If you’re planning a trip to Uluwatu to visit the beaches in Bali and you’re looking for the best ones, this is for you! By now it’s no secret anymore that Bali has some outstanding beaches. Whether it’s wild, black-sandy beaches up North and East or those beautifully white-sandy ones in the South, Bali has something for everybody. This post is designed to cover the prettiest beaches in Uluwatu, so you can decide what’s the best one to visit.
(Updated Feb 2024)
Uluwatu Beaches Bali: Best Beaches Unlocked
Many people arrive in Bali, only to find out that the beaches on the West aren’t quite what they envisioned. To find those white sand beaches in Bali, you need to go south, to the Bukit Peninsula – Uluwatu.
To get the most out of a day of beach hopping around Uluwatu make sure to rent a scooter. It shouldn’t cost you more than 50.000 IDR (2.50 Euro) per day and allows you to roam freely. There are taxi drivers and GoJeks (Indonesia’s answer to Uber) but they aren’t necessarily lots, and many only drop you off but don’t pick you back up in downtown Uluwatu.
If you aren’t comfortable driving a scooter, I recommend hiring a local driver for the trip so you can cruise around safely.
To visit all the beaches I mention in this post, you’d need at least 2-3 days to really enjoy them to their fullest.
Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach is a more secluded one of the Bali Beaches and yet, easy to reach in Uluwatu. From the parking lot, it’s a short walk till the beginning of the steps downwards. It’s quite some steps to descent, leading you to a yellow-coloured and little bit grainy sand beach.
There is a homestay called Thomas Stay (hence the beach is now called like this), as well as some simple beach shacks selling food & drinks.
Make sure to stop at Suka Espresso for their amazing coffee and food (I couldn’t finish the Monkey Business smoothie bowl). It’s the best you’ll find in Uluwatu. You can park your scooter there and start walking towards Thomas Beach.
Thomas Beach is one of the lesser-known, secret Uluwatu beaches – a little gem not to miss!
No parking fee!
Bingin Beach
Certainly one of Uluwatu’s busiest and a Bali Beach that won’t disappoint you. If I had to choose only one to visit, Bingin Beach would be it!
The sand is soft, the water calm enough for a swim and enough restaurants/bars to keep you fueled. It’s also where you can have some of the best grilled fish. Make sure to visit Lucky Fish for their fish barbeque and some sunset drinks.
To be fair, the descent and ascent is a challenge (many many steps) but it’s well worth it! A smaller street takes you off the main road, towards a parking lot. From there you follow the signs.
The best changes of a nice beach day you’ll have outside of low tide, as the reef makes it impossible to swim.
One of Uluwatu’s Instagram-worthy restaurants is also nearby, The Cashew Tree. A relaxed boho vibe with outdoor seating and great food makes this a nice stop.
Bingin Beach on high tide is still one of the best swimming beaches in Bali but also one of Uluwatu’s best surf beaches in Bali!
Parking fee of 5000 IDR (2.50 Euro)
Dreamland Beach
Once you are at Bingin Beach, it’s only a 10 min or so drive to Dreamland Beach. The way is a bit windy and the last part of the path goes down fairly steep.
Dreamland Beach is one of those spotless white sand beaches in Bali that you might know from magazines. It also features perfect turquoise water that reminds you of the Caribbean.
The only downside is, that the shore break at high tide can be very strong – it’s not advised to swim! Here the tidal timing needs to be right. However these waves make Dreamland Beach one of the best surf beaches in Bali!
There is a hotel and restaurant with sun chairs, and further away some local beach shacks. This part of the beach I found the most beautiful, relaxed, rather sheltered and more private.
A place to stop for brunch should certainly be Ours in Uluwatu. Closer to Bingin Beach, this place makes the ideal Instagram background and delivers outstanding food and environment.
No fee for parking to visit Dreamland Beach.
Balangan Beach
A wonderful beach that’s most worth visiting during sunset. It’s nestled within limestone cliffs and the color of the ocean is just on point.
Although I actually did not visit the beach itself, I decided to go to the Balangan Viewpoint – to see it from the top.
Usually, this viewpoint is super busy with wedding shoots and a million other people, so to my luck, this place was deserted. A young couple enjoying the sunrise, 2 locals on bikes having a break and a few fishermen further down on the rocks.
To reach this one, you will likely drive through or around the golf course. It’s the stop that took me the longest to get to, but was well worth the detour! Should you go for sunset, plan some time.
The view of the coastline was stunning, definitely a place I would come for a photoshoot.
No fee for parking up at the viewpoint.
A little note regarding taking images at sunrise – it’s not the right time to get those strong emerald colours from Balangan Beach, as the sun is too low and shut off by the cliffs. In retrospect, I would have gone later.
Need more Bali inspiration for your next summer holiday ? Head to my Blog for more Bali vacation inspo!
Where to Stay in Bali, Uluwatu
Finding a beautiful place to stay in Uluwatu is not hard. From eco-bamboo resorts to white-washed boho-style boutique hotels and luxurious hotels, you have endless options!
Some of my favorite hotels in Bali, Uluwatu include:
Roots Tree House – one of the most amazing stays I ever had. Right in the center of Ulungan, you’ll find the unique Roots Tree House, meticulously designed by its wonderful owners. The whole hotel area is tranquil, sustainably designed and even offers yoga classes! Sleeping in a real treehouse is a dream coming true!
Le Bamboo Uluwatu – I stayed at this beautiful eco-resort multiple times over two years. Not only does it feature an amazing infinity pool with views of Bali’s volcanos but is also is sustainably designed! Each of the bamboo villas is different yet makes your Bali dreams come true.
Sal Secret Spot is one of the best places when it comes to stylish boho interiors, lovely staff and the ideal location right in the heart of Bingin! It offers a uniquely designed pool, a wonderful lush garden and an intimate atmosphere.
Alila Villas Uluwatu is a real treat and one of Uluwatu’s 5-star hotels. Alila Villas places a big focus on sustainability, constantly improving their efforts and developing new ways to be more eco-friendly.
Check here for all Bali Hotels in Uluwatu and beyond!
I hope this post helps you to plan your beach-hopping adventure around Uluwatu. I leave it to you to decide, which makes Uluwatu’s best beach.
If you’re keen on exploring the beaches around Nusa Dua and end with a visit to Uluwatu Temple, I’d recommend booking this Bali Beach Hopping tour.
Have you read my other articles on what to do in Bali?
One of the best trips for divers to take from Bali : Budget Scuba Diving in Komodo – What You Need To Know
The top things to photograph in Amed: Amed Bali – 3 Day Photography Trip
My Top Experience To Do in Bali: Mount Batur Sunrise Hike
When in Bali you should also visit its neighboring island Sumba: Sumba, The 20 Most Amazing Places to See
Women Travel Essentials I Can’t Live Without
Travel Insurance
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Travel Money Card
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Disclaimer: Some of the links in this article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase using these links, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. I only recommend services and tools I know and trust myself.
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