Luggage storage bali padang. Beaches in Padang Bai: Secret Beach, Blue Lagoon, and Kusamba - a wild beach with black volcanic sand

Bali is one of the most popular islands in Indonesia, where a lot of tourists come every day. It is famous for its magnificent beaches, clean sand and water, as well as good opportunities for a relaxing family holiday. There are not so many good beaches here, but located 2 kilometers from Uluwatu (a favorite place for avid surfers), Padang Padang is considered one of the best not only on the island, but throughout Indonesia.

Padang Padang beach

Padang Padang is one of the few places in Bali where you can safely go on vacation with your baby. Here you will find all the benefits of civilization and safe conditions for swimming, because the entrance to the sea is gentle, without any sharp jumps and drops, which guarantees peace of mind for parents and quality leisure for their children.

The beach area gained particular popularity after the release of the film “Eat, Pray, Love”, since it was on its banks that several beautiful and memorable episodes from this film popular with young people were filmed. Now almost everyone who travels to Bali considers it his duty to look at this small but very popular resort.

How to get there?

If you want to see the beach called Padang Padang on your own, then you cannot drive past it, because it is perfectly visible both from the main road of the island and from the bridge. Go to, to the Uluwatu area. Here you will see the entrance to the beach with a large parking lot at the entrance.

The easiest way to get to the beach is by rented transport or by using a taxi. The most popular means of transportation in Bali is a bike, which can be rented even for $3 per day. There is no public transport in this direction.

The road from the capital of the island - Denpasar - to the beach by car takes no more than 40 minutes. The closest settlement to the beach - Uluwatu - is located just a few kilometers from it, on the Bali peninsula called Bukit.

Surfing

Bali's Padang Padang Beach is a fairly popular spot for avid surfers. A competition called “Rip Curl Padang Padang” is held here every year, where almost every surfer hurries to get there. This event is especially popular with experienced athletes. The exact date of the competition has not been set. It usually depends on the time of the swell, so athletes usually gather here in advance and spend about two to three weeks on the coast.

It is especially good to surf on Padang during the southwestern swell, when here you can catch the best waves not only on the coast of Bali, but throughout Indonesia.

The most popular season for surfing is the summer month of July, when excellent waves roll on the coast of Padang Padang. The rest of the time the beach is more suitable for beach recreation and swimming, and in search of waves you will have to sail far from the coast.

Beginner surfers should be careful as the reef is quite shallow and can be dangerous for beginners.

Description of the beach

The most remarkable thing on the beach is the descent to the coast: it passes through a picturesque gorge, through which it is a real pleasure to walk along a long staircase.

Padang is famous for its white sand of coral origin, clear azure sea, and smooth and calm entry into the sea. Waves (with the exception of July) do not reach the shore, which creates safe conditions for families with children. To "catch" a suitable wave, avid surfers will have to sail 50-70 meters from the shore.

Padang Padang beach is quite small, which gives the impression of its constant fullness, especially since there are quite a lot of people who want to relax here. On the coast, it is extremely rarely deserted and deserted. Sunbeds are not accepted here, but this is not a problem at all, because the sand on the coast is very soft, even and shallow, so even relaxing on a rug or towel will be a joy here.

There are umbrellas on the beach, under the shade of which you can hide from the sweltering heat. Those who did not have enough space under an umbrella can settle down near the rocks.

Near the shore there are stalls with souvenirs, as well as paraphernalia for relaxing on the coast. In addition, there is a rental of surfboards and water modes of transport.

Despite the quiet and calm atmosphere, you should be on the alert, because there is a wild jungle around you, where there are a lot of monkeys who are just waiting for them to steal something from unwary tourists. In order not to get into an unpleasant situation involving wild primates, you should hide valuables and documents, do not leave them unattended, and do not eat them in front of the monkeys, especially if sharing was not part of your plans.

Meals and accommodation

Since Padang is more of a secluded place to relax than a party paradise, the number of hotels, restaurants and bars here is extremely small. So, the most common place for lunch and dinner is considered to be a cafe-bar right on the beach. The prices here are quite reasonable, which is good news.

Accommodation options here are available at any price point, from cheap youth hostels to luxury villas for the rich.

Padang hosts one of the largest surfer camps in Bali. Small bungalows are offered for rent here. So, for an amount of about 250 euros, a company of eight people can rent a whole bungalow for a week (two people per room). Moreover, this price will already include breakfasts and dinners, as well as surfing trips without time limits.

