How to Get to Bingin Beach, Bali

Bingin Beach sits between Dreamland Beach and Padang Padang on the west side of Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. This hidden gem stretches 200 meters with white sand and features world-class surfing breaks 100 meters offshore on a shallow reef. The beach offers visitors an authentic Bali experience.

Reaching this pristine spot requires some effort. Visitors must climb down 187 concrete steps along a cliff face. The challenging descent rewards you with breathtaking views of coconut trees, dramatic cliffs, and epic waves. The beach becomes a surfer’s paradise during the dry season from April to October, with peak surfing conditions from June through August.

This detailed guide outlines several routes and transport options to help you reach Bingin Beach from various Bali locations. You can focus on enjoying the beach’s spectacular sunsets instead of worrying about directions.

Getting to Bingin Beach from Bali Airport

Getting from Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS) to Bingin Beach marks the start of your Bali experience. My years as a Bingin-based surfer have taught me that this short distance can feel quite different based on your timing and transport choice.

Travel time and best hours to avoid traffic

Bingin Beach lies about 28 kilometers from the airport, though some sources put it at 12 miles (19 km). Bali’s busy roads can substantially affect your travel time. Light traffic lets you reach Bingin in 19-40 minutes. The same route takes 70-90 minutes during rush hours.

Your trip to Bingin Beach will be faster if you skip the 8-10 AM and 4-7 PM peak hours. Roads flow better early morning (before 7 AM) or late evening (after 8 PM), but some drivers charge extra for night rides.

Kuta and Jimbaran’s traffic stays heavy throughout the day. The midday window (11 AM-2 PM) offers decent travel conditions if you can’t go early or late.

Taxi, Grab, or private driver: what to choose

You have several ways to reach Bingin Beach from Bali airport:

Airport Taxis: Official counters in arrivals offer fixed rates. These cost more than other options. Bluebird stands out as Bali’s most trusted taxi service.

Ride-sharing Apps (Grab/Gojek): These Indonesian versions of Uber cost less. Airport pickups need extra steps since drivers can’t pick up directly at the terminal. You’ll walk to pickup spots outside the airport.

Private Drivers/Transfers: Book ahead and your driver will wait with your name card. This works great for first-time visitors or late-night arrivals.

Shuttle Services: These cost around AUD 3.06 but take longer and offer less comfort than private rides.

Motorbike/Scooter Options: Light travelers can book motorcycle rides through Gojek or Grab apps to save money.

It’s worth mentioning that all transport stops at the cliff top. You’ll walk down narrow streets and stairs to reach Bingin Beach.

Estimated cost and tips for airport pickup

Transport prices vary by type:

• Standard Taxis: AUD 16.82-21.41
• Grab/Gojek Cars: AUD 10-13 (IDR 150,000-200,000), nowhere near standard taxi rates
• Private Transfers: AUD 45-73 based on service level
• Motorbike via Grab/Gojek: From AUD 4 (IDR 60,000)
• Shuttle Services: Budget-friendly at AUD 3.06

Specialized transport companies charge about IDR 470,000 (AUD 73.39) for Bingin Beach transfers. Late rides (10 PM–6 AM) might cost an extra IDR 90,000 (AUD 13.76).

Smart booking tips from a local:

Book your ride at least 24 hours ahead during peak season. Double-check your meeting spot with the driver. Good services provide clear details and name cards.

Skip the airport arrival hall touts offering “taxi” rides at inflated prices. Head straight to official counters or meet your pre-booked driver. Keep Indonesian rupiah (IDR) ready for tips since Bingin’s shops don’t all take cards.

Bali’s taxis and private transfers offer great value compared to other countries. The convenience pays off when you’re headed to Bingin’s hidden spots with surfboards and bags in tow.

How to reach Bingin Beach from popular Bali towns

Tourists often split their time between different spots in Bali, so you need to know the best ways to get to Bingin Beach from various towns. I’ve surfed these waves for years and made these trips countless times. Let me share the quickest routes with you.

Canggu to Bingin Beach: route and travel tips

A car or scooter ride from trendy Canggu to Bingin’s pristine shores takes about 1 hour. You’ll need to take the main coastal roads through Seminyak and Kuta before heading south to the Bukit Peninsula.

The smoothest trip starts early morning (before 8 AM) or after 3 PM. This helps you dodge the heaviest traffic around Kuta and Seminyak. Bingin’s water quality and sand beat Canggu’s beaches by far, making it worth the trip for beach lovers.

Ubud to Bingin Beach: what to expect

The trip from cultural Ubud to Bingin covers 49-53 km through diverse landscapes. With no traffic, cars and scooters take about 48 minutes. You should plan for 1.5-2 hours because of possible delays.

