Plan your trip to Padang Bai on the east coast of Bali with this complete list of things to do and see. This small port town is mainly known for being Bali’s gateway to the Gili Islands, but Padang Bai actually has a lot more to offer when it comes to activities.
If you’re a scuba diver or are looking for great places to snorkel around Bali, this area is a great choice for a weekend trip. Plus, you’ll get to escape the crowds and enjoy more authentic countryside life, which can be difficult to find in Bali’s touristy south.
While Padang Bai might not have an extensive list of things to do, the activities that are available are definitely worth the journey up the coast.
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Why you can trust this list of the best things to do in Padang Bai
Hi, I’m Victoria, and I’m your go-to source for Bali and Indonesia travel information.
I’ve lived on this beautiful island for several years now and visited plenty of times before that, both as a tourist and backpacker. I know how to save money and when to splurge on things, so I’ll introduce you to the best luxury getaways for a special occasion but also the cheapest airport pickups and fun group tours you can join if you want to make friends.
Since I visit the Gili Islands at least every two months, I’m in Padang Bai quite frequently and usually try to stay here for a few days before heading back home to Canggu.
Because I live in Bali permanently, I can keep this post up-to-date and make sure that the information is still relevant for travellers. This post is 100% written from my own personal experience, and I’ll be the first to know if any information needs to be updated or changed.
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Best things to do in Padang Bai
Here are the best things to do and see in and around Padang Bai, including plenty of fun activities. Most of these are either located in town or under 30 minutes away by car or scooter. Since grab and gojek are unreliable in Padang Bai, definitely rent a car or motorbike or hire a driver to get around.
1. Plant coral with the Livingseas Foundation
If you’re looking for a unique and unusual activity in Padang Bai, then you need to join a coral planting day with the Livingseas Foundation. Not only will you be helping to restore the local coral reefs, but you’ll also get to enjoy a day of fun, getting hands-on experience and plenty of knowledge about Bali’s underwater world.
The Livingseas Foundation has planted over 100,000 coral fragments in Padang Bai in the past five years, and their restoration area spans over 3,000 m2. Their efforts have brought marine species like barracudas, turtles and reef sharks back to the area, and the project is the largest of its kind in Bali. They’re one of the most established coral restoration organisations in all of Bali and a great charity to support.
Both snorkellers and scuba divers can join their coral planting days, so make sure to book your spot as soon as possible. You’ll be taken to their pontoon to learn about coral rehabilitation before you help attach the coral fragments to the reef star structures, which are then secured underwater.
After coming here myself to plant coral for a day, this has become my top recommendation for things to do in Padang Bai and even all of Bali. It was such a special day for us, and the team was absolutely incredible and very welcoming, giving us a whole new perspective on the positive impacts we can have as visitors.
If you’re not able to join a coral planting day but still want to contribute to the cause, we highly recommend sponsoring a reef star, which costs only US $30 and has space for 18 coral pieces. Alternatively, you can adopt a single coral for US $10. Your reef star will have a bamboo tag with your name on it, and the Livingseas team will even send you monthly photos and updates about your little piece of the reef until the tag becomes too difficult to read as the reef takes over.
There is also a subscription, so you can contribute a reef star every month and know that you did your part to support sustainable tourism.
The Livingseas Foundation is a non-profit organisation and registered charity in both Indonesia and Germany, so you can be sure that you’re supporting a good cause.
Address: Jl. Silayukti, Padangbai, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871
Driving time from Padang Bai: the main office is located in town, and the coral restoration site can be reached by boat in around 10 minutes
Best time to go: during a coral planting weekend
2. Spend the day at Bias Tugel Beach
Bias Tugel might just be one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Bali. Come here for white sands, crystal-clear blue waters and small warungs, which are perfect for lunch or for having a coconut.
You can rent a sunbed for IDR 50,000 and go swimming. Just keep an eye out for the waves, which can be quite high during high tide. Low tide might be the better choice.
The beach is easily reachable by car or bike, and from the parking area, you’ll have to walk down some stairs for around 5 to 10 minutes. The entrance fee to the beach is IDR 10,000, and although it rarely gets extremely crowded, it’s best to come early to get a good spot.
Address: Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80871
Driving time from Padang Bai: 10 minutes
Best time to go: during low tide and in the mornings
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3. Visit Goa Lawah
Goa Lawah is a well-known Balinese Temple located just a quick drive from Padang Bai. It sits right by the main road, so it’s an easy stop to make on the way.
