A Guide to Bingin Beach, Uluwatu’s Hipster Playground
Discover the hidden gem of Bingin Beach in Bali, where coconut trees, cliffs, reefs and epic waves coexist in a paradise hidden away from the masses. This guide highlights the best things to do, where to stay, eat, and drink, as well as personal recommendations on how to visit this idyllic paradise.
Tucked below the jungle and limestone cliffs of the sprawling Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula, Bingin is a small stretch of sand punctuated by coconut trees, cliffs, reefs and epic waves.
It’s the sort of place you daydream about. A paradise hidden away from the masses, where surfers caress waves and sunsets are sacred. Where the only thing more refreshing than a swim in the sea is a chilled Bintang from the local warung.
And our first visit to Bingin Beach remains seared in our memories.
A perfect afternoon of sun, swims, Bintangs and delicious seafood. The most incredible sunset. The best of friends.
The time was 2019. Pre-covid. Life was good.
And then 2020 happened. And through it all, the memory we daydreamed about time and time again was that afternoon, spent on the shores of Bingin Beach.
Fast forward to 2023, and we finally returned. And it was oh-so-wonderful.
While things might have changed (the Bukit is developing, fast!), Bingin still retains that wonderfully relaxed beachside charm from our first visit - the one that we dreamed about for all those dormant years.
We spent days by the sea, swimming and laying about, enjoying the simplicity of doing nothing. We had slow breakfasts and long lunches, watched every sunset, Bintang in hand, and explored the ever-evolving local food scene. Above all, though, we took it slow.
Because here at Bingin, time is irrelevant, but good times aren’t.
We wanted to share all about this paradise because it really is one of our favourite places in Bali. In this Bingin guide, we share the best things to do, from surfing to yoga, as well as personal recommendations on where to stay, eat, and drink, plus how to visit yourself.
Love our photos? They were all edited using our Europe Preset Pack, which you can purchase here!
BINGIN BEACH OVERVIEW
WHERE | Bukit Peninsula, Bali
HOW TO GET THERE | Scooter is suggested, however GoJek, Grab or Taxi
WHERE TO STAY | Rasasvada Cottages, Sal Secret Spot, Impossible Cliff House
WHAT TO DO | Surf, yoga, swim, watch sunset
WHERE TO EAT | The Cashew Tree, Seed Bingin, Kelly’s Warung
WHERE TO STAY IN BINGIN BEACH
RASASVADA COTTAGES // OUR RECOMMENDATION
We stayed at Rasasvada Cottages, a serene retreat located above Bingin Beach.
The cottages blend Balinese charm with modern amenities, featuring an outdoor bathroom and a balcony for evening relaxation. The comfortable bed was a highlight, while the peaceful pool area and complimentary breakfast were also impressive. Restaurants and bars, such as Kelly's Warung and The Cashew Tree, are within easy walking distance.
BOOK | Rasasvada Cottages
SAL SECRET SPOT // BOUTIQUE BLISS
Sal Secret Spot is a hidden gem above Bingin, ideal to escape the crowded Canggu. Featuring Cycladic-style design, luxurious villas and cozy bungalows, the resort offers a harmonious balance between comfort and nature.
Its prime position overlooking the Indian Ocean makes it the perfect place to relax by the pool or enjoy a breathtaking sunset at Bingin Beach. The on-site spa offers indulgent treatments with locally sourced ingredients for a truly rejuvenating experience.
BOOK | Sal Secret Spot
MU BUNGALOWS // 5* LUXURY
Mu Bungalows is a luxurious retreat with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and direct access to the beach. The rooms blend seamlessly with the natural surroundings. Hotel amenities include an infinity pool and spa, while the resort offers surfing, yoga, and cultural excursions. Enjoy Balinese cuisine with an unforgettable sunset view - book an early dinner.
