Are you looking for a place in Bali that is away from the crowds, the noise, and the traffic? A place where you can enjoy the beauty and tranquility of nature, the richness and diversity of culture, and the fun and adventure of activities? If yes, then you should definitely visit Padang Bai, a hidden gem in Bali that you don’t want to miss.
Padang Bai is a small coastal town in the east of Bali, about 90 minutes drive from the airport. It is mainly known as a port for fast boats to nearby islands, such as Lombok, Gili, and Nusa Penida. However, Padang Bai has much more to offer than just a transit point. It has some of the best beaches, temples, and villages in Bali, as well as a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit your taste and budget.
In this article, we will guide you through everything you need to know about Padang Bai, including how to get there, where to stay, what to do, and where to eat and drink. We will also share some tips and warnings on how to make the most of your trip to Padang Bai, while avoiding some common pitfalls and problems. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something for everyone in Padang Bai.
How to Get to Padang Bai
There are three main ways to get to Padang Bai from other parts of Bali or nearby islands: by air, by land, or by sea. Here are the details of each option:
By Air
The nearest airport to Padang Bai is Ngurah Rai International Airport, which is located in the south of Bali. From there, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Padang Bai. The distance is about 55 km, and the journey takes about 90 minutes, depending on the traffic. The cost of a taxi is around 400,000 IDR ($28 USD), while the cost of a shuttle bus is around 150,000 IDR ($10 USD) per person. You can book your taxi or shuttle bus online or at the airport.
Tip: Make sure to agree on the price and the destination with the driver before you get in the taxi or the shuttle bus. Some drivers may try to overcharge you or take you to a different place.
Warning: Avoid taking the fast boats from the airport to Padang Bai, as they are often unsafe, unreliable, and expensive. They may also try to scam you by charging extra fees or changing the schedule without notice.
By Land
Another option to get to Padang Bai is by renting a car or a motorbike, or taking a public bus from other parts of Bali. The distance and the time vary depending on where you start from, but generally, it takes about 2 to 3 hours to reach Padang Bai by land. The cost of renting a car is around 300,000 IDR ($21 USD) per day, while the cost of renting a motorbike is around 50,000 IDR ($3.5 USD) per day. The cost of taking a public bus is around 50,000 IDR ($3.5 USD) per person.
Tip: Make sure to check the condition and the insurance of the car or the motorbike before you rent it. Also, make sure to have a valid driving license and an international driving permit, as the police may stop you and ask for them.
Warning: Be careful when driving in Bali, as the roads are often narrow, crowded, and chaotic. Follow the traffic rules and signs, and watch out for other vehicles, pedestrians, and animals.
By Sea
The third option to get to Padang Bai is by taking a fast boat from nearby islands, such as Lombok, Gili, or Nusa Penida. The distance and the time vary depending on where you start from, but generally, it takes about 1 to 2 hours to reach Padang Bai by sea. The cost of taking a fast boat is around 200,000 IDR ($14 USD) per person.
Tip: Make sure to book your fast boat online or through a reputable and reliable company. Also, make sure to check the weather and the sea conditions before you depart, as they may affect the safety and the comfort of your trip.
Warning: Avoid taking the fast boats from the street vendors or the touts, as they are often unlicensed, unregulated, and unsafe. They may also try to scam you by charging extra fees or changing the schedule without notice.
Where to Stay in Padang Bai
Padang Bai has a range of accommodation options to suit your preference and budget. You can choose from hotels, hostels, or homestays, depending on what you are looking for. Here are some of the best places to stay in Padang Bai, with a brief description, a photo, and a link to each:
Hotels
If you are looking for convenience, comfort, and privacy, you may want to stay in a hotel in Padang Bai. Hotels offer amenities such as air-conditioning, hot water, wifi, TV, and swimming pool. They also provide services such as breakfast, laundry, and airport transfer. The price range of hotels in Padang Bai is from 200,000 IDR ($14 USD) to 1,000,000 IDR ($70 USD) per night. Here are some of the best hotels in Padang Bai:
Blooming Lotus Yoga: This is a yoga retreat center that offers spacious and cozy rooms with garden or sea views. It also has a yoga studio, a meditation hall, a vegetarian restaurant, and a spa. It is located in a quiet and peaceful area, about 10 minutes walk from the beach. The price is from 500,000 IDR ($35 USD) per night.