The temple costs IDR 25,000 per person to enter, and all visitors need to wear a sarong, which can be rented in case you don’t have your own. The temple isn’t very large, but it’s set half inside a cave filled with thousands of bats, which can be seen from outside.
There is also a large statue with different bats in the parking area, which shouldn’t be missed.
If visiting a Balinese temple during your time on the Island of the Gods is on your to-do list, this is the perfect choice. Just note that the temple and cave might be closed to tourists during major ceremonies, which happen quite often in Bali.
Address: CFX9+9GG, Jl. Raya Goa Lawah, Pesinggahan, Kec. Dawan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80761
Driving time from Padang Bai: 15 minutes
Best time to go: Any time during the day unless there is a ceremony
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4. See the Blue Lagoon
The Blue Lagoon is a beautiful beach just one bay away from central Padang Bai and a great alternative to the famous Bias Tugel Beach.
The beach is quite small but rarely gets very crowded. There are sunbeds available for hire, and many people come here for snorkelling or to eat at one of the many local warungs.
There is an IDR 5,000 entrance fee, and plenty of parking available. If you’re not driving a scooter, you can also walk here, which takes less than 15 minutes from Padang Bai, although it’s mostly uphill.
Address: FGC7+38M, Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80871
Driving time from Padang Bai: 3 minutes
Best time to go: Any time of day
5. Visit a traditional salt farm
The area around Padang Bai is known for traditional salt harvesting, and it has become somewhat of a tourist attraction. There are plenty of salt farms to choose from, and I usually recommend the one from the link below.
You can just drive there, and the salt farmers will briefly show you the process, which begins by taking water from the ocean, spreading it across the hot, black sand, and then putting the salt in different containers before drying it.
Definitely make sure to purchase some salt from the farmers to support their traditional craft. A 250g bag will cost as little as IDR 20,000, and it makes for a great gift to take home from your travels.
Address: Jl. Raya Karangasem No.16, Antiga Kelod, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80761
Driving time from Padang Bai: 15 minutes
Best time to go: any time during the day, avid major Balinese holidays
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6. Admire Silayukti Temple
Silayukti Temple is a small Balinese Temple that overlooks the bay of Padang Bai. It’s very easy to reach from the centre of town, and makes it on most lists of things to do in Padang Bai.
Unfortunately, it’s not really permitted for tourists to visit the inside of the temple unless you’re specifically invited by someone attending a ceremony. Some tour guides or accommodation owners in town will be able to organise this, but there is never really a guarantee.
As is the case with many Balinese Temples, Silayukti is actually quite small, so even if you just get to see it from a distance, you’re not missing out too much.
Address: FG97+H6H, Jl. Silayukti, Padangbai, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871
Driving time from Padang Bai: 3 minutes
Best time to go: any time of day
7. Explore a lost luxury hotel
One of the lesser-known places in Padang Bai is the lost hotel that sits in the jungle close to Bias Tugel and Grotto Beach.
The best way to get there is to drive or walk along the overgrown main road to the hotel, which is quite manageable with a scooter if you go slow.
Do not try to walk along the coastline as there is no proper path, and the drop down the cliffs is very steep.
Construction for the hotel was never finished, and it’s in relatively good condition with incredible ocean views. Be very careful when exploring and mind your step, especially on the upper levels.
When urban exploring, always make sure to leave no trace and not damage any part of the property. There are no signs to keep out, but please do your own research if visitors are permitted here, and never break the law.
You might also like the abandoned theme park in Sanur or this even larger lost hotel in Koh Tao, Thailand.
Address: FG65+5F, Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali
Driving time from Padang Bai: 5 minutes
Best time to go: any time during the day
8. Hike down to Grotto Beach
Grotto Beach is a very small beach right next to Bias Tugel, which is great for those who love a bit of adventure and exploration. You can get there by following the narrow path to the right of the main stairs to Bias Tugel. It’s a short 5-minute walk, but make sure to go slowly as the drop down the cliff is quite steep.
Grotto Beach is very small and only really accessible during low tide. We don’t recommend swimming here as the waves are very strong and the rocks are sharp.
