You might want to take a seat before reading this: The beaches in Uluwatu outshine trendy Kuta, Seminyak, and Canggu.
By a long shot.
Of course, that’s my opinion. But Uluwatu’s beaches greet visitors with plunging cliffs, playful monkeys, soft sand beaches, and among the best surfing (or surf watching) in Bali.
What’s not to love?
I did the “hard” work of traversing potholes, monkeys, and stairs (So. Many. Stairs.) to seek out the best beaches in Uluwatu to share with you.
I racked up 14 Grab and Gojek rides during my two-day exploration. And to my scooter drivers’ thrill, some of them didn’t know about the beaches they took me to.
That’s how remote I’m about to take you, dear reader.
Accessibility Note: Wheelchair accessibility is limited at the Uluwatu beaches I’ll be covering. Look for this box for accessible information on each beach.
Where is Uluwatu?
Uluwatu is both a beach and a region in Bali. It sits on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, which is the southernmost part of Bali.
There’s a palpable difference when you visit Uluwatu compared to other beaches in Bali, given that the Bukit Peninsula has a stone-based landscape beneath all its jungle foliage.
Wikipedia also states that it has a dry and arid climate.
Perhaps that’s true during the dry season (April to September). But based on my November visit, my rain and sweat-soaked body is proof that Uluwatu was most certainly not dry and arid.
A portion of Kuta calls the Bukit Peninsula home.
However, the line where Uluwatu and Kuta divide depends on who you ask. Some people consider anywhere south of Jimbaran Beach to be part of Uluwatu, and others give Uluwatu credit for encompassing Jimbaran.
Map of the Beaches in Uluwatu
I’m a visual person and figured you might be too. So, I’ve put together a map of the Uluwatu beaches I’ll be covering to help you wrap your “eyes” around them.
Of course, these aren’t all of the beaches in Uluwatu. They’re just the ones I’m recommending, both those that are popular and off the beaten path.
Trust me—I don’t use that cliche lightly.
And, yes, I threw Jimbaran Beach in there.
Uluwatu Beach Distances
There are plenty of homestays, hostels, and hotels in the Uluwatu region. But it’s more common for people to take a day trip to a Uluwatu beach rather than spend the night.
So, below is a chart highlighting the distances from these beaches to popular tourist areas in Bali.
| Beach | Downtown Ubud | Kuta Beach | Seminyak Beach | Canggu Beach |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pandawa Beach | 1.5 hours | 45 minutes | 55 minutes | 1 hour, 15 minutes |
| Green Bowl Beach | 1.5 hours | 45 minutes | 55 minutes | 1 hour, 15 minutes |
| Melasti Beach | 1 hour, 25 minutes | 40 minutes | 50 minutes | 1 hour, 10 minutes |
| Nunggalan Beach | 1 hour, 35 minutes | 50 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour, 20 minutes |
| Nyang Nyang Beach | 1 hour, 40 minutes | 55 minutes | 1 hour, 5 minutes | 1 hour, 25 minutes |
| Suluban Beach | 1 hour, 45 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour, 10 minutes | 1.5 hours |
| Padang Padang Beach | 1 hour, 40 minutes | 55 minutes | 1 hour, 5 minutes | 1 hour, 25 minutes |
| Bingin Beach | 1 hour, 45 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour, 10 minutes | 1.5 hours |
| Dreamland Beach | 1 hour, 45 minutes | 1 hour | 1 hour, 10 minutes | 1.5 hours |
| Balangan Beach | 1 hour, 40 minutes | 55 minutes | 1 hour, 5 minutes | 1 hour, 25 minutes |
| Jimbaran Beach | 1 hour, 10 minutes | 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 minutes |
There’s a method to my madness with the order I chose; I’ve listed the beaches in this article from the east to the west side of Uluwatu.
Keep in mind that the driving times will vary depending on whether you’re taking a scooter (fast) or a car (unbearably slow).
Beach hopping in Uluwatu is an excellent way to spend your day. However, be aware that the roads in Bali often run long parallel distances without intersecting streets.
So, what looks like should be a short trip distance-wise on a map ends up taking longer, given that you usually need to travel inland before coming back down to a beach.
