Easily accessible, Double Six Beach is a Seminyak gem with soft golden sand, stunning sunsets, and beginner-friendly waves.
No wonder crowds of locals and tourists flock to the beach every afternoon for sunset watching and enjoying cold beer or a coconut.
If you’re planning to stay in Seminyak, here is your full guide to Double Six Beach from expats living in Bali for years. We’ll share all the tips!
Summary: All You Need To Know About Double Six Beach
- Double Six is a golden sand beach with amazing surfing and sunsets. It is clean, free to visit, and there are lifeguards and lots of umbrellas for rent to take cover from the sun.
- It is one of the busiest beaches in Bali, especially during summer school breaks and holidays (both international and domestic).
- At night, beach bars offer live music, beers, and rooftop bars – fancy cocktails.
Where Is Double Six Beach?
Double Six Beach is a major beach of Seminyak, on the South Coast of Balim sandwiched between Seminyak and Legian Beach.
It is just 20 minutes away from Ngurah Rai International Airport or from FINNS Beach Club and Canggu, which makes it one of the most popular places for tourists to “land”.
Where Is It? 8526+XVJ, Double Six Beach, Legian, Jl. Double Six, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
How To Get To Double Six Beach
Double Six Beach is super easy to access by any transportation you can find in Bali. Every taxi driver and local in the South knows where this beach is!
- By car. Whether rental or with a private driver, a car is always a reliable mode of transport in Bali, keeping you cool with AC and taking you around with comfort. Parking fees for cars are usually higher, and during peak season, it will be harder to find a spot, though.
- By bike. If you have your international driving license and travel insurance, you can hop on a rental scooter to cruise around. It is the most “independent” way of getting around if you’re not scared of Asian traffic.
- By bike taxi. Apps like Grab and GoJek offer you cheap bike rides with local drivers in almost every area of Bali. In South Bali, especially in Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta, you will get a ride super quickly.
Is There An Entrance Fee At Double Six Beach?
Double Six Beach is free to visit year-round.
However, if you are driving here, you will need to pay for parking (under 1 AUD) on the street or at the dedicated parking lot near the beach.
The True History Of Double Six Beach
The surfing mecca of the 1980s, Double Six Beach, comes up in different searches about the area’s history, and its name has some controversy around it.
Once discovered by lusting for a perfect wave surfers from abroad in the 80s, the development of a hippie village took shape and went through the 90s.
There is, though, a lot of misinformation out there. Many sources claim that the beach was named to honour a tragic plane crash that supposedly happened on April 21, 1970, when a local flight crashed in the ocean close to the shore, taking the lives of 96 people aboard, including many military personnel.
The same sources say there is even a Double Six Monument inaugurated to commemorate the victims on the beach.
We actually live in Bali, and we can tell you, this story is not true.
There is no Double Six monument at the beach or in Bali, and the plane crash happened on April 24, dozens of kilometres away from Double Six beach, taking the lives of 107 international tourists and crew members. It was a tragedy, but it has nothing to do with the beach.
The correct version, almost no one talks about, is much more prosaic.
Double Six Beach was named after a former 66 Nightclub located on the beach. It was called the 66 Club because parties were going strong from 6 PM to 6 AM for almost 25 years!
But this iconic place for those who discovered Bali long before it became mainstream closed in 2011 to be replaced by resorts.
In 2002, the popular place was in the news again. Shocking terrorist bombings shook Bali, one precisely near the Double Six Beach, taking 20 lives and injuring even more. For the second time, tourists were not advised to make a trip down there.
It wasn’t until 2011 that authorities thought of bringing back tourism and reshaping the area.
Mass tourism and rapid development brought new challenges, and in 2018, the officials also had to start a local beach clean-up campaign and urge businesses in the area to become more sustainable.
When’s The Best Time To Visit Double Six Beach?
Low season, February to April (wet season), September and October (dry season), offer the best time to visit Double Six Beach with fewer crowds yet still plenty of sunshine.
Avoid coming after heavy rains during the rainy season, as strong currents can pull some wood and trash onto the beach.
If you’d like to get in the water (and not surf), low tide is the best time of the day to come to Double Six.
