Have you ever dreamed of finding a hidden paradise in Bali, where you can enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea without the crowds? If so, you might want to check out Thomas Beach Bali, one of the most gorgeous and tranquil beaches in Uluwatu.
Thomas Beach, also known as Pantai Thomas, is a long stretch of white sand, turquoise water, and rolling waves, surrounded by lush green hills and cliffs. It is located in the south of Bali, near the famous Uluwatu Temple and Padang Padang Beach. Unlike some of the other popular beaches in Bali, Thomas Beach is still relatively untouched and undeveloped, making it a perfect spot for relaxing, swimming, surfing, or exploring.
In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to visiting Thomas Beach Bali, including how to get there, when to go, and what to expect. We will also share some tips and advice on how to make the most of your time at this hidden gem. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo escape, Thomas Beach Bali has something for everyone.
How to Get to Thomas Beach
Getting to Thomas Beach Bali is not very difficult, but it does require some planning and preparation. There are several options for transportation, depending on your budget, preference, and starting point. Here are some of the most common ways to reach Thomas Beach:
Renting a scooter:
This is the cheapest and most flexible option, as you can explore the island at your own pace and stop at any places that interest you along the way. You can rent a scooter from various places in Bali, such as Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu, for around 50,000 to 80,000 IDR ($3.50 to $5.60) per day. The drive to Thomas Beach from these places takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the traffic and the route. You can use Google Maps or Waze to navigate, but be aware that the roads in Bali can be narrow, winding, and bumpy, so drive carefully and wear a helmet. You can park your scooter at the entrance of Thomas Beach for 2,000 IDR ($0.14).
Hiring a private car and driver:
This is the most comfortable and convenient option, as you can enjoy the scenery and relax while your driver takes care of the road. You can hire a private car and driver from various places in Bali, such as Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu, for around 500,000 to 800,000 IDR ($35 to $56) per day. The drive to Thomas Beach from these places takes about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the traffic and the route. You can ask your driver to wait for you at the entrance of Thomas Beach, or arrange a pick-up time and place. You can also ask your driver to take you to other nearby attractions, such as Uluwatu Temple, Padang Padang Beach, or Suluban Beach.
Booking a full-day tour:
This is the most hassle-free and informative option, as you can join a group of other travelers and learn more about the culture and history of Bali from a local guide. You can book a full-day tour from various places in Bali, such as Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu, for around 600,000 to 1,000,000 IDR ($42 to $70) per person. The tour usually includes transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and visits to several attractions, such as Uluwatu Temple, Padang Padang Beach, Thomas Beach, and a traditional Kecak dance performance. The tour usually lasts for about 8 to 10 hours, and you can choose from different departure and return times.
What to Expect at Thomas Beach
Once you arrive at the entrance of Thomas Beach, you will need to pay a small fee of 5,000 IDR ($0.35) to access the beach. You will then need to walk down a steep staircase of about 150 steps, which can be challenging for some people, especially in the heat. However, the view from the top is worth the effort, as you can see the stunning panorama of the beach and the ocean.
As you reach the bottom of the staircase, you will be greeted by the sight of a long and wide beach, with soft white sand, clear blue water, and gentle waves. The beach is about 200 meters long, and it is divided into two sections by a rocky outcrop. The left section is more popular and crowded, as it has more facilities and activities, while the right section is more quiet and secluded, as it has fewer facilities and activities.
The facilities at Thomas Beach are basic but sufficient, such as toilets, showers, lockers, sunbeds, and umbrellas. You can rent a sunbed and an umbrella for 50,000 IDR ($3.50) per day, or you can bring your own towel and mat and find a shady spot under the trees. There are also a few warungs (local eateries) and stalls that sell drinks, snacks, and souvenirs. You can buy a bottle of water for 10,000 IDR ($0.70), a coconut for 15,000 IDR ($1.05), or a nasi goreng (fried rice) for 25,000 IDR ($1.75).