Entertainment

Apart from surfing and relaxing on the coast, there is nothing else to do here. There are no special entertainments for tourists in Padang. The maximum that you can count on during the daytime is water activities and learning the basics of surfing.

It is very interesting to spend time on the beach in the evening, when musicians gather here, playing various instruments in the reggae style and singing Bob Marley songs.

As for the night hours, for the most part at this time it is quiet and deserted, so nothing can disturb the sleep of tourists.

Padang Padang Beach opened to the general public relatively recently. In the early 90s, Hollywood directors noticed this beach for the filming of the film "Eat, Pray, Love" with Julia Roberts. They were sure that the picturesque place would win the hearts of the audience, and the rental ratings would skyrocket. And so it turned out. After the film adaptation, in 2011, thousands of tourists flooded the coast to see it live. Now it is so popular that during the peak season there is nowhere to set foot, given that the beach is only 100 meters long.

In fact, the beach was known even before the release of the films. Surfers have been conquering the local waves for decades. They flock from all over the world to catch the famous wave, nicknamed the Bali Pipeline. It's all about the emerging special relief of the water surface, when the wave currents intersecting form a kind of tunnel that can be surfed from inside and outside.

Padang Padang Beach is located on the southwestern side of Bukit Island, within the Ungasan settlement of Uluwatu. Bukit is known for its rocky terrain, so in most of the territory there are, including near the coast, rock formations that reach 70 meters in height.

Padang Beach Padang is a piece of the coast no more than 100 m long, located in a small bay, which makes the water near the coast calm and ideal for swimming throughout the year. The sand is light in color, and the entrance to the water is smooth. The water in the sea is clear, gently turquoise. The sandy strip is surrounded by bizarre rocks, some of which have caves.

The beach is not easy to get to. There are two passages here, one of which is a narrow stone staircase with 50 steps leading down, the second is a path through a man-made narrow cave, where it is impossible for two people to pass.

Important! It is worth being extremely careful during the descent to the coast for vacationers with disabilities and adults with small children.

The climate in Padang Padang, as in the whole of Bukit, is drier than in the rest of the Balinese territory, so there is less rainfall. The water temperature ranges from 27 to 30 °C.

The coast is ideal for families with small children, the elderly and all tourists who love a beach holiday. Away from the bay, already high waves rise, where surfers love to ride the waves.

Entrance to Padang Padang beach is paid, it costs 10 thousand rupees.

Entertainment

There is no developed infrastructure on the beach, such as, for example, in Kuta. If it weren't for a large crowd of vacationers, it could be called quiet, but not secluded. The fact is that surfers regularly meet here, including at world competitions. True, they sail far from the coast - to where big waves gather.

Surfing

If you are not a professional in boarding, but really want to learn this extreme activity, then you can rent a board on the shore and hire a local mentor who will teach you the basic techniques. The waves for surfing here are conditionally divided into those on the left - higher and more difficult, where professionals practice, and on the right - low and medium height for beginners.

There is no surf school on the coast itself, but there are 2 of them in the Jimbaran area: Rip Curl School of Surf and Balangan Wave Surf School.

Bathing

For all lovers not only to admire the ocean, but also to swim, I highly recommend visiting this beach. Although it is not long, but its width allows all vacationers to accommodate at a comfortable distance from each other. Despite its crowded beach, Padang Padang is my favorite beach in Bali.

There is a rental of umbrellas here, but there are no sunbeds, so tourists settle down on towels brought with them. This is quite enough, because the sand on the coast is clean and loose. Umbrella rental costs 100 thousand rupees.

Rock climbing

The surrounding local cliffs are popular with rock climbers. This is a rather unusual entertainment that can not be found on every beach. The beauty is that even beginners can test their strength. After all, the length of the cliff prepared for climbing is 50 m, and the height is only 10 m.

All climbing equipment must be taken with you, as there is nowhere to rent it on the shore.

Padang Padang is the most visited by foreign tourists. There are especially many tourists from China, Australia and Japan.

Cafes and shops

On the territory of the beach itself there is a small cafe where vacationers can have a bite to eat, drink chilled drinks. But its assortment is small, so enterprising tourists take food with them. For a larger selection of dishes, you can go to restaurants from hotels located at the top of the cliff.

On the coast there is also a shop with seafood, fruits and boiled corn. Fishermen often sell smoked fresh fish from local waters here.

If you go up, closer to the road, then along it you can see a few more shops where, in addition to fruits and other food, light beachwear, bathing attributes and inexpensive souvenirs are sold.

On the rock before going down to the shore and on the beach itself there are 2 showers and a toilet, quite suitable for use. There is paid parking on the cliff, which will cost a symbolic 2,000 rupees for a bike, and 5,000 rupees for a car.

