Pandawa Beach
Nusa Dua, Indonesia
Thanks to the road that has been hacked through the limestone cliffs above, Pandawa Beach is one of the most accessible beaches in Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. A broad sweep of golden sand with a surf break on the offshore reef, it’s particularly photogenic during the dry season, when paragliders swoop and soar overhead in the afternoons.
There’s a small charge to visit Pandawa Beach, payable in cash only at the top of the entry road. Social media mavens will appreciate the Instagram swing and the statues that have been carved into the cliff. The offshore reef provides consistent and often big waves for advanced surfers, while landlubbers can rent sunbeds for a small fee and have a bite at one of the eateries.
Pandawa Beach is a popular stop on Bali beach tours. Many Uluwatu and south Bali tours stop here en route to the sunset kecak dance at Uluwatu Temple and dinner on Jimbaran Beach.
Pandawa Beach is a good choice for photographers, surfers, and travelers active on social media.
You should only swim at Pandawa Beach when there are lifeguards present. The reef means the waters are generally sheltered, but there’s a strong rip current.
There are simple bathrooms on the beach.
Pandawa Beach is reasonably accessible to wheelchair users by Balinese standards, with a made path from the parking lot and step-free access to the sands.
Pandawa Beach sits on the southern coast of the Bukit Peninsula, right at the base of Bali, about a 10-mile (15-kilometer) drive east of Uluwatu Temple and a 5-mile (8-kilometer) drive south of the enormous Garuda statue. It’s not on bus routes, and local taxi drivers restrict the areas where rideshares can pick up travelers. Your best options are to book a driver or join a tour.
Pandawa Beach is open year-round during daylight hours. The dry season (roughly mid-April to mid-October) is a great time to visit, not only because the weather is sunnier but because you can watch paragliders in the afternoon. The beach is very popular with Indonesian tour groups, so plan to visit midweek.
Bali isn’t well known as a paragliding destination, but during the dry season, wind conditions mean you can enjoy a reasonably long ride and gorgeous Indian Ocean views from the Timbis cliffs by Pandawa Beach. Novices always fly in tandem with an experienced pilot who has a GoPro to shoot photos and video, which may or may not be included in the cost of the tour.
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