Padang Padang beach is truly a little slice of paradise, with soft white sand nestled between towering limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters. It has a very different atmosphere from other beaches we’ve visited in Bali and is definitely one of my favourites.
We stayed just a three-minute walk from Padang Padang Beach for a week, giving us plenty of opportunities to enjoy its unique charm.
Here, we share a comprehensive guide based on our own experiences and discuss the pros and cons of this tiny cove with a big personality.
How To Get To Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang Beach is nestled among the dramatic cliffs on the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu. The entrance is on the main road (Jalan Labuan Sait), with a car park opposite. Parking costs 3,000 IDR for cars and 2,000 IDR for scooters.
Our Favourite Places To Stay In Uluwatu
Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort – is a luxury eco-retreat with stylish private villas, plunge pools, and lush gardens.
Gravity Eco Boutique Hotel – is an adults-only hideaway with tropical bungalows, pools, ocean views and thoughtful eco-conscious touches.
Three Monkeys Villas – A tranquil boutique retreat of private, air-conditioned bungalows clustered around a lush garden pool, just steps from Uluwatu’s surfing points and temples.
Entrance
To access Padang Padang, you’ll need to pay at the desk near the entrance to the beach: 15K IDR for adults and 10K IDR for children (under-threes go free). They only accept cash, so make sure you bring enough to avoid disappointment.
From there, you’ll follow a one-way path that winds between the cliff and a fallen rock — it’s quite narrow in places. The walk down isn’t long, but there are around 120 steps. Going down is easy, but you’ll work up a bit of a sweat on the way back up! Keep an eye out for the monkeys that live in the area, as they’re known for trying to snatch anything you’re carrying. Personally, I think it all adds to the adventure, but it might not be everyone’s cup of tea.
The Beach
The beach itself is small, but in my eyes that only adds to its charm. It can get very busy at times, so if you want a good spot it’s best to arrive early — or, as we often did, head down an hour or so before sunset, when some people are starting to leave.
If you’ve watched Eat, Pray, Love, this beach is definitely one to add to your bucket list. Just be warned: you won’t have it to yourself like Liz and Felipe did!
Padang Padang in real life has a lively buzz, with little stalls selling coconuts, cold Bintang, and even cocktails. Music drifts through the air, and you can watch surfers tackle the famous break known as the Balinese Pipeline (definitely not for beginners!).
Although it was always busy when we visited, we never struggled to find a spot to throw down our towels and enjoy an atmosphere quite different from the beaches we’d just left in Gili Air. Our favourite time of day was definitely sunset, when the sky turns golden, the sun slips behind the rocks, and its light shimmers across the water.
Facilities At Padang Padang Beach
There are toilets and simple showers towards the back of the beach — just enough to rinse off the sand before heading out for something to eat. You can also hire surfboards here, but be aware that the waves can be challenging and sometimes dangerous, so surfing is best left to those with plenty of experience.
If surfing isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy a swim in the shallow water, which is usually calm near the shore. At low tide, you’ll even find small pools perfect for paddling.
A huge boulder separates the main part of the beach from a quieter section further along the cove. However, we were a little put off venturing there after seeing a monkey steal someone’s bag and another snatch a phone straight out of someone’s hand on our first visit — so beware!
What’s Nearby
The main road near Padang Padang is lined with cafés and restaurants to suit all budgets and tastes. We were lucky enough to sample plenty of them, as we were staying so close by. Our favourite family-friendly spot for any time of day was Milk & Madu. They serve an incredible breakfast — think the best avo toast you’ve ever had, amazing pancake stacks, and super-healthy smoothie bowls that are as pretty as they are tasty. They also offer great dishes throughout the day, often have special offers, and host live music in the evenings. There’s even a small play area for kids and occasional children’s activities, especially at weekends.
If you’re after something a little fancier, Kala is my go-to restaurant, with its understated décor and cool vibe. We were lucky to walk in and get a table, but we later learned it’s best to book ahead. The Greek-inspired menu was amazing — everything we tried was delicious.
For a meal or drink with a view, head to Suarga Padang Padang, a four-star hotel boasting breathtaking panoramic views of the Indian Ocean. I didn’t try the food, but I did enjoy a delicious avocado matcha while looking out to sea from the clifftop terrace.
In summary, if you’re looking for a quiet, laid-back beach with sun loungers, beanbags, and waiter service, Padang Padang isn’t the place for you. But if you want somewhere with a cool vibe, lively atmosphere, and gorgeous scenery, it definitely deserves a spot on your Uluwatu itinerary.
Our Favourite Places To Stay In Uluwatu
Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort – is a luxury eco-retreat with stylish private villas, plunge pools, and lush gardens.
Gravity Eco Boutique Hotel – is an adults-only hideaway with tropical bungalows, pools, ocean views and thoughtful eco-conscious touches.
Three Monkeys Villas – A tranquil boutique retreat of private, air-conditioned bungalows clustered around a lush garden pool, just steps from Uluwatu’s surfing points and temples.