Hotels

In order to stay within the coast of Padang-Padang for the night, you should know that the hotels are not located near the water, but at the top - on the rocks. And at different distances from each other.

I have compiled a selection of the best hotels of different star ratings, located no further than 500 meters from the beach.

Located on Labuan Sait Street, 397 meters from Padang-Padang Beach, near Suluban Beach, near Uluwatu Rocks. A small hotel provides accommodation in comfortable rooms with wireless internet throughout the hotel, daily cleaning of rooms. On a small terrace with a garden, you can relax and eat at a local restaurant. There is a business lounge, luggage storage and free parking.

Located on Raya Labuansait street, 468 meters from the shore, not far from the temple and the cliffs of Uluwatu. The small hotel offers rooms with free Wi-Fi and a TV. In the courtyard you can relax and unwind. There is an outdoor swimming pool and bicycle rental on site. The restaurant, combined with a bar, prepares continental breakfasts.

Located on Pantai Suluban Uluwatu Street, 502 meters from the shore, close to the rocks and the Uluwatu Temple. The hotel category and service are superior to previous hotels. On the territory of Three Monkeys Villas there are only 8 rooms - separate villas with all amenities. The hotel, designed in the national Balinese style, offers an outdoor pool and its own spa. There is a restaurant.

Located on Pantai Padang-Padang Road, just 356 meters from the beach. Along with a convenient location, there is a high level of service and a very landscaped area. Decor elements are made in the Balinese style. There is an outdoor pool, bike rental. The rooms here are detached houses with all amenities inside. The on-site restaurant serves Indonesian and international cuisine.

Located on Pantai Suluban street, 357 meters from the coast of Padang Padang, on a cliff. From the terrace and the pool offers a gorgeous view of the sea. A luxurious hotel in its category meets the requirements of the most demanding travelers. Among several regular pools, there is a magnificent infinity pool. There is a restaurant and a bar. Each villa contains 4 rooms furnished with quality furniture. Maid, cook and concierge services are provided. The hotel has a spa, free wireless internet, private yoga service.

How to get there?

It is impossible to get to the coast by public transport. You can get here on your own by bike, car or taxi. If you travel from Sanur, Seminyak, or Legian, then the shortest and most convenient way will be through Kuta. From it, as well as from Denpasar, it takes about 40 minutes to go ashore.

The final route point will be the village of Uluwatu. It is located 1 kilometer from the beach. Accidentally drive down to the ocean will not work. There is a sign with the name of the beach, and next to it there is a spacious parking lot for cars and bikes.

Padang Padang beach on the map

On this map you will find the exact location of this beach.

Padang Beach Padang is unusual for its location, small size and the absence of raging waves near the shore. However, a little further there are excellent waves for surfers. The beach is suitable for absolutely all vacationers: families with children, the elderly and young people. Despite the high popularity, you can choose the time when it becomes deserted here, and you will fully enjoy a secluded vacation.

Surely most of those who dreamed of being or have already visited the island of Bali have seen the famous film “Eat. Pray. Love" with the participation of the famous Hollywood actress Julia Roberts.

The film shows quite appetizingly Italy, in contrast India, and magically Bali. Blue ocean, golden-white sand, waves crashing against the rocks and a boat waiting for lovers to rush off into the sunset to the neighboring islands. Some of these wonderful scenes from the movie were filmed at the now popular Padang Padang beach.

How to get there

The beach is located on the Bukit Peninsula (Uluwatu area). A point on the map:

The entrance to the beach is surrounded by a large parking lot and a bridge that overlooks the coast, the temple located below and the river flowing down to the beach.

The entrance itself is easy to find. At the stairs leading to Padang Padang, during the day there are always a lot of vendors offering various beach equipment and drinks with food. Going down the stairs, you will stumble upon a gate guarded as usual by mythical Balinese creatures, and not only…

During the day, you can watch the monkeys, who are constantly rummaging around in offerings in search of food. The last time I was on Padang Padang beach, I watched one of the cunning monkeys steal a camera from a tourist. So, be on the lookout!

Looking for food...

There is also a small temple here.

The descent to the beach is perhaps one of the most unusual that I have ever seen. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the staircase is in the rock. And before you get to the coast, you need to go through a dark gorge along a narrow path. In order not to get injured in the evening, it is worth arming yourself with a flashlight.

In the morning, various ceremonies are often held here with offerings and gifts to the sea gods. The other day I was lucky enough to watch one of these ceremonies.

