Double Six Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Bali. It’s in the popular resort town of Seminyak, and it’s home to the well-known Double Six Luxury Hotel, one of the island’s more iconic hotels.
It’s well known because of its lovely, fine, golden sand, as well as the turquoise clear waters of the ocean and for its amazing surf.
We love heading down to Double Six Beach for the spectacular sunsets whenever we’re in Seminyak.
The area is also home to a vibrant nightlife scene, and both locals and tourists rub shoulders in the clubs and bars nearby. Some of the best fine-dining restaurants in Bali are close by, too.
If you’re thinking about paying this beautiful beach a visit, our guide will help you prepare for your trip by sharing everything you need to know about the area.
Where Is Double Six Beach?
Double Six Beach is at the end of Seminyak Beach in Seminyak, Bali, which is to the south of the island.
Seminyak is a major resort town that attracts a young, hip and trendy crowd and is very close to the other popular tourist destinations of Canggu, Kuta, Legian Beach, etc.
How To Get To Double Six Beach?
If you’re staying in the Double Six Beach area, it’s easiest to arrange a hotel transfer from the Ngurah Rai International Airport. This will often be included in your room rate as the area isn’t far from the airport.
Otherwise, it may be a chargeable extra and work out slightly more expensive than an airport taxi.
However, it has the advantage that you’ll be met at the airport by someone with a card with your name on it, and they will take you and your luggage directly to your hotel with no fuss.
If you’re staying in one of the hotels without this service, you can always get a Grab or, Gojek or prepaid airport taxi instead.
The two ride-sharing apps are very popular here in Bali and enable you to set a fixed fare before a journey commences. If you connect your card to them, you don’t even need cash to pay the driver when you arrive.
From elsewhere on the island, you might choose to use the ride-sharing apps, or if you’re coming from a long distance, you might consider hiring a private car and driver instead.
These are, by far, the safest and most convenient ways of getting to this part of the Seminyak Beach district.
You could also consider using a scooter rental, but we never recommend using a scooter.
It’s very difficult to remain safe on a scooter in the Balinese traffic, and some of the heaviest traffic on the island is on the route to the Seminyak Beach area.
We also find that most travellers aren’t able to be 100% road-legal and that means they will not be insured (even if they have travel insurance for scooter trips) when riding.
Sure, it’s cheap to hire a scooter, but ride-sharing isn’t expensive, and it will ensure you’re much more likely to spend your holiday on a sun lounger rather than in a hospital bed.
When Is The Best Time To Go To Double Six Beach?
We always tell people that there are no bad times to visit Bali, and this remains true for people who want to visit Double Six Beach.
However, if you want to maximize the number of hours of sunshine you get – then May to October is the best time to come.
However, the costs of hotel rooms, particularly in places like the Double Six Luxury Hotel, will cost substantially more at this time of year.
While there are 10 hours a day of sunshine in the peak season (also known as the dry season), you get 8 hours a day in the wet season, and from November to April (excluding the Christmas to New Year period), things are much cheaper in Bali.
If you want to stay at the Double Six Luxury Hotel for a bargain price, this is the time of year that you’re most likely to get it.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Double Six Beach?
No. The beach is completely free to enter, and the only fee you should be asked for at Double Six Beach is 5,000 IDR if you want to park your car.
Given that the beach is within walking distance of all the local hotels and resorts, we can’t imagine needing to park here unless you’ve come for a day trip.
If you do park, the parking is relatively secure, but we don’t recommend that you leave any valuables in the car, just in case.
The History Of Double Six Beach
Unlike most of Bali’s beaches, there’s a bit of history to Double Six, however, sadly, it’s not all happy.
The beach is named after an accident that took place on April 21, 1970, when a local flight crashed nearby. All 96 passengers perished. This included many high-ranking military officials in the Indonesian military.
There is a local monument called the Double Six Monument that commemorates this event, and it’s where the beach gets its name from.
In the 1980s, Double Six was transformed as the word got out in the international surfing community that this was a great place to catch a wave break.
Then, in the 1990s, there was a period of rapid development that helped transform this area from a sleepy backwater into one where tourists wanted to stay.
In 2002, tragedy struck for a second time. Bali was hit by a wave of terrorist bombings, including one that struck the Double Six Beach area, and 20 people died, and 100 more were injured.
As you can imagine, tourism plummeted after this attack, and the beach and surrounding area struggled to recover for nearly a decade.
In 2011, the local area was entirely renovated to make the beach a more attractive place to be.
Then, in 2018, Double Six launched one of the first official beach cleanup campaigns and has sought to be among the cleanest beaches on the land ever since.
What To Expect At Double Six Beach
This is a surfer’s paradise, and there’s no doubt that what you can expect most on Double Six is the sight of surfers taking on the powerful surf breaks that run into the shore.
Unfortunately, the heavy waves make it a bad beach for swimming, except in the shallows in front of the sand, and other water sports, and you’re better off sticking to beach sports at Double Six.
