Padang Padang Beach: A Complete & Honest Guide for Couples [2025]

With dramatic limestone cliffs and lush greenery at one side and deep, blue turquoise waters on the opposite, the Padang Padang beach is well known all over Bali as the surfing spot of Bali. It’s a beautiful place, made even more so by the unique rock formations around it. And with its eccentric entrance (you’ve to come through a cave to get to the place), it wouldn’t be wrong to say the place does have an allure of its own. There’s no dearth of local surfing schools here either, so it doesn’t matter whether you’re a beginner or a pro—the water activities are open to everyone. 

For couples, it’s a great place too. The stunning views of the beach are not only pleasing to the eyes but also make it a perfect spot for capturing your memories. Plus, ever since the shooting of the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” here, the place has become a cosmopolitan hub, leading to the construction of comfortable local eateries and hotels. And last but not least, you have the sunsets at Padang Padang—giving the visitors a taste of beauty and relaxation that can’t be found anywhere in southern Bali. 

Sounds exciting, right? Then jump into the guide below and look at our honest and complete guide on Padang Padang Beach, and you’ll be up to speed about the place in no time.  

30 Sundays Honest Review Process

At 30 Sundays, we are committed to making every couple's holiday special. 

Every sightseeing/activity goes through a rigorous review process, including analysis of online reviews, on-ground visits, and validation by our Operations team. In other words, we bring you the best and most helpful reviews to help you plan your bookings.

Table of Contents:

• Tripadvisor Ratings & Reviews
• What Did Fellow Tourists Like?
• What Did Fellow Tourists Not Like?
• Pro-tips to Keep in Mind
• Deep-Dive into finer aspects‍
• Other Things to Do Near Padang Padang Beach
• ‍Hotels Near Padang Padang Beach‍
• Restaurants Close to Padang Padang Beach‍
• The Final Verdict‍
• FAQs

Tripadvisor Rating of Padang Padang Beach

Tripadvisor Rating: 4 (3,307 reviews)

• Excellent: 1071
• Very Good: 1084
• Average: 737
• Poor: 257
• Terrible: 158

It’s a small beach, but it doesn’t stop the visitors from appreciating the beauty of its clear, turquoise-blue waters and the limestone rocks that crop in the middle of nowhere. There’s also a volcanic rock cave right on the coastline which is routinely praised, adding a shaded area to the beach that visitors can make use of. The sunset was beautiful, too, with many local shops and bars to support yourself. Go there early, and you’ll get to enjoy the calm and picturesque environment by yourself.

Some people had their critiques about the place. For instance, some found that the place was rammed with people—this spoiled the mood of the many visitors. Others had problems with the plastic and garbage, which was apparently just lying all around the beach.

On the whole, though, people loved everything about the place. It gets mindblowing 4-star reviews out of more than 3000 views, cementing its place as a good place to visit during your visit to South Bali.

What Did Visitors Like About Padang Padang Beach?

It’s a beautiful beach, and the place has many things to love. In our analysis, we found some things were more praised than others. Here they are:  

• Breathtaking Beauty: Visitors consistently praise the stunning scenery of Padang Padang Beach. The combination of golden sand, turquoise waters, and unique rock formations creates a postcard-perfect setting that leaves a lasting impression. In particular, the limestone cliffs stand out; they not only make for a great place to sit out and relax but are great spots for photography in their own right. 

The entrance, which involves passing through a cave, also stands out—it’s hard to find something like this in other parts of Bali. It also makes it a wonderful place.

• Ideal for Water Activities: The calm and clear waters make Padang Padang an excellent spot for both swimming and surfing. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced surfer, you'll find waves to suit your skill level. It also helps that there are plenty of surfing and diving classes nearby as well, so you’ll never feel unsupported. 

Many people also loved the snorkeling opportunities at the beach, as it allowed them to see various marine life.

• Movie Fame: Fans of "Eat, Pray, Love" are thrilled to visit the beach featured in the film, adding a touch of Hollywood glamour to their Bali adventure. In fact, it was after this film that the beach shot up in fame and now regularly attracts travelers from all over the world.

