Discover the best Uluwatu beaches and get ready to soak up the sun (or hit up some mega waves) in Bali.
It’s safe to say that Bali’s beaches can be a little bit hit or miss. Some are trash-filled (it’s sad but it’s true), while others are black-sand beaches that don’t exactly live up to the Insta-worthy expectations. And the few that truly are gorgeous are usually jam-packed with tourists…
So, unless you fancy waking up before sunrise, kiss goodbye to a wonderful sunbathing spot.
The solution? Head to the south of the island. There are plenty of sandy spots here that do live up to the hype. Here’s our pick of the very best in Uluwatu. Though, a word of warning: prepare for some major treks to reach these dreamy spots.
The Best Uluwatu Beaches
Thomas Beach (Padang Padang)
If it’s total tranquillity you’re after, look no further than Thomas Beach in Uluwatu. This gorgeous stretch of sand is dotted with tiny beach huts and lapped by azure water.
The only catch? You’ll have to walk down (and then back up) 172 steps in order to reach this beach.
Read Next: 6 Wonderful Ways to Give Back and Volunteer in Bali
Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach, often referred to as Blue Point Beach due to the Blue Point Bay Villas and Spa located nearby, is a stunning beach in the Uluwatu area. It’s known for its rugged and dramatic cliffs.
Finding Suluban Beach can be tricky. Why? Well, to reach this spot, prepare to navigate a narrow cave-like entrance through the cliffs. The views that wait for you on the other side are worth the effort though, we promise.
This beach varies in size significantly depending on the tides. At high tide, the beach area is quite narrow, while at low tide, it expands, revealing more sandy areas to kick back and relax on.
Bingin Beach
Nestled along Bali’s enchanting Bukit Peninsula, Bingin Beach is a charming and laid-back spot known for its scenic beauty. A haven for surf aficionados, its powerful reef breaks promise an exhilarating ride. Or, if that sounds like too much effort, you can always choose to spend your time on the sand instead.
Rocky and private, this beach boasts a collection of surf shacks, cafes, and accommodations overlooking the ocean. This adds to the laid-back ambiance of the beach. And make sure to stick around for an incredible Bali sunset, too.
Nyang Nyang Beach
One of Uluwatu’s best beaches can be found on the southernmost coast. While you’ll want to prepare for a twenty-minute (VERY steep) hike to reach the spot – past a field of cows, no less – it’s worth the sweat and effort.
This is one of the few truly (almost) white sand beaches in Bali and is usually pretty quiet. We visited during the peak season and there were only a handful of other sun-bums nearby. And while this is reason enough to visit alone, we were mainly intrigued by the shipwrecks that feature on this beach – and the uber-cool graffiti that adorns them.
Dreamland Beach
With its soft, white sand and gentle waves, Dreamland Beach might just take the title for the best Uluwatu beach. While the water isn’t quite as rough as Bingin Beach, surfers will still be able to catch their dream wave.
It’s more developed than some of the other options in this guide, which can be handy if you’re wanting to spend an entire day relaxing. There’s a large restaurant and cafe overlooking the sand – we grabbed a pizza here which, while nothing special, was decent for a spot of lunch.
Uluwatu Beach
Hidden away beneath the famous Uluwatu Temple, don’t skip Uluwatu Beach. This stretch of coastline is famous for its challenging surf breaks and pretty cliffside views.
The temple itself is a major cultural and tourist attraction in Bali. The temple is dedicated to the guardian spirits of the sea, with traditional Kecak dance shows a major highlight at sunset.
See why this makes it into our guide to the best Uluwatu beaches?
Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali… and we happen to agree. With a wide stretch of golden sand framed by rugged limestone cliffs and lush greenery, the contrast of this coastal gem is breathtaking.
You won’t find as many beach clubs or commercial establishments here, which adds to its charm as a peaceful and less crowded destination. The waves are typically best during the dry season (from April to October). Surfboard rentals and lessons are available from local surf schools and shacks along the beach.
What to Know Before Visiting the Best Uluwatu Beaches
Are the beaches in Uluwatu clean?
Yes. Unlike many of the beaches in Canggu and Seminyak, the vast majority of Uluwatu beaches are trash-free. This is because it’s less developed as an area and experiences fewer tourists – though this is quickly changing.
What is the best beach in Uluwatu?
We were impressed with all the beaches we visited in Uluwatu, though we particularly loved the shipwrecks on Nyang Nyang Beach. This was also one of the quietest places on the island, though it was a hefty trek to get to.
