Top 5 Must-Visit Beaches in Uluwatu : Your 2024 Ultimate Guide to Bali's Coastal Gems!
Bali's captivating beaches always beckon me to explore and discover my favorites. Imagining myself with a laptop by the shore, embracing the digital nomad lifestyle and the freedom to work from anywhere, draws me to Uluwatu to uncover its beach treasures.
Here are five beaches in Uluwatu you must visit if you come to Bali:
1.Nunggalan Beach
I believe the top must-visit beach for beach lovers is Nunggalan Beach. Nunggalan Beach, also known as 'Pantai Nunggalan' by locals, is tucked away in the southern region of Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula of Bali.
Unlike the other beaches in Uluwatu, after visiting many beaches in the Pecatu area, Nunggalan is the most remote.
With its wild trekking and exhausting path down to the beach, I could say that this beach is not suitable for those who are looking to relax on more convenient beaches like the others.
You should be physically ready, prepare water, and wear shoes fit for trekking, as the path and trekking stairs are quite steep. You may encounter some small warungs (small food and souvenir shops) where you can take a break in the middle of the trekking trails down to the beach.
Photo by @the_backackerlens
However, if you are adventurous and seeking a secluded atmosphere with minimal tourists, this beach can be perfect for spending peaceful moments with your favorite book while stretching your legs on the sand and occasionally watching surfers catching waves.
Near the beach, you can find some warungs that may remain open until 4 pm. You can purchase and enjoy a whole coconut to refresh your energy after trekking for 15-20 minutes.
The highlight of this beach is undoubtedly its shipwreck. It's easily recognizable, and the best time to capture it with a drone is in the morning, especially during high tide. During this time, you'll witness the dramatic collision between the waves and the shipwreck, creating a stunning effect of water splash, perfect for a photoshoot.
In my personal opinion, I would recommend against visiting this beach in the late afternoon, around 5 pm. At this time, you'll have limited time to relax and enjoy its seclusion before needing to trek back uphill, potentially through dark woods. This could be especially challenging if you're with family and kids.
Opting to visit during the daytime allows for a more adventurous and enjoyable experience, ensuring ample time to explore and appreciate the beauty of the surroundings without rushing back
Where is it located?
Click the map if you want to check the location
2.Nyang-Nyang Beach
Not far from Nunggalan Beach, you can find Nyang-Nyang Beach. When I first visited this beach, I thought it was the most secluded beach I had ever encountered.
However, over time, it has become more popular among tourists, with the addition of convenient facilities like cafes and a less steep road downhill nowadays after the imrovement to make it more tourist-friendly.
This beach is renowned for its verdant coral and reef formations visible during low tides. Certain parts of the beach form small pools during low tides, reminiscent of enjoying a mermaid's paradise while awaiting the sunset.
In addition to being an ideal destination during low tides, Nyang Nyang Beach is renowned for its excellent surfing, opportunities for paragliding, and the breathtaking sunsets it offers.
My favorite part to explore during low tides is heading towards the right side of the beach and strolling along the path adorned with beautiful coral and reef formations. If you're fortunate, you might stumble upon small pools teeming with tiny fishes and even spot some Nemos trapped in them.
However, exercise caution as you tread, as there's a possibility of encountering sea urchins. Wearing reef shoes would be ideal, enhancing both the convenience and safety of your exploration and adventure on this beach.
Where is it located?
Click the map if you want to check the location
3.Padang - Padang Beach
Padang-Padang Beach is a popular tourist destination, known for its convenience and accessibility. Upon entry, visitors are typically charged a small fee of IDR 10,000. One of the highlights of this beach experience is the chance to see Uluwatu monkeys, adding a unique touch to your visit.
For those interested in surfing, Padang-Padang Beach is also beginner-friendly, making it an ideal spot to catch your first waves. Whether you're seeking relaxation or adventure, this beach offers something for everyone amidst its picturesque surroundings.
The optimal time to visit Padang Padang (Pantai Labuan Sait) is in the mid-morning, once the sun has risen and illuminates this side of the Bukit Peninsula. It tends to get busiest during the middle of the day and early afternoon when tourist buses begin to arrive.
Finding a nice spot along the beach to settle down can sometimes be challenging due to the crowds, so it's something to keep in mind when planning your visit.
Alternatively, consider visiting in the late afternoon during sunset hours, as most day-trippers would have departed by then.
Thanks to its west-facing location, Padang Padang is one of the best spots in Uluwatu to catch a mesmerizing sunset.
Where is it located?
Click the map if you want to check the location
4.Thomas Beach
My favorite beach when I lived in Uluwatu was Thomas Beach. It used to be a hidden gem, but now more tourists are discovering its beauty.
However, unlike Padang Padang, Thomas Beach is still relatively uncrowded. You won't find packs of tourists from tour buses occupying all the beach areas.
There's currently no entrance fee to access the beach, and you'll need to descend stairs to reach it. This adds to the charm of the experience, as it feels more secluded and untouched compared to some of the more popular beaches in the area.
At Thomas Beach, expect to be mesmerized by its turquoise sea water and scattered beach rocks, creating a picturesque setting perfect for surfing and sunbathing. While there's no entrance fee, it's good to have some cash on hand if you plan to rent amenities like a beach umbrella or enjoy a refreshing coconut.
Renting a beach bench and umbrella typically costs around IDR 50,000, while a whole coconut ranges from IDR 25,000 to 50,000. These amenities add to the comfort and convenience of your beach experience, allowing you to relax and soak in the beauty of Thomas Beach to the fullest.
During low tides, Thomas Beach offers a different vibe altogether. You can explore the greeny reefs and even spot ships stuck on the beach, adding to the charm of the experience.
However, I highly recommend avoiding Uluwatu beaches, including Thomas Beach, during the rainy season. During this time, you may encounter trash and debris washed up on the shores, which can detract from the beauty of the beach and affect your overall experience.
Where is it located ?
Click the map if you want to check the location
5.Dreamland Beach
With its limestone cliffs, golden sands, and turquoise waters, Dreamland Beach is a beloved tourist spot that shouldn't be missed when exploring Uluwatu.
Renowned for its breathtaking sunset views and excellent surfing conditions, it's a must-visit destination for beach enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Dreamland Beach Bali is situated along the western coastline of the Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu, South Bali.
Positioned roughly midway between two other highly popular beaches, Balangan Beach and Bingin Beach, it offers a convenient location for beachgoers to explore multiple destinations in the area. Access to
Dreamland Bali Beach is facilitated by an easily navigable access road accessible to all vehicles, ensuring a hassle-free journey for visitors.
The optimal time to visit Dreamland Beach is early to mid-morning, once the sun has risen and illuminates this side of the Bukit Peninsula.
It tends to be busiest during the middle of the day and early afternoon, with crowds making it challenging to find a nice spot along the beach to settle down.
Therefore, it's advisable to keep this in mind when planning your visit.
Alternatively, you can also consider visiting in the late afternoon during sunset hours, as most day-trippers would have departed by then, allowing for a more serene and peaceful experience.
Plus, witnessing the sunset at Dreamland Beach is truly magical and shouldn't be missed.
Where is it located ?
Click the map if you want to check the location