The most epic surfing for longboarders, beginners, and senior surfers around Double Six is mid to high tide. There are lots of apps to check daily swell conditions.
What To Expect At Double Six Beach
Tourists are raving about Seminyak’s Double Six Beach. This long and wide golden sand beach is one of the best viewpoints in Bali: when the skies are clear, you can see the panorama from Uluwatu to Canggu, spotting even the massive GWK statue on Bukit.
It is well-known for its breathtaking sunsets, where you can enjoy sipping a refreshing cocktail while lounging in colourful bean bags at La Plancha beach bar or some fancy rooftop.
The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, especially early in the morning, and the waves are ideal for surfing, especially for beginners and intermediates.
There are a ton of restaurants, spas, and bars close by, with live music and amazing food and service.
Double Six is a cleaner and far less busy beach than Kuta Beach down the road, and you may walk, play beach volleyball, or just relax and do nothing.
However, it’s not the ideal place to be during the peak summer months (June to August) as it can get very busy, and you’ll have to avoid persistent sellers and elbow your way through to get a spot.
What To Do At Double Six Beach
Beach Sports
Beach volleyball, handball, and soccer are incredibly popular in Bali among both the local and expat crowd.
While there isn’t always a setup net, you can still play ball with friends in the warm sand! The best time to play is late afternoon, after 4 PM, to avoid the heat.
Surfing
Although Double Six is one of the powerful surf breaks in Bali, it is perfect for beginner surfers who’d like to learn how to paddle and ride the waves because it is a beach break, meaning no sharp reefs under the water!
In general, the South Coast has the best surfing conditions during the dry season (April to October).
Dozens of surf schools, rentals, and private coaches in the area. For renting a board on the beach and going on your own, no reservation is required.
Experienced surfers tend to pick other breaks in Bali (Uluwatu, Medewi), but those loving a good ride on a longboard still come to Double Six as well.
Although this beach break has perfect conditions for surfing and lifeguards are present at all times, we don’t recommend swimming, snorkelling, or water sports here, especially during the wet season.
Strong currents and powerful waves are not to be played with, and there is no diverse marine life to enjoy.
Horse Riding
You will find a few local agencies offering horse riding experiences or even classes on the beach.
Usually, you can either pick a 30-minute session in the early morning or right before sunset (from 3 to 5 PM), and it can cost about 50 AUD.
Connecting with horses and taking pictures is a great way to spend some time in Seminyak. And the photos on the beach will be epic!
Sunset Watching
Get comfy on one of the hundreds of cozy bean bags on the beach to enjoy one of the best sunsets in Bali.
You will get food and drinks served to you right at the beach, so you can simply sit back, relax, take photos of the colourful skies, and chat with friends.
You usually need to pay a fee (about 50,000 IDR or 5 AUD per lounger), but if you order food or drinks right away, even just a coconut (much cheaper), you can use the bean bags with no questions asked!
Legian and Arjuna Statue
There aren’t many monuments around Legian or Kuta, but this statue is an intricate way of decorating…a tsunami tower that people can climb to escape a tsunami wave under 20 meters tall.
Arjuna is a legendary character from the Hindu epics, and his statues often symbolise duty, strength, and heroism.
The Arjuna Statue is on one end of the beach (at the entrance), and there is also the Baruna Statue (also a tsunami tower) at the Kuta Beach end.
Walking on the beach, you could also spot a variation of the Hindu Statue of Gajah Mina with a fish body and an elephant head. There is a bigger (prettier) one at Pererenan Beach in Canggu.
Enjoy Live Music At Beach Bars
Sunsets and nights at Double Six Beach are always lively, every day of the week.
Pretty much all the beach bars will have some live music, so you are guaranteed to have a great time hopping between them or simply enjoying the mix of music and wave sounds from the side.
Where To Stay Near Double Six Beach
There is no shortage of local hotels around Double Six, as well as private villas and cheaper guesthouses.
Double Six Luxury Hotel
An established luxury hotel on the beach with multiple restaurants, a spa, pools, and panoramic views.
Although it wasn’t awarded Michelin Keys yet, guests highly recommend this accommodation for excellent Balinese hospitality, rooms, and location.