Address: FG75+8CV, Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80871
Driving time from Padang Bai: 10 minutes
Best time to go: during low tide
9. Catch a fast boat to the Gili Islands
The three Gili Islands are located close to the shores of northern Lombok and the best place for swimming with turtles right at the beach. Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air are tiny islands with no motorised traffic and plenty of things to do and see.
Gili T is known for its nightlife and great restaurant selection, Gili Meno is the smallest of the three islands and popular among honeymooners, Gili Air is quiet and great for families or couples. No matter which Gili you choose, you’ll love the many snorkelling tours and a great selection of villas and beautiful hotels.
Just make sure to come prepared for the two-hour boat ride from Padang Bai to the Gilis. The ocean is often rough, and seasickness is unfortunately common. We always recommend using
If you’re staying in Padang Bai, a weekend trip to the Gili Islands is highly recommended.
Address: FG95+JRJ, Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali
Driving time from Padang Bai: 1.5 to 3 hours by boat, depending on the weather
Best time to go: early in the morning on a calm day
10. Spend the day at Virgin Beach
If you’re looking for even more beautiful beaches close to Padang Bai, you might want to drive a bit further up the coast to Virgin Beach. It’s quite well-known in the area and a must-see if you have the time.
White sand and blue waters can be a bit hard to find in northeastern Bali, so Virgin Beach is definitely special.
The entrance fee is IDR 20,000 per person, and you can rent sunbeds for a further IDR 100,000. There are lots of little warungs where you can have lunch, so definitely spend the day here.
You can swim and even snorkel at Virgin Beach, although waves can be strong during high tide.
Address: Jl. Raya Bukit Asah No.Desa, Adat Bugbug, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80851
Driving time from Padang Bai: 40 minutes
Best time to go: on a sunny day
11. Have lunch at the Bloo Lagoon Restaurant
Padang Bai doesn’t have very many restaurants, and if you want to treat yourself to something special, I would recommend the Bloo Lagoon Restaurant, which overlooks the beautiful coastline.
The views are amazing, and you can see all the way to Candidasa. They even offer massages on-site if you need some relaxation.
I’ve had decent experiences with the food here, but it’s worth noting that the main reason to come here is the view, not for fine dining. Prices are a little bit higher than the average in Padang Bai, but still reasonable.
If you don’t have your own bike, you can walk to the Bloo Lagoon. The road is uphill but not too long.
Address: Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80871
Driving time from Padang Bai: 5 minutes
Best time to go: for sunset
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12. Go scuba diving
Padang Bai is a prime location for scuba diving and is actually one of the best places in Bali to get certified. Choose between a great selection of diving schools and get certified, or go for fun dives.
I would recommend Livingseas, a highly experienced and renowned dive centre located right in the heart of Padang Bai. They’re very active in coral conservation, so you’ll be supporting a good cause.
You can do different certifications, book fun dives or join one of their conservation dives and coral planting weekends, which we highly recommend.
Address: Jl. Silayukti, Padangbai, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871
Driving time from Padang Bai: located in town
Best time to go: early in the morning, depending on the tides
13. Take the slow ferry to Lombok
If you’re trying to get to Lombok but want to avoid the notorious speed boats, you should consider taking the slow car ferry to Lombok instead. It departs from the port in Padang Bai and takes anywhere between four to six hours, depending on the tides and weather, and the ride is usually very calm.
I’ve seen schools of dolphins several times on this trip, and sitting on the deck can be very peaceful and much more enjoyable than the bumpy, fast boats. Tickets are only around IDR 60,000 per person, so they are very affordable.
You’ll arrive in Lembar in southern Lombok, from where you can head to Kuta Lombok or north to Senggigi and the Gili Islands. Just make sure to take your scooter on the ferry or organise a taxi pickup to get around since grab and gojek are very unreliable in the area.
Address: FG95+JRJ, Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali
Driving time from Padang Bai: four to six hours by boat
Best time to go: ferries are available every few hours throughout the day
14. Go snorkelling at incredible reefs
Padang Bai is a renowned scuba diving destination, so it comes as no surprise that the underwater world is just as beautiful when it comes to snorkelling.
Livingseas and their continuing efforts to restore the local coral reefs have had a huge impact on this, and you can see a big difference when comparing the underwater world to what it was only five years ago.
You can now spot turtles, sting rays, reef sharks, barracudas and much more when snorkelling at their reef restoration site in Padang Bai, and the coral gardens are growing steadily.