• Stunning Sunsets: As the day winds down, Padang Padang offers breathtaking sunset views, providing a perfect backdrop for romantic moments or peaceful reflection. Many visitors have described the place as providing "spectacular sunset views" or almost always something in that vain, which tells you everything you really know. 

What Did Visitors Dislike About Padang Padang Beach?

Now, like all wonderful places, Padang Padang receives its fair share of complaints too. So it’s only right that we put them in front of you here—to help you decide. Here are the top things that visitors didn’t like about the beach:

• Overcrowding: Many visitors express disappointment with the beach's small size and frequent overcrowding, especially during peak seasons. This crowd of people can massively cut off the serenity and beauty of the place, and so ruin the purpose of coming to the beach in the first place for many visitors.

• Challenging Access: The steep stairway leading to the beach, which, by the way, goes through a cave, can be physically demanding for some visitors, particularly those with mobility issues. 

While entering a cave is undoubtedly adventurous and exciting—and certainly not common elsewhere—it introduces problems for more than one person.

• Cleanliness Concerns: Some travelers report issues with water and beach cleanliness, including garbage and plastic waste. While the local staff tries its best to keep cleaning a priority, the trash can sometimes accumulate, spoiling the overall ambiance of the beach.
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• Aggressive Wildlife and Sellers: Visitors often mention feeling bothered by pushy local sellers and aggressive monkeys, which can detract from the relaxing beach experience. The vendors have been known to harass the visitors at times by unrelentingly trying to sell them their products or services.

• Limited Facilities: The lack of public toilets, showers, and other amenities is a common complaint among beachgoers. In many cases, the visitors have to bring their supplies or even travel out of the beach to nearby areas to use proper amenities.

Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind While Visiting Padang Padang Beach

Here are the top things to use in case you visit Padang Padang Beach:

• Arrive Early: As we’ve repeatedly said above, this place can pull in vast crowds. And that’s not pretty. The whole place is just sprawling with a crowd, with not much space to just stroll around or even relax in private. So, to make the most out of your trip to Padang Padang Beach, we highly recommend you visit the beach early in the morning. 

The beach will be relatively quiet and empty, and you’ll get to have the place to yourself; plus, it also looks more pleasant at that time.

• Be Prepared for Stairs: Wear comfortable shoes and be ready for a short but steep climb down to the beach. Make sure you’re wearing comfortable, sturdy shoes made for rough terrain—they will only make your journey that much smoother.

• Bring Your Supplies: Pack water, snacks, and any beach essentials you might need, as options on the beach can be limited and expensive. While there are vendors around the beach, your options will become extremely limited if that’s what you decide to depend on.

So it's best to keep a stock of snacks and drinks with yourself beforehand, lest you screw things up.

• Watch Your Belongings: Keep a close eye on your possessions, as the monkeys there are known for picking stuff up. Quite a many visitors end up losing their stuff to them; from snacks to smartphones, they can grab anything out of curiosity. 

For this reason, while you’re on the beach, it’d be best not to leave your stuff behind without supervision.

• Exercise Caution in the Water: Be aware of strong currents, especially near the rocks. The local guides also recommend this standard precaution, but it bears repeating here: stay in designated areas, and you should easily avoid strong currents. 

Deep-Dive into Finer Aspects of Padang Padang Beach

Now that you know the place, it's time to get into the details that will help you decide about the beach. Here they are: 

Is It Overcrowded at Padang Padang Beach?

Unfortunately, overcrowding is a significant issue at Padang Padang Beach. Due to its popularity and relatively small size, the beach can become extremely crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons. Visitors often report that the beach is overrun with tourists, even during what are typically considered quieter times. 

The influx of visitors, combined with the presence of local workers and sellers, can create a chaotic atmosphere that detracts from the beach's natural beauty.

Is Padang Padang Beach Expensive?