BOOK | Mu Bungalows
THE IMPOSSIBLE CLIFFHOUSE BINGIN
This affordable gem presents snug and comfortable rooms just a stone's throw away from the beach. The Impossible Cliff House Bingin is an excellent option for those who wish to enjoy the beach's tranquil environment without exceeding their budget.
BOOK | The Impossible Cliff House
THINGS TO DO AT BINGIN BEACH
SURF BINGIN’S BREAKS
Uluwatu is a world-famous surf spot, and home to some legendary waves including Bingin Beach.
Located directly in front of the beach, some 100m from the shore, the Bingin break is a perfect left-hander that provides easy barrels that are a joy to surf. Or so we’ve been told. Due to its ease and popularity, Bingin break is popular, so expect it to be busy from dawn till dusk.
If you’re a beginner looking to take your first surfing lesson, we’d probably suggest nearby Padang Padang, or preferably Canggu, as the reef can get a little hectic. If you’ve left your board at home, you can rent one from a number of surf rentals on the beach for 50,000 IDR an hour. Alternatively, Uluwatu is home to a heap of surf stores, so if you plan on staying and surfing for a while, rent one longer term.
Some scooter rental companies offer motorbikes with surfboard racks already installed so you can transport your board easily. Since Bingin is at the base of a cliff, accessing the ocean requires some additional exercise. You and your board will have to take the stairs.
Fun fact: the famous classic surf movie “Morning of the Earth” takes place in Uluwatu in the 1960s! This film was actually what introduced Uluwatu (and its incredible waves) to the world. It was instrumental in establishing Uluwatu as the highly regarded surfing destination that it is today.
WATCH THE FABLED BINGIN SUNSET
As the sun begins to descend, casting a warm golden glow across the horizon, the fabled Bingin Beach sunset unveils its enchanting spectacle.
Among travellers sitting on the shoreline, anticipation fills the air as the sky transforms into a canvas of vibrant hues, painting a masterpiece that rivals the works of even the most celebrated artists. The kaleidoscope of colours - burnt oranges, fiery reds, and soft purples - evokes a sense of wonder, as if time itself slows down to honour this natural phenomenon. And here, the sunset seems to last forever.
At this moment, the world fades away, and all that matters is the beauty unfolding before you. As the waves crash against the rocky shoreline, a gentle breeze carries with it the whispers of the ocean, creating a symphony of chill.
Bingin Beach's sunset is not just an event; it is an experience that engages all your senses. The way you choose to experience it is up to you - whether from the sea, on the sand with other travellers, from a beach bar with a Bintang in hand, or from a seaside bbq restaurant enjoying the day’s catch.
Or, at our favourite place, Kelly’s Warung, beer in hand, with house tunes floating on the breeze.
Regardless of where you enjoy a Bingin Beach sunset, it’s a spectacle that leaves a deep imprint on your soul, a memory that lingers long after the sun has dipped below the horizon (our first Bingin sunset has sat, rent free, in our minds since 2019!).
So sit back, sip a refreshing cocktail, and surrender to the allure of Bingin Beach's incredible sunset. It's an experience you'll never forget.
TAKE A SWIM IN THE AZURE WATERS
There's nothing quite like immersing yourself in the crystal-clear waters of Bingin Beach, and it’s something we tried to enjoy each and every day during our recent six-night visit.
A swim here is an invitation to enter a realm of pure bliss. Float on the water as the sun casts its golden glow upon the surface. Dive beneath the gentle swells, where a whole new world awaits - coral gardens teeming with vibrant marine life, offering glimpses of tropical fish darting through the rich underwater tapestry.
Or, if you're feeling adventurous, catch some waves on the world-class surf breaks.
When you're finished, bask in the sunlight on the shore and let yourself be carried away by the rhythmic ebb and flow of the waves. Or the pumping deep house tunes from the surrounding warungs.
Feel the salt-kissed breeze against your face, taste the briny tang on your lips, and let the symphony of crashing waves embrace you.
