Thomas Beach is one of the easier-to-access beaches in Uluwatu with a long white sandy beach stretched along the blue water, rocks and forest.
Great to learn how to surf, get your feet wet, or chill on a sun bed sipping a kelapa muda (young coconut in Indonesian).
As experienced beach bums, we’ve prepared a guide on Thomas Beach, Bali to help you enjoy your day at this underrated Uluwatu beach.
Where Is Thomas Beach, Bali?
Pantai Thomas aka Thomas Beach is a surfing spot in the southwest of the island, on Bali’s Bukit peninsula, in the famous Uluwatu area.
It is located between two other surf breaks: Padang Padang Beach (Labuan Sait Beach) and Suluban Beach (aka Blue Point Beach).
Thomas Beach is one of the best beaches in Bali with turquoise water, long soft white sand beach, and rock formations covered with lush tropical forest behind the beach.
The beach is close to a few other surf breaks like Bingin Beach, Dreamland, Balangan, and many other sandy and rocky beaches of Uluwatu.
Are Padang Padang Beach And Thomas Beach The Same?
Padang Padang Beach and Thomas Beach are two different beaches in Uluwatu, but they are close to each other – maybe a 5-minute drive or a 1.5 km walk.
Thomas Beach is just a neighbouring beach and they are not connected so you can’t walk from one to another on the beach side. There is a cliff separating them.
You will also notice that Thomas Beach is much quieter than Padang Beach.
How To Get To Thomas Beach Uluwatu?
Thomas Beach is easy to get to by bike or using local online taxi apps.
You can also hire a private driver but cars can’t get to the Thomas Beach parking lot and you will have to walk from the Suka cafe.
From Canggu, Pererenan and Seminyak it is about 1.5 hour drive.
Driving down the main road Labuan Sait Street you will see Suka Espresso Cafe. It is your sign to turn from the main road into the small dirt road leading to the beach.
Leave your bike in the parking lot. The fees may vary, but usually, it is about 2,000-5,000 IDR for a bike and 5,000-10,000 IDR for a car (less than 1 AUD or 1 USD).
You will see a small warung and concrete steps going down to the beach. There are just around 130 steps down, it is a short walk until you reach Thomas Beach, but it may be a little bit challenging for older people.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Access Thomas Beach?
Currently, there is no entrance fee to go down to the beach, it is free.
However, it can change based on the village policy.
If you book a private day trip to Uluwatu temple and neighbouring beaches, any possible entrance fees will always be included.
Best Time To Visit Thomas Beach Uluwatu
We are convinced that the best time to be at Thomas Beach is sunset. Come earlier, around 4-5 pm to get comfy on a sun bed or the sand.
The worst time is around noon as the sun is scorching hot!
The best days to come are weekdays, especially Monday to Wednesday since most of the people visiting Thomas Beach come on Saturday and Sunday.
If coming with children and not to swim or surf, the low tide (before 11 am) is a great choice as you will see all the rocks, algae and little marine life exposed.
Unlike many other beaches in the Uluwatu area, Thomas Beach doesn’t have huge cliffs or rocks looming over the beach.
It has a pretty big open space with a 200 m long beach and a forest behind the beach. But the biggest reason to come here is, of course, blue water and amazing surf.
Things To Do Around Thomas Beach, Bali
Thomas Beach is a well-known spot in the Uluwatu area for 3 things:
Stunning sunset worthy of a photo,
Amazing surfing conditions, and
Perfect spot for sunbathing on the beach chairs.
It is a not-so-hidden gem anymore but the beach still stays clean, quiet and scenic. Azure water, white sand, fisherman boats, ocean – a great place to unwind.
The beach also has very basic public toilets.
Surfing At Thomas Beach Bali
Thomas Beach is a great left-hand surfing spot for beginners. This break is amazing for learning how to surf longboards as it offers a strong current shooting you into the ocean (rip) without massive scary waves.
Bring your own board or head straight to a surfboard rental on the beach where you can rent a board starting from 100,000 IDR (~10 AUD or 7 USD) for two hours. You will see a big sign on the rental hut.
Mid to high tide times are best for surfing Thomas Beach.
If it is your very first time surfing, don’t panic! The beach has a few booths offering private surf lessons to get you quickly on the board.
Soaking Up The Sun
It is a great spot to get some tan. You can easily rent a sun bed for extra cost, order a coconut and relax, read a book, or simply enjoy the ocean views.
Sun beds come with an umbrella so you will have a little shade.
The cost is around 50,000 IDR (~5 AUD or 3 USD).
Swimming
Thomas Beach is an average spot for swimming in Bali, but you can swim during high to super high tide as the sea is normally calm by the shore.
The only things to be aware of are the seaweed in the water and the many rocks and corals at the bottom of the ocean. You can wear water shoes to protect your feet.
The temperature of the water is rather cold during July and August, so the best time for a swim session is the wet season (November to April).
Do not swim too far, the current is very strong in the middle of the beach. There is also no snorkelling or watersports except surfing.
Photoshoots
Thomas Beach is one of the easiest to access and most beautiful beaches so many families and couples book a shoot here.
The best timing is, of course, right before sunset (4-5 PM depending on the season) and you will get those perfect pictures that scream “our best holiday in paradise”.
Where To Eat
A few warungs are perched on the edge of the forest, where you can grab a coconut or a Bintang, french fries, or some Indonesian food. They accept cash only.
Thomas Warung, Ari Cafe and some smaller stalls with very affordable eats.
There are no beach clubs or fancier cafes right on the beach for luxury travellers but once you get back to the main road, you can drive to any big hotel or restaurant in Uluwatu in 10-15 minutes.
Where To Stay
There are quite a few homestays and villas where you can stay overnight just above Thomas Beach.
Casa Poema (closest)
D’padang (mid-range)
Padang Padang Breeze (budget option)
Suluban Cliff Bali Villa (luxury option)
Staying around the beach and close to the forest, watch out for your belongings and don’t leave them on a balcony – monkeys are frequent visitors here!
Final Thoughts
Visiting Bali, you should spend a few days down in Uluwatu to find out why this place is a paradise on Earth.
To enjoy white sand quiet beaches you don’t have to go to Nusa Dua. Come to Thomas Beach to hide from crowds, catch some waves, and chill.