The sands are lovely, warm and soft, and you can walk along them without shoes or thongs. Though do be warned, they can get pretty hot in the heat of the day.
In the early evening, things quiet down a little as everyone, locals, expats, and tourists alike, congregate to appreciate the spectacular sunset over the ocean.
Then, the local nightlife kicks in, and Double Six comes alive until the early hours of the morning.
Things To Do At Double Six Beach
Surfing
This is one of the best surf spots on the island, and a lot of surfers congregate here for drinks and to hang out with each other.
You do need to watch out for pollution in the water following a heavy rainfall, mind you, we’d advise leaving it for a couple of hours after a storm.
At low tide, the waves are a bit underwhelming and at high tide, they can close up a bit thus, the best time to hit the water is during the push.
Be careful of riptides, though, as this beach can end up with very strong currents at times. Always keep an eye on the beach for warning signs, etc.
There are plenty of surf schools and surf rental places in the area, so there’s no need to bring your own board. The pros and experienced surfers always do, mind you.
Horse Riding
If you’ve always wanted to go horse riding on the beach. Seminyak provides an excellent opportunity for you to live that dream.
You can find horse rental services on the beach, and a local guide will ensure that you don’t get into any trouble on your ride.
Riding through the waves at sunset is the experience of a lifetime.
Sunset Watching At A Sunset Bar
You can always head up to the rooftop of the Double Six Luxury Hotel if you want the best vantage point for the sunset at this beach.
However, there’s no bad way to enjoy the sun’s rays doing their spectacular last light show of the day before the blazing Balinese sun drops entirely below the horizon.
Get a cold Bintang, and then sit on your towel on the sand, and you’ll have just as much fun. The sunset at this beach is amazing.
Beach Sports
While it may not be the best beach for water sports, it’s a fantastic beach for beach sports.
If you’ve always wanted to try a bit of beach volleyball or handball, then this is the place to do it.
In the afternoon, a few hours before sunset people start to come out to play and you’re welcome to join in. Just ask nicely, and you’ll soon be learning a new sport or demonstrating your skills to impressed locals.
Explore The Beach Shacks
There are a few shacks on this beach still, though for how long, who knows? Many of Bali’s beaches are slowly shedding their traditional shacks, which we think is a bit of a shame.
You can grab a beer, join in some games or even sing karaoke in these places, and they all have a warm, convivial atmosphere.
Try The Local Spas’
There are plenty of spas in the local area, and there’s nothing better than a massage to make you feel awesome on your Bali holiday.
See The Double Six Monument
At one end of the beach, you will find the monument that the beach is named after.
It’s nothing spectacular, but it’s worth visiting to pay your respects if you have a little time on your hands.
Double Six Luxury Hotel
If, like us, you want to check out the outstanding service and great food and drinks at the Double Six Luxury Hotel, you don’t need to stay there.
You can just walk right up to the door and, as long as you’re dressed reasonably respectably, you can use the bars and restaurants inside.
Double Six Beach And The Coral Triangle
This beach sits on the corner of the Coral Triangle, which covers a large swathe of ocean, all of which is home to some of the most diverse coral reefs on Earth.
Simple Tips For Having Fun At Double Six Beach
We have some simple tips that can enhance your fun around this beach:
- Seminyak and nearly everything in it is within walking distance, and you can easily walk or cycle around this area
- This is a bad beach for swimming and most forms of watersports, apart from surfing – the waves are just too strong here, though you can swim in the shallow area right in front of the sands
- Please don’t litter this beach. Seminyak has a real pollution problem on some of its beaches, so it’s best not to contribute to that. You can even join in a voluntary beach cleanup exercise if you’d like to give a little something back to the local community during your stay.
- Sunburn is no fun. A day on the sun loungers on this beach is best when you bring high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen with you and use it liberally. If you go in the ocean, consider investing in water-resistant sunscreen.
- Bring sunglasses and a sunhat. We strongly recommend that you protect your eyes against harsh glare and cover your head to reduce the chance of heatstroke.
- Use a recyclable water bottle. You will be drinking filtered water in Bali as the tap water isn’t good. Try not to create plastic waste while you drink.
- Keep an eye on your valuables. Petty crime isn’t uncommon in Bali, but mostly, it’s a crime of opportunity. If you keep track of your things, it’s much harder for a thief to steal them.
Interesting Places Nearby To Double Six Beach
Nyaman Gallery
This is a lovely place to check out Balinese artists and maybe invest in a piece or two for your own art collection. Paintings, ceramics, sculptures, and wearable art are hallmarks of this gallery.
Kuta Beach Set Turtle Conservation Centre
This is one of the most popular places to adopt, care for and then release a sea turtle back into the wild. Release ceremonies take place every day at 4 p.m.
Blue Point
If you want to improve your surfing after being on the beach in Seminyak, then Blue Point is your next place of call.
