Padang Padang Beach is a beautiful stretch of sand hidden among cliffs along the southwest coast of Bali. The official name of Padang Padang Beach is actually Pantai Labuan Sait, but it is much more commonly known by its popular name. It is situated on the Bukit Peninsula close to the tourist hub of Uluwatu. This quintessential beach getaway is one of the most famous surf spots on the island, known for its world-class waves. In addition to surfing, locals and travelers come here to swim, explore, lounge, party, and more. No matter what kind of beach activities you’re in to, Padang Padang Beach seems to have it all. Here is a guide to help you make the most of your day in the sun.
Padang Padang Beach overview
When you try to picture a tropical beach paradise in your mind, the image you conjure is likely very similar to Padang Padang Beach. You couldn’t dream of a more romantic and magical setting than the golden sand beach that leads out into the clear blue waters of a semicircular cove. The beach is backed by verdant cliffs covered in lush greenery, and, along the shore, you will find beautiful large rock formations. Padang Padang Beach is actually a relatively small beach, at only about 120 yards in length. The size, however, contributes to the charm, giving it an intimate and isolated feel. Plus, there is still lots of space to grab a spot in the sun and work on your tan, and the cliffs offer plenty of shade if you need a break from the sun.
Padang Padang Beach is also home to a wide variety of different vendors offering all manner of goods and services. Whatever you need, you likely won’t have to leave the beach in order to get it. Lounge chairs and umbrella rentals are easy to come by, and this is also a great place to pick up some souvenirs like hats, t-shirts, colorful sarongs, friendship bracelets, and much more.
How to get to Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang Beach is located along Jalan Labuan Sait in Pecatu village. The village lies in the South Kuta District of the Badung Regency, just a 10-minute drive from the main Uluwatu area. It is only a half-hour drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport, making it a great first stop on your Bali vacation. The beach can also be reached in one to one and a half hours from the popular tourist hubs of Seminyak, Kuta, and Canggu. One of the most common ways of getting around Bali is on a scooter, which you can rent from any of the main tourist locales for as little as 50,000 IDR per day. You can also rent a car or hire a car and a driver to take you around.
Once you reach Padang Padang Beach, you can park or get dropped off in the parking area. Across the road, you will find a staircase that leads down to the beach from the top of the cliffs, taking you through a limestone cave. Make sure to mind any loose belongings on the way down, as there are mischievous monkeys around that love to snatch hats and purses!
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Padang Padang Beach entrance fee
There is an entrance gate at the top of the stairs which lead down to Padang Padang Beach where you will have to pay a small entrance fee in order to continue. The fee is only 15,000 IDR per adult and 10,000 IDR per child (three to 10 years of age). Payment must be made in cash, so make sure you have some on you. You will also need to pay a parking fee of 2,000 IDR for a scooter or 5,000 IDR for a car. All in all, a visit to Padang Padang Beach is very inexpensive.
Best time to visit Padang Padang Beach
Like any beach in Bali, Padang Padang Beach becomes busier and more crowded during the middle of the day. This is when everyone wants to cool off in the water and when the tourist buses start coming around. You can beat the crowds by arriving during the mid-morning after the sun is up and shining on the peninsula. The crowds also begin to thin out during the late afternoon and evening, which is also a fantastic time to come and watch the sunset.
As Bali is a year-round tourist destination, Padang Padang Beach has no off-season. April through October are generally the driest months of the year and so the safest for beach-going weather, though any season can be an excellent time to visit as long as the sun is out on the day you go.
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Things to do at Padang Padang Beach
There is no shortage of things to do at Padang Padang Beach. Whether you are looking to relax and lounge in the sun or you’d prefer a bit of excitement, you can take your pick from a range of activities. It’s easy to spend a full day trying everything that this beach has to offer.
Swimming
The clear and calm waters at Padang Padang Beach are ideal for swimming. There are no strong currents and only gentle waves near the beach. You can enjoy just floating in the warm water or you can set out for a longer swim. If you head towards the left side of the beach, there are a number of small caves you can swim into and check out on foot.
Exploring at low tide
During periods of low tide, Padang Padang Beach is a lovely place to explore on foot. The majestic limestone cliffs are more exposed, revealing beautiful rock formations that offer plenty of fantastic photo opportunities, or you can simply enjoy the views while stretching your legs. Many visitors like to bring a book and find a more secluded spot to read for a while.
Food & drink
Among the numerous vendors at the beach, there are also many warungs where you can grab a bite to eat. Warungs are small, family-owned restaurants or cafes. The warungs at Padang Padang Beach sell all manner of food and drink to keep you going throughout the day, including fresh seafood, coconut water, beer, and a variety of local dishes. Enjoy a filling and tasty meal for as little as 50,000 to 75,000 IDR.
Surfing
Out past the calm waters at the beach, Padang Padang Beach has fantastic surf breaks that hold their own against Bali‘s most famous surfing spots. In fact, the beach regularly hosts international surfing events. There is both a left-hand and a right-hand wave available to choose from. The left-hand wave is often referred to as the “Balinese Pipeline” for its resemblance to the legendary Pipeline break in Hawaii. It is recommended for experienced surfers as it breaks over a jagged reef. The right-hand wave, on the other hand, is a beach break perfect for new and intermediate surfers. During high tide, the long and unbroken wave provides a great opportunity to practice.
Surfboard rentals are easy to come by and often go for around 100,000 to 150,000 IDR or two hours. You can also easily find a local willing to give a surfing lesson. The dry season is typically the best time for surfing at Padang Padang Beach, though months closer to the wet season are also a good choice for smaller crowds.
Padang Padang beach party
Every Saturday night, Padang Padang Beach becomes one of the hottest spots in Bali with the Ground A Sound party. This weekly event, put on by the Padang-Padang Cafe, transforms the beach into an outdoor nightclub and is definitely worth checking out if you are staying in the area. It is a great way to meet locals and other travelers. Though there is no sign of it during the week, a stage complete with neon lights and large speakers is set up right on the beach on Saturday evening. When the party starts, a live band or DJ takes to the stage to play funky beats that get the crowd dancing. The party usually gets underway at around 9 p.m. and runs until midnight. It is free to attend, and the drinks are cheap as well. Come dance the night away under the stars.
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