OK Divers Resort & Spa: This is a diving resort that offers modern and comfortable rooms with pool or sea views. It also has a diving center, a restaurant, a bar, and a spa. It is located in the center of Padang Bai, right next to the beach. The price is from 700,000 IDR ($49 USD) per night.
Bamboo Paradise: This is a budget hotel that offers simple and clean rooms with fan or air-conditioning. It also has a restaurant, a garden, and a terrace. It is located in a quiet and green area, about 15 minutes walk from the beach. The price is from 200,000 IDR ($14 USD) per night.
Pros: Staying in a hotel gives you convenience, comfort, and privacy. You can enjoy the facilities and services of the hotel, and relax in your own room.
Cons: Staying in a hotel can be expensive, especially during the high season. You may also miss the opportunity to interact with the locals and experience the culture of Padang Bai.
Hostels
If you are looking for socializing, budget, and security, you may want to stay in a hostel in Padang Bai. Hostels offer dormitory-style rooms with shared bathrooms and lockers. They also provide facilities such as kitchen, lounge, and wifi. They also organize activities such as tours, games, and parties. The price range of hostels in Padang Bai is from 100,000 IDR ($7 USD) to 200,000 IDR ($14 USD) per night. Here are some of the best hostels in Padang Bai:
Lemon House: This is a cozy and colorful hostel that offers mixed and female-only dorms with fan or air-conditioning. It also has a common area, a rooftop terrace, and a library. It is located in the center of Padang Bai, close to the beach and the port. The price is from 100,000 IDR ($7 USD) per night.
Serenity Eco Guesthouse: This is an eco-friendly and vegan-friendly hostel that offers mixed and private rooms with fan or air-conditioning. It also has a yoga studio, a vegan cafe, and a garden. It is located in a quiet and green area, about 10 minutes walk from the beach. The price is from 150,000 IDR ($10 USD) per night.
Topi Inn: This is a funky and artistic hostel that offers mixed and private rooms with fan or air-conditioning. It also has a restaurant, a bar, and a gallery. It is located in the center of Padang Bai, right next to the beach. The price is from 200,000 IDR ($14 USD) per night.
Pros: Staying in a hostel gives you socializing, budget, and security. You can meet and mingle with other travelers, save money on accommodation, and feel safe in a shared space.
Cons: Staying in a hostel can be noisy, crowded, and uncomfortable. You may have to deal with snoring, lack of privacy, and limited facilities.
Homestays
If you are looking for culture, authenticity, and hospitality, you may want to stay in a homestay in Padang Bai. Homestays offer private rooms with fan or air-conditioning, and shared bathrooms and living areas. They also provide services such as breakfast, dinner, and local tours. They also give you the opportunity to interact with the locals and experience their way of life. The price range of homestays in Padang Bai is from 150,000 IDR ($10 USD) to 300,000 IDR ($21 USD) per night. Here are some of the best homestays in Padang Bai:
Dharma Homestay: This is a family-run homestay that offers cozy and clean rooms with garden views. It also has a common area, a terrace, and a kitchen. It is located in a quiet and friendly neighborhood, about 10 minutes walk from the beach. The price is from 150,000 IDR ($10 USD) per night.
Pondok Batur Indah: This is a traditional Balinese homestay that offers spacious and elegant rooms with sea views. It also has a restaurant, a garden, and a balcony. It is located in a scenic and serene area, about 15 minutes walk from the beach. The price is from 250,000 IDR ($17 USD) per night.
Padang Bai Beach Inn: This is a modern and stylish homestay that offers comfortable and bright rooms with pool views. It also has a swimming pool, a bar, and a lounge. It is located in the center of Padang Bai, close to the beach and the port. The price is from 300,000 IDR ($21 USD) per night.
Pros: Staying in a homestay gives you culture, authenticity, and hospitality. You can learn and appreciate the local culture and lifestyle, and enjoy the warm and friendly hospitality of the hosts.