The Low-down on Gojek/Grab
Gojek and Grab are the Ubers of Southeast Asia. Based on the 14 scooter rides I took in Uluwatu, I’m confident in saying that they’re an excellent way to get around the Bukit Peninsula.
My Gojek and Grab scooter drivers didn’t balk at the potholes, partially washed-out roads, and mini mudslides we encountered (#monsoonseason).
And none of them canceled the ride when they saw my sometimes deep-in-the-jungle pickup point.
Furthermore, despite my often remote location, Gojek and Grab connected me to a driver within 30 seconds every time.
I was also able to take a Gojek and Grab four times between Ubud and Uluwatu without a problem (as long as a sore butt from sitting on a scooter isn’t your idea of a problem).
The Downside of Gojek and Grab in Uluwatu
And now, for the not-so-great part of exploring the beaches in Uluwatu via Gojek and Grab.
Most of the beaches I’ll showcase here have a no Gojek and Grab pick-up policy. Such restrictions are common in Bali—the locals want to stay in business by offering taxi services to the tourists that visit them.
That’s understandable…to a degree.
But the issue that tourists face is that using a local driver often involves significantly overpaying, as most visitors don’t know what a fair price is to travel between Uluwatu beaches. Plus, negotiating the price can feel like a headache for those of us that come from countries where price negotiation isn’t second-nature.
And then, of course, there’s the ease of Gojek and Grab automatically charging your credit card and the safety of knowing they’re tracking your trip.
I could go on about this, but I won’t.
The bottom line is that all Gojek and Grabs can drop you off at or near the beaches I’ll be covering here. But only a few destinations allow beach pick-ups.
Don’t worry—I’ll give you the Gojek and Grab policy for each beach throughout this article.
And, if you’re stubborn like me, you might be rewarded with 3,000+ burned calories at the end of the day from doing so much walking (ahem, cliff scaling) to get to your ride.
Best Beaches in Uluwatu
Okay, now that we’ve done our housekeeping, let’s explore the many beach options that Uluwatu offers.
Because the “best” beach varies according to personal preference and abilities, I’ve arranged this article to start on the easternmost side of Uluwatu, working around to the region’s western beaches.
1. Pandawa Beach
- Known for: Resort-like feel without as high of a high price tag, beach-front restaurants along a boardwalk
- Entrance fee: 15k IDR per person
- Parking fee: 3k IDR for scooters; 5k IDR for cars
- Gojek/Grab: Pickups not allowed
- Stairs: No stairs
There’s no mistaking you’re on vacation when you visit Pandawa Beach. It offers one of the most accessible and tourist-friendly Uluwatu venues, with many parking spaces, restaurants, shops, and restrooms.
A mostly flat brick boardwalk leads from the parking lot to the beach. From there, you can head directly to the sand or swing a left, where a long beach-front boardwalk offers beautiful ocean views and takes you by warungs (local restaurants) and shops enticing you to buy coconut water straight from the fruit.
Kayaking is a popular activity at Pandawa Beach. You’ll encounter piles of kayaks for rent if you want to get out on the water.
Pandawa Beach is one of the best Uluwatu beaches for enjoying crystal clear water. As is the case with most of Uluwatu, the shore is pretty rocky.
However, there’s a sandier area to the far left side when you’re facing the ocean, and high tide offers swimming opportunities over a sandier surface.
As a forewarning, the sand is beastly to walk through, especially during low tide. I sunk ankle-deep into the sand in many areas, getting an unexpected workout.
Interested in learning more about Pandawa? Check out my guide on Pandawa Beach.
Pandawa is the best wheelchair accessible beach on this list. It has an accessible boardwalk, and there’s an area with a flat entrance to the sand if you have a beach chair.
2. Green Bowl Beach
- Known for: Surfer hang-out, relatively few beachgoers
- Entrance fee: 5k IDR per person
- Parking fee: 2k IDR for scooters; 5k for cars
- Gojek/Grab: Pickups not allowed
- Stairs: 300+ steps
Allow me a moment of bias—Green Bowl Beach is my favorite Uluwatu beach on this list.
