Tegal Wangi Beach – The Ultimate Guide to Bali’s Hidden Gem
Tegal Wangi Beach is one of the intimate and less known beaches in Bali. With stunning cliff top views over the ocean and even better sunset views, Tegal Wangi is the perfect day trip destination where you can unwind and take in the beauty of nature and unspoiled beach.
Tegal Wangi is still considered as a hidden beach, yet undiscovered by most visitors and mainstream tourism development. If it sounds like something you would enjoy, keep reading to find out how to find it and what to expect.
Where is Pantai Tegal Wangi, Bali?
Tegal Wangi Beach is conveniently located only 20 minutes’ drive south from Bali’s International Airport – Ngurah Rai in the region called Bukit Peninsula.
Tegal Wangi is tucked away between Balangan Beach to the South and Jimbaran Beach to the North. It will take about 10 min by a motorbike to get here from Jimbaran and 40 min from Uluwatu main area, which is the tip of the peninsula.
If you’re travelling from Seminyak, it should take about 30 minutes to get here by scooter or car and similar time from Nusa Dua.
Where to stay in Uluwatu
Luxury– Suarga Padang Padang
Suarga Padang Padang is a sustainable boutique hotel featuring 36 villas built with a minimal impact on the environment using recycled wood and solar panels. It’s located on a clifftop boasting some epic views over the ocean, an infinity pool, and it’s only a five-minute walk to Padang Padang beach and a seven-minute drive to Bingin beach.
Midrange– Dreamsea
This boho boutique hotel is located right on the cliff, where you can feel and hear the ferocious waves crashing against the shore. The location is also great for some of the best Uluwatu cafes as well as it is within walking distance to Padang Padang Beach.
Budget – Sal Secret Spot
Sal Secret Spot is situated within walking distance to Bingin Beach, a white sanded beach excellent for swimming with a calmer sea. Rooms are small but comfortable, and there is a beautiful boho-style pool area to enjoy.
How to get to Tegal Wangi Beach?
By Motorbike
The best way to get here is by a motorbike. You can rent a bike for about 50,000 IDR a day. Scooter rentals are widely available across Bali often the hotel you stay in can arrange the rental for you too.
You can also prebook your motorbike with a delivery to your hotel here.
Always change the motorbike before you agree on the rental. Things to check are breaks that the lights are working and general motorbike functions. Make sure you also have been provided with a helmet.
If you’re planning to watch the sunset at the beach, remember you will have to drive back in the dark so having working lights will even be more important.
Petrol is sold along the main roads by local people. They sell it in glass bottles. It’s very cheap, but I also found that it doesn’t last very long. Make sure you have enough petrol before you go.
If you type in Google the name of the beach, the map will lead you to the parking area at the top of the cliff where you can leave your motorbike.
You will need an international roaming or a local SIM card to be able to use the internet.
By car
If you prefer not to use a motorbike, you can either book a driver for a whole day or download a Go Jek or Grab app on your smartphone (they are Asian equivalents to Uber Drive) and get a lift with them.
My personal experience using Go Jek and Grab is excellent. They are reliable and efficient and so much cheaper than a Taxi which charges typically more if you’re a tourist!
If you’re planning to go to Tegal Wangi for sunset, make sure you have signal and your phone charged to be able to order your ride back to the hotel. If you’re unsure, you can pre-arrange a taxi with the hotel to come back and get you at an agreed time.
What’s the best time to visit Tegal Wangi, Bali?
Any time of the day will be great to enjoy this beach as it never gets crowded. However, Tegal Wangi is best at sunset. Check what time is the sunset at a particular time in the year and arrive a little earlier. The best colours will appear in the sky after the sun goes down, so make sure you stay a little longer after the sunset.
What to expect?
Just type in Google the name of the beach and directions should take you to a parking area on top of the cliff. There was no one to collect the parking fee, just a few local people selling different snack foods.
Take a path along the edge of the cliff down to the beach. Be careful when you walk down, and my advice is to wear some proper shoes. Trainers or sandals with straps will be sufficient.
As you get down to the beach, you’ll have a pristine beach with turquoise sea and soft, white sand in front of your eyes. You will be able to enjoy it mostly on your own as other tourists go for more popular beaches in the region.
There are no facilities or a lifeguard on this beach, so make sure you take your snacks and water and use common sense when swimming in the sea.
Things to do on Tegal Wangi Beach
• Explore the nearby caves. If you walk along the shore, you’ll find some cool rock formations and natural caves. They make an excellent subject for some awesome photos.
• Bath in the natural jacuzzi. At low tide, the sea goes back to uncover what looks like small pools. You can sit in one of them and watch the sea. It’s quite an experience to do it during the sunset time.
• Watch the most epic sunset in Bali. Tagal Wangi is popular at sunset with locals coming to enjoy the light show sitting on the clifftop and having snacks.
To find out about more incredible beaches, go to “Uluwatu Beaches Guide”.
What to take with you – Bali essentials
Day Backpack – for this adventure and many other ones, you’ll need a day pack. My favourite one is the stylish and minimalistic Kanken. It is made of durable materials and it’s super simple and super comfortable.
Mirrorless camera – I love Sony cameras! If you’re looking for an entry-level, compact camera that takes awesome photos, go for Sony Alpha 6400, I’ve used it for years and took some excellent pictures with it. For a more advanced selection, I recommend Sony A7iii, I can’t be more happy with it, and I know lots of professional photographers and creators who use it too.
Power bank – power bank to charge my mobile phone saved my life a few times, no kidding. It is handy if you’re using Google maps which is a drain on the phone’s battery. I recommend choosing a lightweight one
Raincoat – I know you’re probably thinking I’m crazy, but trust me, the raincoat is essential, especially if you’re scootering your way through the island. When it’s rainy, it actually gets cold on the scooter, and during the rainy season, which is between November and April, it rains buckets!
Reusable water bottle – water flask, especially thermal ones, is so practical here in Bali. Many hotels and restaurants let their guests refill the bottles for free in an effort to reduce plastic use on the island.
Sun cream – this is another essential to carry with you and frequently reapply. Choose an eco-friendly and vegan one to do your part for the environment.
Adventure sandals – sports sandals with straps are the best type of footwear for any Bali adventure. They dry quickly and are sturdy enough to keep you safe on your hikes. I use North Face sandals, I’ve had them for years and they never let me down.
For more tips on what to pack, visit “Bali Packing List“.
Other points of interest nearby
On the way back from Tegal Wangi beach, pop down to Jimbaran beach. It is famous for great seafood restaurants that put out their tables on the beach in the evening where you can dine al fresco.
What I also love about Jimbaran beach is that the sea is quiet and you can go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. Jimbaran beach is also great for a long walk with its long stretch of sand.
If you have more time in Uluwatu, don’t miss Uluwatu temple which is situated on the top of the cliff with some stunning views of the Indian Ocean. An incredible way to fully appreciate this temple is to watch Balinese traditional dance called Kecak that generally starts around sunset time in an amphitheatre within the temple grounds.
To explore Balinese culture in more depth head to Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, which is also situated in Uluwatu area.
Finally, for an epic sunset view visit Single Fin Beach Club which is situated on the dramatic clifftop with breathtaking views and great vibes.
You may also like other guides to Bali beaches:
For more inspiration, what to see and do visit “10 Days in Bali Itinerary”.
Tegal Wangi Summary
I really enjoyed the tranquilly of Tegal Wangi Beach. It may not have a wide stretch of sand like other beaches in Bali but its unique nature makes it special!
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