The rugged coastlines of Uluwatu are fringed with some of the most stunning beaches in Bali, Indonesia. While there is no shortage of incredible beaches in Uluwatu, Dreamland Beach is one that you simply cannot miss on your Bali itinerary!
Also known as Pantai Dreamland or New Kuta Beach, Dreamland Beach is located in the southwestern corners of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu. As its name suggests, the beach offers a dreamlike setting, sporting soft sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and towering cliffs covered in lush greenery.
If this sounds like your vibe, here’s my quick guide covering absolutely everything you need to know about visiting Dreamland Beach.
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Table of Contents
Dreamland Beach Essentials
Before we dive into this guide, here are a few essentials to make your visit to Dreamland all the easier.
- Bring cash, because you’ll need to pay an entrance fee and want to rent an umbrella and some beach loungers.
- Remember to bring all your fave beach gear (cap, shades, sunscreen, and a quick-drying Turkish towel. Also, read my Bali packing list if you need help with what to bring on your trip.
- If you’re renting a scooter/ car to get around Uluwatu and the rest of Bali, ensure you have a valid IDP and always carry it with you.
- Download Google Maps, Grab, Gojek, and Currency XE on your phone to help you plan your stops, get around, and easily convert prices.
How to Get to Dreamland Beach
Dreamland Beach is located right next to Cemongkak Beach, and it’s only a few minutes’ drive from the main hustle and bustle of Uluwatu. See Google Maps here.
The easiest way to get here is by scooter. Not only will this allow you to explore the rest of the area at your own pace, but you’ll practically be able to drive right down to the beach!
There are oodles of scooter rental companies dotted around Uluwatu, but I recommend renting a scooter directly through your accommodation. That way, you know you’re renting through a reputable agent. We rented a scooter from our accommodation for IDR 100,000 per day, and the process was easy and smooth. Just ensure you get a helmet, and remember to carry an international driving license for a scooter with you.
Before renting a scooter, though, you should know that driving in Uluwatu is quite nerve-wracking – there are lots of uphills and downhills, people don’t really follow the traffic rules, and the roads are BUSY! If you’re not used to driving a scooter in Asia, please don’t make Uluwatu your learning ground. I live in Taiwan and drive a scooter every day, and even I felt nervous tackling the steep slopes and navigating the crazy traffic!
If renting a scooter is not for you, catching a lift with a Gojek or Grab driver is best. You can download the apps on your phone to book a scooter ride, but you also won’t have any problem finding a driver on the street. They are everywhere! And most will slow down and ask if you need a ride. To avoid getting ripped off, though, it’s best to get an estimated price on the app first and then negotiate a fee with the driver.
Dreamland Beach Entrance Fee
If you’re not staying at one of the nearby resorts with beach access, note that you’ll need to pay an entrance fee to access the beach. Look for the little makeshift ticket stand (essentially a table and an umbrella) right by the scooter parking area (see Google Maps). The entrance fee for Dreamland Beach is IDR 5,000 per person.
Travel tip: If you’re getting to Dreamland by car, note that there is a different parking area for vehicles. See Google Maps here.
When to Visit
The best time to visit Bali is from April to September. The island sees the least rain during these months, with lovely hot and sunny days. While Bali has a tropical climate, it’s not as humid as other places in Asia, like Taiwan and Thailand.
That said, it can be overwhelming if you’re not used to hot weather and high humidity. Please remember to stay hydrated and apply high-SPF sunscreen frequently. This Sun Bum SPF 50 spray is my ultimate go-to.
Although Dreamland is a great beach to visit any time of day, come a little earlier in the morning if you want to skip the crowds. The beach gets busy around 11 am, and finding a free beach chair can be tricky.
If you’re not an early riser, a great alternative is to come in the late afternoon. That way, you’ll miss most of the crowds (and heat) and have front-row seats to the most incredible sunset imaginable!