Yes, you’ll need to tackle hundreds of steep concrete steps to get there. But even if you don’t make it all the way to the bottom, you’ll get to enjoy stunning (and arguably the best) views starting at around halfway down.
Green Bowl is the best beach in Uluwatu if you’re a surfer wanting to befriend other surf lovers in a small, laid-back environment. There’s a small shop and warung in the parking lot where surfers hang out before and after hitting the waves, talking about barrels and cutbacks.
If you want to hit up Green Bowl to lay on the beach and watch surfers, aim to visit during low tide. That way, you’ll have more space to do your sunbathing.
When you need a break from the sun, a few natural caves within the cliff offer shade.
Mercifully, the entrance to the parking lot is a stone’s throw away from the staircase. So, if you’re taking a Gojek or Grab after ascending Green Bowl Beach’s 300+ stairs, you don’t need to walk far before leaving the beach’s no rideshare zone.
And while you’re waiting, wild monkeys might entertain you, as they did with me.
Interested in learning more about Green Bowl? Check out my guide on Green Bowl Beach.
Green Bowl beach isn’t wheelchair accessible.
3. Melasti Beach
- Known for: Southernmost point in Bali, beach clubs
- Entrance fee: 10k IDR per person
- Parking fee: 2k IDR for scooters; 5k IDR for cars
- Gojek/Grab: Pickups not allowed
- Stairs: Just a few
Melasti Beach is an utter contrast from Green Bowl beach, being highly developed with fancy beach clubs and speakers playing music on the sidewalk.
A towering entrance area will greet you, and touristy photo ops ensue as you make your way down the cliff through a series of (unintimidating) switchbacks.
Melasti Beach stands out as one of the most unique beaches in Uluwatu, given that it’s the southernmost point in Bali. Admittedly, I found the southern point to be rather anti-climatic; its beach is far prettier than the point.
But in either case, Melasti is a great place to spend the day with your toes in the sand and drink in your hand. It’s also an ideal place to hang low if you’re recovering from a bout of Bali belly.
Just prepare yourself to encounter many fellow beachgoers. Melasti even has a parking lot dedicated to large buses.
Grab and Gojek are allowed to enter the beach area of Melasti. But you’ll need to hire a local taxi or walk to get back to the top. I walked and was surprised it took me less than 15 minutes; thinking about walking along the (sidewalk-free) switchbacks was more challenging than biting the bullet and doing it.
Of course, you won’t have to walk if you drive and pay to park at the base of the beach.
Interested in learning more about Melasti? Check out my guide on Melasti Beach.
Melasti Beach has a wheelchair accessible sandy viewing area above the beach. The sand is quite compact.
4. Nunggalan Beach
- Known for: Shipwreck, surfing, monkeys, cows
- Entrance fee: No fee
- Parking fee: 5k IDR for scooters; 10k IDR for cars
- Gojek/Grab: Pickups allowed
- Stairs: Lots of them
If you’re looking for a Uluwatu, Bali beach that’s off the beaten track, it doesn’t get better than Nunggalan.
When my Grab driver dropped me off at the entrance, I thought he had taken a wrong turn. To my left sat the luxurious Villa Plenilunio. And straight ahead, along a narrow brick path, was the supposed entrance to Nunggalan Beach.
He was right, and that brick path soon led to concrete steps, which turned into a mud staircase. This isn’t a beach I’d recommend visiting if it looks like it’s going to rain, folks.
But if you love surfing and having a wide, desolate beach to yourself, you’ll be in good hands at Nunggalan. Plus, unlike many of the Uluwatu beaches that involve staircases in this article, you’ll be hiking in the shade 95% of the time.
When you’re still in the forest and about to emerge on the beach, expect to encounter some curious monkeys. Don’t have anything on you that crinkles; they’ll assume it’s food and might try to grab it.
I also stumbled upon a herd of loose cows. They were peaceful and, having grown up around a dairy farm, I was happy with their presence.
But you’ll be a long way from where you parked. So, if the thought of wild monkeys and loose cows makes you uneasy, you’re better off skipping Nunggalan Beach.
If you make it all the way to the beach, you’re among the few tourists who get to see this beautiful part of Bali. An old shipwreck is the biggest draw for land-based visitors.
