framed by cliffs, it’s ideal for both sunbathers and beginner surfers.
The beach is accessed via a narrow cave passage and a steep staircase. Like a lot of Uluwatu beaches, it isn’t a breeze to get to, but this adds a sense of adventure as you arrive at the crystal clear turquoise waters.
During low tide, the beach becomes perfect for kids and families, with small natural tidal pools to splash around in. It’s also one of the best areas in Uluwatu to stay as it’s central and close to lots of restaurants and cafes.
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Best for: Swimming, beginner surfing, Instagram-worthy shots
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Good to know: It gets crowded, so come early in the morning for a quieter experience. There is also a 30,000Rp ($3.00) entrance fee.
Padang Padang is not only the most loved beach in Uluwatu but also one of Bali’s best beaches overall.
Bingin Beach
Bingin Beach is one of the best Uluwatu beaches for a chilled-out vibe. Think small guesthouses, surf shacks, and cafes perched on the cliffside. At low tide, you can wander across tidal pools, and at sunset, the beach transforms into a bohemian hangout with beanbags on the sand. It’s also home to some of our favourite Uluwatu cafes, including Alchemy and Cashew Tree.
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Best for: Sunset, surfing, laidback atmosphere
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Nearby eats: Try our favourite Cashew Tree Cafe for smoothies and bowls. Bonus it also has a great playground if you are travelling to Bali with a baby or kids.
Bingin is often described as one of the best beaches in Bali for its relaxed, authentic feel – perfect if you want to escape the busier stretches of coastline.
Thomas Beach
Nestled between Padang Padang and Uluwatu Beach, this stretch of coast is a hidden gem in Bali. With calmer waters and a laidback vibe, it’s a favourite among those in the know! Thomas Beach is a tranquil oasis with powdery white sands and calm turquoise waters – perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and snorkelling, with plenty of shady spots beneath the swaying palm trees.
On our last trip to Bali, my husband and I left the kids with the nanny and had a date day to Thomas Beach, its so relaxing. We then continued the date with lunch at Yuki, one of our favourite Uluwatu restaurants. You can see the reel here.
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Best for: Swimming, relaxing, escaping the crowds
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Nearby: A handful of local warungs serving bintangs and coconuts.
Thomas beach is the best beach in Uluwatu in my opinion, simply because it feels like a hidden slice of paradise, a bit of what Bali was like 20 years ago.
Dreamland Beach
Dreamland is a popular Bali Uluwatu beach that offers a lively vibe with plenty of sun loungers and warungs. It has a range of amenities, including beachfront cafes, loungers, and umbrellas, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Whether you’re building sandcastles with the kids or simply relaxing with a book in hand, Dreamland Beach promises a day of blissful tranquillity by the sea. The waves can be strong, making it better for surfers than swimmers, but it’s a great spot to spend a day by the ocean.
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Best for: Surfing, lively beach day, groups
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Nearby: Jimbaran seafood restaurants are a short drive away.
Dreamland’s energy makes it a contender for the best beaches in Uluwatu if you want action and atmosphere.
Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach is beloved for its golden sand and stunning cliff-top viewpoints. The Balangan Cliff at the northern end is a popular spot for wedding photoshoots and Instagrammers offering panoramic views over the coastline and a great spot to watch the sunset. Popular with surfers and couples, it’s easily one of the most photogenic Uluwatu Bali beaches.
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Best for: Surfing, photography, sunsets
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Highlight: The cliff viewpoint overlooking the bay is a must-visit.
If you’re looking for the best beach in Uluwatu for sunset photography, Balangan is unbeatable.
Balangan Beach is a surfer’s haven with consistent swells and world-class breaks that attract surfers of all skill levels. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and lush greenery, this stunning beach offers a sense of seclusion and serenity amidst nature’s beauty. While the waves at Balangan Beach are the main draw, the beach itself is also a great spot for sunbathing, beach volleyball, and enjoying a cold drink at one of the beachfront warungs.