The locals cleared the beach a bit, and settled down right on the sand. One of the Balinese, dressed in more festive attire than the rest, said unusual prayers and sang songs to the sounds of gamelan.

At the end, the Balinese packed the gifts onto one of the small boats and released it into the ocean.

At that time, in addition to the locals, there were also ordinary tourists on the beach who went about their business.

Padang Padang is also known among professional surfers as a good spot with some serious waves.

One of the most famous championships in the world of surfing Rip Curl Padang Padang is held here every year. At this time, you can watch how the best of the best surfers in the world conquer the waves. Alas, that year I never found the competition, the waiting time is usually about two weeks. Swell, unfortunately, came at a time when I needed to fly to Russia. But I am sure that this year I will not miss the chance and get into the competition!

In addition to professional athletes in the ocean, you can often meet beginners. Here, as well as in Kuta, they teach foam surfing, for this, locals rent surfboards on the shore, offering to teach the basics of this exciting sport for a symbolic sum.

Due to the fact that the beach is rather small, there are no sunbeds on it, but there are several umbrellas under which you can hide from the scorching sun. Also on the beach there is a cafe-warung, where you can have a snack or drink cooling drinks. The entrance to the ocean is gradual and safe.

The current is not very pronounced, the coast has absolutely calm water and a sandy bottom. That is why Padang Padang beach is great for families with children.

I come here extremely rarely due to the fact that there are more and more tourists on this beach every year, and, of course, the beach is getting dirtier. The only reason I come here is for the reggae nights.

In the evenings, this place becomes popular among surfers. And all because every Saturday from about 11 pm on the beach you can enjoy wonderful reggae music and the famous songs of Bob Marley performed by the talented Ulu Roots.

But lately, people who come here to have fun, get drunk and act like savages. A lot of alcohol, which hits the head and not only, makes most tourists urinate directly into the ocean, which makes the smell on the beach unbearable in the morning.

But the most terrible, the truth, because of which it is unpleasant for me to visit this beach, and even more so to swim in the ocean. The place looks like a clogged public toilet. It's a shame that such amazing places like Padang Padang turn into garbage.

But despite the unpleasant factors, the views and landscapes that open from the beach will not leave anyone indifferent. This beach is one of the most beautiful in Bali and is great for photo ops. You can also dine here with sunset views.

In general, I have a double opinion about this place, but I still advise you to visit the beach. During the day to enjoy the scenery, and in the evening pleasant music.

Today we decided to "monitor" the beaches of Bali. This information will be useful to many, I'm sure of it.

Here is an overview of the beaches:

Dreamland beach (Kuta)
Balangan beach (Jimbaran)
Nammos beach - hotels Karma Kandara / Semara (Ungasan)
Pantai Geger (Nusa Dua)
Pantai Peti Tenget (Seminyak)
Medewi Beach (Pekutatan)
Bloo Lagoon Beach (Padangbai)

Padang-padang beach (Padang-padang)
There is good parking near the beach, you can take a shower + toilet (5000 rupees), a separate toilet - 3000 rupees. The inconvenience lies in the descent through the rock, or rather through the crevice. On a small section of the road there is not even two to disperse. Pretty steep descent.

If you want to camp near a rock, beware of the monkeys. It is easy for you to steal glasses or any jewelry. Immediately at the entrance there are several eateries where you can buy something to eat, they can cook hot food from what God sent.)))

The water is calm, there are almost no waves. After a heavy downpour, it is a bit muddy here, but if you sail a little further (even within the buoys), you will not feel it.

Beer - 20,000 rupees, towel - 150,000 rupees, an umbrella to hide from the sun - 70,000 rupees, inserted in any place you specify. Be sure to bargain. The price for an umbrella and towels can and should be knocked down! There are no sun loungers here.

Beginner surfers also live here, because after a calm part in the ocean, you can also catch waves further away.

Overall, a nice quiet place.

Padang, the capital of the province of West Sumatra, is mainly used by tourists as a pass on their way to Bungus Bay, where surfing is very popular and good, or into the mountains outside the city. To be honest, there isn't much to do and have fun in the city itself. But the surroundings of the town are very interesting.