And if you’re a surfer, you can expect to find some people hanging out at a little wooden surfing hut, studying others out on the water riding the waves.
I’d be remiss not to point out that a downside to Nunggalan Beach being so desolate is there isn’t anyone to pick up the trash that washes in from the ocean. It was disheartening to see the amount of garbage around.
Though, as I made my way around Uluwatu, I discovered that trash washed up on the beach isn’t only an issue at Nunggalan.
Interested in learning more about Nunggalan? Check out my guide on Nunggalan Beach.
Nunggalan Beach isn’t wheelchair accessible.
5. Nyang Nyang Beach
- Known for: Stunning views, a steep hill, surfing
- Entrance fee: Donation-based (I gave 10k IDR)
- Parking fee: None
- Gojek/Grab: Pickups not allowed
- Stairs: A few by the beach + steep paved incline
Some people consider Nyang Nyang the same beach as Nunggalan. But since there are some rocks breaking up this beach and the arrival experience is so different, Nyang Nyang deserves its own place on this list.
Nyang Nyang Beach is one of the best Uluwatu beaches for enjoying water views. Shortly after making your way down the steep, paved cliff, vistas of the beach will greet you.
You can choose to park by the main entrance, about halfway down (before an exceptionally steep part of the cliff), or at the base by the beach.
I was shocked by the number of brave souls that rode their scooters down the extra-steep section. It can be done based on the dozens of scooters parked at the bottom of the beach. But I didn’t make my Gojek driver venture there.
There’s a cute bar with surfboard rentals at the beach entrance. It was a hopping place without feeling too crowded, unlike some of the other beaches in Uluwatu.
Nyang Nyang beach is long and wide. There’s trash there, too, but it didn’t stop surfers from enjoying the waves.
You’ll need to walk 100 meters from the donation station to the main road to get reception for calling a Grab or Gojek. My phone showed “E” right up until the point when I arrived at the road, where it turned to 4G.
Interested in learning more about Nyang Nyang? Check out my guide on Nyang Nyang Beach.
Nyang Nyang Beach is a solid option for wheelchair users who are okay with sightseeing from their vehicle. Stairs at the bottom parking area make the beach inaccessible, though.
6. Suluban Beach (Uluwatu Beach)
- Known for: Surfing, cliffside restaurants, monkeys
- Entrance fee: No fee
- Parking fee: 5k IDR for scooters; 15k IDR for cars
- Gojek/Grab: Pickups not allowed; dropoffs permitted, but only at the parking lot
- Stairs: Yes (the amount varies depending on how far you want to go)
Suluban Beach, which also goes by the name Uluwatu Beach, is one of the most popular beaches in Uluwatu. It offers world-class surfing with the ability to see all five surf breaks from the cliffs.
It was approaching high tide when I arrived at Suluban Beach, so there was more cliff than beach space. But it was a beautiful scene nonetheless, with small coves and caves for exploring.
That said, if you’re not a surfer, this is arguably the best beach in Uluwatu to grab a bite to eat.
Restaurants sit above and along the side of the cliff, creating a multi-story maze of warungs and higher-end restaurants.
The most famous restaurant and bar at Suluban Beach is Single Fin. It has a cliffside terrace, meaning you don’t have to tackle many steps to get there if you have limited mobility or don’t want to get sweaty.
Wednesdays and Sundays are the best time to visit Single Fin if you want live music. International DJs often frequent Single Fin on Sundays.
But you don’t need to spend an arm and a leg to enjoy restaurant views over Suluban Beach. I ordered an appetizer, main meal, and bottle of water for $5, including the tip. Oh, and it came with the entertainment of watching one of Uluwatu’s many monkeys meandering around while I was eating.
Interested in learning more about Suluban? Check out my guide on Suluban Beach.
Suluban Beach isn’t wheelchair accessible.
7. Padang Padang Beach (Labuan Sait Beach)
- Known for: Filming site of Eat Pray Love, mischievous monkeys, scenic coastline
- Entrance fee: 15k IDR per person
- Parking fee: 2k IDR for scooters; 5k IDR for cars
- Gojek/Grab: Pickups not allowed
- Stairs: Many steep steps
And now for another moment of bias—Padang Padang was my second favorite beach in Uluwatu. I hands-down recommend it to anyone wanting the Uluwatu beach experience.
