Bingin & Padang Padang
The cliffs of the Bukit peninsula below Uluwatu hide a series of small beaches that are only reachable on foot, and two of them are the best known.
Padang Padang — properly Pantai Labuan Sait — is reached down a staircase and then through a narrow crevice between two boulders, barely wide enough for one person, which opens onto a compact white-sand cove enclosed by limestone. It appeared in *Eat Pray Love* and has been busy ever since, but the entrance is still one of the more theatrical arrivals to any beach in Indonesia. The cove is small, so it fills quickly; go early. Offshore, Padang Padang the wave is a short, hollow, extremely serious left-hander that breaks only on a decent swell and is strictly for experts.
Bingin, a few minutes north, is different in character. A steep staircase cut into the cliff descends past small guesthouses and warungs built into the rock face to a strip of white sand that all but disappears at high tide. At low tide the reef shelf is exposed and the beach is broad. The wave here is a fast left over shallow reef — again, not a beginner's spot.
Both beaches charge a small entry or parking fee, both involve real staircases, and neither is suitable if you are carrying much.
Travel tips for Bingin & Padang Padang
- Go at low tide, especially for Bingin — at high tide the sand largely disappears under the water.
- Both involve steep staircases. Bingin in particular is a serious climb back up, and there is no other way out.
- Padang Padang's cove is tiny. Arrive before 9am or expect it to be full.
- The surf at both is expert-only — shallow reef, fast waves and awkward entries.
- Small entry or parking fees apply at both; bring cash.
- Carry little. Neither beach is somewhere you want to be hauling bags down a cliff staircase.
Popular tours here
- Uluwatu Temple & Kecak Dance Sunset Tour
- Bali Private Day Tour with Driver & Guide
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Padang Padang beach?
Down a staircase from the road and then through a narrow crevice between two large boulders, which opens onto the cove.
Is Bingin beach hard to reach?
Yes — a steep staircase cut into the cliff face is the only access, passing warungs and guesthouses built into the rock.
Are Bingin and Padang Padang good for beginner surfers?
No — both are fast waves over shallow reef and suit experienced surfers only; beginners should go to Kuta.
When is the best time to visit these beaches?
Low tide, and early in the morning — Bingin's sand vanishes at high tide and Padang Padang's cove is small and fills quickly.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, a small entry or parking fee is charged at both, payable in cash.