Padangbai is a small coastal town on the east side of Bali. For many travelers, it is just a port, the place where ferries leave for Lombok and the Gili Islands. But Padangbai is more than a transit stop. It has hidden beaches, great diving spots, and a laid-back atmosphere that feels far from the crowded tourist areas in southern Bali. If you take time to stay here, you will find a mix of local life, quiet coves, and a base for exploring east Bali.
This guide gives you everything you need to know about Padangbai, from the best things to do to where to stay and eat.
Why Visit Padangbai
Padangbai is not as polished as Ubud or Seminyak, but that is its charm. It is a working port, so you will see ferries loading and unloading, fishermen bringing in their catch, and locals going about their day. At the same time, it has beautiful beaches just a short walk away and dive sites that attract people from around the world.
For travelers who want to experience a less touristy side of Bali, Padangbai offers a slower pace and lower prices. It is also a good stop if you are heading onward to Lombok or the Gilis but want to break up the journey.
Getting to Padangbai
Padangbai is about 55 kilometers from Denpasar and Ngurah Rai International Airport. The drive takes around 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic. You can get there by:
- Private driver: The easiest option, bookable online or through your hotel.
- Shuttle bus: Budget option, often linked to ferry tickets to Lombok or the Gilis.
- Motorbike: For experienced riders, the road is straightforward but busy near Denpasar.
Most travelers arrive as part of their trip to or from the ferry terminal.
Things to Do in Padangbai
Visit the Beaches
Padangbai has several beaches, each with its own feel.
- Blue Lagoon Beach: A small bay with calm water, popular for snorkeling. You can rent gear on the beach and see colorful fish right offshore.
- Bias Tugel Beach (Hidden Beach): A short walk from town, this beach has white sand and clear water. It feels tucked away and is a good spot for swimming when the waves are gentle.
- Main Beach (Padangbai Beach): Busy with ferries, but interesting for watching local activity. Not the best for swimming.
Snorkeling and Diving
Padangbai is one of Bali’s best diving bases. Dive shops in town organize trips to sites like Blue Lagoon, Jepun, and Tanjung Jepun. These sites are known for healthy coral, reef sharks, turtles, and even rare creatures like frogfish and seahorses. The dive community here is small and welcoming.
Snorkeling is easy from Blue Lagoon and Bias Tugel, but boat trips can also take you further out to reefs with better visibility.
Visit Pura Silayukti
This sea temple sits on a headland just outside town. It dates back to the 11th century and is still an active place of worship. From here, you get views of the ocean and can watch boats coming and going.
Explore East Bali
Padangbai makes a good base for day trips. Within a short drive you can reach:
- Tenganan Village, home to Bali Aga culture and traditional weaving.
- Candidasa, a small resort town with more restaurants and shops.
- Goa Lawah Temple, known as the bat cave temple.
Watch the Ferry Life
Padangbai’s port is busy with ferries to Lombok and local fishing boats. It is interesting to watch the daily rhythm, especially at sunset when boats come back in. While the port itself is not scenic, it gives you a sense of Bali beyond the tourist view.
Food in Padangbai
Padangbai has a mix of local warungs and small traveler cafés. You will find cheap Indonesian staples like nasi goreng (fried rice), mie goreng (fried noodles), and fresh grilled fish. Many places also serve Western dishes like pizza and pasta, catering to the diving crowd.
Fresh seafood is the highlight. Order grilled fish with sambal for a simple but flavorful meal. Along the beach, you will find spots with cold drinks and sunset views.
Where to Stay
Padangbai has mostly budget and mid-range options. Do not expect big resorts, but you will find plenty of guesthouses and small hotels.
- Budget: Homestays and hostels near the main road
- Mid-range: Small hotels with pools, often catering to divers
- Dive resorts: Accommodation linked with dive shops for easy packages
If you want luxury, you may be better off staying in Candidasa and visiting Padangbai for the day.
When to Visit
The best time to visit is during Bali’s dry season, from May to September. The weather is sunny, seas are calmer, and visibility for diving is at its best. October to April is the wet season, with heavier rains and rougher seas, though diving still happens year-round.
Practical Tips
- Bring cash. ATMs are limited and sometimes run out of money.
- If you are taking the ferry to Lombok or the Gilis, buy tickets from official counters, not touts.
- Be prepared for delays. Ferry schedules are flexible and weather can cause cancellations.
- Carry reef-safe sunscreen and respect local customs when visiting temples.
- For diving, choose reputable shops that follow safety standards.
Costs and Budget
Padangbai is cheaper than Bali’s southern resorts.
- Meals at warungs: $2 to $4
- Rooms in guesthouses: $15 to $40
- Diving trips: $60 to $90 for two dives
- Ferry to Lombok: Around $4 to $6 for the slow boat, $20 to $30 for fast boats
This makes Padangbai a good spot for budget-conscious travelers.
Why Stay Instead of Passing Through
Most people only see Padangbai while waiting for a ferry, but staying a night or two shows another side of Bali. The beaches are less crowded, the diving is world-class, and the town feels more authentic than tourist-heavy areas. You get the chance to slow down, meet locals, and enjoy east Bali at your own pace.
Final Thoughts
Padangbai is not glamorous, but it has its own charm. Between the hidden beaches, excellent diving, and simple seafood meals, it is a place that grows on you. It is both a gateway to other islands and a destination in itself.
If you are heading to Lombok or the Gilis, consider stopping for a night instead of rushing through. Padangbai may surprise you with how much it has to offer.