Things to do at Dreamland Beach
Go Surfing
If you’re into riding waves, Dreamland Beach is for you! It’s one of Uluwatu’s most famous surf spots and boasts excellent surfing conditions. There are several surf stands dotted around the beach, where it’s easy to rent a surfboard (or boogie board) for a few hours and even get a surfing lesson right on the beach.
Just a note of warning: the waves at Dreamland Beach are huge, and it’s known for its strong riptides. If you’re not a strong swimmer, this is probably not the best place to learn to surf.
Relax at the Beach
The best thing to do at Dreamland is to chill on the beach. Dreamland Beach offers plenty of space to bake in the sun, plop down with your toes in the sand or play in the water.
However, since there’s not much natural shade on the beach, it’s best to rent an umbrella and beach chairs to protect you from the sun. Just know that they fill up quickly during the hottest hours of the day, so best to come early to secure a spot. Expect to pay IDR 200,000 for an umbrella and two beach chairs. Alternatively, head to the large cliff on the left side of the beach, where you’re bound to find some shade.
As mentioned, Dreamland Beach is not the safest place to swim due to its large waves and strong currents. While lifeguards are on duty, please be extra cautious if you are not a good swimmer.
Chill at Dreamland Warung
If you’ve had your fill of sun and sand, head over to the spacious warung overlooking the beach. It’s the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat or sit back with a drink while watching the surfers in the distance.
The menu has a variety of dishes, from pizza, pasta, and sandwiches to Balinese faves like nasi goreng and ayam sambal matah.
If you can, stick around until sunset. That way, you can watch the sun dwindle over the horizon while sipping on an ice-cold Bintang – heaven!
Marvel at the Views
For an epic view over the entire beach, ocean, and Uluwatu’s coastline, don’t miss tackling the small hill near the entrance of Dreamland Beach.
The dirt path is well trodden, but watch your step as some sections are slippery. It’s a short trek to the top, and you definitely don’t need to worry about breaking a sweat.
Other Things to Do Nearby
Uluwatu has more to offer than just gorgeous beaches. Here are a few alternative things to do:
- Visit Uluwatu Temple & watch a mesmerizing Kecak Dance. [Book tour]
- Go paragliding or zip around Uluwatu on this VW Safari Tour if you want something more adventurous.
- Visit Bali’s southern beaches, catch a Kecak dance, and end the night with a tasty seafood dinner in Jimbaran. [Book tour]
Where to Stay Near Dreamland Beach
Deciding where to stay in Uluwatu can seem daunting as there are literally hundreds of accommodation options! So to make things easier, here are my top picks so that you can spend less time stressing and more time dreaming about your vacay!
- Luxury: If you want to stay as close as possible to Dreamland Beach, the uber-posh Jumeirah Bali is for you! The hotel features beautiful villas with private pools, a spa, several onsite restaurants, and of course, direct access to Dreamland Beach! What’s not to love?
- Mid-Range: Blue Ocean Bingin is a lovely 4-star boho hotel perched right on a cliff offering superb views over the Indian Ocean. The rooms are clean, and the staff is friendly!
- Budget: If you’re looking for something a little more affordable, Dreamland View is a 3-star property just 300m from Dreamland. It features huge, clean rooms with all the usual traditional Balinese touches. There’s also an outdoor pool and an awesome rooftop where you can catch an epic sunset over the beach every single night!
Still need a few more options? Search Bali’s best hotel deals here on Agoda.
Dreamland Beach, Bali in Conclusion
Whether you come to surf, work on your tan, or catch an epic sunset with an ice-cold Bintang in hand, Dreamland Beach is the perfect spot to spend a few hours in southern Bali.
Well, there you have it – everything you need to know about visiting Dreamland Beach Uluwatu! I hope this guide has answered all your questions about visiting Dreamland Beach. If I’ve missed anything, let me know in the comments below!
Don’t forget to save this guide for your future trip to Dreamland Beach in Uluwatu!
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