Bali is known for its amazing beaches, but some of them are more crowded and touristy than others. If you are looking for a beach that is off the beaten path, where you can enjoy the natural scenery and the ocean activities without the hassle of the masses, then Green Bowl Beach is the perfect place for you.
Green Bowl Beach is a hidden gem in Bali that is located in the south of the island, near Uluwatu. The beach got its name from the green algae that covers the rocks and the bowl-shaped bay that surrounds it. The beach is not easy to access, as you have to descend more than 300 steps to reach it, but the reward is worth the effort.
Green Bowl Beach is one of the best beaches in Bali for surfing and snorkeling, as it has clear water, white sand, and amazing waves. The beach is also home to two sea caves that are filled with bats and offer a cool and shady spot to relax. The beach is ideal for those who love adventure and nature, and who want to experience a different side of Bali.
In this article, we will show you why Green Bowl Beach is one of the best beaches in Bali for surfing and snorkeling, and how to make the most of your visit there. We will also provide you with some tips and information on how to get to the beach, when to go, what to do, and where to stay. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something to enjoy and remember at Green Bowl Beach.
How To Get To Green Bowl Beach
Green Bowl Beach is located in the south of Bali, about 18 km from Kuta, 25 km from Canggu, and 12 km from Uluwatu. The easiest way to get to the beach is by car or scooter, as there is no public transportation available. You can rent a car or a scooter from any of the popular areas in Bali, or you can hire a driver or join a tour that includes Green Bowl Beach.
The road to the beach is well-paved and signposted, and you can follow the directions on Google Maps or any other navigation app. The entrance to the beach is marked by a small gate and a parking lot, where you have to pay a small fee of 5,000 IDR (0.35 USD) for a car or 2,000 IDR (0.14 USD) for a scooter. You can also buy some snacks and drinks from the vendors there, as there are no facilities at the beach.
Once you park your vehicle, you have to walk down more than 300 steps to reach the beach. The steps are steep and slippery, so be careful and wear comfortable shoes. The walk takes about 15 minutes, and you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the beach and the ocean. You can also see some monkeys along the way, but don't feed them or get too close to them, as they can be aggressive and steal your belongings.
Best Time To Visit Green Bowl Beach
The best time to visit Green Bowl Beach depends on what you want to do and see there. The beach is open from 6 am to 6 pm, but the best time of day to go is in the morning or in the afternoon, when the tide is low and the sun is not too harsh. The beach is also less crowded during these times, so you can have more space and privacy.
The best season to visit Green Bowl Beach is from April to October, when the weather is dry and sunny, and the waves are consistent and perfect for surfing. The water temperature is also warm and comfortable, ranging from 26°C to 29°C throughout the year. The rainy season, from November to March, is not recommended, as the weather can be unpredictable and the waves can be dangerous and choppy.
Before you go to the beach, make sure to check the tide and surf forecast, as they can affect the conditions and the activities at the beach. You can use websites or apps such as Magicseaweed or Surfline to get the latest and most accurate information. Generally, the best tide for surfing is mid to high tide, and the best tide for snorkeling is low tide.
Things To Do At Green Bowl Beach
Green Bowl Beach is a paradise for those who love the ocean and the nature, as it offers a variety of activities and attractions that will make your visit unforgettable. Here are some of the things you can do at Green Bowl Beach:
Surfing: Green Bowl Beach is one of the best surfing spots in Bali, as it has powerful and consistent waves that break over a reef. The waves are suitable for intermediate to advanced surfers, as they can be fast and hollow, and the reef can be sharp and shallow. The best swell direction is from the southwest, and the best wind direction is from the east. The waves can reach up to 4 meters in height, and the surf spot can accommodate up to 20 surfers at a time. You can rent a surfboard from the vendors at the parking lot, or you can bring your own. You can also hire a surf instructor or join a surf camp that includes Green Bowl Beach in their itinerary.
Snorkeling: Green Bowl Beach is also a great place for snorkeling, as it has clear water and a rich marine life. You can see colorful corals, fish, turtles, and even sharks and rays. The best time for snorkeling is during low tide, when the water is calm and shallow, and the visibility is high. You can rent snorkeling gear from the vendors at the parking lot, or you can bring your own. You can also join a snorkeling tour that includes Green Bowl Beach and other nearby spots, such as Nusa Dua or Padang Padang.
Exploring caves: Green Bowl Beach is also known for its two sea caves that are located at the end of the beach. The caves are filled with bats that hang from the ceiling, and offer a cool and shady spot to relax and escape the sun. The caves are also a good place to take photos and videos, as they create a unique and mysterious atmosphere. You can enter the caves for free, but be careful and respectful of the bats and the environment. You can also bring a flashlight or a headlamp, as the caves can be dark and slippery.
Relaxing: Green Bowl Beach is also a perfect place for relaxing, as it is quiet and secluded, and has a beautiful scenery. You can lie on the sand, swim in the water, or sit on the rocks and enjoy the view. You can also bring a picnic, a book, or a music player, and spend some quality time with yourself or your loved ones. You can also watch the sunrise or the sunset, as they create a stunning and romantic spectacle. You can also do some yoga, meditation, or massage, and feel the peace and harmony of the beach.
Where To Stay Near Green Bowl Beach
If you want to stay near Green Bowl Beach, you have plenty of options to choose from, as there are many hotels and resorts in the area that cater to different budgets and preferences. Here are some of the best places to stay near Green Bowl Beach, with their prices, features, ratings, and reviews:
The Ungasan Clifftop Resort: This is a luxury resort that is located on the clifftop overlooking the Indian Ocean, and offers stunning views and facilities. The resort has 7 villas, each with a private pool, a garden, a kitchen, and a living room. The resort also has a restaurant, a bar, a spa, a gym, a tennis court, and a private beach club. The resort is ideal for couples, families, and groups who want to enjoy a lavish and exclusive stay. The price for a night at the resort starts from 9,000,000 IDR (630 USD), and the rating is 4.7 out of 5 stars, based on 123 reviews.
Sal Secret Spot: This is a boutique hotel that is located in a hidden spot near Green Bowl Beach, and offers a cozy and charming stay. The hotel has 12 rooms, each with a balcony, a bathroom, and a minibar. The hotel also has a restaurant, a pool, a garden, and a rooftop terrace. The hotel is ideal for solo travelers, couples, and friends who want to enjoy a simple and authentic stay. The price for a night at the hotel starts from 600,000 IDR (42 USD).
Green Bowl Beach Villas: This is a budget-friendly accommodation that is located within walking distance from Green Bowl Beach, and offers a comfortable and convenient stay. The accommodation has 4 villas, each with a bedroom, a bathroom, a kitchen, and a living room. The accommodation also has a shared pool, a garden, and a barbecue area. The accommodation is ideal for backpackers, surfers, and families who want to enjoy a cheap and cheerful stay. The price for a night at the accommodation starts from 200,000 IDR (14 USD).
Conclusion
Green Bowl Beach is a hidden gem in Bali that is worth visiting for its beauty and adventure. The beach offers surfing, snorkeling, caves, and relaxation, and is suitable for different types of travelers. The beach is also easy to access, and has many options for accommodation nearby. If you are looking for a beach that is off the beaten path, where you can enjoy the natural scenery and the ocean activities without the hassle of the masses, then Green Bowl Beach is the perfect place for you.
