Uluwatu’s Best Beaches

Surf, Swim, Sunset

We have exciting news for our Kima family… We are expanding to Uluwatu! This is the perfect moment for us to tell you more about the stunning white sand beaches that surround our newest residence.

Uluwatu is home for surfers, beachgoers and sunset lovers! It is known for its limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and variety of surfable waves, and most certainly its unique Balinese charm. Our surf camps in Seminyak and Canggu are known for their vibey beaches and trendy surf culture, while Uluwatu brings something new to the table, raw nature, epic viewpoints and hollow barrels!

This guide will help you find your perfect spot while staying with Kima Surf Uluwatu!

Dreamland Beach

Dreamland Beach is a gorgeous beach that is easily accessed and well-liked by surfers and beachgoers. It is about 20 minutes away from Uluwatu. It’s a great spot to unwind by the sea for an entire day because of the turquoise water and lovely white sand as well as the local restaurants located along the beach front.

Dreamland Beach - Best for:

  • Learning to surf with Dreamland’s beginner-friendly waves
  • Easy beach access, park and walk onto the beach
  • Catch a tan
  • Casual beach days

Dreamland Beach - When to visit?

For surfers, Dreamland works best on the mid-tide. The ideal times to visit the beach are in the morning and, of course, at sunset for stunning views of the ocean.

Dreamland Beach - What to expect:

  • A long white sand beach lined by gorgeous cliffs
  • Sunbeds, plenty of tanning spots, surf rentals and beachfront cafés
  • Consistent waves that are beginner-friendly
  • A vibey beach atmosphere

Pandawa Beach

Pandawa Beach, also known as Pantai Pandawa, is one of the longest beaches in the area. It is a long, curved stretch of white sand that stretches about 800 meters down the southern coast of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula.

A gorgeous road has been carved through the limestone cliffs, creating a scenic entrance to the beach. Today, it is one of Uluwatu’s most distinctive and accessible beaches which is lined with enormous carved figures from the Mahabharata.

Pandawa Beach - Best for:

  • Intermediate surfing
  • Swimming in transparent water
  • Kayaking and simple water sports
  • Families, communities, and convenient access
  • Grab a nasi goreng and coconut in one of the beachfront local restaurants

Pandawa Beach - When to visit?

Pandawa Beach is best in the morning to early afternoon for calm and clear conditions, and fewer crowds. It’s not a top sunset beach due to its southeast-facing position. For surfing, it only works at mid to high tide with a decent swell.

Pandawa Beach - What to expect:

  • A long white sand beach lined by gorgeous cliffs
  • Beautiful road entry through carved out cliffs
  • Intermediate to advanced waves
  • Vibrant
Image of Pandawa Beach with white and lining the turquoise water, with many beach goers and umbrellas lining the shore.

Thomas Beach

Thomas Beach is a low-key substitute for the busier beaches, known for its laid-back vibe and few visitors. It’s also one of Uluwatu’s most beginner-friendly surfing locations, perfect for laid-back sessions for learning in softer waves. Its dense vegetation gives it a hidden-down-the-stairs atmosphere that makes it feel somewhat secretive even during busy times.

Thomas Beach - Best for:

  • Peaceful, uncrowded beach days
  • Relaxed sunset watching
  • Easy, beginner-friendly surfing
  • Sunbathing and laid-back tanning

Thomas Beach - When to visit?

  • Afternoon for less crowds and catching a tan
  • Sunset for beautiful ocean views
  • When it is mid tide for beginner surfers

Thomas Beach - What to expect:

  • Soft white sand and clear water
  • Sun loungers and small beach cafés
  • A calm and relaxed beach vibe
An image of a surfer wearing a red lycra, bent low and catching a wave on a red foam board.

Padang Padang Beach

One of Bali’s most famous beaches is Padang Padang Beach, which gained popularity thanks to the film Eat Pray Love. It is a short drive from our Uluwatu camp and is well-known for its world-class surf break right offshore, little white sand cove, and dramatic cliffside entrance through the caves. Watch out for the monkeys!

Padang Padang Beach - Best for:

  • Swimming in the sheltered cove
  • Watching the surfers do their things
  • Surfing Baby Padang for beginner surfers and the outside for expert surfers
  • Beautiful cliff views and photography

Padang Padang Beach - When to visit?

  • To avoid crowds, get up early.
  • Midday for chill swimming
  • Surfing during mid-tide
  • Sunset for a vibrant, social setting

Padang Padang Beach - What to expect?

  • Rocky cliffs providing access to a small, hidden beach
  • Local warungs selling snacks, beverages, and mementos
  • A combination of strong reef break and beginner-friendly shore waves
  • Entry fees
  • Crowds
an aerial angle image of Padang Padang beach, shot from the ocean with a view of the beach, and surf spot with many surfers floating.

Green Bowl Beach

Green Bowl Beach is a hidden gem, it is located 15 minutes outside of Uluwatu and it’s a great spot for experienced surfers, it is more remote and off the beaten track.

Green Bowl Beach - Best for:

  • Expert surfers looking to push themselves
  • People looking to go off the tourist track
  • Quiet and peaceful beach

Green Bowl Beach - When to visit?

  • Early morning before it’s too hot or afternoon for those wanting to catch some sun.
  • Mid tide for surfing

Green Bowl Beach - What to expect:

  • A small crescent-shaped beach
  • Surrounded by stunning caves, offering some shade from the sun
  • Clear water and reef breaks offshore

Nyang Nyang Beach

Nyang Nyang Beach is a long white sand beach surrounded by stunning cliffs as its backdrop. One of the most remote beaches on the Bukit Peninsula, it is renowned for its strong, unfiltered surf and unspoiled natural atmosphere.