While idyllic, swimming at Bingin comes with its own set of challenges. The Bingin shoreline, like most of Uluwatu, is lined with rocks and coral, making getting in quite a challenge that requires skill and patience, and a little luck. It’s, for this reason, we suggest bringing some swim shoes, or do as we do and brave the rocks and hope for the best.
But once you've taken the plunge and dipped your body in the refreshing waters, it's all worth it.
EXPLORING BEYOND BINGIN BEACH
Uluwatu is filled with incredible beaches, attractions, clubs and restaurants, so if you’re planning to base yourself in Bingin, but want to explore beyond this idyllic paradise, here are a few things we recommend.
EXPLORE ULUWATU TEMPLE
A trip to Uluwatu is incomplete without a visit to the Uluwatu Temple (which you can book here).
The temple itself is beautiful and carries a lot of spiritual significance to the Balinese. However, our favourite part was exploring the trails and admiring the temple and cliffside views from a distance. Uluwatu Temple is perched on a cliff, which makes for some incredible photographs.
Consider visiting at sunset to watch the famous Kecak Dance takes place. Remember to book in advance (you can do so here), and that there are LOTS of pesky monkeys - many prowl the surrounding jungle, attacking tourists and being agents of chaos.
THE DETAILS
Where | Jalan Raya Uluwatu, Pecatu
Times | 7am - 7pm
Entrance Fee | 50,000 IDR (1,000 IDR parking for scooters)
BOOK | This highly-rated Uluwatu temple and Kecak Dance tour
FIND ULUWATU’S BEST BEACHES
The Uluwatu coastline is marked by stunning limestone cliffs, plunging from the verdant jungle into the blue ocean. That being said, Uluwatu has no shortage of beaches. Most are accessed by stairs, although some can only be reached by a dauntingly steep, crisscrossing road (we’re looking at you, Nyang Nyang).
Heavily affected by the tides, some beaches nearly disappear during high tide, while others seem to go on forever when the tide is low.
With this in mind, our favourite beaches beyond Bingin include Padang-Padang Beach (perfect for kids and families), Balangan Beach, Dreamland Beach, the outrageously popular Suluban Beach, and the oft-ignored Nyang Nyang Beach.
LIVE YOUR BEST LIFE AT ULUWATU’S BEACH CLUBS
Uluwatu has a few lavish beach clubs for you to enjoy. By day, you can lounge by the perfect pools, sipping coconuts (or something else), indulging in the sun, and basically, living your best life.
These clubs overlook the ocean, so the views are immaculate. Come nightfall, these clubs turn into the best party in town. We’re talking live DJs, dancing, and delicious cocktails.
Savaya, Sundays Beach Club, Ulu Cliffhouse, and Omnia are some of Uluwatu’s finest beach clubs.
BOOK | This awesome tour of Uluwatu’s best beaches & beach clubs
PRACTICE YOGA
For yogis keen for some holiday practice, Uluwatu is a burgeoning paradise which studios and fitness clubs popping up all over the place. Our favourite yoga studio in Uluwatu is The Space, which boasts stunning architecture, including huge bamboo buildings, a winding staircase, and a sound healing dome.
Upstairs, you can practice yoga with an amazing view, while downstairs, you can find a co-working space and a pretty yoga boutique.
There's also a cafe and bar next door in another beautiful bamboo structure.
Morning Light Yoga is another great option, offering one class every morning in an open-air, thatched-roof hut surrounded by lush jungle. Alternatively, La Tribu is another great option.
THE DETAILS
Who | The Space
Where | Jl. Pantai Bingin No. 03, Pecatu
Times | 7 am - 11 pm
Cost | 120,000 IDR for drop-in
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK AT BINGIN BEACH
KELLY’S WARUNG
Kelly's Warung is definitely our favourite dining spot in Uluwatu if not all of Bali. Not just because of the delicious food (which is fantastic), or the amazing cocktails (which are amazing!), but because of the awe-inspiring views, especially during sunset.
Located right on the beachfront, Kelly's offers a front-row seat to the mesmerising beauty of Bingin Beach, and is the perfect location to take in a famous Bingin sunset.
