Pandawa Beach | Visit the White Sands of Bali’s Hidden Paradise in Bukit

Pandawa Beach is a picture-perfect Bali beach with beautiful white sand and sparkling clear water. The shore of the beach stretches for just over half a mile along the island’s south coast of Bukit Peninsula and is located between the popular tourist areas of Nusa Dua and Uluwatu. Though often called a “hidden beach” for its location behind a wall of large limestone cliffs, it has become a famous tourist spot over the last decade. Pandawa Beach is very much worth a day trip if you are visiting Bali, as it is a wonderful example of the best that the island’s beaches have to offer.

Pandawa Beach history

Pandawa Beach was originally called Kutuh Beach, after the neighboring village of Kutuh. Later, it was renamed “Pantai Pandawa” (“pantai” means “beach” in Indonesian) after the five hero brothers and main protagonists of the Hindu epic Mahabharata, who are collectively known as the Pandavas. Locals, however, still largely know the beach by its original name of Kutuh.

Not too long ago, the surrounding cliffs made Pandawa Beach highly inaccessible. It was mainly visited by locals, many of whom used it as a location for seaweed farming. A few seaweed farms remain on the beach today, though the number is decreasing. Everything changed in 2012 when a road leading down to the beach was created by cutting through the cliffs, allowing easy public access for the first time. The road instantly transformed Pandawa Beach into a major tourist attraction, and a new tourism economy sprang up around it.

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What to expect at Pandawa Beach

Though every beach in Bali has its undeniable charms, Pandawa Beach is easily one of the most beautiful among them. The surrounding area has an unspoiled feel to it, as there hasn’t been much development at the location, aside from the luxury villas situated at the top of the cliffs. As you come down from the limestone cliffs, you are granted spectacular views of the Indian Ocean stretching out as far as the eye can see. On a sunny day, it’s nothing but blue skies, blue water, white sand, and frothy surf.

Once you do get down to the beach, the limestone cliffs create a secluded and magical feel. The sand is finely textured and soft, perfect for lounging and walking around, and it is kept very clean. A calm surf creates a calming atmosphere that helps you forget about your worries for the day. The aqua water is punctured by swathes of bright green seaweed, and you may even see some locals tending to their patches.

Entrance fee

Most tourist attractions in Bali charge an entrance fee, though the price is usually very fair. It is no different at Pandawa Beach. As you are coming up along the road to the beach, you will encounter an admission gate. The current entrance fees for visitors are 15,000 IDR per person and an additional 5,000 IDR for car parking or 2,000 IDR for scooter parking. Ample parking is available just beyond the gate, and you should have no trouble finding a spot.

Facilities

Pandawa Beach offers everything you need for a comfortable, convenient, and relaxing day. There are bathrooms with clean water so that you can rinse yourself off after swimming and playing in the sand, as well as changing rooms where you can get in and out of your bathing suit. The facilities are always well-maintained.

Food & drink

One of the best things about coming to Pandawa Beach, or really to any beach in Bali, is that you don’t need to bring extra food and drinks along with you. All you need is a bit of spending cash, and you can buy anything you could want from one of the many warungs, or food vendors, that line the sand. These small, family-owned cafes and restaurants sell all manner of snacks and refreshments. If you’re thirsty, you can grab a cold drink or hydrate with some coconut water. If you’re hungry, you’ll be spoiled for choice. Enjoy the freshest seafood, sizzling fried rice, sandwiches, burgers, traditional local cuisine, and more. You can even find some western-style cuisine at Pandawa Beach!

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Best time to visit Pandawa Beach

Bali experiences two seasons: dry and wet. The dry season falls from April to September, while the rainy season extends from October to March. The best months to visit, especially if you want to head to the beach, are April, May, June, and September. These months are both less crowded and less humid than the peak months of July and August. The rainy season generally experiences periods of heavy rain and choppier seas. However, it rarely rains continuously, and temperatures are also fairly steady and hot year-round, meaning that you can still enjoy a nice day on the beach. Plus, there will be fewer people around during the rainy season as well.

As long as the sun is shining, almost any day can be a good day to visit Pandawa Beach. If you want to avoid the crowds, then consider going on a weekday as well as earlier in the morning or later in the evening. The beach is always most lively on weekend afternoons.