Padang Padang Beach has gained a reputation for being somewhat expensive, particularly for foreign visitors. Visitors have reported being charged for their entry, with foreigners being charged more than locals. As of the latest reports, the fee for foreigners is around 15,000 IDR (Indonesian Rupiah). While this may not seem like a large amount, many visitors feel it's high for beach access.

Additionally, services on the beach tend to be pricier than in nearby areas. 

For example, surfboard rentals on the beach are often more expensive than at shops in the vicinity. Food and drink prices at the beach stalls can also be higher than at local warungs (small family-owned businesses) in the area.

How Is the Local Staff at Padang Padang Beach?

Unfortunately, the feedback regarding local staff at Padang Padang Beach is largely negative. Visitors have reported several issues:

• Persistent Sellers: Many tourists find the local sellers to be overly persistent and sometimes unfriendly, particularly if you show interest in their products but don't make a purchase.

• Unprofessional Surf Instructors: There have been complaints about surf instructors being unprofessional, with some reports of abusive behavior and even instances of instructors being intoxicated during lessons.

• Lack of Safety Measures: Some visitors have noted a lack of visible lifeguards or safety warnings, which is concerning given the strong currents in some areas of the beach.

• Entrance Staff: There have been reports of entrance staff not providing tickets or receipts upon payment, even when asked.

Is It Couple-Friendly?

Despite some of its challenges, Padang Padang Beach is frequently recommended for couples. Here's why:

• Romantic Setting: The beach's stunning landscape and beautiful views create a romantic atmosphere, perfect for couples looking for a picturesque spot. The coastline, for example, is a long, crescent-shaped stretch of white sand, with deep blue waters with strong waves. The sunsets in the evening only make this beauty more breathtaking, turning the place into a couple’s paradise.

• Featured in "Eat, Pray, Love": Its appearance in this popular romantic movie adds an extra layer of appeal for couples. The place is shown as a serene place, and that’s exactly what you’d find here in real-time too, especially during the early hours.

• Surfing for Two: The beach is known for its surf breaks, so it’s not surprising this is another thing that couples at Padang Padang beach can try their hands in. Together, couples can take surfing lessons from the local schools—after all, the beach waves are suitable for couples who are beginners to intermediate surfers.

• Relaxation: Couples can enjoy relaxing on the beach, swimming in the clear waters, or watching the sunset together. The nearby cafes and warungs are another handy amenity, making sure you get the most out of your booking.

Is It Family-Friendly?

‍Unfortunately, Padang Padang Beach is not generally considered very family-friendly. Here are some reasons why:

• Safety Concerns: The beach can be unsafe for children due to pollution and strong currents. The strong currents of waves, along with sharp corals in certain parts, in certain parts of the beach, can be particularly challenging—kids need special care on this beach, in other words.

• Difficult Access: The many stairs leading to the beach make it challenging for people with mobility restrictions, the elderly, or families with young children. 

To access the beach, you have to walk through a cave, and while that’s exciting, it’s no wonder it can be a hurdle for others.

• Lack of Facilities: There's a notable absence of family-friendly amenities such as proper toilets and changing rooms. Plus, the nearby warungs and cafes are also few, which certainly limits the options for relaxation.

• Overcrowding: The often chaotic and crowded nature of the beach is not ideal for a relaxed family outing. It’s a popular beach, especially for surfers, and so it draws adventurous crowds from all over the world—if you want a peaceful and serene time, this might not be the right place for you.

But if you’re really deadset set on visiting, try to arrive here in the early hours; the place will be relatively quiet and less crowded.

How's the Food at Padang Padang Beach?

The food situation at Padang Padang Beach receives mixed reviews:

• Variety: There's a decent variety of food options available, including local favorites like corn on the cob, satay, and BBQ.

• Local Warungs: Small local eateries serve light meals and refreshments.

• Beach Snacks: Some visitors enjoy having beers and snacks like fries on the beach.

• Availability: Food and drinks are readily available on the beach, which is convenient for visitors.

However, some visitors find the food options limited and prices higher than in nearby areas off the beach.