The menu at Kelly's Warung is simple; a fusion of Western and Indonesian flavours, featuring fresh seafood, poke bowls, burgers and Nasi Goreng. Each dish we tried was delicious, especially the tofu bao buns (we could eat them forever). The cocktails are equally impressive - the ginger mojito is a must-try while watching the sunset!
Beyond the culinary delights, Kelly's Warung exudes a laid-back, bohemian atmosphere that is quintessentially Bali, and attracts an uber-cool crowd without the pretentiousness of other establishments.
So we suggest immersing yourself in the relaxed ambience, kicking off your shoes, and revelling in the simple pleasure of Kelly’s.
THE DETAILS
Where | Kelly’s Warung
THE CASHEW TREE
Attracting Uluwatu’s surfers and yogis, the large, convivial, and oh-so-Bali ‘Cashew Tree’ is one of the best places to eat and chill in Bingin.
Blending an eclectic menu, laid-back ambience and set against a backdrop of lush greenery and swaying palm trees, this bohemian-inspired eatery serves a range of Western and Indonesian favourites. We visited here just about every day during our stay, mostly due to the large salad bowls, and delicious juices - we recommend the superfood salad, the dirty veggie burger, and the oh-so-delish coconut smoothie.
There’s also a gym, a boho-inspired shop, and a Thursday night party that rocks all night.
THE DETAILS
Where | The Cashew Tree
BINGIN BAGUS SEAFOOD BBQ
South East Asia is teeming with amazing culinary experiences by the beach, and our spontaneous evening spent by the sea at Bingin Bagus was one that will stay with us forever.
Upon arriving at sunset, we settled in and enjoyed a mouthwatering seafood barbecue, accompanied by countless Bintang beers, all while the water gently washed over our feet.
The process is simple: select your seafood of choice - whether it be snapper, squid, prawns, or tuna - and it will be grilled to perfection on the coals in true Balinese fashion before being served piping hot. Paired with a selection of homemade sambals, the flavours are simple, yet fresh and delicious.
There are a variety of beachside restaurants to choose from, so select whichever one you prefer, but make sure to arrive just before sunset for the best experience, as they tend to fill up quickly.
THE DETAILS
Where | Bingin Bagus Seafood BBQ
SEED
Seed is an absolute gem that we were fortunate enough to discover during our final evening in Bingin. The restaurant is a must-visit and for good reason. Nestled amongst lush jungle, opposite their own kitchen garden, Seed grows most of its own vegetables.
The result is an exceptional menu that showcases a mix of vegetarian and meat dishes, influenced by a variety of South East Asian and Western cuisine. Every dish is exceptionally fresh, well balanced and simply delicious.
We highly recommend the vegan moussaka, which we found to be the best meal we had in Uluwatu. It's bursting with flavour and freshness, and the charred cauliflower is also a must-try. To top it off, Seed serves exceptional cocktails, with happy hour lasting until 7 pm (cocktails are IDR 50k).
And let's not forget about the amazing staff - they are extremely friendly and go above and beyond to ensure a wonderful dining experience. We cannot recommend an evening at Seed enough!
THE DETAILS
Where | Seed, Bingin
BINGIN BEACH TRAVEL ESSENTIALS
WHERE IS BINGIN BEACH
Home to stunning cliffs, a white sand beach and crystal-clear waters, Bingin Beach is located on Bali's southernmost tip, the Bukit Peninsula.
It's in the area of Uluwatu, which is known for its world-famous surf breaks and breathtaking scenery and is easily accessible, depending on traffic from Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is located about 20 km away 30km from popular Canggu, and 50km from Ubud.
THE BEST TIME TO VISIT BINGIN BEACH
In Uluwatu, Bali, there are two seasons. The wet season lasts from November to March, and the dry season begins in April and ends in October.
December, January, and February are the wettest months whereas August and September are the driest.
