The Best Beaches in Uluwatu (Ranked From Awesome to Unforgettable)

Uluwatu isn’t just another Bali beach destination.

It’s the wild southwest coast of the Bukit Peninsula, where towering cliffs meet heavy ocean waves and (nearly) every beach entrance feels like a small adventure!

You don’t just rock up, lay a towel down and leave. You stroll. You climb. You descend steep staircases. And more often than not, you’re rewarded with some of the most beautiful beaches on the island.

This guide ranks the best beaches in Uluwatu, from the ones that are easy and popular to the ones that feel untouched and unforgettable. And trust us when we say we've sampled them all!

Some are social. Some are quiet spots where you can share sunsets with just a handful of people. All of them show a different side of Uluwatu, Bali.

If you're hunting for Uluwatu's best beaches, this guide is for you. Kick back and grab a fresh coconut. It's time to reveal Kala Surf's favourite stretches of sand.

Uluwatu beaches: From surf spots to secret beaches and beyond

7. Dreamland Beach | Easy access and a lively scene

Dreamland Beach is one of the more accessible popular beaches on the southern coast. There’s a clear parking area, a short walk to the sand and plenty happening once you arrive.

The beach itself is wide, with golden sand and space for long walks. On calm days, it looks inviting, but the shore break can be powerful and swimming isn’t always ideal, especially at high tide. You’ll often find sun loungers, casual beach bars and vendors offering a cold drink or snacks.

Why it lands lower on the list:

• Can feel busy compared to other beaches
• Less of that hidden, cliff-backed feeling
• More developed than most Uluwatu beach spots

Still, it’s a solid introduction to the area and a decent stop if you want something easy. It also answers the question, is Uluwatu really is worth visiting? 

Pro tip: Dreamland is an awesome spot to catch the sunset, but be aware that recent changes to the parking lot have made it a very tight squeeze. If you stay too late, getting out during rush hour can be frustrating, so plan your exit accordingly.

6. Thomas Beach | Relaxed, remote and pretty

Thomas Beach is one of those beaches people quietly fall in love with. The steep staircase down isn’t too intense, and once you’re on the sand, the vibe shifts immediately.

This is a proper sandy beach with room to spread out and calm moments between sets. On smaller days and at low tide, the water can be gentle enough for a swim, especially closer to shore where the waters are shallower.

Why people rate Thomas Beach:

• Good beach space even during busier hours
• Simple beach seating and local warungs
• Easy to spend a full afternoon without rushing

It’s not dramatic or wild, but the access can be off-putting. Still... it's one of the best beaches in Uluwatu.

Why we love it: Thomas Beach is hands-down one of the best spots in Uluwatu to properly switch off. If you’re visiting with a partner or a close friend and want to escape the crowds, noise, and general buzz of Uluwatu, this is where you come to slow things down and enjoy some real peace and quiet.

5. Padang Padang Beach | Famous and fun

Padang Padang is one of the most recognisable Uluwatu Bali beaches. A narrow rock passage leads to a compact cove with soft white sand, turquoise water and cliffs rising on all sides.

It’s beautiful, no doubt. But it’s also one of the most popular beaches people visit first, so crowds are part of the deal. When the swell is small, beginner surfers and swimmers share the space. When it’s bigger, the surf turns on and the energy ramps up. Just make sure you know how to surf a reef break before you paddle out!

Expect:

• A lively atmosphere
• Full-blown surf vibes when the swell is big
• Limited space once the tide pushes in

It’s not secluded, but it earns its reputation.

Pro tip: Bring a bit of cash if you’re coming by scooter. You’ll need it for parking across the road and for the entrance fee. Padang Padang is one of the few beaches in Uluwatu with a mandatory entry fee. Also keep an eye out for the monkeys here. They’re bold, curious, and best admired from a safe distance.

4. Balangan Beach | Expansive views and classic Bukit scenery

Balangan Beach feels expansive in a way few beaches do. From the cliff overlooking the bay, you’ll see a long stretch of golden sand, reef lines and consistent surf.

Down on the beach, the mood is relaxed. There are simple warungs, places to sit and plenty of room to wander. It’s popular with photographers, surfers and anyone chasing stunning sunsets without the intensity of the main breaks.

Why Balangan stands out:

• One of the best viewpoints on the southern tip
• Consistent surf breaks
• A great balance of space and atmosphere

It’s no surprise Balangan is often mentioned among people’s favourite beach spots in Uluwatu.

Why we love it: Balangan is one of those rare beaches where it’s easy to lose an entire day without even trying. You can wander up and down the sand, grab a few cold beers, watch the sets roll through, and jump in for a surf whenever it feels right.

3. Suluban Beach (Blue Point Beach) | Caves, cliffs and world-class waves

Suluban Beach, also known as Blue Point Beach, is full of character. Getting there means weaving past cliffside shops, heading down a maze of stairs, and passing through caves carved straight into the rock. That said, most surfers wouldn’t call it Suluban at all. They’ll simply tell you they’re going to surf Uluwatu.