Cons: Staying in a homestay can be intrusive, restrictive, and inconvenient. You may have to respect the rules and customs of the hosts, and compromise on your privacy and comfort.
What to Do in Padang Bai
Padang Bai has a lot of things to do and see, whether you are looking for nature, culture, or adventure. You can explore the stunning beaches, the ancient temples, and the charming villages, as well as enjoy the activities and experiences available there. Here are some of the best things to do in Padang Bai, with a brief description, a photo, and a map link to each:
Beaches
Padang Bai has some of the best beaches in Bali, with white sand, clear water, and colorful coral reefs. You can swim, snorkel, dive, sunbathe, or relax on the beach, and admire the views of the sea and the hills. Here are some of the best beaches in Padang Bai:
Bias Tugel Beach: This is the best beach in Padang Bai, also known as White Sand Beach. It has a long stretch of soft and clean sand, and a calm and clear water. It is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing. It also has a hidden cave that you can explore. It is located about 15 minutes walk from the port, along a rocky path.
Blue Lagoon Beach: This is another beautiful beach in Padang Bai, also known as Pantai Tanjung Sari. It has a small and secluded cove, and a turquoise and crystal water. It is perfect for snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing. It also has a nice walk along the cliffs that offers stunning views of the sea and the islands. It is located about 10 minutes walk from the port, along a paved road.
The Town Beach: This is the main beach in Padang Bai, also known as Padang Bai Beach. It has a long and wide strip of sand, and a busy and lively water. It is suitable for watching the boats, the people, and the activities. It also has a lot of restaurants, cafes, and bars along the shore. It is located in the center of Padang Bai, right next to the port.
Tip: The best time to visit the beaches in Padang Bai is in the morning, when the water is calm and clear, and the sun is not too hot. You can also avoid the crowds and the trash that may accumulate later in the day.
Warning: Be careful when swimming or snorkeling in the beaches, as the water can be rough and the currents can be strong. Also, watch out for the sea urchins, the jellyfish, and the sharp rocks that may hurt you.
Temples
Padang Bai has some of the most ancient and sacred temples in Bali, with a rich history, culture, and religion. You can visit the temples, admire the architecture, and witness the ceremonies. You can also learn about the beliefs, the rituals, and the legends of the temples. Here are some of the best temples in Padang Bai:
Pura Silayukti: This is the oldest and the most important temple in Padang Bai, dating back to the 11th century. It is dedicated to Shiva, the destroyer god, and his consort Parvati, the mother goddess. It is also the place where the famous sage Empu Kuturan taught Hinduism to the Balinese people. It is located on a hill overlooking the sea, about 15 minutes walk from the port.
Goa Lawah: This is one of the six holiest temples in Bali, also known as the Bat Cave Temple. It is dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver god, and his avatar Naga Basuki, the dragon god. It is also the home of thousands of bats that live in the cave behind the temple. It is located on the main road to Padang Bai, about 10 minutes drive from the town.
Pura Penataran Agung: This is the largest and the most majestic temple in Padang Bai, also known as the Great Temple of State. It is dedicated to Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the supreme god, and his manifestations Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. It is also the place where the royal family of Klungkung worships and performs ceremonies. It is located on a hill above the town, about 20 minutes drive from the port.
Tip: The best time to visit the temples in Padang Bai is during the festivals and the ceremonies, when you can see the colorful decorations, the offerings, and the rituals. You can also join the locals and participate in the prayers and the blessings.
Warning: Be respectful and appropriate when visiting the temples, as they are sacred and holy places. You should wear a sarong and a sash, which you can rent or borrow at the entrance. You should also avoid entering the temple if you are bleeding, menstruating, or pregnant.
Villages
Padang Bai has some of the most charming and authentic villages in Bali, with a unique culture, tradition, and handicraft. You can visit the villages, interact with the locals, and learn about their way of life. You can also buy some of the souvenirs and products that they make, such as salt, weaving, and painting. Here are some of the best villages in Padang Bai:
Kusamba Salt Farm Village: This is a traditional salt farming village that produces natural sea salt using an ancient method. You can see how the locals collect, dry, and process the salt from the seawater, using bamboo tools and coconut husks. You can also buy some of the salt or other products that they make, such as salted fish, salted eggs, and salted peanuts. It is located on the main road to Padang Bai, about 15 minutes drive from the town.