Organise a snorkelling excursion through Livingseas, a fantastic coral restoration NGO and help plant coral, or inquire with a local guide to take you around to different spots for the day.
Address: FGC6+HX2, Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali
Driving time from Padang Bai: 10 minutes by boat
Best time to go: during low tide
15. Hike Bukit Tengah
Bukit Tengah is a small hill located around 20 minutes by motorbike from Padang Bai. This isn’t a very touristy spot, and you’ll mostly encounter locals and families here.
You can ride your scooter up the hill all the way to the viewpoint, but note that the road is very rocky and not suitable for beginner drivers. Smaller bikes may struggle if you have a passenger in the back.
Another option is to walk, which takes around an hour, but the path is steep in places, so only attempt this if the sun isn’t too high in the sky.
Bukit Tengah is the perfect spot for sunrise or sunset, and you can even camp here overnight as long as you bring all of your own supplies.
Address: FF6G+HP7, Unnamed Road, Pesinggahan, Kec. Dawan, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80761
Driving time from Padang Bai: 20 minutes
Best time to go: for sunrise or sunset
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16. Listen to live music at Omang Omang
Padang Bai might not be a hotspot for nightlife, but your evenings here don’t have to be boring. Omang Omang is a popular Western restaurant in town that has live music on Monday nights.
Even if you’re able to come on a Monday, you should stop by for lunch or dinner anyway. The food is delicious and their menu has a great variety of cuisines to choose from.
Address: Jl. Silayukti No.12, Padangbai, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871
Driving time from Padang Bai: located in town
Best time to go: on Monday nights for live music
17. Explore the nearby waterfalls
There are quite a few smaller waterfalls located around Padang Bai; most are around 20 to 40 minutes away by motorbike or car. If you have time to explore the surrounding area, you should definitely check them out. They won’t be as crowded and touristy as some of the more well-known waterfalls around Ubud, so you can enjoy peace and quiet even during mid-day.
Just note that you should avoid visiting smaller waterfalls around Bali after heavy rains since there can be an influx of plastic waste gathering in the water. This is sadly common around Bali, so know this before you go.
Some of the best waterfalls around Padang Bai include:
- Air Terjun Yeh Labuh Waterfall: 25 minutes from Padang Bai
- Air Terjun Jagasatru: 30 minutes from Padang Bai
- Tukad Tista: 25 minutes from Padang Bai
18. Explore Candidasa
Candidasa is a small town located around 20 minutes from Padang Bai by car or scooter. This area of Bali doesn’t have large numbers of tourists, so if you want to get a glimpse of the real Bali, you’ll enjoy it here.
The coastline is very pretty, with lots of little fishing boats and clear waters. The Candidasa Lotus Lagoon is one of the most popular attractions in the area and a must-visit if you’re driving up here. While there isn’t a whole lot to do here, Candidasa is a great place to explore the countryside, drive through nature and explore.
Address: Candidasa, Bali
Driving time from Padang Bai: 20 minutes
Best time to go: on a sunny day
Best day trips from Padang Bai
If you have some extra time to spend, why not go on these day trips from Padang Bai? They’re easily manageable by scooter, or you can hire a local driver to take you around. You could even combine several of the items on the list below into one day trip, especially those located north of Padang Bai.
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A great day trip from Padang Bai includes Taman Ujung, Tirta Gangga, Lempuyang Temple and Lahangan Sweet, which you can easily visit in one day if you start early.
19. See Tirta Gangga
Tirta Gangga is one of Bali’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s located only 50 minutes from Padang Bai. If you have the time, definitely head up there on a day trip and consider visiting Taman Ujung at the same time.
Tirta Gangga is a beautiful collection of gardens with sculptures and unique architecture. They have huge koi fish ponds, statues and lots of little paths to see and explore. The site belongs to the royal family and is a must-visit if you’re in East Bali.
Tickets are IDR 70,000 per person for foreigners, and visiting early in the morning is highly recommended to avoid the crowds.
Address: HHQQ+836, Jalan Raya Abang Desa Adat Jl. Raya Tirta Gangga, Ababi, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Driving time from Padang Bai: 50 minutes
20. Visit Taman Ujung
Taman Ujung is slightly less well-known than Tirta Gangga but is still a busy tourist attraction in Bali. Built in the early 20th century, this historic site consists of gardens and several pools, with heavy colonial influences in the architecture.
