Photo By: Elin Chow

Located on the north-western coast of the island's Bukit Peninsula, not far away from the famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu / Uluwatu Temple, Padang Padang Beach is one of the famous surf spot in Bali.
Padang Padang was not well-known in the past. The beach only became a famous tourist attraction in Bali after a couple of scenes from the romantic movie "Eat, Pray, Love" starring Julie Roberts and Javier Bardem were filmed here in 2010. Padang Padang Beach is also the shooting location for the music group "Micheal Learns To Rock'' music video in 1996.

Located at Jalan Labuhan Sait, Pecatu Village, Padang Padang Beach is also locally known as the Pantai Labuan Sait or Labuan Sait Beach. The beach is guarded by a temple and wild monkeys. Just like the monkeys in Uluwatu Temple, these monkeys are extremely adept at snatching and stealing belongings from visitors. So, make sure you watch out for these mischievous monkeys along the way.


Access to the beach is difficult, and down a steep narrow set of steps that are built in between the limestone cliff face. This was the only way to reach the beach. The stairway is so narrow that it can only fit one person at a time. Walking down was not easy, especially when people are also trying to walk back up. We have to slightly tile or even press our body against the cliff when passing each other. It was quite an interesting experience.


However, unfortunately, the beach is not accessible for wheelchair users. People with mobility problems might find walking down the stairs extremely challenging and almost impossible.


Once you squeeze you way through the claustrophobic pathway and reached the bottom of the stairs, you will be greeted by a clean yellow sand beach and clear shimmering blue sea. You will find a couple of stalls and little warungs selling colorful sarongs, fake sunglasses, friendship bracelets, different ranges of surfboards, snacks and drinks near the entrance of the beach. There are also a plentiful of umbrella to rent for you to stay cool at the beach.

Walking a little further in, we realized that the beach is just a small stretch of about 200 metres, surrounded by limestone cliffs and rock formations on both sides. It was way smaller but less crowded than what I have actually expected. But that does not mean that the beach was not crowded at all. In fact, it was quite crowded for such a small beach. The beach is lined with hundreds of colorful umbrellas and sunbathers lying on towels. I believe just like any other famous beaches in Bali, you will probably find a larger crowd of tourists here in a few years time.


With its blue crystal clear waters, soft yellow sands and amazing limestone cliffs, Padang Padang Beach is famed for its natural beauty and stunning landscapes.


The waters close to the shore is quite calm and suitable for swimming and snorkeling activities. Even if you are not swimming or snorkeling, the beach is stunningly beautiful, secluded and untouched. It was a pleasant and peaceful place to relax and spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing at all. This is undoubtedly one of my most favorite beaches in Bali.


Geologically located in the right side of Bali's Peninsula, Padang Padang Beach is a famous surf spot that offers perfect conditions nearly all year round. Offering consistent great waves throughout the year, the beach is a surfer's paradise.

Padang Padang Beach is divided into two parts - Padang Padang Left and Padang Padang Right. Padang Padang Left is commonly known as the Balinese Pipeline due to its resemblance to Hawaii's famous Pipeline. The waves are fast and powerful so expert or advanced surfing skills are required. It is especially dangerous during low tide due to sharp coral reefs and jagged rocks. Thus, only advanced and experienced surfers should attempt to surf at Padang Padang Left. If you are an experienced or pro-surfer, you will surely love and enjoy the waves at Padang Padang Left.



Other than surfing, Padang Padang is also a great place to watch the spectacular sunset at the end of the day.


The picturesque scenery offers an abundance of breathtaking photo opportunities in every direction.


Take your time to admire the beautiful scenery before your eyes and snap as many photos as your heart desires.


We decided to head to a smaller section on the right side of the beach to escape from the crowds. Getting to this section of the beach involves a rough walk and climb on very sharp and uneven rock formations. So, please be extra careful and mindful when you are walking across the rock formations. You may sustain serious injuries if you slip or fall on these rocks.


The right part of the beach is full of impressive and breathtaking rock formations. It is secluded and almost empty. Hence, making it the perfect place to relax, unwind and get away from the hustle and bustle in the city.


Padang Padang Beach is a hidden treasure in Bali. Much of the beach area remains delightfully unspoiled and undeveloped despite the increasing number of tourists.

We spend most of our time taking pictures and admiring the beauty of the beach.



It is nice to put your own towels or beach mats down on the sands, lie down and soak in the warmth of the perfect Balinese sun. We did not have time for that. But we enjoyed watching the gentle blue sea while listening to the sounds of the waves crashing against the shore.


The magnificent limestone cliffs provides a wonderful backdrop to the blue water of the Indian Ocean. A truly spectacular sight!


So, make sure you bring along your camera as there will be plenty of great opportunities for photography at the beach.


Padang Padang Beach is absolutely well-worth a visit, especially if you are beach lover. The scenery is stunningly beautiful. You will find beauty in every direction. So, be prepared to be amazed by the stunning coastline and natural rock formations.

If you are interested to know more about our trip, you may want to check out our 6D5N Bali Trip Itinerary + Overview for the list of attractions that we had visited during our 6 days in Bali. Be sure to follow me on Facebook or Twitter  for the latest updates on my 6 days adventures in Bali! You might also want to check My Wanderlust page for some of my other travel adventures.