There are so many amazing beaches in Bali, and many are in the Uluwatu area. One of our absolute favourites is the real Padang Padang beach aka Thomas Beach. This is a stunning beach to visit in Bali with white sand, blue water, beach chairs and some huts to have a coconut. If you’re visiting Uluwatu or the Bukit Peninsular then you should make your way to Thomas Beach Bali.
Where Is Thomas Beach Bali?
Located in Uluwatu, on Bali’s Bukit Peninsular, Thomas Beach is in-between Labuan Sait Beach (more commonly known as Padang Padang) and Suluban Beach (otherwise known as Blue Point beach).
Here’s an interesting point that we’ve been told by locals of the area. Even though Labuan Sait Beach has a big sign saying Padang Padang beach and is often referred to as this, it’s actually its neighbouring beach, Thomas Beach, that is the true Padang Padang. The reason for the confusion is because, in the past, you could only access Padang Padang (aka Thomas Beach) via Labuan Sait, by paddling around. So Labuan Sait quickly became popularly known as Padang Padang, which has stuck with visitors. A little confusing but we thought it was pretty interesting.
How To Get To Thomas Beach Uluwatu
Getting around Uluwatu in general usually requires arranging your own transport, whether that be by scooter or hiring a private driver, however, if you’re staying nearby Thomas Beach, you may be able to walk there. There are a few access points to Thomas Beach, but the easiest for us was to first head to Suka Cafe. Directly opposite Suka Cafe is a dirt road. Follow this road. At the end you should see a smaller path that will continue down, passing a temple on your left-hand side and crossing a small footbridge. From here you only will need to take a few steps and you will know you are at one of the prettiest beaches in Bali. Just head down the stairs. It seems like there are more on the way up than the way down, but even still the exercise is worth it for this beach.
What To Expect At Thomas Beach
Firstly, expect a pretty beach. Amazing. It tends to get busier as the day goes on, but even still, walk up the beach and you should still be able to find a spot to yourselves. There are a few warungs to grab a bite to eat or have a drink. Toilets are available. Sunbeds, umbrellas and surfboard rental are all available. When you finish at the beach and want to head back to your Uluwatu hotel or head elsewhere, bear in mind there is no transport here. You either walked here, rode here, got dropped off or have a private driver for the day. If you just got dropped off and need a car back there are a couple of ways you could arrange this. If you have a phone with you, take the details of the driver that dropped you off and call or WhatsApp them to pick you up again :) Another option would be to walk to one on the nearby cafes and ask them to call one for you. Both easy enough.
Pick Your Tides
Like many of Bali’s best beaches, Thomas Beach is very affected by the tide. We were there at the end of a high tide and as the water began to retreat to the sea. We thought this was a good time to visit as there was enough sand for the beach chairs to be put out and to walk along the beach. At super high tide, the sand can get a little narrow. If you are wanting to swim and see the beach in its prime I would avoid the low tide. The water will have retreated and exposed many rocks and not be much water to swim in. It would still be a great spot to visit and have a drink and smell the sea breeze, but just take the tide into account.
How To Fit Thomas Beach Into Your Uluwatu Itinerary
One way would be to head to Suka Cafe for breakfast, then head down to the beach for a late morning swim. Depending on what your day looks like, Ulu Cliffhouse is also quite close, even by foot, if you wanted to head there for lunch or sunset drinks. If you’re looking for more details for your Uluwatu or Bali Itinerary, take a look at our Bali Itinerary Guides.
Thomas Beach Entrance Fee and Other Costs
There is no entrance fee to Thomas Beach, it is a public beach. There are sunbeds and umbrellas available all the way up the beach. These were generally at a price of 50.000 IDR ($5 AUD) for two beds and an umbrella. Surfboards were also available.
Is Thomas Beach The Best Beach In Bali?
Thomas Beach is 100% one of our favourite beaches in not only Uluwatu but all of Bali. Some of the other best beaches in Uluwatu are Bingin beach, Sundays Beach, Nyang Nyang, Green Bowl and Balangan, but there are many more.
During your time in Uluwatu or if you are just visiting the area during your Bali Trip, Thomas Beach would be an amazing beach to see and one of our favourite things to do in Uluwatu.
Read More:
Where To Stay In Uluwatu Bali: Our Uluwatu Accommodation Guide
The Best Cafes In Uluwatu Bali
Bali Itinerary Guides: Ready To Use Itineraries For The Perfect Trip
Hi, thanks for the lovely guide! My girlfriend and I would be visiting Bali in June and we are thinking of visiting Thomas Beach. We would be staying in Kuta and I understand that the travelling time is close to an hour, hence, what tine do you recommend us to visit the beach? Thank you so much!
Hi Jonathan, Thomas Beach is definitely one of our favourite Bali beaches you will love it :) Based on what we have seen I would avoid the lowest tide as the water retreats and not as nice to swim. You can see one site here that might help with the tides: https://www.tideschart.com/Indonesia/Bali/Kota-Denpasar/Uluwatu/.