Bali, Indonesia

Bali’s Five Hidden Beaches

by Gregory Caltabanis

Bali is filled with remote beaches and paradises alike that all offer something unique in their own right. Southern Bali is particularly blessed with these wonders, however, due to their exclusive nature they can become hard to find without intimate knowledge of the island. Here are five of these hidden wonders.

Balangan Beach

Balangan beach is one of many surfer delights near Uluwatu and is only a kilometre away from Finns Beach Club. Located west from Garuda Wisnu Kencan Natural Park, this beach is among the few in southern Bali that boasts golden sand and clear water. Balangan is a rustic natural beach with many limestone cliffs and a long reef, to boot. Take note of the tide schedule before heading there as it becomes difficult to swim during high tide while during low tide the water is extremely shallow. In any case, swimmers must be wary of the rocks as they are slippery.

Due to its hidden nature, Balangan doesn’t see too much action making it a perfect spot for couples to get away. Visitors can also take in the immense view from atop the cliff, a spot which offers unique photo opportunities.

Suluban Beach

Suluban beach, also known as Blue Point, is an ideal spot to spend a day exploring with family and friends. To get to the beach itself, visitors must navigate their way through limestone caves. The caves alone make the drive to Pecatu worthwhile, however, the steps to go down are rather steep so be careful. After exiting the caves, you have two options. Turn right and keep navigating your way through caves and log ramps or turn right and relax under the cliff on one of Bali’s most exclusive beaches. While the water isn’t that clear, taking in the sunset at Suluban is a must. Suluban, like Balangan, mostly gets surf lovers and not much else, making it a truly intimate spot. Affordable drink and food options are available on sight.

Padang Padang

Padang Padang, the beach made famous by Julia Roberts in Eat Pray Love, is another must visit in southern Bali. However, over the years, Padang Padang has gained more notoriety and has even begun hosting international surf events making it the most crowded of the five options. Located on the north western coast of Bukit Peninsula near Bingin, this beach is a common favourite for people staying in Uluwatu. Its hundred meter stretch of white sands and clear blue waters make it all the more desirable for prospective visitors. Padang Padang is also one of the few beaches in Uluwatu which has a temple overlooking it, offering the possibility to take in exotic views. There are also shops, Western-style restaurants and surf lodges around for those in need of a momentary respite from the water.

Single Fin Beach

Single Fin beach is yet another one of Bali’s hidden spots and is located on the cliffs of Uluwatu below Blue Point hotel. This beach is arguably the easiest to find out of these remote paradises due to the fact that Made Kasim, Bali’s first professional surfer, paired with Tai Graham to create Single Fin Beach Club to go along with it. Boasting the biggest balcony in the archipelago, visitors can take in the view of the surrounding spiritual homes and the Indian Ocean, making it an ideal spot to chill around sunset. The beach itself is relatively calm while the beach club is an ideal place to grab a drink and a bite to eat. There is also a Single Fin surf shop, cafe and bar.

Dreamland

Dreamland is the fifth and final hidden beach in south Bali, located southwest of Bulkit. Its limestone cliffs, white sand and rugged coastline make for a wonderful combination and an overall breathtaking beach. Recently, they have also developed a golf course and resort nearby as part of the New Kuta project. While these exploits have made the beach more accessible, it still remains hidden. Dreamland’s reef breaks are arguably the nicest on the island and are well worth a few minutes of your time to take in. Chairs and a parasol on the deck will run you around 100,000 IDR or about $10. Negotiable, of course. The beach’s food options are rather limited but, there are many nearby spots that offer fresh fruit juice. Outside of surfing, the number one thing to do at Dreamland is take in the sunset.

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