Your Epic Playbook for Unlocking The Secrets of Padangbai in Bali
Padangbai in Bali might seem like a quiet seaside village, but trust us, it’s truly a hidden gem packed with adventure.
It’s a laid-back spot on Bali’s east coast, serving as a perfect launchpad for snorkeling colorful reefs and island-hopping to Lombok or the Gilis. It’s also great for exploring local temples and immersing yourself in authentic Balinese culture.
Whether you’re a budget traveler or an underwater enthusiast, Padangbai’s relaxed vibe offers a peaceful escape from busier spots like Ubud or Kuta.
So stick with me as I reveal top snorkeling sites, secret beaches, and tasty local eats. By the end, you’ll be ready to fall in love with Padangbai in no time.
Where is Padangbai?
Padangbai is located on Bali’s southeastern coast. To the north lies North Bali, including Pemuteran Beach. Eastward, it faces the Bali Sea with ferries to the Gili Islands. Mainland Bali stretches west toward Amlapura.
What is the main landmark in Padangbai?
The main landmark in Padangbai is Blue Lagoon Beach. Famous for its natural lagoon, powdery white sand, and crystal-clear waters, it’s a snorkeler’s paradise full of coral reefs and vibrant tropical fish.
How to get to Padangbai?
By Scooter: Rent a scooter in Ubud or Canggu (approximately IDR 70k per day) and follow the coastal road past Padang Tegal and Bias Tugel Beach. It’s a scenic 90-minute ride. Just be mindful of local traffic and narrow stretches.
By Private Car or Taxi: Hail a metered cab or pre-book a transfer at Ngurah Rai International Airport and drive along the Ngurah Rai Bypass Road through Goa Lawah to Padangbai. It’s a 60 km journey of about 120 mins.
By Shuttle Bus or Coach: Book a seat through your hotel or an online operator in Kuta, Seminyak, or Ubud. Most services drop you off right by the ferry terminal for around IDR 150-200 per person.
By Public Bus: Board the Perama minibus in Ubud or Kuta and ask to be let off at the Padangbai ferry dock. You can also catch a local bemo van from nearby villages. Just check with locals for the next departure.
What to Do and See in Padangbai
Wander Main Harbor Beach for scenic harbor views
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Website: https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/destination/detail/1658281382006/padangbai
Address: Padangbai Harbor, Manggis, Karangasem
Contact: +62 361 222 387
Hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours (Public Beach)
Main Harbor Beach is located just east of the ferry port, along Jalan Silayukti. Colorful fishing boats dot the calm waters, and emerald hills rise behind the long, narrow strip of white sand. This unique setting makes it a scenic spot for both travel and photography.
Just beyond lies the Ferry Channel dive site, marked by a green beacon and featuring ledges and overhangs that drop beyond 30m. These underwater formations attract a diverse array of reef fish and invertebrates.
You can enjoy a meal at nearby Warung Enak, known for its fresh seafood. You may also try sipping a cold drink at the cozy La Laguna Bali cafe just a short walk away.
Dive into Blue Lagoon Beach for snorkeling and fresh seafood
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Website: https://bluelagoonsnorkeling.com/
Address: D’Stell Coffee Kitchen, Jl. Silayukti, Padangbai 80872, Karangasem Regency
Contact: +62 8123 8073 339
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
From Blue Lagoon Beach, you can access two of Bali’s best snorkeling spots—Blue Lagoon and Tanjung Jepun. Located just 1.5 hours from Ngurah Rai Airport, Kuta, and Ubud, it boasts rich marine life and a vibrant underwater experience.
Trips depart on traditional Balinese jukung boats, giving you an authentic ride straight from shore to the reefs. Each package includes fins, masks with snorkels, and life jackets, all included at no extra cost.
Even more, door-to-door hotel transfers are available from major hubs, and online booking is quick with instant confirmation and free cancellation. Adventure combo tours even let you pair snorkeling with rafting, waterfall hikes, or ATV rides for a full-day thrill.