Temperatures are relatively consistent throughout the year. February to March is slightly hotter, and August is slightly cooler. The average daily temperatures year-round are between 27 and 30 degrees Celsius.
June, July, and August are considered the best months for surfing. However, the water temperatures reach their coldest during August, dipping to a frigid 26 degrees C.
Most tourists- surfers or not- come to Uluwatu between June and August when the weather is driest and slightly less hot.
However, travelling in the off-season is one way to combat over-tourism (and enjoy lower prices and fewer crowds). April and September are some of the best times to visit Uluwatu for these reasons. Keep in mind that it can start raining very heavily in October.
HOW LONG SHOULD YOU SPEND IN BINGIN?
After visiting four years earlier and falling in love, we decided to base ourselves in Bingin for six nights, and we feel like this was a wonderful decision. It allowed us to take it slow, and enjoy the area’s many charms, including heading down to watch the sunset every.single.night.
Having said that, we think three nights is ample time to enjoy the best of Bingin, as well as the surrounding beaches of Uluwatu.
If you’re looking for a more central base to explore the rest of Uluwatu, we’d suggest staying close to Uluwatu town itself, which boasts a greater range of accommodations, and restaurants, and is somewhat easy to get to/from.
HOW TO GET TO BINGIN BEACH
Bingin is located on the Bukit Peninsula. If you’re hoping to visit this charming surf town, you have a few transportation choices.
However, traffic can be heavy, so it's recommended to take a taxi, Gojek, or Grab car, or rent a motorbike to get to the beach.
// FROM THE AIRPORT
Travellers flying into Ngurah Rai International Airport can choose between a taxi, a Gojek or Grab car (essentially Indonesian Uber), or a scooter-hailing service.
The airport may only be 20 kilometres from Uluwatu, but traffic is often intense going through Kuta and Jimbaran. Consequently, the journey can take anywhere from 20 minutes to well over an hour.
Taking a Gojek or Grab car costs less than a normal taxi and should only set you back 200,000 IDR - 300,000 IDR depending on the time of day. Alternatively, you can hail a motorbike with Gojek or Grab to take you to Uluwatu - provided you don’t have that many bags! Motorbikes are always the cheapest option.
// FROM ELSEWHERE IN BALI
Already in Bali? No problem. You basically have the same options. Either you can take a taxi, order a Gojek or Grab car, or hail a motorbike via the Gojek or Grab apps.
Taxis are expensive but if you choose to go this route, Bluebird has the best reputation for fair pricing.
Of course, you may have your own scooter! Scooters are the most common (and frankly, most sensible) transportation method in Bali. Tourists and locals alike navigate Bali’s narrow streets on two speedy wheels, whizzing around congestion and flowing with packs of fellow scooters.
If you are already renting a scooter in Bali, simply drive yourself to Uluwatu.
PARKING, & THE STAIRS TO BINGIN BEACH
If you’ve visited Uluwatu before, you’ll know that getting to the beach isn’t as easy as, say, Australia. You’ll often need to climb down countless stairs, and while the workout is often needed, it’s not welcomed.
Bingin Beach is no different.
The beach cannot be accessed directly by road, due to its location at the base of a steep Uluwatu cliff. To reach Bingin, park your scooter at the designated lot at the top of the cliffs (find the map here). The parking fee is IDR 2,000 and can be paid in cash.
Once parked, follow the signs that lead you to a narrow, paved alleyway passing some of the hilltop accommodations. The alleyway will take you to a set of stairs that directly lead to the sandy beach of Bingin. Be aware that the stairs are steep and of varying sizes, so they may not be suitable for everyone.
As you walk down the stairs, you'll come to an intersection where the path branches off in a few different directions. All paths lead to the beach, but we suggest following the signs to Kelly's Warung for the quickest access.
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL IN BALI
Responsible, sustainable travel is what we’re all about here at TCW HQ, and this is especially true when we travel to places suffering from climate change and plastic pollution, such as Bali.
