Ready to dive into the best Uluwatu beaches for swimming?
Beaches on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula including Uluwatu stand out from the usual tropical beaches which we became accustomed to while on our trip through southeast Asia.
The reason is that instead of being lined with coconut trees and have calm waters, the beaches in South Bali are predominantly surrounded by cliffs and are ideal for surfing.
Due to shallow reefs and crashing waves, most of the Uluwatu beaches aren’t good for swimming. But there is still a few spots that are perfect to take a dip and go swimming. We decided to explore the entire Bukit Peninsula and explore the best beaches in Uluwatu that are good for swimming and not just for surfing or sunbathing.
Here we have listed Uluwatu and Bukit* beaches which are the best for swimming.
*Bukit Peninsula refers to the entire southern portion of Bali that is sort of a teardrop. Uluwatu is the north eastern portion of the peninsula.
You may like: things to do in South Bali
Best beaches in Uluwatu for swimming
This guide covers the best beaches for swimming in Uluwatu. We found 6 beaches in Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula that have nice calm waters and are perfect to take a dip. The beaches along with a description are all featured below.
Timbis Beach
Timbis beach is our number 1 best beach in Uluwatu. It’s a white sandy beach with crystal clear water and there is a good chance you’ll have the entire beach to yourself.
This beach is pretty dramatic. Timbis is nestled beneath about a 100 meter white towering cliff, tourists even go paragliding from up there which I guess is pretty amazing and exciting to say the least. →You can book this exciting experience here.
From the calm waters you can see and hear the big waves coming towards you only to completely crash and break up on a reef just a few hundred meters from shore.
There is no stalls or beach sellers pestering you. Just a gorgeous beach with daunting cliffs, a few trees and palms and pretty much no people. Access to Timbis beach is through the popular Pandawa beach and then walk along the beach for about 10 minutes. Make sure to buy a drink, maybe even a snack from Pandawa, there’s many stalls there.
Precautions: There is strong underwater currents that effortlessly dragged us along the bay. It was fun since we weren’t being dragged out. However we made sure to stay very close to shore and we could reach the bottom with our feet.
Tides: Timbis beach can only be accessed during low tide and also anyone at the beach should leave before the high tide comes again. Otherwise you’ll be stuck here because the beach area connected to Pandawa is submerged in water and powerful waves. You need to →check tidal times before coming here. And keep note of the water level when you arrive, if you see it going up, just leave.
Going to Nusa Penida? Book your trip from Uluwatu
Uluwatu to Gili Trawangan? Then check this
Melasti Beach
Synonymous with many other beaches in Uluwatu and the larger Bukit Peninsula, Melasti beach is surrounded by towering cliffs. However, unlike other beaches on this list it is easily accessible via a winding road chiseled in the rock face.
A long stretch of reef separates the swimming area from the big daunting waves and creates a sort of natural pool. It’s really gorgeous with crystal clear water that is perfectly flat. You can even rent little kayaks and paddle around this oversized pool.
Come here for sunset, there’s a couple of stalls set up along the beach selling cold beers and drinks. You won’t be directly facing the sunset and the is the whole point. The sun goes down behind the cliffs to the other end creating a combination of hues and shades in the skies.
Thomas Beach
Thomas beach is located in Pecatu which is a popular surfer’s area in Uluwatu. Even though Thomas beach is close to a prime location in Uluwatu it is still very much undisturbed.
A bumpy ride down a non asphalted road and a flight of steep steps lead to the bay.
On the day of our visit, the waters were a beautiful turquoise and were calm enough for swimming but not very clear.
Some parts of the sandy shore and the sea bed have rock plates so take care while walking into the water as these rocks are uneven and often slippery. There’s a couple of warungs (stalls) along the beach. And if you plan spending a lazy afternoon, then you may want to consider renting a lounger and an umbrella.
Green Bowl Beach
Green Bowl is the smallest beach on this list. It’s also a popular beach for swimming in Uluwatu. That, combined with the beach being small often makes it feel crowded, at least compared to other beaches in Uluwatu on this list.
What is great about green bowl beach is that it’s nestled beneath cliffs and is shaded in the afternoon. Inside the cliffs there’s a cave which is also a temple. You will need to pay a fee in the parking area.
And also, because it’s a popular beach, expect to be pestered by beach vendors selling all sorts of stuff. This is the main thing that put us off.
Nusa Dua Beach
Nusa Dua is a famous beach on the Bukit Peninsula in Bali. High end luxury resorts and retreats are found here. There’s a promenade along a sandy beach dotted with fancy beach bars, lounges and restaurants.
The beach has calm waters which is shallow but not the clearest. It’s a great place if you want a nice beach and easy access to amenities including sun bed and umbrellas and a good range of dining options all in one place.
Nunggalan Beach
Nunggalan is the largest beach on this list. It’s a long stretch of sandy bay that is pretty much deserted. We didn’t actually swim here because the water seemed a bit too shallow to swim due to low tide. Yet the water is still calm enough.
It’s a beach at the end of 15 minute trek down steep dirt road and forestry and unbearable humid heat.
On your way back up, or possibly even before you down, make sure to stop at the small warung perched on top of the cliff. They have nice cold drinks and also serve food.
Entrance Fees for Beaches in Uluwatu & Bukit Peninsula
Pandawa, Gunung Payung and Melasti beach have an entrance fee.
The fee for Pandawa is 15k IDR, Gunung Payung 8k IDR and Melasti 6k IDR ($0.45 to $1).
Beach Tide in Uluwatu and Bukit Peninsula
Beaches are affected by tides and swimming may not be an option in some cases.
Mostly due to waves crossing the barrier reef during high tide or shallow water in low tide.
We have visited the beaches listed here early to late afternoon and at that time they were good for swimming.
But since tide patterns vary on a daily basis, tide schedules should always be checked and as always be cautious.
You may also like the beaches in Pemuteran and those in Amed.
HOTELS | Quick Picks – Top 3 Places to Stay in Uluwatu
Excited for your days in Uluwatu and can’t wait to book your dream hotel? Don’t worry! We’ve put together our top 3 best places where to stay in Uluwatu for any budget. Choosing any of these properties will ensure you’re in a great location and make the most out of your trip.
Note: in order to have the most property options and the best deals, advance booking is always recommended.
Make sure to check this guide for Bali Best Traveling Tips before heading there.
And if you want to know whether Bali is expensive or cheap, read the guide linked here.
Map of South Bali Beaches Best for Swimming
After Uluwatu we traveled to Ubud in central Bali.
This post is a perfect guide to Ubud and includes so many things to do in and around this town.
HEY, just so you know…
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