Padang Padang beach, famous surf break in Uluwatu and home to the biggest surfing contest in Bali – Rip Curl Cup, is by far, one of the most popular beaches on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, thanks to the surf crowd and the Eat Pray Love movie.
This iconic beach draws international crowds no matter the season or time of the day.
If you need all the details and best travel tips to visit Padang Padang beach, keep reading this guide.
Where Is Padang Padang Beach, aka Labuan Sait Beach?
Padang Padang Beach is located on the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula, in the Pecatu area. It is the most Southern region in Bali, well known for surfing, sunsets, and a laid-back atmosphere.
This beautiful beach is right between Bingin Beach and Thomas Beach, and you surely have seen it from a small bridge passing towards Uluwatu.
Locals call this beach Labuan Sait beach, so you will see both names side by side.
Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
How To Get To Padang Padang Beach
Depending on where in Bali you are staying, a car or a scooter may be a better option to get to Padang Padang beach.
If you’re staying around Uluwatu, Padang Padang beach is only a quick drive away (11 minutes by bike). Scooter rentals are everywhere in Bali. Make sure to bring your international driving licence and have good travel insurance.
Some people even prefer to walk some steps early in the morning along the main Uluwatu street – Jl. Labuansait, to get the feel of the area, and peek into the shops and cafes.
However, if you are making a day trip to beach hop around the Bukit peninsula from Canggu or Ubud, and want to stop by Padang Padang beach among other beaches, a private car will be better simply because of the heat and traffic, but go with a private driver rather than a rental car, as the parking lot is small to fit many cars.
If both options don’t seem good enough, you can always hop on a bike taxi. It is a cheap and reliable way to get around Bali. Use two popular apps to book a ride: GoJek or Grab.
But please keep in mind that some local areas, even around Bingin, for example, are not so fond of online taxi apps and may not allow them in the neighbourhood.
Note On The Beach Access
To get down to the beach, you will need to walk down about 50 steps, passing through the rainforest, the temple, and a narrow cave entrance. This is the only way to get out, too.
Keep in mind that there are wild monkeys living on these cliffs.
The Padang Padang beach entrance is not wheelchair-friendly.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Padang Padang Beach?
You will need to pay a small entrance fee for beach access at the top, where the main road is. For foreigners, it is 15,000 IDR (1.5 AUD) per person for adults and 10,000 IDR (1 AUD) for kids.
If you’re driving here, keep small money for parking fees, too (under 1 AUD).
Keep in mind that although it is a public beach, it has opening hours: daily from 7 AM until 7 PM.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Padang Padang Beach?
Peak season, between June and August, is when Padang Padang Beach is the busiest. And while the weather and surfing conditions are perfect, it is very easy to get overwhelmed with so many tourists during these summer months.
We much prefer the laid-back vibe of the early dry season (April to May) or shoulder season during September and October, and early in the morning (around 7 AM).
During this time, the beach will still be busy (it is on ALL travel guides, so don’t hope for an empty beach at any time of the year), but much more relaxed, so you can actually find a spot to lie down or sit under an umbrella and enjoy cold drinks.
During the wet season, the beach can be covered with more algae, and around Christmas holidays, it gets so crowded to the point that you may not find a spot to lay out your towel and sit.
What To Expect At Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang Beach is a natural lagoon with soft white sand touching clean turquoise water.
The beach is well known for a small scenic walk down the steps through tropical forest inhabited by mischievous monkeys, opening towards a small sandy strip with rock formations standing upright in the shallow waters and dramatic cliffs surrounding the beach on all sides.
You will find a foot wash, a shower, and a public toilet near the beach entrance. These are not very modern amenities, and some locals use the further end of the beach as a toilet, so bring your own wipes and toilet paper just in case, if you plan to stay a few hours.
What To Do At Padang Padang Beach
If you’re not a beach bum or a surfer, Padang Padang beach may not offer many things for you, but if you love tropical nature and are curious about catching a wave, you will love it here.
Surfing
Padang Padang Beach is a famous surf spot both among local and international surfers of different calibres. Even a few surf stars come rip these amazing, consistent waves every season.
Surfing at Padang Padang is indeed reserved for more experienced surfers, just as at many beaches in Uluwatu. It is well known for its shallow reef and occasional perfect barrels.