Padang Padang Beach became world famous after the filming of Eat Pray Love, starring Julia Roberts.
It’s easy to see why they chose Padang Padang, which also goes by the name Labuan Sait Beach, as the filming site for this movie. The 100-meter stretch of beach embodies the word “pristine,” and rock formations dot a portion of the shore.
The ocean also has eroded cave-like structures in the cliffs, giving people respite from the sun.
Although monkey sightings are common throughout much of the peninsula, Padang Padang is one of the best beaches in Uluwatu for monkey encounters. You might even get to snap a shot with a monkey hanging from the “Beware of Monkey” signs.
Monkeys don’t like the rain, though. So if you’re hoping to see some monkeys when in Uluwatu, try to plan around a downpour (I know, that’s a tall task for Bali).
In addition to watching out for mischievous monkeys, you also need to watch your step when walking down the staircase to Padang Padang Beach.
The stairs lead through a narrow space in the cliffs; it’s easy to slip if it’s been raining, and it’s easy to bump your head if you’re tall.
The good news is that the staircase is relatively short if you’ve already gotten your fill of exercise from other beaches in Uluwatu. It only took me a few minutes to climb up the steps.
Admittedly, the Padang Padang I’m describing here is a bit of a misnomer. Read my article on Padang Padang Beach for more details.
Padang Padang Beach isn’t wheelchair accessible.
8. Bingin Beach
- Known for: Oceanfront restaurants along the cliff, sunset spot, surfing
- Entrance fee: No fee
- Parking fee: 2k IDR for scooters; 5k IDR for cars
- Gojek/Grab: Pickups allowed
- Stairs: Many steep stairs
If your legs are weary reading about so much climbing, you’ll be glad to know that Bingin is the last Uluwatu beach on this list that involves scaling massive cliffs (we have one mini cliff left).
But that doesn’t make climbing down to and up from Bingin Beach easy. Steep concrete stairs will take you by—and sometimes through—restaurants.
Unlike the other staircases that I’ve talked about, navigating the Bingin Beach path is complicated.
For starters, to arrive at the staircase, you need to take a left when you get to the fork and then take your next right. From there, follow the stairs down.
There will be moments when you’ll have more than one route choice. The rule of thumb is if the staircase goes down, you’ll eventually arrive at Bingin Beach. You can also look for beach signs, though they’re not always around.
That said, there’s a narrow road that leads to the beach from Pecatu Village. But I’d think twice before giving it a try—the road is only wide enough for a scooter, and the cliff is steep enough to give you hand cramps from gripping the breaks.
Bingin Beach is one of the best Uluwatu beaches for foodies.
You can eat at restaurants offering tables on the sand or restaurants within the cliff. Yes, they’re literally built into the side of the cliff.
Since you’ll be on the west side of Uluwatu, Bingin Beach is an excellent place to watch the sunset.
Interested in learning more about Bingin? Check out my guide on Bingin Beach.
Bingin beach isn’t wheelchair accessible.
9. Dreamland Beach
- Known for: Laid-back sunset venue
- Entrance fee: No fee
- Parking fee: 5k IDR for scooters; 20k IDR for cars
- Gojek/Grab: Pickups allowed
- Stairs: 7 steps
Dreamland Beach is as dreamy as its name sounds, especially if your dream beach involves the ability to drive up to the entrance (scooters only, cars will need to park a bit further away).
This laid-back beach is yet another excellent place to catch the sunset, and local restaurant owners take advantage of it.
Numerous warungs and eateries line the backmost part of the sand, perched on a boardwalk.
Dreamland is a great Uluwatu, Bali beach destination for excellent sunset views. But be aware that you’ll be a bit set back from the water, unlike at Bingin Beach.
The sand is beautiful at Dreamland Beach, but there was quite a bit of garbage washed up on shore during my November visit.
I don’t recommend this beach for the average swimmer, and neither do local authorities. Dreamland is a red flag beach, meaning you should stay out of the water unless you can kick it with the surfers cruising the beach’s notoriously massive barrels.