It’s hard to get down the cliffs to this challenging surf break, but the rewards are there for the taking.
Pura Petitenget/Petitenget Temple
This is a Balinese sea temple and one of the main protection temples for the island.
The name “Petitenget” refers to a “magic box” from the 16th century!
Legian Beach
This quiet beach is the ideal place to swim and chill with friends after a day’s surfing.
Places To Stay Near Double Six Beach
There are some great places to stay in this area, including:
- The Double Six Luxury Hotel – well, obviously, really. This 6-star luxury experience is one of the top draws for the beach.
- Legian Beach Hotel is a luxury villa with suites and an amazing pool. It’s also one of the most eco-conscious properties in Bali.
- Hotel Indigo Bali – within walking distance of the beach, they have an amazing spa, gym, bar and restaurant in addition to luxury rooms.
- Padma Resort – just a kilometre away, this property has been delighting guests in Bali for nearly 30 years. Their BBQ grill is legendary.
- Courtyard by Mariott – just 200 meters from the beach this is a classy and luxurious resort that is within walking distance of some excellent local attractions, too.
Places To Eat Near Double Six Beach
You can always find tasty food and cold drinks at a great restaurant here or in one of the bars, including:
Ibu Oka
They serve probably the best Balinese suckling pig on the island. It has an amazing view at sunset, too.
Blue 9 Beach
This bar is all about tasty snacks, cold beers and classy cocktails. They have regular live bands, too.
Capil Beach Grill & Bar
This is an excellent beach bar that serves some unusual local wines! It’s a nice place to chill out at sunset.
Plantation Grill
In the Double Six Luxury Hotel, you can find this incredible restaurant, which also has a live opera singer to entertain you while you eat.
Alila Seminyak Beach Bar
This is a quiet beach bar away from the crowds, and while it’s a bit on the pricey side, we think it’s worth it.
Other Beaches Nearby
Seminyak Beach
You can walk straight onto this beach from Double Six. Seminyak’s main beach is covered in high-end resorts and happy holidaymakers. It can get very busy, but it’s worth seeing.
Kuta Beach
Kuta Beach is the most popular beach in Bali, and it’s worth checking out if you want the company of other holidaymakers to have a great time.
The sand is soft and pleasant, but it can be a bit dirty. Such is the price of fame and popularity.
FAQs
Which Is Better Seminyak Or Canggu?
Until recently, it might have been said that Canggu was living in Seminyak’s shadow, but Canggu is now the most popular area on the island.
If you want to spend time at FINNS, the world’s best beach club, you head to Canggu. The area also has more varied accommodation options than Seminyak and a better mix of dining options.
However, if you are looking to see and be seen in the swankiest hotels and nightclubs on the island and you’re not afraid to pay for the privilege, Seminyak is still a great choice.
We’re biased. Of course, we picked Canggu because we think it’s the best part of the island, but we are always ready to acknowledge that most of Bali is awesome. Your favourite areas will usually depend on your holiday preferences.
Is Double Six Beach Clean?
Yes. It’s not the cleanest beach in Bali (that honour goes to Nusa Dua), but compared to some of the island’s beaches, Double Six is usually clear of large amounts of garbage.
Who Owns Double Six Seminyak? Who Is The Owner Of The Double Six Hotel?
Nobody owns the beach but the Double Six Luxury Hotel is owned by the Australian businessman Robert Marchetti (who is also a restaurateur, designer and chef) and the local businessman Made (Kadek) Wiranatha.
Robert has helped to open some of the best-known eateries in the Asia Pacific region prior to opening the hotel and is considered to be one of the best owners in the hotel trade in Bali.
Is Double Six Beach Good For Surfing?
Yes! It’s one of the most popular surf spots in Bali, and the surf break is excellent, and the waves are powerful enough to really carry aboard.
Beginners can learn to surf at Double Six, too, and it’s easy to get lessons and rent a board from the vendors nearby.
The surf at Double Six is famously reliable, too, so you can be pretty certain that you will be able to catch some waves at this beach.
Can You Swim At Double Six Beach?
You can swim in the shallows right in front of the beach, but further out, the strong waves can definitely make things unpleasant.
It’s not the best beach in Bali for swimming, but it’s not the worst, either.
How do I book double-six beach tours or a holiday at Double Six Beach?
We always recommend that people book their Bali holiday and any Bali tours that they want to enjoy through the Bali Res Centre. That’s because it’s a locally owned and managed travel service.
They can ensure you get the most relaxing vacation, and the best resorts and that you avoid any problems such as new building sites through their local knowledge.
Their prices are very competitive, too, and that means you can enjoy a great time in Bali and know that your money stays in the local economy rather than going offshore somewhere.
Final Thoughts On Double Six Beach
The Double Six Beach is not far from Ngurah Rai International Airport, and thus, it’s a great choice of beach to begin your Bali holiday on.
The beachfront is pleasant, and there are plenty of excellent resorts and restaurants nearby.