Other Activities to Do Close to Padang Padang Beach

When you decide the visit the beach, that’s not the only thing you’ll be signing up for. There are a whole lot of other places nearby, that are just as worth a visit, if not more. Here they are:

1. Visit Uluwatu Temple: This ancient sea temple perched on a cliff offers stunning views and traditional Kecak fire dance performances at sunset.

2. Explore Suluban Beach: Also known as Blue Point Beach, it's a surfer's paradise with a unique cave entrance.

3. Relax at Bingin Beach: A quieter alternative to Padang Padang, known for its laid-back atmosphere and good waves.

4. Visit Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park: Home to a massive statue of Vishnu riding Garuda, this cultural park offers traditional dance performances and panoramic views.

5. Try Paragliding: For the adventurous, paragliding tours offer a bird's eye view of the Bukit Peninsula.

Location of the Activity & How to Get There from Key Areas

Padang Padang Beach is located in the Pecatu Village area on Bali's Bukit Peninsula. Here are the approximate distances from major locations:

• Ubud: 50 km (about 1.5 hours drive)
• Seminyak: 30 km (about 1 hour drive)
• Kuta: 25 km (about 45 minutes drive)
• Nusa Dua: 18 km (about 30 minutes drive)
• Uluwatu: 6 km (about 15 minutes drive)
• Jimbaran: 15 km (about 30 minutes drive)
• Sanur: 30 km (about 1 hour drive)

Here are the best ways to get to the place:

• From Ubud: Take the Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra south, then follow Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai and Jl. Raya Uluwatu to Padang Padang.

• From Seminyak/Kuta: Head south on Jl. Sunset Road, then take Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai and Jl. Raya Uluwatu to Padang Padang.

• From Nusa Dua: Take Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai west, then follow Jl. Raya Uluwatu south to Padang Padang.

• From Uluwatu: Head north on Jl. Raya Uluwatu for about 6 km to reach Padang Padang.

Entrance Fee

As of the latest information, the entrance fee for Padang Padang Beach is:
• Foreign visitors: 15,000 IDR (approximately $1 USD)
• Local visitors: 7,500 IDR

Please note that prices may change, so it's always best to check current rates before visiting.

Timings of Padang Padang Beach

Padang Padang Beach is generally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, it's important to note that swimming or surfing at night is not recommended due to safety concerns. 

The ticket booth typically operates from early morning (around 6 AM) until sunset (around 6 PM).

Hotels Near Padang Padang Beach

When you’re looking for a cozy place to crash near Padang Padang, you don’t have to go too far; there are tons of great places to check, such as:

Restaurants Near Padang Padang Beach

Food is more important than anything, we agree. Luckily, there’s no dearth of great options to grab yours at Padang Padang Beach. Here are your top options: 

The Final Verdict

So that’s Padang Padang Beach for you in a nutshell. One of the more popular beaches of Bali, the place draws in both surfing and travel enthusiasts from all over the world. Its strong currents, lively water life, and limestone rocks together make it not only a great place of adventure and rush but also one of beauty and relaxation. 

The beach is located in the southern part of Bali, in Bukit Peninsula, so there’s tons to do around the place, unsurprisingly. For instance, the beach is between Uluwatu and Dreamland Beach on the one hand, while it’s also not far from Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park; this ensures you’ll not get bored once you set foot anywhere near the area.

So, if you’re traveling anywhere near south Bali, which you most likely would if you’re on a couple’s trip, make sure to add Padang Padang Beach to your itinerary—you won’t be disappointed. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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Where is Padang Padang Beach located?

Padang Padang Beach is located on the Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia. It is near famous landmarks like Uluwatu Temple and Bingin Beach.

How do I get to Padang Padang Beach?

You can reach the beach by renting a scooter, hiring a private driver, or using ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab. The beach is about a 45-minute drive from Kuta and Seminyak.

What is the best time to visit Padang Padang Beach?

The best time to visit is early morning (before 9 AM) or late afternoon (after 4 PM) to avoid crowds and intense heat. The dry season (April to October) is ideal for sunny weather and clear waters.