Rumor has it that beaches that are far from South Bali are in better condition due to their minimal exposure to tourists. We decided to look at two locations in Balis east: Padangbai and Candidasa, to see how much of this is the truth.

Using a rental car or motorcycle that can be acquired for as low as Rp.150,000 (US$15.52) a day, the route to Padangbai is relatively easy along the main road, from Jl. Bypass Ngurah Rai in Sanur to Jl. Prof. Dr. Ida Bagus Mantra along the southern coast of Gianyar.

Around 20 minutes after Sanur, road signs for beaches appear: Saba Beach, Masceti Beach, Siyut Beach, and Telaga Besar Beach. All these beaches share similar characteristics: smooth black sand no further than 500 meters from the main road, making them a good place for a quick stop.

Padangbai Bias Tugal Beach

The road narrows at Goa Lawah Temple, which means the first stop - Padangbai - is near.

Around 10 minutes from Goa Lawah Temple, a right turn at an intersection leads to Padangbai harbor.

The lively harbor serves the busy Bali-Lombok route with ferries and fast boats.

Aside from the main beach, Padangbai also has two hidden beaches: the Blue Lagoon and Bias Tugal at either end of the main beach, separated by protruding cliffs.

Blue Lagoon is the more developed beach, with concrete stairs access and modern beach-side pavilions, while Bias Tugal is a short distance from the parking spot.

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Unveiling East Bali’s beaches : Padangbai & Candidasa