If you are a beginner surfer, we highly recommend taking a couple of surf lessons before venturing out in the Indian Ocean alone and sticking to the Baby Padang Padang area.
Reef breaks around the Bukit peninsula, and strong currents can be quite dangerous; you need to understand the break layout at different tides.
You don’t need to bring your surfboard; there are multiple (some of the best) shops and surfboard rentals in Uluwatu and right at the Padang Padang beach.
As Padang Padang is a shallow reef break, the best time to surf here is high tide.
Chilling
Warm soft sand and towering cliffs are a perfect setting for enjoying the golden hour and sunset with a cold coconut or beer.
You can bring your own towel or sarong, or rent one of the loungers with an umbrella, if you’re lucky and the beach isn’t very busy.
Usually, if you go further right or left from the entrance, you will find more empty space.
Although swimming is not a good idea here, low-tide pools are fun, shallow plunge pools for kids (and adults) to enjoy some refreshing water.
What To Do Near Padang Padang Beach
Uluwatu Temple
Just a short drive from Padang Padang beach, you will find one of the oldest Hindu temples in Bali.
Clifftop architectural marvel, Uluwatu Temple is an active site of pilgrimage and worship for Balinese Hindu and is one of the 9 directional, most important, temples for island protection.
There is a short looped walking trail alongside the cliffs and a traditional fire dance performance every day at 6 and 7 PM at the amphitheatre on top of the cliff.
Beach Hop To See The Best Beaches of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula
Uluwatu and Suluban beach, Bingin beach, Balangan Beach, and Nyang Nyang Beach are incredibly beautiful beaches in Uluwatu, and they are either free or only have parking fees to pay to visit!
Most of these beaches will have beautiful scenery, surf schools available for lessons and board rentals.
Fair warning, though, most beaches around Uluwatu require some hiking up and down, and although several have a few locals offering you a lift down to the beach, most are only accessible through stairs.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park (GWK)
Garuda Visnu Kencana Cultural Park and Statue are just a few minutes away and are one of the main nearby attractions.
GWK is the tallest statue in Indonesia and one of the largest and widest statues in the world, finished in 2018, and is now one of the best viewpoints on the island.
The park also has a dozen cultural performances daily, a restaurant with a view, and souvenir shops.
SAKA Museum @ AYANA Bali
Unique modern museum preserving massive Ogoh Ogoh figures from Balinese New Year parades, history of the Balinese irrigation system (subak), and rotating temporary art exhibitions.
During holidays, they offer workshops and fun activities for kids.
We have to say, though, that the entrance fee is higher compared to most museums in Bali (300,000 IDR or 30 AUD for adults and 150,000 IDR or 15 AUD for kids). Plus, you can only pay for tickets cashless.
Where To Stay Near Padang Padang Beach
AYANA Bali
AYANA Resort in Bali is actually a group of high-end resorts and wellness hotels between Jimbaran and Uluwatu with panoramic views and private beach access.
Their private pools and public infinity pools, museum, jogging trails, an array of restaurants and bars, and outstanding interiors and service make them one of the top choices in Bukit for couples.
Where Is It? 647Q+GP, Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali
Online: Instagram
Padang Padang Surf Camp
If you want a more social and active crowd, stay at one of the cozy rooms at a surf camp. There are dozens in Bali, but in the area, Padang Padang Surf Camp is the best.
Hotel-style rooms are better than you expect from a place called “camp”, and you will enjoy yoga, surfing sessions with pro surfers, social events, and lots of free time to explore Bali.
They offer weekly packages with pretty much everything included, and the price depends on the type of room you select (starting from 1100 AUD per week).
Where Is It? Jl. Labuan Sait, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Instagram
Nisi Villas Bingin
For more privacy, renting a villa is always the best bet. Nisi Villas are 5-star villa complex with just 13 villas ranging from two-bedroom villas to massive four-bedroom presidential villas for families.
Each villa has a private pool, a fully equipped kitchen, and everything you may need during your short or long-term stay.
Where Is It? Nisi Villas, Jl. Tj. Simah No.8, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Online: Instagram
Where To Eat Near Padang Padang Beach
The area around Padang Padang Beach is super touristy, and there is no shortage of good restaurants at all. It has more food options than many other beaches in Bali.