You'll then find yourself staring straight out at arguably Indonesia's most famous wave, Uluwatu.

On low tide, the beach overlooking Uluwatu to the left of the cave becomes accessible through gaps in the rock formations. You just need the tide to be low enough to walk through safely, as the passage can be tricky if the water is still pushing through.

At low tide, sandy pockets appear alongside unique rock formations and rock pools. At high tide, the ocean fills most of the space and the waves dominate the scene.

This is the heart of world-class surfing on the Bukit Peninsula. You’ll see experienced surfers and advanced surfers lining up for heavy reef breaks, while spectators watch from above.

Why it’s unforgettable:

• Cave access and dramatic scenery
• Front-row views of elite surfing
• A raw, energetic atmosphere

It’s not a swimming beach. It’s an experience.

Pro tip: Be very careful if you go out for a swim at “The Cave:. The waves can be powerful, and there have been plenty of cases of people getting pushed into the rocks when they’re not paying close attention.

2. Melasti Beach | Where ease meets elegance

Melasti Beach rewrites the rules for Uluwatu's coastal scene. The approach alone sets the tone: a paved road winds through carved limestone walls like a grand entrance. No steep hikes. You arrive and the sand is right there!

What makes this stretch remarkable is the offshore reef that transforms the coast into a vast natural lagoon. The water stays calm and clear, perfect for swimmers seeking tranquillity. Towering cliffs frame the shoreline, glowing amber at sunset. Beach clubs now dot the beach… infinity pools, daybeds, craft cocktails. It's accessible yet somehow still feels exclusive.

• Effortless access without sacrificing beauty
• Serene swimming in protected waters
• Beach club luxury with sweeping views

This is Uluwatu embracing a new era. And while you can surf there, there are better surf breaks on the Bukit for more advanced shredders.

1. Nyang Nyang Beach | Vast and unforgettable

Nyang Nyang Beach sits close to the southernmost point of the Bukit Peninsula and feels wonderfully remote from the moment you arrive. The road down is steep and can be pretty intimidating on a scooter, especially the first time. The walk itself is long and exposed, but the payoff at the bottom is absolutely worth it. If you don’t feel like tackling the climb back up, there are usually locals offering rides to the top for a small fee.

This is a truly secluded beach. A massive stretch of sand. Hardly anyone around. Just cliffs, wind and ocean. The waves are powerful and better suited to confident swimmers or surfers, but the real draw is the feeling of space and untouched natural beauty.

Why it takes the top spot:

• Incredible scale and isolation
• A true hidden beach experience
• No crowds, no noise, no rush

This is Uluwatu at its most raw and as such, it's our favorite beach on the Bukit!

FAQ: Uluwatu beaches explained

Q. What are the best beaches in Uluwatu for first-time visitors?

Padang Padang, Thomas Beach and Dreamland Beach are easy starting points.

Q. Are there any truly secluded beaches in Uluwatu?

Yes. Nyang Nyang Beach, Green Bowl Beach and Karma Beach feel far removed from crowds.

Q. Is Green Bowl Beach worth visiting?

Absolutely. Green Bowl is a small beach with a steep staircase, rock pools and a quiet atmosphere, especially outside peak hours.

Q. How does Melasti Beach compare to other beaches?

Melasti Beach is wide, scenic and easy to access, with a large car park and modern amenities.

Q. Are there beach clubs in Uluwatu?

Some beaches near Uluwatu, like Karma Beach, have exclusive beach club setups with loungers and service.

Q. Which beaches are best for surfing?

Suluban Beach (Uluwatu), Bingin Beach and Balangan Beach offer consistent waves for experienced surfers, while smaller days suit beginner surfers at select spots. Here’s everything you need to know about surfing the Bukit.

Q. Are Uluwatu beaches good for swimming?

Conditions depend on the tide and the swell. Look for calmer days and always be cautious of currents.

Q. How do Uluwatu beaches compare to Nusa Dua Beach or Pandawa Beach?

Nusa Dua Beach and Pandawa Beach are calmer and more family-friendly. Uluwatu beaches are wilder and more dramatic.

Q. Do most beaches have facilities?

Most have basic warungs, local vendors and parking, but not all have shade or toilets.

Q. Is Uluwatu worth visiting just for the beaches?

Yes. If you want unique beaches, cliffs and to feel the Indian Ocean's powerful energy, visit Uluwatu.

Final thoughts

The best Uluwatu beaches aren’t about convenience. They’re about contrast. To visit Bali is to see all sides of it, after all.

Easy-access spots sit alongside secret coves. Social beaches exist just minutes from empty stretches of sand. And every descent feels like you’re stepping into something different.

Whether your favourite beach ends up being Bingin, Balangan or Nyang Nyang, one thing’s certain. These beaches don’t blur together. They stay with you long after you leave.

And that’s why Uluwatu remains one of Bali’s most unforgettable coastlines. Ready to check it out? Get in touch to book your stay and learn to shred with the island's best at Kala Surf!