Thomas Beach Uluwatu: A Comprehensive Guide to Bali’s Secluded Paradise

All You Need to Know Before Visiting Thomas Beach

Let’s dive deeper into the location, how you can reach Thomas Beach, what you need in your bag, and when you should visit.

Where is Thomas Beach Located?

How do you find Thomas Beach? Just follow Labuan Sait Street, the same road you take whenever you want to go to Padang Padang Beach. But keep going for around five minutes by scooter, and you will find the famous Italian restaurant La Baracca.

You will find a small road right before the turn and opposite the restaurant. Unfortunately, you can only go by motorbike or on foot because of the narrow streets. Just follow the road, and you will find Thomas Beach's parking spot at the end.

How to Access Thomas Beach

Once you get to the parking lot, pay the parking attendant IDR 5K (around US $.3), and you will not see the direction to the beach. The upcoming part is the unpleasant one.

Like the beaches in the Bukit area, you can only reach the beach by stairs. Wear your most comfortable shoes, as you need to walk down (and up) around 130 steps. Luckily, the steps are made of concrete, although they are still quite steep and uneven. Plus, there are no handrails on the stairs, so be careful when taking your kids.

Best Time to Visit Thomas Beach

Our favorite time to visit Thomas Beach is the afternoon because we love the sunset too much. During the low tide, you may get to swim in the natural pool. But when you come in the morning, you can be one of the few people visiting the beach. If you want to spend a whole day at Thomas Beach, come around 9 or 10 before the sun gets too hot.

We don’t suggest coming during the rainy season. In addition to the strong waves and wind, the stairs become slippery and dangerous. After all, who wants to get soaked on the beach? You want the sun, don’t you?

Activities at Thomas Beach

After you’ve conquered the stairs and are welcomed by the stretch of white sand beach, what can you do on the beach? Keep scrolling down!

Surfing Conditions at Thomas Beach

You don’t often hear people referring to Thomas Beach as one of the spots for surfing in Bali. We kind of understand why. Carrying your surfboard down and up 100+ steep stairs is more than enough as warm-ups. But if you seek more room to tackle the left-hand reef break with the medium wave, Thomas Beach will grant your wish, as it’s generally less crowded than Padang Padang or Dreamland.

You can find a few surf schools around the beach, though we don’t recommend Thomas Beach as a beginner playground. The steep drops can cause serious injuries due to the sharp coral reef at the bottom, making the waves more suitable for intermediate or advanced surfers.

Sunbathing and Relaxation

The first thing you should do once you get down to the beach is rent the sunbed. Your relaxation begins once you pay 100K (approx. US $6). Get comfy once you put on the hat, change into your swimming suit, and pick up the book you always want to finish. You will see a few fishermen’s boats, but your view of the crystal-clear water is uninterrupted.

Unfortunately, if you plan to lounge by the pool like in any beach club in Uluwatu, Thomas Beach doesn’t have any. You will only find local people renting the sunbeds without all the frills.

Snorkeling Opportunities

The beaches in Bukit Peninsula are not known as the hottest spots for snorkeling in Bali. And Thomas Beach is no different. Though technically you can put on goggles and fins, the sharp reef and the type of waves won’t make for a pleasant snorkeling experience.

Unlike Amed or Padang Bai, where you can rent gear for snorkeling, you will not find any rentals in Thomas Beach. You need to bring your own.

Amenities and Facilities at Thomas Beach

Dining Options

Suppose you expect Michelin-level restaurants or hope to find some sushi restaurants in Uluwatu overlooking Thomas Beach. Sorry to break your bubbles, but the only dining scene is rows of local warungs selling simple food and drinks. But when you get a view like Thomas Beach, do you need anything more?

Sitting at the local warungs, you will get an aerial view of the beach and the ocean. Taking a spoonful of nasi goreng or French fries with your Bintang beer during the golden hour, you realize beauty sometimes lies in simplicity.

Beach Facilities

Similar to most beaches in the south, the facilities at Thomas Beach are, let’s say, almost non-existent. Beyond renting the sunbeds, you need to use one of the warungs if you need to use the toilet or the changing room.

Nearby Attractions to Thomas Beach

Padang Padang Beach

Ah, the famous Padang Padang Beach where Julia Roberts shot Eat, Pray, Love. What can we tell you that hasn’t been said about Padang Padang’s reputation as one of the most spectacular beaches in the south? The narrow stairs you need to pass between two giant rocks are already iconic.

Most people visit Padang Padang because the beach is small yet safe to swim. You find more food and drink stalls here than at Thomas Beach and more surfers. In general, Padang Padang is more favorable, thanks to the easier access, as you don’t need to climb up and down 100+ steep stairs.

Uluwatu Temple

Possibly the most iconic temple in Bali, Pura Uluwatu, sits 70 meters above sea level, giving you a spectacular view of the Indian Ocean. Beyond the temple’s function as a praying site, Uluwatu also hosts daily performances of the Kecak Dance. Come in the afternoon, where you can witness the showcase of Balinese traditional dance, retelling the story of love and sacrifice with the sunset as the backdrop.

An essential tip when visiting Uluwatu is to bring a backpack or sling bag to keep your phone, cameras, and sunglasses. Why? Because long-tailed macaques can be pretty cheeky as they love snatching visitor’s belongings.

Pros and Cons of Thomas Beach

What We Like

• A quiet beach. Finding a beach with fewer visitors in Bali makes a nice break from busy spots like Canggu or Seminyak.

• Glorious sunset. Thomas Beach certainly ranks in the top 5 sunset spots in our book.

• Convenient location. You have a variety of restaurants and cafes to refuel on the main road.

• No entrance fee. If you walk here, then you don’t need to pay for the parking.

What We Don’t

• Challenging access. Not everyone loves the 100+ stairs. Even when it’s worth the struggle, we wish the beach had easier access.

• Limited activity. If you don’t surf, you can only sunbathe and swim during the low tides.

• There is a lack of facilities. The only available facilities are local warungs if you need to change your clothes or go to the toilet.

• Narrow entrance. The fact only scooters or pedestrians can reach the parking lot will discourage people with cars from visiting.

Expert Opinions about Thomas Beach

When you think of a white sandy beach in Bali, Thomas Beach fits the bill perfectly. Despite the steep stairs and limited food choices and facilities, no one denies the beach attracts anyone looking for a peaceful beach day. If you’re looking for a quieter alternative than Padang Padang or Dreamland, Thomas Beach will make you fall in love at first sight.

The natural pool, while not a unique phenomenon, offers you a different experience compared to other beaches in the south. And let’s not forget the sunset. The strategic location means you have the brunch/lunch spots to visit pre or post your beach visit.