Nyang Nyang Beach - Best for:

  • Nature enthusiasts who venture off the usual tracks
  • Long solo beach days 
  • Surfing for experienced surfers
  • Photography

Nyang Nyang Beach - When to visit?

  • Early morning before the walk down to the beach gets too hot
  • Late afternoon for cooler temperatures
  • Mid tide for surfing

Nyang Nyang Beach - What to expect:

  • A long stretch of beach
  • Huge limestone cliffs and strong waves and currents
  • Very few beach facilities
  • Access involves a steep walk down the cliffs
A drone shot of Nyang Nyang's turquoise waves breaking onto the white sand beach which is lined by dramatic limestone cliffs

Suluban Beach (Uluwatu Beach)

The Single Fin Classics Competition is held in Suluban Beach, a well-known beach in Uluwatu that is known as the main beach in the area. Uluwatu Beach can only be reached via cliffs and steps, making this beach special. You will arrive at the epic Uluwatu surf break after navigating the limestone cliffs and vibrant warungs.

Suluban Beach - Best for:

  • Advanced surfing
  • Seeing the beautiful rock formations and caves
  • Enjoying a drink or meal on the cliff overlooking all the surfers in the water
  • Enjoying some nightlife at Single Fin

Suluban Beach - When to visit?

  • Low tide if you want to explore the beach and caves
  • Sunset to experience the surf culture vibes
  • Sunday nights for Single Fin Sunday events

Suluban Beach - What to expect:

  • A cave entrance leading to the beach, lined with many warungs where you can buy local food and drinks
  • Limestone cliffs where you can watch the surfers below
  • Surf shops and cafés above the beach
A surfer on an orange shortboard riding in the barrel of a wave with a green vest on.

Melasti Beach

Melasti beach is one of Bukit’s most photogenic beaches, the road leading to this beach front is well-known and a must stop for a photo as you weave between the limestone cliffs, creating one of the most scenic coastal drives in Bali. Melasti Beach is one of the best beaches in Uluwatu for relaxing and swimming.

Melasti Beach - Best for:

  • A perfect uncrowded beach for swimming 
  • Lots of photogenic spots
  • Simple access to the beach
  • Beautiful sunsets

Melasti Beach - When to visit?

  • Morning for quieter beach time
  • Late afternoon for golden light and sunset views

Melasti Beach - What to expect:

  • A wide white sand beach surrounded by limestone cliffs
  • Beach clubs and cafés along the shoreline
  • One of the most scenic coastal roads in Bali
an image of the beach, with white sand, turquoise waters and a rocky outcrop on the right hand side.

Quick tips for visiting:

Most beaches in the area are reached by walking down stairs or steep paths, so be prepared for a bit of a descent. It’s a good idea to bring water and sunscreen, as facilities can be limited at many spots. Always check the tide before visiting smaller beaches like Suluban or Bingin, since some areas can disappear at high tide. Sunsets across the Bukit Peninsula are a highlight and not to be missed. Keep in mind that small entrance and parking fees are common at many beaches.

Beach comparison:

Pandawa

  • Surf : Intermediate (mid–high tide)
  • Swim conditions : Calm, clear water with sandy/rocky bottom
  • Sunset : Good
  • Highlight : Easy access & family-friendly

Dreamland

  • Surf : Beginner–Intermediate (mid tide)
  • Swim conditions : Generally safe, sandy bottom with some shorebreak
  • Sunset : Excellent
  • Highlight : Wide open sandy beach

Padang Padang

  • Surf : Intermediate–Advanced (mid–high tide)
  • Swim conditions :Sheltered cove, calm inside section
  • Sunset : Excellent
  • Highlight : Iconic hidden cove

Thomas

  • Surf : Beginner (mid–high tide)
  • Swim conditions : Good at higher tide, mix of sand and reef
  • Sunset : Excellent
  • Highlight : Quiet, laid-back vibe

Green Bowl

  • Surf : Advanced (mid–high tide)
  • Swim conditions : Limited—reef and strong currents
  • Sunset : Good
  • Highlight : Secluded cave beach

Nyang Nyang

  • Surf : Advanced (mid–high tide)
  • Swim conditions : Not recommended—strong waves & currents
  • Sunset : Excellent
  • Highlight : Wild, untouched coastline

Suluban

  • Surf : Advanced (mid–high tide)
  • Swim conditions : Very limited—rocks, reef, currents
  • Sunset : Excellent
  • Highlight : Caves & dramatic cliffs

Melasti

  • Surf : Beginner–Intermediate (mid tide)
  • Swim conditions : Clear, calm water with sandy areas
  • Sunset : Excellent
  • Highlight : Turquoise water & cliffs

Uluwatu is the place to be when planning a surf trip to Bali, it is home to many world-class surf breaks, suitable for beginner to advanced surfers. Uluwatu is also home to many beautiful beaches that are lined by the iconic limestone cliffs. With Kima Surf opening in Uluwatu, these beautiful beaches are just minutes away — making it the perfect base to surf, explore and experience Bali.

Don’t forget about our other awesome surf camps in Bali, with one camp in Canggu and one in Seminyak! Canggu offers a lively, social base with top facilities and varied surf, while Seminyak delivers a more relaxed, boutique vibe close to beginner-friendly waves.