Unwind at Bias Tugel (Little White Sand Beach)
Address: Jl. Silayukti, Karangasem (just south of Padangbai ferry terminal)
Contact: +62 3634 1214
Hours: Monday-Sunday: Open 24 hours
Bias Tugel, also called Little White Sand Beach, is a hidden 130m cove situated between rocky cliffs on Padangbai’s coast. A short, shaded trail takes about five minutes to walk down, keeping crowds low and maintaining a peaceful atmosphere.
I love that it has this hidden lagoon feel. It’s tucked away behind lush cliffs that create a natural, sheltered cove. It feels like your own private paradise—perfect for peaceful swimming and snorkeling, even when it’s a bit crowded.
It sits just a short drive from Tirta Gangga Water Palace and Lempuyang Temple, making it an easy stop on an eastern Bali loop.
Explore Kusamba Black Sand Beach and meet local salt farmers
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Address: Jl. Raya Kusamba, Desa Kusamba, Karangasem
Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Kusamba Black Sand Beach greets you with its striking volcanic sands, where every step reveals a new detail of this serene, volcanic beach.
Just beyond the shoreline, local families harvest sea salt using ancestral methods—splashing seawater onto heated beds, filtering brine, and collecting crystals by hand. This centuries-old tradition offers a rare glimpse into Bali’s village heritage.
As you wander around, you’ll see farmers hauling seawater in palm-stem buckets. And with just a few dozen families keeping this craft alive, the salts they harvest are sold directly to visitors, helping to support their livelihood.
I love how you can participate in the harvesting process. This hands-on approach provides a deeper appreciation for the craft and the dedication of the local farmers.
Ride the Gili Gili Fast Boat
Website: https://giligilifastboat.id/
Address: Jl. Silayukti, Pelabuhan, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, 80871
Contact: +62 818 0535 6435
Hours: Monday-Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Gili Gili Fast Boat offers a convenient and comfortable way to travel from Padangbai Harbor to the Gili Islands and Lombok.
Their modern boats, powered by advanced Suzuki engines, provide smooth and efficient rides. Additionally, their daily departures at 8:30 AM and 1:00 PM can easily accommodate travelers who want to fit a boat trip into their schedule.
Not to mention that I truly love their comfortable seating and entertainment options, such as LCD TVs and music. Additionally, complimentary mineral water is provided, keeping everyone refreshed throughout the journey.
Visit Pura Silayukti and soak up hill-top temple vistas
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Website: https://lovebali.baliprov.go.id/destination/detail/26/pura-silayukti
Address: Kabupaten Karangasem, Pura Silayukti
Contact: +62 361 222 387
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Pura Silayukti sits about 50m above Padangbai on a rocky promontory, offering sweeping views of the main beach. Its hilltop setting makes it a photographer’s dream, especially at sunrise or sunset when the sea sparkles in golden light.
Founded in the 11th century, Pura Silayukti is one of Bali’s oldest shrines. The complex comprises interconnected temples, including Pura Telaga Mas, Pura Tanjung Sari, and Pura Tirta Segara Muncar. Each is adorned with intricate stone carvings and multi-tiered towers.
Open daily for a modest donation (around IDR 75,000), the site remains peaceful even during festival days.
Where to Eat and Drink in Padangbai
SNAAACK!
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Address: Jl. Silayukti, Padangbai, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, 80871
Contact: +62 852 5386 6003
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 6:30 AM – 6:30 PM
Pricing: $
SNAAACK! sits just twenty meters from the Pandangbai ferry terminal, making it the perfect first or last stop for travelers. Run by Max from Lille, the cafe greets guests with warm smiles and personalized service, promising the best cappuccino in town.
The menu features homemade paninis, such as vegetable, tuna, and ham & cheese. I also tried their fresh salads and an array of pastries like croissants and brownies—all of which are truly rich in flavor and taste.
Plus, their specialty drinks include flat whites with almond or oat milk, cold-pressed juices, and a selection of beers.