Interested in learning more about Dreamland? Check out my guide on Dreamland Beach.
The arrival area of Dreamland Beach is accessible. You can get views of the ocean from there, but it’s not an ideal stop for wheelchair users.
10. Balangan Beach
- Known for: Cliff viewing area, countryside setting, off-the-beaten-path
- Entrance fee: 2k IDR
- Parking fee: 5k IDR for scooters; 10k IDR for cars
- Gojek/Grab: Pickups not allowed
- Stairs: Relatively short but steep staircase
The cliff lookout point at Balangan Beach makes it one of the most beautiful beaches in Uluwatu. Best of all, this beach isn’t a popular tourist stop, so you won’t have to elbow your way through for the view.
Balangan Beach boasts small-scale tourism, with a hostel on-site and a couple of warungs in the massive dirt parking lot.
You can opt to park beside the viewing area or by the hostel, where the steps to the beach are located. In either case, the walk between the two isn’t far.
Just be sure not to hit a loose cow while parking. Their cowbells jingling from the viewpoint complimented the sound of ocean waves.
There are quite a few rocks at Balangan Beach, the water is murky, and the waves are strong. So, I recommend this beach for experienced surfers and tourists wanting a pretty view before moving on to comfier sunbathing beaches in Uluwatu.
That said, Balangan has several small-scale warungs along its shores. They’re a great place to hang out while you’re surfing friend or partner does their thing.
Interested in learning more about Balangan? Check out my guide on Balangan Beach.
Balangan Beach isn’t wheelchair accessible, but a portion of the viewing area is accessible. There’s plenty of space to park.
11. Jimbaran Beach
- Known for: Seafood restaurants, largest fish market, hustlers
- Entrance fee: No fee
- Parking fee: 2k IDR for scooters, 5k IDR for cars
- Gojek/Grab: Pickups allowed
- Stairs: A few small steps
Jimbaran Beach is one of the best beaches in Uluwatu if you want to try Bali’s seafood.
Restaurant after restaurant line the back of the beach, with indoor and beach seating available. You can even take a stroll down the backside of the restaurants to see the cooks in action.
I can understand why some people don’t consider Jimbaran as part of the Uluwatu beaches—it has a Kuta/Seminyak/Canggu-like vibe.
On the positive side of that comparison, Jimbaran is a long, wide beach. It’s a great place for beginners to learn how to surf, given that its waves often aren’t as intense as other beaches in Uluwatu.
And now, for the not-so-great.
Jimbaran Beach has a lot of hustlers. It gets tiring constantly turning down restaurant, surf lesson, and souvenir offers.
But if you can look past that caveat, you’ll enjoy less crowded beaches than those to the north, and kids will delight in watching airplanes come and go from the nearby airport in Denpasar.
I didn’t encounter wheelchair accessible access to Jimbaran Beach. But the beach is long, so please let me know if you find an accessible entrance.
FAQs About Beaches in Uluwatu
Phew, that was a lot of info. But I’m sure it didn’t answer all of your questions, so I’ve created an FAQ.
Should you still have questions about Uluwatu’s beaches after reading through the answers below, let me know in the comments section and I’ll be happy to help.
Is it safe to drive in Uluwatu?
Driving in Uluwatu is very safe in the sense that crime is low in Bali. But scooter accidents are common, and Uluwatu’s pot-holed and often washed-out roads don’t help the situation.
You should be extra careful when driving around Uluwatu during monsoon season, for there’s a risk of flooding and landslides.
Psst! Check out my guide on safety in Bali for statistics and insights from my experience as a solo female traveler.
Where can you watch the sunrise at the beaches in Uluwatu?
The best places to watch the sunrise at Uluwatu beaches are towards the eastern side of the peninsula. Pandawa Beach is an excellent example.
That said, Uluwatu doesn’t sit directly on the east coast. Therefore, watching the sunset from other areas, such as Nusa Dua Beach, will give you direct sunset views.
Is Uluwatu a good place to watch the sunset?
The beaches in Uluwatu are excellent places to watch the sunset, as many of the beaches face the west coast.
Some of the best beaches for sunset views in Uluwatu include Padang Padang, Bingin, and Dreamland.
