Unlike other parts of Bali – say Seminyak or Kuta – Uluwatu doesn’t have a long stretch of beach to stroll down on, where different beaches seamlessly blend into one. Instead, the area is characterised by dramatic cliffs with stunning white beaches hidden in between. The area is favoured by surfers – the Uluwatu surf breaks are among the most iconic in the world. As for beach lovers, these are the best beaches in Uluwatu!
Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang is one of the most iconic beaches in Bali – not least because it provided the backdrop for the ending scene for Eat Pray Love. Yes, this was where Julia Roberts and Javier Bardem sailed into the sunset when all was said and done. Sans movie stars, the beach is beautiful in its own right and well worth the visit. Accessible through a winding staircase, the beach is characterised by lime cliff formations and soft golden sand, with a humble beach shack offering cold beers and fresh coconuts. Of course, due to its world-wide fame, Padang Padang can get crowded so don’t expect to have this beach all to yourself!
Thomas Beach
Though Padang Padang has the name recognition, Thomas Beach might just take the cake for the most beautiful beach in these corners of the island. The “original Padang Padang” has become a lot more accessible in recent years and you can easily spot the “entrance” from the main road, right by Suka Espresso café. Once you make your way down the stairs (yes, this is another beach reached by stairs), you’ll discover a picture-perfect beach that while increasingly popular, still tends to be more low key than the perpetually packed Padang Pandag.
Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach is one of the more developed beaches in the area, with a large, car-accessible parking lot welcoming you on arrival. Reaching the beach itself does, however, require navigating a flight of stairs. This is a long stretch of beach, offering golden sand framed by lime cliffs and crashing waves of the Indian Ocean. While the beach is swimmable, it’s particularly favoured by surfers… and couples aiming to capture the perfect pre-wedding photo!
Melasti Beach
Melasti Beach offers the best of both worlds: it feels pristine and secluded, but nowadays it’s also delightfully accessible. While nearby Nyang Nyang Beach is still only accessible to those willing to trek down the steep hillside, Melasti Beach can now be reached by car or motorbike, with a smooth, paved road taking right down to the beach. Melasti Beach has become a lot more happening and now has not just one but two beach clubs to choose from! The dreamy, palm-tree framed Palmilla (pictured below) has become a firm favourite among influencers and the newly opened Minoo Beach Club is set to follow suit.
Pandawa Beach
Pandawa Beach is arguably the most well-known and most accessible beach on Bali’s southernmost coastline. No need to navigate long and winding steps or to ramble down a steep hillside – you can simply drive your car down to spacious parking lot provided right by the beach. The popular beach also has its own beach club, Rooster Fish. This relaxed venue is perfect for a fun day out with the family – or simply parking yourself on a lounger with a cold drink in hand. There are more than a few popular photo ops around Pandawa – one is the huge sign displaying the name of the beach and the other is a scenic vantage point looking over the beach. Talk about picture-perfect!
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