Nyang Nyang Beach
One of the longest stretches of sand in Uluwatu, Nyang Nyang Beach feels wild and remote. To get there, you’ll need to tackle a steep walk down, but the payoff is pristine sand and rolling waves.
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Best for: Seclusion, nature, long walks on the beach
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Good to know: There are no facilities, so bring water and snacks.
For those craving untouched natural beauty, Nyang Nyang is truly one of the best uluwatu beaches.
Melasti Beach
Melasti Beach is one of the newest stars of the best beaches in Uluwatu list. With its wide sandy shoreline, calm swimming areas, and easy access, it’s popular with families and couples alike. The turquoise water here looks almost unreal.
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Best for: Families, swimming, beach clubs
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Nearby: Palmilla Beach Club and Melasti Beach Club
This Bali Uluwatu beach combines natural beauty with modern comforts, making it one of the best beaches in Bali for a full-day outing.
Pandawa Beach
Pandawa Beach is one of the most accessible best Uluwatu beaches, with a wide stretch of sand perfect for swimming and relaxing. Families especially love it thanks to calm waters and facilities.
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Best for: Families, swimming, relaxing
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Good to know: Entrance fees apply, but it’s well worth it for the clean and spacious beach.
This is often considered one of the bali best beaches for an easy, comfortable day by the ocean.
Best Uluwatu Beach for Sunset
Just like at Canggu, you have to watch the sunset with a bintang. For a truly unforgettable sunset experience, head to Single Fin Beach Club, perched atop the cliffs overlooking Uluwatu’s coastline. With its laid-back atmosphere, panoramic ocean views, and live music performances, Single Fin is the perfect place to unwind and watch the sun dip below the horizon in a blaze of orange and pink hues.
Best Uluwatu Beach Clubs
- Savaya: Situated on the cliffs of Uluwatu, Savaya Bali is a luxurious beach club offering stunning infinity pools, VIP cabanas, and world-class DJs spinning the latest beats. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean while sipping on creative cocktails and indulging in gourmet cuisine.
- Karma Beach Bali: Accessible only by a scenic inclinator ride down the cliffside, Karma Beach Bali is a secluded oasis with pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters. The beach club offers a relaxed vibe, delicious Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, and a range of water sports activities for guests to enjoy.
- El Kabron: Perched dramatically above the waves near Dreamland Beach, El Kabron is more than just a beach club — it’s a full-blown experience. Known for its panoramic ocean views and sophisticated atmosphere, it’s the kind of place that immediately feels special the moment you arrive.
Best Uluwatu Beach for Surfing
Uluwatu Beach, also known as Suluban Beach, is renowned for its legendary surf breaks and epic waves. Surrounded by towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations, this hidden gem offers a challenging reef break that attracts surfers from around the world. The waves at Uluwatu Beach can be powerful and fast, making it suitable for experienced surfers seeking an adrenaline-fueled ride.
Best Uluwatu Beach for Swimming
Dreamland Beach is a postcard-perfect paradise with powdery white sands and calm turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. This family-friendly beach offers a relaxed atmosphere, beachfront cafes, and plenty of shade from the swaying palm trees. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the ocean, Dreamland Beach is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Uluwatu’s coastline.
Quick Guide For Uluwatu
Dreamland Beach is a postcard-perfect paradise with powdery white sands and calm turquoise waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling. This family-friendly beach offers a relaxed atmosphere, beachfront cafes, and plenty of shade from the swaying palm trees. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the ocean, Dreamland Beach is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the beauty of Uluwatu’s coastline.
Uluwatu is home to some of Bali’s most breathtaking beaches, each offering its own unique charm and attractions. From the legendary surf breaks of Padang Padang Beach to the stunning sunsets at Single Fin, there’s something for everyone to enjoy along Uluwatu’s coastline.
Whether you’re a surfer seeking the perfect wave, a beach lover looking to relax and unwind, or a sunset enthusiast in search of the ultimate photo opportunity, Uluwatu promises an unforgettable beach experience like no other. So grab your sunscreen, pack your swimsuit, and get ready to explore the best beaches of Uluwatu on your next Bali adventure.
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