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How to get to Pandawa Beach

Though Pandawa Beach is located at the southernmost tip of Bali, it isn’t very difficult to get to from many of the island’s main tourist hubs. It is only a 30-minute drive from both Nusa Dua and Uluwatu, making it a popular trip from either one. It is also only a 40-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport (though traffic can add some time to your journey). Pandawa Beach is worth the visit even if you are staying further north in Bali. The drive from other popular areas like Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta is only an hour to an hour and a half.

One of the most common ways of getting around Bali is to rent a car for the day. The typical cost of renting a car is about 500,000 IDR per day. Drivers are experienced, professional, and will definitely know where Pandawa Beach is. If you want to save some money, you’re feeling adventurous, and you feel comfortable driving on two wheels, then you can opt for renting a scooter instead. Scooter rentals usually average around 50,000 IDR per day and are available at all of the main tourist areas.

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Top activities at Pandawa Beach

Pandawa Beach is a great all-around beach that offers a little something for everyone. Families, groups, solo travelers, and couples will all find a host of fantastic activities. There are options for those who are looking to take it easy and relax, for those who want to experience an adrenaline rush, and for everyone in between. Here’s a look at what you can do at Pandawa Beach.

Swimming

Not every beach in Bali is well suited for swimming, but Pandawa Beach certainly is. The clear waters let you see right down to the ocean floor, and there aren’t any strong waves or currents to contend with. It’s a great place to go for a splash in the shallows or to enjoy a longer swim in deeper waters.

Canoe rental

The same conditions that make Pandawa Beach ideal for swimming also make it a fantastic spot for taking out a sea canoe, particularly on a clear and calm day. You can rent a single canoe for about 50,000 IDR per hour or take out a double canoe with a friend for about 100,000 IDR per hour. Make sure you also rent a life vest to keep you safe as you paddle around.

Sunbathing

Heading to the beach to work on your tan? Sunny Pandawa Beach is an ideal place to sunbathe. Bring your own towel or mat and stake a claim in the sand, or rent one of the many sun loungers you will find along the beach. Each sun lounger comes with an umbrella so that you can sit comfortably in the shade if you get too hot. The cost to rent a sun lounger is about 50,000 IDR per hour. Remember that sunscreen is always a must when you are out in the sun in Bali.

Surfing

Pandawa Beach isn’t one of the most well-known beaches in Bali for surfing, as there is a lot of competition in that department. However, there are still plenty of large waves to ride out past the reef break. Surfboard rentals are easy to come by, and there are always instructors around offering surfing lessons as well. Whether you are a complete beginner or you just want to improve your surfing skills, Pandawa Beach is a great place to learn.

Shopping

Need to pick up some souvenirs or perhaps some new beach clothing for yourself? The shops lining the beach sell a wide variety of clothing, fabrics, arts and crafts, and more. You can find all sorts of unique Balinese goods to remind yourself of your time on the island and your day on beautiful Pandawa Beach.

Balinese massage

If your main goal in taking a trip to the beach is to unwind, then you should also consider getting a traditional Balinese massage. Masseurs on the beach will offer their services for a very fair price, usually ranging from 40,000 to 130,000 IDR depending on the type of massage. You can get everything from a 30-minute foot massage to a full-body 90-minute traditional Balinese massage. Getting a massage is a great way to relax the body and the mind, and there couldn’t be a better setting to encourage relaxation than Pandawa Beach.

Pandavas statues

Along the road leading down to the beach, you will notice that there are a series of beautiful white statues set into the ocean-facing cliff walls. The statues are situated inside of arches carved deeply into the rock. There are six statues here, five of them representing each of the five Pandavas: Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sahadeva. The sixth statue is an image of their mother, Kunti. The statues are dressed in colorful Balinese waistcloths, and they make a fantastic photo spot. Make sure you pay a visit to these statues on your way to or from the beach.

Paragliding

The cliffs around Pandawa Beach provide the perfect opportunity for an activity that is growing in popularity in Bali: paragliding! A common launch point is the Timbis cliff, which is just a short drive away from the beach. If you’re craving some adventure, then this is the activity for you. The high cliffs provide a wonderful paragliding experience, with incredible views over the beach and the ocean. Don’t worry if you have no prior experience – tandem paragliding ensures that you will be accompanied by a friendly professional who knows exactly what to do. There’s no better Bali souvenir than a memory of the stunning coastline from above.

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