Come here on a sunny day and explore the grounds while also learning about Bali’s unique culture and history.
Also, stop by the Bali Chocolate Factory while you are in the area to try some local chocolates.
Address: Ujung Water Palace, Tumbu, Karangasem, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80811
Driving time from Padang Bai: 50 minutes
21. Explore Sidemen
Sidemen is a small village surrounded by lush rice fields and beautiful mountains. It’s often considered a more authentic alternative to Ubud’s busy streets and is popular among tourists seeking peace and quiet.
If you’re headed to Sidemen, you should definitely visit one of the area’s many waterfalls, such as Gembleng, which, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful waterfalls in all of Bali. The Yellow Bridge and the local rice fields are also well worth a visit and great for an afternoon walk.
Address: Sidemen, Bali
Driving time from Padang Bai: 50 minutes
22. See Tukad Cepung Waterfall
Tukad Cepung is an extremely popular waterfall in Bali, and its unique cave-like shape makes it a must-visit during your time on the Island of the Gods. Definitely arrive here as early as possible, since the waterfall itself isn’t very large, so it gets crowded very quickly.
It takes around 10 to 15 minutes to walk to the falls from the parking area, and you need to wade through shallow water to get there, so make sure to wear the right shoes. The entrance fee is IDR 30,000 per person, so don’t forget to bring cash.
Address: H95P+HP Tembuku, Bangli Regency, Bali
Driving time from Padang Bai: 50 minutes
23. See Lempuyang Temple and the Gate of Heaven
Lempuyang Temple and the Gate of Heaven is the site of the world-famous Bali photo in front of the beautiful Balinese gates with Mount Agung in the background. You might know it from the mirror trick, where the local photographers will make it seem like there is a lake right in front of the gates.
Since this spot is immensly popular and attracts busloads of tourists every day, it gets very crowded, and waiting times to take a picture are usually around three hours. It’s still worth seeing, in my opinion, but be prepared for crowds and consider if you really need the photo.
Arrive very early if you can, and expect to still wait in line even then to take a photo. We once got there at 7 AM and had 90 people in line in front of us. The line moves very slowly, so it’s definitely not fun to wait.
Address: Jl. Pura Telaga Mas Lempuyang, Tri Buana, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Driving time from Padang Bai: 1 hour
24. Enjoy the views at Lahangan Sweet
Lahangan Sweet is a beautiful lookout point and a great place to take Instagram photos in Bali. They’ve got several platforms and photo backgrounds, but the tree is definitely the most well-known one. They’ve even got a miniature version of the Gate of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple.
Come here for sunrise or sunset, if possible, for the best light, and maybe even bring a picnic so you can enjoy the views for a bit longer.
The entrance fee for Lahangan Sweet is IDR 50,000 per person.
Address: Banjar Dinas Gulinten, Bunutan, Kec. Abang, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80852
Driving time from Padang Bai: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Is visiting Padang Bai worth it?
Visiting Padang Bai is definitely worth it if you love scuba diving and want to get away from the tourist crowds. While I wouldn’t spend more than a few days here, the town has quite a few things to do and see to offer and is perfect for those who want to enjoy small-town life in Bali.
One thing to consider is that the harbour can be very busy, especially when the fast boats are departing or arriving. I also wouldn’t really recommend Padang Bai to those who don’t ride a scooter, which makes getting around a bit of a challenge.
Best things to do in Padang Bai FAQ
Padang Bai has beautiful beaches, traditional salt farms, and plenty of diving and snorkelling opportunities.
Padang Bai is worth visiting for divers and those wanting to explore the Balinese countryside.
The best way to get from Ubud to Padang Bai is by grab or gojek.
Padang Bai is actually much more walkable than many parts of Bali, but only in the town centre. The surrounding area has no sidewalks, and heavy traffic, as well as steep hills, so it’s not suitable for pedestrians.
Before you go…
You’re ready for your trip to Padang Bai, with plenty of things to do and activities to choose from. We think you might also like our other Bali guides, such as our day trips to Ubud and Uluwatu, our tips on navigating the tap water, and our list of current beer prices.
You might also like our Canggu guides for the best romantic restaurants, best vegan restaurants, best Italian restaurants and best beach clubs.
Did I miss anything?
If you have any questions or feel like something is missing from this post, please leave a comment below or contact me.
