The Bukit Peninsula, on the far southern tip of Bali, is a region of rugged beauty. Towering limestone cliffs overlook the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean below. And beautiful white sand beaches dot the coastline. Some of these beaches, such as Pantai Nunggalan, truly qualify as hidden beaches while others such as Nusa Dua are easily accessible to everyone. Pandawa Beach, while fringed with the high limestone cliffs synonymous with the area, is definitely a very accessible, family-friendly beach, making it one of the most popular beaches in Bali.
How To Get To Pandawa Beach
Pandawa Beach is found on the Bukit Peninsula, at the far southern tip of Bali. Located on Jalan Pantai Pandawa, it is about 2 kilometers from the main road, Jalan Raya Nusa Dua Selatan. It is easily accessible from the main tourist regions of Bali’s south. It is approximately 20 kilometres, or a 45-50 minutes drive from the resort areas Kuta, Seminyak or Sanur. From Nusa Dua, it’s approximately 10 kilometres, or 25 minutes drive, traffic dependent. From Jimbaran, you are looking at approximately 10 kilometres and 25 minutes drive, again traffic dependent.
The History Of Pandawa Beach
Pantai Pandawa, better known to the locals as Pantai Kutuh, was one of the original ‘hidden beaches of the Bukit Peninsula. Primarily accessed by locals for religious ceremonies, access was via narrow, winding and at times treacherous paths to the beach far below. The difficult access ensured that apart from the locals, only the most adventurous travellers, mainly surfers, traversed the tracks down to the beach. The local Kutuh Villagers along with the local Banjar, made the decision to ‘Split the rock’ to improve access for the annual Melasti processions and celebrations. Work commenced in 1997 and by 2010 the last of the rock was removed. In 2012, the work was finally completed and the area was officially opened to the public as a tourist attraction.
How To Access Pandawa Beach
Pandawa Beach is extremely easy to access, so long as you have a car, motorbike or some other form of transport to get to the beach. A wide sealed road winds its way down towards the beach. High cliff faces are on your left as you descend down the road. These cliffs have recesses, reminiscent of the ancient temple of Gunung Kawi, carved into them. Statues of various deities sit within, providing a point of interest. A short way down the road you will come across a lookout on your right. This provides spectacular and far-reaching views of Pantai Pandawa in both directions.
Further on, at the bottom of the descent, there is a roundabout with a large statue in the centre of it. If you turn left here, you will head to a quieter part of the beach, closer to the surf breaks, serviced by a handful of local warungs. Turn right at the roundabout and it will lead you to the main tourist area. There is a large parking area which provides plenty of parking for cars buses and motorbikes.
On The Beach
Pantai Pandawa itself is a long, white sand beach with calm turquoise waters protected from most swells by an outer reef. Lifeguards are on duty at this beach, even though the sheltered waters make the area very suitable for families. Kayaks and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent. And jukung, the local outrigger canoes, are anchored off the beach.
Sun lounges and umbrellas line the back of the beach and are available to rent for 50K rupiah per day (approx $3.50 USD or $5 Aud). Behind these, a paved pathway, lined with warungs and market stalls, runs the length of the beach. Most of the warungs own several of the sun lounges and umbrellas. So it’s very easy to set yourself up on a lounge and to be waited on with food and drinks while you soak up the sun.
Amenities and Facilities
As well as the warungs and market stalls, Pantai Pandawa has plenty of amenities and facilities, and other services to meet the needs of its visitors. Toilets, showers and change rooms are available throughout the precinct. There is a Beach Club at Pandawa Beach. Roosterfish Beach Club has its own restaurant and bar, a large swimming pool set out in a relaxed grassy setting. The views from the club are great. Definitely worth a visit if you enjoy the relaxed vibes that these clubs can offer. There are also small tour buses that operate from the main car park, taking visitors on a tour of all the highlights of the beach and its surrounds. For some fun and exercise, bicycles and pedal-powered go-karts are available here for rent.
How Much Does It Cost To Enter Pandawa Beach
Like most other tourist attractions in Bali, there are costs to enter and park at Melasti Beach. Access per adult via motorbike is 15K rupiah (approx $1.05 USD or $1.50 Aud). This fee also covers the cost of parking your scooter Entry per person via car, again including the parking fee, is 20k Rupiah (approx $1.40 USD or $2 Aud).
What Else Is In The Area
The Bukit Peninsula is one of the premier tourist regions of Bali. There is no shortage of places to see or things to do and the list could keep going on. Some recommended places include; Padang Padang Beach with its world famous surf break; Uluwatu Temple, an ancient temple set high on the cliffs of Uluwatu; The Waterblow at Nusa Dua, a spectacular natural blow hole; The Garuda Wisna Cultural Park; & nearby Melasti Beach, similar to Pandawa in many respects but with bigger surf in close to the beach.
Final Thoughts
Remember that you are holidaying in the tropics and the weather is hot all year round. Drink plenty of water and wear a hat. Use sunscreen liberally, even during overcast days. The last thing you want is to spend half of your hard-earned vacation sunburnt. If you’re planning a Bali trip soon, read our list of 30 Best Bali Tips For Your Bali Holiday. It’s full of useful information that will make your trip to Bali so much more enjoyable.
