With its black sand and quiet atmosphere, Pabean Ketewel Beach is often overlooked instead of the more popular and busier beaches. But it shouldn’t be ignored, the fine black sand, blue sea and calm atmosphere make this a wonderful place to relax.
We love it here and we think you will too. Here’s everything you need to know before visiting:
Where Is Pabean Ketewel Beach?
Pabean Ketewel Beach is located in the Gianyar Regency, about a one-hour drive northeast of Kuta Bali and 30 minutes from Gianyar. It is a 500-metre walk up the beach from similarly named Pabean Beach.
Address: Ketewel, Sukawati, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
How To Get To Pabean Ketewel Beach
There are several ways to reach Pabean Ketewel Beach, the two we recommend are:
Taxi app service – the easiest way to visit any beach or other attraction is to use a taxi app such as Grab or Gojek. The service is safe and reliable, and also cheap!
Private car and driver – if you want to make a day or two out of your trip, you could always hire a car with a driver. This way, you can map out a trip and see several locations. Ask your hotel about booking a reliable driver, if you’re unsure of other places to visit then ask your driver, they know their way around the island.
Although hiring a motorcycle or scooter is an option, we will never recommend this. It’s unlikely that you’d be road-legal, which puts you at risk of problems with the police and also voids any insurance coverage. The roads in Bali are dangerous, avoid injuring yourself and paying a hefty repair bill.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Pabean Ketewel Beach?
As it is an east-facing beach, the best time of day to visit Pabean Ketewel Beach is the morning to catch the amazing sunrise. Other than this all times of day are great, and it never really gets busy.
If you’re here around the time of Nyepi, the festival of silence, then a few days before many Balinese Hindus gather on the beach to perform the Melasti blessing ritual.
If you’re interested in the culture of the local community then this could be a great time to go. Don’t forget to be respectful, this is an important religious event for some, not only a photo opportunity for tourists.
Is There An Entrance Fee For Pabean Ketewel Beach?
No, as with most beaches in Bali, there is no entrance fee for Pabean Ketewel Beach.
What To Expect At Pabean Ketewel Beach
This is a quiet beach so don’t expect hordes of tourists, sunloungers and beachside restaurants. Do expect a nice relaxed atmosphere, soft black sand and calm sea.
There will be a handful of other visitors to the beach including some tourists and locals, and you might see a few people out surfing on waves.
What To Do At Pabean Ketewel Beach
There isn’t much to do at Pabean Ketewel Beach other than relax on the beach. We saw some people meditating and doing yoga on the beach, which shows the tranquillity here.
The black sand here is very fine, try taking your shoes off and walking in the sand, you’ll be amazed at how soft it is on your feet.
Take a walk along the beach, which is aligned with coconut trees, and you’ll see members of the local community fishing, flying kites or just sitting around with family. Walk into the sea and jump over the soft waves.
If you’re hungry for some local culture, there is a small Hindu temple located just off the beach called Pura Segara Pabean. Be sure to cover up when visiting the temple.
Don’t forget to arrive early to catch that sunrise, it’s a real beauty.
Where To Stay Near Pabean Ketewel Beach
Should you decide to stay the night then there are places to stay in the Ketewel area, though not so many near Pabean Ketel Beach itself.
Whether you’re thinking of renting a luxury villa right on the beach or looking for somewhere to stay at a more budget price, we’ve listed a few options here:
Patanjali Villa – this beachfront villa is huge, perfect to stay in as a family, and the staff is very attentive and friendly. Located near Pabean Beach, this is a great place to watch the sunrise. Midrange price
Ketewel Beach Villas and Spa – despite the name, this resort is located south along the coast, on Gumicik Beach. You can rent a spacious villa here with a pool looking out to the sea, perfect for catching that sunrise beauty. Prices are mid to high range.
Tiis Garden Puri – located in the main town a short distance from the beach, this budget hotel is a sweet escape from the outside world. The beautiful Balinese-style bungalows set in the gardens are an easy place for visitors to get lost in the beauty and tranquillity.
Villa Samudra Luxury Beachfront – This high-end villa is located right on Pabean Ketewel Beach and features a large pool with a sunrise view. This is a great place for the family to stay.
Take a look online, there are often hotel deals depending on the time of year.
Where To Eat Near Pabean Ketewel Beach
Here are some restaurants we liked not far from the beach:
Warung Tipat Cantok Bu Jero – a small warung selling traditional food located right on the beach.
One Place Eatery – a family-friendly business serving traditional food in a modern setting.
Warung KeneKone – traditional food and great coffee, located a short distance from the beach.
Things To Do Near Pabean Ketewel Beach
There’s not much else to do right on Pabean Ketwel Beach but we managed to find a few things not far away on the map.
Hidden Canyon Beji Guwang
A tranquil trek through a jungle canyon with pools and waterfalls. This is a bit of a hidden gem that not many people go to. Located about 10 minutes drive from the beach.
Kemenuh Butterfly Park
This amazing butterfly park is really interesting, we’ve never seen so many butterflies before. Entrance is 100k IDR for adults ($6 US / $10 AUS). A good spot if travelling with family, located about 20 minutes drive from Pabean Ketewel Beach.
Tegenungan Waterfall
One of the only waterfalls located near Pabean Ketwel Beach. A nice place to cool off on a hot day would make a great stop after the butterfly park which is just around the corner.
Hidden Mini Zoo Bali
A mini zoo located just 10 minutes drive from Pabean Ketewel Beach, this place is really fun and beautiful. We liked the way visitors can with some of the animals, like holding the scorpions!
Kertalangu Cultural Village
Set away from the beach, this village has beautiful rice fields which visitors can stroll around, a wellness spa and cultural activities to learn about.
FAQs
Are Pabean Beach And Pabean Ketewel Beach The Same Place?
No, although the names sound very similar, Pabean Ketewel Beach and Pabean Beach are two separate beaches in a line of black sand beaches that run into each other. Pabean Ketewel Beach is also sometimes confusingly written as Ketewel Beach. Visitors to either beach can easily walk from one to the other. Many people make the mistake of confusing the two beaches when looking at the map.
Why Is The Sand Black?
The black sand on the beaches is formed from the rock ejected by Bali’s volcanoes. Over the years, the tides and waves break this black rock up into the fine black sand that is seen on many of the beaches around the island.
In Balinese culture, the volcanoes on “the Island of the Gods” are sacred and the sand on many of the beaches is said by the local community to have special healing powers.
Is It Safe To Swim In The Sea?
The sea around the island is generally safe to swim in, but like everywhere it can be dangerous. Never swim outside of your ability, after drinking alcohol, nor during the nighttime. If you’re with friends or family then look out for each other.
The waves near the shoreline at Pabean Ketwel Beach are usually quite calm, if you’re travelling as a family then this is a good beach for children to swim in the sea.
What Should I Bring To Pabean Ketewel Beach?
Bring a swimming costume and a beach towel. You might want to bring a sarong to wrap around you while walking where there will be members of the local community, but unless you’re visiting a temple then it doesn’t matter too much.
You may want to bring some drinks and food with you to enjoy a lunch or sunrise breakfast amidst the tranquillity of Pabean Ketewel Beach.
Final Thoughts On Pabean Ketewel Beach
If you’re looking for somewhere quiet and laid back that is away from the tourists then this is the place for you.
There may not be a lot to do on and around Pabean Ketwel Beach other than sit back and relax, listen to the waves hitting the sand and admire the beauty of the sea view, but this beach is all about the atmosphere.