Tenganan Pegringsingan: This is one of the oldest and most isolated villages in Bali, belonging to the Bali Aga people, the original inhabitants of the island. You can see how the locals preserve their ancient culture and tradition, such as their architecture, their religion, and their rituals. You can also buy some of the handicrafts that they make, such as the double ikat weaving, the lontar palm leaf painting, and the bamboo basketry. It is located on a hill above Padang Bai, about 20 minutes drive from the port.
Tirta Gangga Water Palace: This is a former royal water palace that was built by the king of Karangasem in the 20th century. You can see how the palace combines the Balinese, Chinese, and European styles, with its pools, fountains, statues, and gardens. You can also enjoy the activities and facilities that the palace offers, such as swimming, fishing, and dining. It is located on a hill above Padang Bai, about 30 minutes drive from the town.
Tip: The best time to visit the villages in Padang Bai is in the morning or in the afternoon, when the locals are more active and friendly, and the weather is more pleasant. You can also avoid the crowds and the heat that may occur later in the day.
Warning: Be respectful and courteous when visiting the villages, as they are the homes and the workplaces of the locals. You should ask for permission before taking photos or entering their houses. You should also bargain politely and fairly when buying their products or services.
Where to Eat and Drink in Padang Bai
Padang Bai has a variety of restaurants, cafes, and bars to suit your taste and budget. You can enjoy the local and international cuisine, the coffee and snacks, and the drinks and music. You can also experience the atmosphere and the views of the town and the sea. Here are some of the best places to eat and drink in Padang Bai, with a brief description, a photo, and a link to each:
Restaurants
If you are looking for a satisfying and delicious meal, you may want to try one of the restaurants in Padang Bai. Restaurants offer dishes such as seafood, curry, sambal, pizza, pasta, and burgers. They also offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. The price range of restaurants in Padang Bai is from 50,000 IDR ($3.5 USD) to 200,000 IDR ($14 USD) per person. Here are some of the best restaurants in Padang Bai:
Martini’s: This is a cozy and romantic restaurant that offers Mediterranean and Indonesian cuisine. It also has a wine bar, a lounge, and a terrace. It is located in the center of Padang Bai, close to the beach and the port. The price is from 100,000 IDR ($7 USD) per person.
The Colonial: This is a stylish and elegant restaurant that offers British and Indian cuisine. It also has a tea room, a library, and a garden. It is located in a quiet and green area, about 10 minutes walk from the beach. The price is from 150,000 IDR ($10 USD) per person.
Warung Padang Kecag: This is a simple and authentic restaurant that offers Balinese and Indonesian cuisine. It also has a buffet, a salad bar, and a juice corner. It is located in the center of Padang Bai, right next to the port. The price is from 50,000 IDR ($3.5 USD) per person.
Tip: The best time to visit the restaurants in Padang Bai is in the evening, when you can enjoy the sunset, the breeze, and the lights. You can also avoid the rush and the wait that may occur during the day.
Warning: Be careful when eating or drinking in Padang Bai, as the food or water may be contaminated or spoiled. You should avoid raw or uncooked food, ice cubes, tap water, and street food. You should also check the hygiene and the reviews of the restaurants before you order.
Padang Bai is a hidden gem in Bali that you don’t want to miss. It has everything you need for a perfect vacation, whether you are looking for nature, culture, or adventure. You can easily get to Padang Bai by air, land, or sea, and find a place to stay that suits your preference and budget. You can also enjoy a variety of things to do and see, such as the beaches, the temples, and the villages, as well as the restaurants, cafes, and bars. Padang Bai is a place where you can experience the beauty and tranquility of Bali, the richness and diversity of its culture, and the fun and excitement of its activities.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Padang Bai today, and discover this hidden gem for yourself. You won’t regret it.