Where is the best surf in Uluwatu?
Some of the best surf spots in Uluwatu are Uluwatu Beach, Bingin Beach, and Balangan Beach.
When is the best time of year to surf in Uluwatu?
June, July, and August are the peak surfing months in Uluwatu. The waves are the largest and most consistent during that time of year.
What tide is best for Uluwatu beaches?
Some of Uluwatu’s beaches don’t have a lot of sand at high tide. Therefore, if your goal is to enjoy the beach from the shore, visiting when the tide is lower guarantees a wider beach.
When is there the most trash in Uluwatu?
The greatest amount of trash arrives on Uluwatu’s shores during monsoon season. Rain and wind circle garbage in the ocean from the west to the east coast of the island.
Are the beaches in Uluwatu worth visiting?
The Uluwatu beaches are very much worth visiting. Not only is it fun to watch experienced surfers navigate Uluwatu’s big waves, but this is a unique area in Bali where cliffside views dominate the coastal landscape.
What is the best beach in Uluwatu?
The best beach in Uluwatu varies according to the person. If you’re looking for a classic Uluwatu beach, Padang Padang and Uluwatu beaches are musts. Nunggalan Beach is great for people who love trekking in remote areas, and monkey sightings are possible at many of the beaches in Uluwatu.
Is Kuta better than the Uluwatu beaches?
Kuta is better than the beaches in Uluwatu if you enjoy modern amenities, upscale restaurants, and a larger selection of hotels. The nightlife scene in Kuta is also larger, and it’s a tourist-dense area with many hustlers.
Is Seminyak better than the Uluwatu beaches?
Seminyak is better than the beaches in Uluwatu if you want to be in an area that’s within walking distance of shops, restaurants, bars, and more. It’s a highly developed and more expensive area compared to Uluwatu.
Is Canggu better than the Uluwatu beaches?
Canggu is better than the beaches in Uluwatu if you enjoy an upscale area, want to be in a populated region, and would like access to more nightlife in and near the district.
Are there monkeys in Uluwatu?
Monkey sightings are common throughout Uluwatu. Most of the monkeys you’ll encounter have an affinity for humans because they associate them with food. Never roam around areas known for having lots of monkeys with anything that crinkles, for the monkeys may believe you have food and try to take it from you.
If you drive in Uluwatu, please take care not to hit a monkey. Unlike the dogs in Bali, many monkeys either don’t have the know-how or (more probably) are too lazy to move out of the way for you.
Is it safe to swim at the beaches in Uluwatu?
It isn’t safe to swim at most of the beaches in Uluwatu. You should only enter the water if there isn’t a red flag and if you have strong swimming skills.
Can you snorkel in Uluwatu?
Uluwatu isn’t an ideal place for snorkeling. Certain areas, such as Pandawa and Padang Padang Beaches, often have calmer water by the shore where snorkeling is feasible.
But as a whole, the best beaches in Uluwatu are for surfing, not snorkeling. You’ll need to bring your own snorkeling gear should you wish to give it a go since you won’t encounter local vendors offering snorkel equipment on the beach.
Can you dive in Uluwatu?
Diving isn’t a common sport in Uluwatu. However, some diving companies operate out of Uluwatu, and you can book a tour with them if you have strong diving skills.
Is Uluwatu safe?
Uluwatu is very safe. The U.S. Department of State ranks Indonesia as a Level 2, which means to exercise increased caution. But nowhere on their website do they mention Bali as being an island where crime of concern happens.
As a solo female traveler, I felt completely safe exploring Uluwatu alone. The only beach on this list that some females may feel uncomfortable visiting on their own is Nunggalan Beach due to its remoteness.
Which of the Uluwatu Beaches Will You Choose?
I’ve already shared my favorite two beaches with you (Green Bowl and Padang Padang). I’d love to hear your take on the best beach in Uluwatu, whether it be on this list or if it’s one I missed.
Feel free to also leave a comment with any questions.
And now, I’ll leave you to it so you can start exploring all that the beaches in Uluwatu offer.
P.S.—For more off-the-beaten-path adventures in Bali, check out my guides on the Campuhan Ridge Walk in Ubud and the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces.