Where Is It? Jl. Arjuna No.66, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
The Haven Bali Seminyak
10-minute walk from the Double Six beach, The Haven is one of the most popular hotels in Seminyak.
It is a 4-star hotel on the main road connecting Seminyak, Legian, and Kuta, and it has affordable room rates, especially compared to the Double Six luxury hotel.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Seminyak No.500, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Rahayu Guest House Seminyak
One of the cheapest options in the tourist hub of Seminyak, this guesthouse offers rooms for under 30 AUD.
Rooms have comfy double beds, a TV, a private bathroom, and all guests can use the shared pool on the ground floor.
Where Is It? Jl. Plawa Gg. Melati No.40, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Where To Eat Near Double Six Beach
The dining scene around Double Six Beach is on point, and you will have no issues finding great food and drinks with a view.
For a quick bite, cold coconut or a bottle of cheap local beer, sit down on bean bags at any beach cafe.
Rooftop Bar & Restaurant @ Double Six Luxury Hotel
For a date night or just when you want some privacy and better views, head to the Double-Six Rooftop Sunset Bar.
Come for cocktails happy hour (5-8 PM daily) and stay for dinner. Food is good, try grilled octopus ot stick to a classic – Wagyu Korean style.
Where Is It? 8536+M5H, Jl. Pantai Legian Jl. Double Six No.66, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Warung Murah Double Six
A popular food stop right on the way to the beach, Warung Murah serves Indonesian food. Rice or noodles with all sorts of condiments, chicken, fish, prawns, plus a few vegetarian options.
And the prices are very affordable.
Where Is It? Jl. Arjuna No. 99, Legian, Kuta, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Le Petit Chef – Bali
Not a regular dinner, a whole experience like you’ve never had before! Le Petit Chef has been a popular date activity for years in Bali – it is a multi-course menu where a tiny chef guides you through it!
It is a smart blend of modern technology and delicious international dishes.
Where Is It? TS Suites, Seminyak, Jl. Nakula No.18, Legian, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
FAQs
Is There Parking Available At Double Six Beach?
Yes, you can park along the street or at the parking lot by the beach. Parking at Double Six Beach is paid – about 5,000 IDR (under 1 AUD) per vehicle.
If you’re visiting during peak season (June to August and December), parking will be more scarce, but there is always a parking guy who knows how to play “Tetris” with bikes and cars.
What Makes Double Six Beach Famous?
Mellow waves for beginner surfers and breathtaking sunset views make Double Six Beach a famous beach in Seminyak.
This golden sandy strip is perfect for sunbathing, playing volleyball, walking, or chilling under an umbrella with a coconut.
How Does Double Six Beach Compare To Other Bali Beaches?
Double Six Beach is one of the cleanest beaches as local authorities do clean-ups, and one of the most developed beaches in Bali.
Double Six’s big advantage is how wide its sandy strip is: enough for rows of colourful umbrellas and bean bags to sit back and relax, and lots of space to walk. For the younger crowd, though, it may feel a bit outdated and busy, as they prefer nightlife and the dining scene around Canngu and FINNS beach club.
Unlike many popular beaches in Bali, Double Six actually has lifeguards, too.
Is Double-Six Seminyak Adults Only?
Double Six Luxury Hotel is not adults only; it is a family-friendly hotel! This 5-star hotel welcomes guests of any age, from infants to seniors.
They have more than 140 suites overlooking the pools on the property and the Indian Ocean, offering the best viewpoint for sunset watching. Plus, their event spaces and gardens are open for hosting weddings and special celebrations.
Can You Swim At Double Six Beach?
No, it is generally not recommended to swim at Double Six Beach, especially during high tide when the strong currents and waves can come crashing on you, pulling you into the open ocean.
However, at low tide, the wide sand beach has a shallow area right by the shore where kids can splash for fun.
Final Thoughts On Double Six Beach
All things considered, Double Six Beach is a great choice in Seminyak for a holiday or a beach day. Don’t miss out on its beautiful sunset and explore the restaurants around to find the best view.
And if you’ve been dreaming about surfing, Double Six offers a gentle slope, beach break, and consistent mid-size swell for beginners, making it a perfect beach to learn if you are staying in Seminyak.