Padang Bai

Most visitors to Padang Bai are there to catch a boat to Lombok and sadly miss out on a charming little place in its own right. People who do give it a chance often cancel their trip in order to spend more time in this lovely village. Spending a night or two here will certainly not be time wasted.

There is good diving and snorkeling in the immediate area, and a number of operators are present to cater for those activities. This is also a fairly convenient base from which to explore some of the wider attractions of East Bali. Accommodation tends to be quite basic and aimed at the backpacker market, but there are more upmarket options in town.

It’s a great place to relax, enjoy the beach and eat fish! Blue Lagoon Beach is a pleasant, small covey beach, great for snorkeling. Bias Tugal Beach, also called Pantai Kecil (Little Beach) or The White Sand Beach, is a beautiful white sandy beach and the best beach in Padang Bai. Good for swimming, though the currents can be strong. There are several restaurants.

There are some temples to discover. Padang Bai has five major temples Pura Dalem, located downtown, Pura Segara, located next to the beach in between town and the main beach, Pura Telagamas, Pura Silayukti and Pura Tanjungsari in the eastern end of Padang Bai. Of the five Pura Silayukti is the most notable, having been the home of the great Hindu sage Empu Kuturan and dating back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest extant temples on the island.

There is good snorkeling in the bay, though the snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon or White Sand Beach is much better. Several small shops in the main street of Padang Bai rent snorkeling equipment. They can also organise traditional jukung boats to bring you to the best spots and greatly increase your safety. On a calm day expect lots of fish and great visibility.

Padang Bai is noted for its diving and the friendly dive centres are right on the beach with their own bars for after-diving refreshments.