“You’re going to like Suluban Beach,” our driver Made said as he smiled confidently.
I really hoped so! We had just come from two beaches — Dreamland Beach and Padang Padang Beach — and quite frankly, we thought they were kind of meh. Sorry. But I had really high hopes for Suluban Beach, located at the Bukit peninsula of Bali. I have been reading up on this paradise in Pecatu before our trip, and everyone was waxing lyrical about it.
Well, Made was right. We LOVED it! Sure, I only went to a total of five beaches in Bali for our 12-day trip, but out of the five, this one’s the clear winner for me!
Suluban Beach is also known called “Blue Point Beach” since people associate it with the Blue Point Bay Villa located just on top of the cliff above Suluban Beach.
We first hung out at Single Fin, a surf shop, bar, and café perched on a huge rock on top of the beach. It’s a cool place to hang loose with some beers or cold drinks while watching the Uluwatu sunset. If the Ayana Resort’s Rock Bar is a little too fancy-schmancy or overrated for you, you might like the more relaxed vibe at Single Fin. On Wednesdays, an acoustic group plays at Single Fin. Guests can also enjoy music from Single Fin’s DJs and other live musical acts.
Since Suluban Beach is a renowned surfing beach, naturally, it’s quite common to see a troop of surfers chilling at this place. Surfing and other sporting goods and gear are also being sold in one corner of Single Fin. If it’s still not clear enough that this is a hit with the surfers, check out the surfboards hanging on the ceiling!
Getting from Single Fin down to Suluban Beach isn’t easy. You need to descend a really long flight of stairs from the bar to the entrance of the beach, which isn’t the best feeling in the world when the sun is hot as hell. That’s one thing to consider when traveling with elderly companions. If you are with seniors, I wouldn’t recommend taking them to this beach. I’m a young (okay, young-ish) woman in my prime and even I was panting and wheezing as I made my way up and down those stairs!
When we reached the entrance to the beach, I found out that I couldn’t celebrate just yet because… MORE stairs!
The stairs going down to the beach can be dangerous if you’re not careful. The steps are small and there is nothing to hold on to. See the photos below? These girls were going down before us and it took them forever because the girl in black was chickening out (and freaking out). Since she was too scared to walk down, she sat on EACH STEP like a little child to get to the very end of the staircase, causing a bit of staircase traffic. This is a picture of real friendship right here. On the left, you see the blonde girl holding the hand of her friend in black as she struggles to go down. On the right, you can see Blondie ditching her scared sister and going off on her own!
The word “suluban” is derived from the Balinese word mesulub which means “to pass under something.” Indeed, Suluban Beach is rich with beautiful and elaborate caves and rock formations that visitors need to pass under. These caves and rocks are actually what set Suluban Beach apart from all the other beaches we’ve seen in Bali. There is something about being in the midst of all these natural wonders that make Suluban Beach so intriguing and magical.
I would have wanted to swim but the afternoon heat was too fierce, and also, we had no towels with us (we couldn’t borrow from the villa since we had already checked out). We were just content with climbing rocks, resting under caves, and admiring the beauty of the beach.
Not as well-known as Seminyak Beach, Kuta Beach, Sanur Beach, and Nusa Dua Beach, Suluban Beach can still be considered as one of the more “undiscovered” beaches in Bali. However, though it’s not the most famous beach in Bali, don’t expect it to be vacant and tourist-free. In fact, when we went, there were a lot of people swimming, surfing, or just loafing around on the beach. But though there were a lot of beach goers that day, it did not feel crowded at all. There was so much room to walk around, and there were so many interesting corners to discover.
This is just one part of Suluban Beach:
It’s important to wear comfortable shoes or slippers when at Suluban Beach if you plan on climbing up and down the rocks like what we did.
We climbed up those huge rocks and squeezed into tight alcoves to get into the more hidden part of the beach. (I told you, there are so many corners to discover here!) This is when the word “suluban” or “mesulub” really made sense — we needed to crouch to pass the crannies and caves before getting to the beach. Ducking and pushing our way into these gaps made the experience more fun! However, while this was fun for us, this is yet another reason why this isn’t the most ideal beach for older tourists.
After making our way through the boulders and caverns, we were greeted by the beautiful turquoise waters of Suluban Beach! The clear waters, which were many different shades of blue, seemed to sparkle in the sunlight.
It is said that Suluban Beach is the actual site of the famous Uluwatu surf break and is connected to the Uluwatu Beach. Because of this, extra caution is required when swimming, especially during high tide.
Now this is the kind of beach I could spend all day in even if I’m not a surfer! What’s not to love about this beach? Though it was bursting with energy because of the people in it, it still offered a feeling of serenity. The views are incredible, the waters are dazzling, and best of all, it’s clean! If I want a quick refreshment, there are plenty of bars and cafés just above the beach. There’s even no need for a sun bed because if I feel like resting under the shade, I can just unwind under the caves while savoring the fantastic scenery!
I’m not an expert on Bali and its beaches but if you could only go to one beach in Bali, make it Suluban Beach. It’s the beach that I see myself going back to and visiting a second, third, or even fourth time if I ever find myself in Bali again!
One of the most riveting features of this beach are the small pools or lagoons in the middle of the rocks and the water. I dipped my feet in these lagoons and the water was nice and cool. At that point, I regretted that we did not go for a swim.
I wish we could have stayed longer at Suluban Beach but we had to run to the Uluwatu Temple before sunset. We just had one last drink at one of the restaurants upstairs and one last look of this outstanding beach and its amazing seascape.
Whether you’re a surfer, a beach lover, or just someone who appreciates superb scenery or enjoys a relaxing time while watching the waves, there will be something for you to love at Suluban Beach! Don’t miss it when in Bali!
♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥ ♥
For all stories related to our Bali honeymoon trip, visit the link below:
#PuffAndFluffBalimoon
It’s been a dream of mine to go to Bali forever….this makes me want to go even more!
It really is a dream destination! 🙂
Nadine Smith recently posted…Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali
That beach looks so super pretty! Oh and all that blue water 😍 *booking trip to Bali*
<3: Jasmin N
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Jasmin N recently posted…MOTIVATIONAL MONDAY QUOTE #3
I could spend all day in this beautiful beach! 🙂 Yes, DO book a trip to Bali soon!
Nadine Smith recently posted…Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali
Wow so beautiful! Wish I was there!!
Wish I could be there right now too! 🙂
Nadine Smith recently posted…Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali
Paradise!
Maikelsworld.com recently posted…Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam
Indeed!
Nadine Smith recently posted…Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali
Oh Single Fin <3 great memories! So weird to see the same place I have been before years after! Love to see places change the decor and all 🙂 You look stunning – keep it up!
Thuymi @ http://www.AdventureFaktory.com recently posted…How to book a good Kenya Safari
I wonder what it used to look like back then? Was it always this nice and awesome? 🙂 Oh, and thanks for the sweet compliment 🙂
Nadine Smith recently posted…Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali
Oh wow it looks and sounds amazing! Imy going to be adding this to my list of places to go 😄 Ree Love30
Thanks, Ree! 🙂 It really IS an amazing beach!
Nadine Smith recently posted…Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali
Gorgeous pictures!
Alexandra ~ ArtMandy
Thanks 🙂
Nadine Smith recently posted…Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Bali
This beach was amazing!! Although we thought this was Uluwatu beach, and had no idea it was called Suluban! Thanks for this! Spent the entire afternoon swimming here (the price I paid was a major tan haha, but sooo worth it.)