Local Food Stalls
If you want a fresh coconut, beer, or chicken satay (skewers) and rice, you will get plenty of options right on the beach.
Simple food stalls will sell relatively cheap local food, including some fresh seafood (although we highly recommend going to the Jimbaran market for that).
Yeye’s Warung
To experience traditional nasi campur-style buffets with all the diversity of meats and sides to choose from, Yeye’s warung is a great option.
Come for lunch, as later in the day, the choice is more limited. At any time of the day, you can have a meal here for under 5 AUD.
There is also a cool shop with trinkets at the warung.
Where Is It? Jl. Labuansait No.250, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Papi Sapi
Papi Sapi is one of the main steakhouses in the area with juicy Wagyu steaks, picanha, and an amazing choice of side dishes.
Ultra-popular place, so book a table for dinner in advance.
Where Is It? Jl. Labuansait, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Tarragon
A unique cuisine to try around Padang Padang is Georgian food.
Tarragon excels at making juicy Georgian dumplings (khinkali), cheese boats, and shisha. A cool spot for a relaxed dinner when you are very hungry.
Where Is It? Jl. Labuansait No.73, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Hatch Uluwatu
Enjoy Mexican flavours and stay for the party. Hatch is one of the biggest nightlife hubs in Uluwatu, and it is super close to Padang Padang Beach.
If you’re travelling with friends, Hatch will be the best option to spend an evening in Uluwatu. You can play games, dance, eat, and enjoy cocktails.
Where Is It? Jl. Labuansait No.54, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
FAQs
Is Padang Padang Beach Worth Visiting?
Padang Padang Beach is one of the most incredible beaches in Bali, and it is well worth visiting despite the crowds.
Its beauty is in the unique hollow rock entrance, white sand, and clear blue waters.
What is Padang Padang Beach Famous For?
Padang Padang beach is a famous surf break for advanced surfers and an iconic scenery from Eat Pray Love movie with Julia Roberts.
It is one of the most recognisable beaches in Bali.
Do You Need To Pay To Go To Padang Padang Beach?
Yes, Padang Padang beach entrance fee is about 15,000 IDR (1.5 AUD) for foreigners, plus parking fees if you’re coming by bike or car (under 1 AUD).
There is only one entrance to the beach, so you can’t get in for free.
Is Padang Padang Beach Good For Beginners?
In general, Padang Padang is not a beginner-friendly surf break; however, a part of the break called Baby Padang is great for beginners.
The cliffs protect the area from strong winds, so the waves are more mellow. It is good for the majority of board types, and the best time to come is mid-tide during the dry season.
The downside is that even if you’re coming for surfing (even with a surf school), you will still have to pay the beach entrance fee (15K IDR or 1.5 AUD).
Can You Swim At Padang Padang Beach, Bali?
Swimming at Padang Padang beach in Bali is not recommended for safety reasons, especially during Bali’s dry season. The ocean bottom has sharp reefs, while waves and currents can be very powerful.
Besides, there is no underwater life to enjoy at Padang Padang beach, so there is no point in snorkelling here.
During the wet season, especially in December and January, you can swim a little bit near the shore as the waters are calmer (and less suitable for surf lessons).
What Is The Nicest Beach In Bali?
Naming the only nicest beach in Bali is very subjective.
If you are looking for a clean, sandy beach with fewer crowds and stunning scenery, the best beaches in Bali to visit are Dreamland Beach, Melasti Beach, Nyang Nyang and Padang Padang beaches in Uluwatu and Berawa Beach near FINNS Beach Club in Canggu.
They have white sand, beautiful towering cliffs as a backdrop, and are usually cleaner than beaches in Seminyak, Kuta, and Jimbaran.
Final Thoughts On Padang Padang Beach, Bali
Padang Padang Beach is more of a sightseeing and ocean views spot than a destination for a laid-back beach day.
You should absolutely see this famous surf break and movie place, but as it gets crowded and a bit loud, it may not be the best beach in Uluwatu to spend a day with family, especially if you want to walk, sunbathe, play in the water, and take photos all without elbowing your way through.
For surfers, though, it is a must! To say you surfed Padang Padang is to say you surfed the same way as Rip Curl cup champions, and some of the world’s stars of the surfing industry, like Kai Lenny, and others.