Stay at Melati Villa, and you’ll discover that Uluwatu boasts Bali’s finest beaches!

Travellers come for many reasons – we were drawn to the wild surfing beaches of Uluwatu, even though we’re not surfers.

Our goal was to experience Bali’s dramatic cliff tops and witness the legendary perfect waves firsthand.

Here’s a quick rundown of the beaches we like to visit – all accessible by scooter. We always rent 🛵’s locally when we’re in Bali – they are an easy and affordable way (just $5-10 AUD per day) to explore Uluwatu.

Note: If you rent a 🛵, make sure you have a valid license from your country (otherwise your holiday insurance may be void) and adopt the Bali vibe i.e. take it easy. Also, remember to drive safely and wear helmets!

Okay, let’s talk about the Top 5 Beaches in Bali…

1. Padang Padang Beach (aka Thomas Beach)

To reach this beach, you’ll need to descend 172 steps. We understand this might not be the easiest option for everyone but, its worth it. Once you make it down, you’ll discover a delightful little beach that’s not too crowded.

There are a handful of restaurants and the usual sun beds available for rent. It’s a fantastic spot for kids, especially during low tide when small tidal pools form, creating natural swimming pools.

We’ll let TripAdvisor do the heavy lifting with the recommended restaurants – 🔗 HERE

2. Suluban Beach (and the Famous Uluwatu Surf Break)

This beach is truly unique!

To access it, you’ll embark on a journey down a set of steps, passing by charming warungs (small family owned businesses), surf shops, and restaurants until you reach the base of the cliff.

From there, you’ll venture through a sandy cave to your left, wading through ankle-deep water, until you arrive at a small sandy beach. Here, you can bask in the sun and watch the pro surfers do their thing.

Note: It’s best to make this journey when the tide is going out, ensuring an easy return trip through the cave.

We’ll let TripAdvisor do the heavy lifting with the recommended restaurants – 🔗 HERE

3. Nyang Nyang Beach

Nyang Nyang Beach a pristine 1.5km beach and one of Bali’s least visited – this is largely due to the long trek down to beach.

The walk down is a gravel road but is very steep and uneven in parts, so we suggest wearing trainers of sandals (and not thongs/flip flops). It’s great fun chillaxing on the beach watching the huge waves crash on to the shoreline but make sure you take enough food and water as there are no vendors.

Note: This beach isn’t ideal for kids, but if your feeling adventurous and want to get away from the crowds, head here.

4. Bingin Beach

This is a fantastic hidden gem of a beach, and it’s safe for swimming if you stay on the left side during high tide. It’s also a good idea to wear water shoes to protect your feet from the reef (which you can see in the image on the blog page).

While there are some upscale hotels and villas overlooking the beach, what makes it special is its rustic charm and the absence of sun beds, although there are a handful of parasols you can rent for not much money ($5-7 AUD).

Note: If you’re a surfer, keep in mind that this beach is reserved for more advanced surfers due to its challenging reef break.

We’ll let TripAdvisor do the heavy lifting with the recommended restaurants – 🔗 HERE

5. Nusa Dua – Pandawa Beach

While the entrance to the beach may not be the prettiest due to ongoing mega resort construction, it does offer a unique local vibe that’s wonderful for mingling with Indonesian families.

The highlight of the beach is a massive, tranquil tidal pool that’s wonderfully shallow, making it ideal for the kids to enjoy. You can also rent kayaks to paddle out to where the waves meet the reef.

We’ll let TripAdvisor do the heavy lifting with the recommended restaurants – 🔗 HERE

From the pristine shores of Padang Padang to the charming local vibe of Pandawa Beach, this blog guides you to the very best sandy escapes where you can bask in the beauty of Bali’s coastline.

Whether you’re a surfer seeking legendary waves or a family in search of tranquil tidal pools, these beaches have it all.

Join us on this coastal journey and make the most of your stay at Villa Melati.