Bingin is one of a run of surf beaches along the cliffs of the Bukit peninsula south of Uluwatu, a pocket of white sand reached by a steep staircase past tiers of cliffside warungs and lodges. The climb down and back keeps numbers low, so it feels more secluded than the busier beaches to the south, and surfers keep coming for the reef break that peels along the shore. White coral sand and turquoise water set it apart from the grey volcanic beaches further north.
Getting down
Access is on foot from the clifftop, where you park before descending a winding staircase that threads between guesthouses, surf shops and warungs clinging to the slope. The walk down takes about ten minutes, and the climb back up in the heat is the price of the visit. There is no road to the sand, which keeps numbers down and adds to the beach’s character. Sensible footwear and light bags make the trip easier.
Surf and the reef
Bingin’s reef break is the main draw, a fast and hollow wave that breaks over shallow coral and rewards experienced surfers. Beginners should look to the beach breaks further north; here the pleasure is watching from a warung above the sand. At high tide the sea reaches the cliff and covers most of the beach, while low tide exposes wide reef flats and calm pools. Reef shoes are worth having for walking over the coral.
Warungs and lodges
The cliff above the beach is packed with warungs and small surf lodges built into the rock, serving Indonesian dishes, fresh seafood and cold drinks with a view over the break. Simple rooms step down the slope, popular with surfers settling in for a longer stay. The scene is relaxed and unpolished, and prices are fair for the setting, though it is worth carrying cash as card payment is not always available.
How to visit
Bingin is about a 20-minute scooter ride from Uluwatu, with parking at the top of the cliff and the staircase down to the sand. Time your visit around low tide for the widest beach and the calmest pools. It pairs well with a stop at nearby Padang Padang Beach and the clifftop temple at Uluwatu. For more of the peninsula, see our guide to Uluwatu and the full list of things to do in Uluwatu.