Sikuai Island

It is one of the islands in the Mentawi group. A small island (40 hectares) with stunning scenery. Have you seen the movie "The Beach" starring Dicapio? In one of the scenes, Leonardo sailed to the beach in Maya Bay and "stuck" in the unreal beauty of the expanses, where the sea shimmers from light blue to dark blue, and the sand is almost white. So, then it will be a little easier for you to imagine what Sikuai is - it is almost the same there. Probably not many of you have heard about this island. But according to many, this place is even more beautiful than the beloved Bali. Maybe because the island's beaches are still pristine. But, most likely, soon the local authorities will specifically choose this island and build hotels there (there are already, but there are not very many people there, but five of us are unlikely to be crowded on three kilometers of the beach). Maybe Sikuai will even compete with Bali one day. In the meantime, this is a very clean, insanely beautiful and not particularly crowded place. Off the coast of the island is a beautiful underwater world.
Here is the site of the hotel on the island. You can contact the staff by e-mail, free sea rooms. The boat from the hotel brings and picks up guests 2 times a day - from the tourist pier of the harbor. Near the pier there is an office of this hotel, where you can check in and pay for everything you need (only papers to sign in the hotel). Choose a bungalow on the beach - it's beautiful! It takes about 40 minutes to sail from Padang to the mountainous island. There is nothing on the island except this hotel, sandy beaches and coral reefs.
A path has been laid along the coast, in some places even concrete, in some places carved into the rocks, in general, walking here is a pleasure. The beach near the hotel is excellent, the sand is the most delicate, the corals begin after 10 meters, there are no surfs, since the beach is "facing" to the mainland. Grab a mask and marvel at the soft corals and fish. The best corals are on the right side of the beach - here a turtle can swim or a moray eel slips. Of course, not like in the Red Sea, but better than what you could see in Thailand. On the beach you can rent plastic canoes and swim in the surrounding waters.
You can go to the jungle (they say macaques and monitor lizards go there). Be sure to climb the steep slope along the steps to the top of the hill - after 300 meters of suffering you will come to the observation deck, and ta-a-am that is visible even on Google Earth - the pool! The water there is so-so, but still impressive!

Lubuk Minturun

This is a "natural hot tub", a river with cool and fairly clear water. The most extreme tourists love to jump into deep waters from coastal cliffs. As a rule, locals come here on weekends. Keep in mind that the waters are quite deep for children and even adults to just stand or swim in.
Therefore, it is better to rent "buns" (such rubber rings) for only Rp. 5000. The pool is especially crowded on Balimau Day (the day of greeting Ramadan). This place is located in the Koto Tangah area, 20 kilometers from the center of Padang. By the way, when you go there, remember that you are in a Muslim province, and you should dress a little more modestly for swimming.

Bungus Bay Beach

It is also called Carolina Beach. The beach is 32 km south of Padang. On the beach, you can relax or go snorkelling. Nothing else. The people of Padang like to come here on weekends to relax, lay out a rug and have a picnic. The beach is not some incredible, and in general it is not a tourist attraction, so there are not so many people here on weekdays. The sand on the beach is soft, brownish in color, surrounded by lines of coconut trees.
By the way, you can buy a coconut right there (5000 rupees apiece, however, the price depends on the size of the coconut) - it’s a sin not to try. If you have your own rug with you, then you can rent rugs (somewhere for Rp. 5000). On the beach you will notice local fishermen. You can join the fishing process. And on this beach you can rent a boat and hit the road to the nearest luxurious islands - Cubadaka and Sikuaya. Well, other tiny coral islands nearby. Usually the boats "hang out" near the shore and can accommodate from 4 to 6 people. Renting a boat on Sikuai costs about Rp. 500000, while renting a boat to Cubadaka will cost you Rp. 800000. Prices are variable.

And there is a small waterfall nearby and several restaurants nearby. If anything, on the same beach you can stay in one of the hotels, for example, in Losmen Carlos ( [email protected]) or Ricky's Beach House ( [email protected]).

Padang Beach

You can ride a bandy (horse-drawn carriage) along the beach, stop near the shops for a bite to eat and enjoy the views. Not that this beach is so great for swimming. It is very good for walking. Be sure to buy a glass of naga (pitaya fruit juice) on the way and only then continue a leisurely walk. Locals come to this beach on weekends during the daytime. The beach (like almost everything in Sumatra) is surrounded by coconut palms, where you can hide from the scorching sun. There people sit. But you almost never see sunbathers. Most of the locals wear special closed clothes for swimming or playing on the water (especially women).

Chinatown

You can walk in and try kripik padang there (something like chips almost the size of pizza, with various sauces: spicy and sweet). Chinatown is the coolest place to explore the mixture of local and Chinese cuisines. Gourmets will love it!

Night life in Padang is relatively boring, most likely because Padang is inhabited by a rather devout Muslim community. There are bars in some hotels in the city, but it's hard with alcohol.