Omang Omang Bar Diner
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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OmangOmang999/?ref=page_internal
Address: Jl. Silayukti No.12, Padangbai, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, 80871
Contact: +62 363 438 1251
Hours: Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM | Tuesday to Sunday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Pricing: $$
Omang Omang Bar Diner is just steps from the Padangbai ferry terminal in a historic fishing village. Since 2000, its indoor and garden seating, anchored by the legendary
“Blue Table’’, has drawn travelers for laid-back meals and Monday night blues.
Their menu even features international favorites, including loaded fries, pastas, and smoothie bowls. Plus, their friendly staff can also customize orders and share village stories with every plate.
Yet beyond their hearty foods, their drinks include Double Barrel Cafe brews, mojitos, gin tonics, and inventive sips like the Coffee Margarita. So, make sure not to miss the weekly Balinese buffet or the Sunset Cocktail Cruises that launch from the harbor.
Warung Bu Jero
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Address: Jl. Segara No.1, Padangbai, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, 80871
Contact: +62 812 3632 7365
Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $
Warung Bu Jero is a family-owned spot that has been serving locals and travelers since 2000. It’s an open-air seating right on the sand that offers breezy harbor panoramas, while simple wooden tables keep the focus on the food and sea air.
Here, you pick your own fresh seafood—fish, prawns, or squid—from the display, then watch it get charcoal-grilled to order. Plus, their signature sambal mata and sambal terasi add bold, spicy flavors.
What’s even better is that they host live music nights, from Monday blues sessions to regular band performances that draw a friendly crowd. Also, a ‘’boss lady’’ karaoke host anchors the scene and keeps the party going
Warung Lu Putu
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Website: https://www.luputu.com/
Address: Jl. Mendira No.9, Sengkidu, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871
Contact: +62 821 4432 0002
Hours: Sunday & Monday, Wednesday to Friday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM | Tuesday, Saturday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Pricing: $
Warung Lu Putu welcomes guests into a lush, private garden featuring koi ponds and shaded seating areas.
The menu features authentic Balinese dishes, such as crispy duck in tomato sauce and Guramee asam manis. It also offers a mixed seafood basket made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Plus, their homemade gelato and sorbet are served daily.
Their on-site coffee bar also serves authentic French-style brews, from robust espressos to creamy flat whites (which I personally tasted and favored!).
Where to Shop near Padangbai
Bloo Tique (Bloo Lagoon Eco Village Boutique)
Website: https://bloolagoon.com/blootique/
Address: Jl. Silayukti, Padangbai, 80872
Contact: +62 82 334 100 300
Hours: Always Open
Pricing: $$
Blootique in Bloo Lagoon Eco Village serves as your go-to shop for essentials and one-of-a-kind finds. Its open-air layout, combined with the village’s laid-back vibe, makes browsing feel like a leisurely stroll through a local market.
The boutique offers eco-friendly staples like natural mosquito spray, bamboo straws, and handmade soaps. You’ll also find Balinese handicrafts alongside a clothing line featuring silk and batik sarongs.
Additionally, I appreciate that the boutique features unique ceramics made by local artisans. For instance, Mahteh ceramics and Eclipse pottery both show the rich cultural heritage of Bali.
For the best selection, their items, like lightweight hammocks and souvenirs, are also available in-store. It shows practicality with the charm of handcrafted goods.
Pasar Desa Padangbai (Village Market)
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Address: Manggis, Karangasem Regency, 80871
Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 4:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Pricing: $
Pasar Desa Padangbai comes alive at dawn, with locals filling the stalls by 5:30 AM and only a few tourists around. The early-morning energy feels authentic, with banana-leaf offerings, fragrant incense, and the lively hum of daily village life setting the scene.
You’ll find vibrant piles of mangoes, leafy greens, and aromatic spices straight from nearby farms. Nearby, artisans proudly display handwoven baskets, intricate wood carvings, and my favorite—the traditional textiles, all at wallet-friendly prices.
When hunger strikes, grab grilled corn, babi guling skewers, or freshly squeezed sugarcane juice from sizzling warungs.