TRAVEL DURING SHOULDER SEASON | Shoulder season is the time before and after the peak season when things are quieter, cheaper, and more enjoyable. Travel then to reduce over-tourism, and extend the season for local operators
DON’T BUY BOTTLED DRINKS | Please, for the love of the ocean: DO NOT BUY SINGLE-USE PLASTIC BOTTLES! You'll understand why when you see a bunch of plastic bottles bob past you in the open sea. Buy one of these fantastic bottles instead
USE LESS WATER | Despite appearances, Bali has a water crisis. To help reduce the pressure on water supplies, keep your water usage to a minimum. We know that’s hard to do on holidays, but quick showers, and turning the tap off when brushing your teeth, cleaning etc. really help
OCEAN-FRIENDLY TOILETRIES | Everything that goes down the boat drain ends up in the ocean, try and make sure all your toiletries, sunscreen, shampoo is as ocean-friendly as possible! Solid bars are a great place to start (see below to buy some eco-friendly toiletries).
DO YOUR OWN CLEANUPS | See rubbish on the beach, forest or town? Pick it up, and dispose of it properly. If every traveller helped out during their holiday, the beaches, oceans and forests would be a much happier place for it
DON’T USE PLASTIC BAGS | Pack a reusable tote and use these to carry your snacks, drinks, or new souvenirs instead
LEAVE NO TRACE | Limit your consumption of plastic, and opt for sustainable / zero waste alternatives instead. Pack a reusable water bottle, bring your reusable coffee cup, and if you can’t sip your cocktails without a straw, bring a metal or bamboo one along instead. And never leave a trace...
BE ANIMAL-FRIENDLY | Observe sea creatures from a distance, don’t pick up wildlife like starfish or urchins, or grab onto turtles, dolphins, etc. If an animal wants to interact with you, it’ll approach you 🙂
SUPPORT THE LOCAL COMMUNITY | Visit a locally owned warung for a meal, which means both supporting the local economy and community, and also giving you a real authentic experience.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | STAY SAFE IN BALI
If you can't afford travel insurance, you really can't afford to travel. As the current global situation has taught many people, things can go wrong anywhere in the world - and insurance is often the only way of mitigating any issues with minimal expense or stress for you.
Here are our recommendations, based on 8+ years of full-time travel:
FOR TRAVELLERS | HeyMondo - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel + medical insurance, an app with 24-hour medical support, and no out-of-pocket fees. *Get 5% off your policy by booking through our link here.
FOR DIGITAL NOMADS | SafetyWing - COVID-19 coverage, comprehensive travel & medical, and policies can be purchased while already abroad.
CAR INSURANCE | Insurance4CarHire - a great annual car insurance policy
EXPERIENCE THE BEST OF BALI
Check out these essential posts to help you have the best trip ever:
ULUWATU | The best things to do in Uluwatu, A guide to Bingin Beach, How to visit Padang Padang Beach, Where to stay in Uluwatu
CANGGU | Our guide to bustling Canggu, Where to eat and drink in Canggu, Where to stay in Canggu
UBUD | The best things to do in Ubud, Where to eat and drink in Ubud, Where to stay in Ubud, How to visit Tegalalang Rice Terraces
BALI’S BEST WATERFALLS | How to visit Leke Leke Waterfall, A guide to Nungnung Waterfall, Our guide to the stunning Sekumpul Waterfall, Discover Tibumana Waterfall
THE BEST OF BALI | The best Bali 7-day itinerary, Our complete Bali Guide, How to get around Bali
PHOTOGRAPHY | Love our photography? Read our detailed photography gear guide, as well as our top travel photography tips!
RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL | Responsible travel is important. REALLY IMPORTANT. Learn our top responsible travel tips to help you, your family and your friends travel more consciously around the globe
ECO-FRIENDLY PACKING ESSENTIALS | Don’t leave home without our favourite eco-friendly travel essentials
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO BALI WITH THESE POSTS!
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That, and you're officially a legend.