The activities at Thomas Beach are mainly focused on the water, such as swimming, surfing, or sunbathing. The water is calm and clear, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. However, be careful of the strong currents and riptides, especially during high tide, and always swim within the designated area. The waves are moderate and consistent, making it suitable for surfing and boogie boarding. However, be aware of the sharp rocks and coral, especially during low tide, and always wear protective footwear. You can rent a surfboard or a boogie board for 50,000 to 100,000 IDR ($3.50 to $7) per hour, or you can bring your own equipment and store it in a locker for 10,000 IDR ($0.70) per day.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also explore the nearby cliffs and viewpoints, which offer spectacular views of the beach and the ocean. You can access the cliffs and viewpoints by following a dirt path that starts from the right section of the beach. The path is steep and slippery, so wear sturdy shoes and be careful of the loose rocks and branches.
The walk takes about 15 to 30 minutes, depending on your fitness level and how far you want to go. Along the way, you will see some hidden caves, coves, and beaches, such as Bingin Beach, Dreamland Beach, and Impossible Beach. You can also see some local fishermen, monkeys, and birds, as well as some graffiti and art on the rocks.
When to Visit Thomas Beach
The best time to visit Thomas Beach Bali depends on several factors, such as the weather, the tide, and the crowd. Here are some tips and advice on when to go to Thomas Beach:
Weather:
The weather in Bali is tropical and humid, with two main seasons: dry and wet. The dry season lasts from April to October, and the wet season lasts from November to March. The dry season is the best time to visit Thomas Beach, as the weather is sunny and dry, with an average temperature of 27°C (81°F) and an average rainfall of 50 mm (2 inches) per month. The wet season is the worst time to visit Thomas Beach, as the weather is cloudy and rainy, with an average temperature of 26°C (79°F) and an average rainfall of 300 mm (12 inches) per month. The rain can cause floods, landslides, and erosion, which can affect the road conditions, the beach facilities, and the water quality.
Tide:
The tide in Bali is influenced by the moon and the sun, and it changes every six hours. The tide can affect the size and shape of the beach, the depth and clarity of the water, and the intensity and direction of the waves. The high tide is the best time to visit Thomas Beach for swimming and snorkeling, as the water is deeper and clearer, and the waves are gentler and smoother. The high tide usually occurs in the morning and in the evening, depending on the lunar cycle. The low tide is the best time to visit Thomas Beach for surfing and boogie boarding, as the water is shallower and choppier, and the waves are bigger and faster. The low tide usually occurs in the afternoon and in the night, depending on the lunar cycle. You can check the tide chart of Thomas Beach online or at the entrance of the beach.
Crowd:
The crowd in Bali is influenced by the season and the day, and it varies from place to place. The crowd can affect the availability and price of the transportation, the accommodation, and the facilities, as well as the ambiance and the privacy of the beach. The peak season is the worst time to visit Thomas Beach for avoiding the crowd, as the beach is more popular and busy, especially during weekends and holidays. The peak season usually lasts from July to August, and from December to January, when the weather is dry and sunny, and when the school and public holidays occur. The off-season is the best time to visit Thomas Beach for avoiding the crowd, as the beach is less popular and quiet, especially during weekdays and mornings. The off-season usually lasts from September to June, when the weather is wet and cloudy, and when the school and public holidays are over.
Thomas Beach Bali is a hidden paradise in Uluwatu, where you can enjoy the sun, the sand, and the sea without the crowds. It is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Bali, with soft white sand, turquoise water, and rolling waves. It is also a great place for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, or exploring the nearby cliffs and viewpoints.
If you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family adventure, or a solo escape, Thomas Beach Bali has something for everyone. You can easily get there by renting a scooter, hiring a private car and driver, or booking a full-day tour. You can also choose the best time to go, depending on the weather, the tide, and the crowd.
We hope this article has given you a comprehensive guide to visiting Thomas Beach Bali, and that you have found it useful and informative. If you have any questions, comments, or feedback, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you and help you plan your trip to Thomas Beach Bali.
Thank you for reading, and happy travels!