Your path goes through central Bali before connecting to the bypass road south. Public transport doesn’t run directly between these points. Here are your options:

• Scooter rental (±IDR 80,000/day)
• Car with driver (±IDR 600,000/day)
• Taxi service (±IDR 400,000-600,000 one-way)
• Shuttle to Kuta (±IDR 100,000) plus Gojek to Bingin (±IDR 60,000)

Sanur to Bingin Beach: fastest options

Bingin sits about 30-31 km from Sanur’s eastern shores. A traffic-free drive takes around 29 minutes, but rush hour can push it to 40-45 minutes. Private vehicles cost €3-5, while taxis run €14-17.

A half-day driver (about 6 hours) costs around 400,000-500,000 IDR. This option lets you explore other spots on the Bukit Peninsula. It’s a great choice if you plan to stay at Bingin rather than return to Sanur.

Kuta to Bingin Beach: traffic and timing

Kuta and Bingin lie just 21 km apart, but travel time varies based on traffic. The drive takes 22 minutes at best, but can stretch to an hour during busy times.

Bluebird taxis provide reliable metered service from Kuta, usually costing €10-13. App-based services like Grab or Gojek often cost less. Note that all vehicles must park at the cliff top—you’ll walk down to reach the beach.

Jimbaran to Bingin Beach: the easiest route

Jimbaran provides the shortest trip to Bingin Beach at just 13 km. You’ll spend only 13 minutes driving. Short distance keeps taxi fares reasonable (€7-9) and makes quick beach visits possible.

The route runs along the southern coastal road past Dreamland Beach to Bingin. Traffic stays lighter than other routes. This explains why many visitors base themselves in Jimbaran when planning lots of time at Bingin.

Amed to Bingin Beach: long-distance travel advice

The trip from Amed in Bali’s northeast covers 101-115 km. Direct drives take about 1 hour 45 minutes, but normal traffic stretches this to 3-4 hours.

Here’s what you can do:

• Take a direct taxi (€40-50)
• Drive yourself (€10-15)
• Catch a bus to Denpasar/airport then taxi (€22-25 total)

Start your journey early (8-10 AM) to beat afternoon traffic. Many people break up their trip with stops at Tirta Gangga, Goa Lawah (bat cave), or traditional salt makers along the way.

Choosing the right transport option

Let me tell you how your choice of transport can shape your entire Bingin Beach experience. I’ve lived here as a surfer and tried every possible way to get to these beautiful shores. Here’s what I’ve learned about getting around.

Scooter rental: pros and cons

A scooter is still the most popular way to learn about Bingin and the surrounding Bukit Peninsula. You’ll pay between 75,000-300,000 IDR (about AUD 5-20) per day. Basic models like Honda Varios or Scoopys cost 120,000-150,000 IDR daily.

Scooters let you zip through narrow roads and skip past traffic jams that leave cars stuck. You can also park at the top of Bingin’s cliff for just 5,000 IDR, while cars pay double at 10,000 IDR.

Notwithstanding that, you need to think about a few things before renting a scooter. You must have both your home country license and an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). Without these, your travel insurance won’t cover you – a big risk given Bali’s accident rates. You should also wear a helmet and check your rental scooter carefully before taking it.

Hiring a private driver

Groups or people who don’t feel safe on scooters might prefer hiring a private driver. A professional with a 6-seater SUV charges 800,000-1,000,000 IDR for 10 hours around South Bali. Toyota Innovas cost a bit more at 900,000-1,200,000 IDR per day.

Local drivers handle Bali’s crazy traffic better than tourists, speak English, and share great local tips. They’ll wait while you enjoy the beach, so you won’t worry about getting back.

Clear communication with your driver is vital. Use WhatsApp to stay in touch, set clear timing expectations, and agree on all costs upfront. Just remember that drivers can’t help you with the stairs down to Bingin from the cliff-top parking.

Using Gojek or Grab

These ride-hailing apps work like Uber but cost much less than regular taxis. A ride from Seminyak or Canggu to Bingin costs 200,000-300,000 IDR, about half what you’d pay for a conventional taxi.

Set your pickup or drop-off point at Salty Coffee Bali next to the main parking area when heading to Bingin. Drivers find this spot easily without getting lost in narrow roads.

Local taxi groups restrict pickups in some Uluwatu areas, including certain beaches and beach clubs. Check if your location allows pickups before relying on these apps.

Why public transport isn’t an option

Public transport to Bingin Beach doesn’t exist. While Bali has SARBAGITA busses running in parts of Denpasar, they don’t reach the remote beaches of the Bukit Peninsula.

No bus routes or shuttle services run to Bingin, so you must arrange private transport. Budget travelers should plan ahead since they can’t rely on public options.

Pick your transport based on your needs – scooters work great for solo travelers who can handle Bali traffic, private drivers suit groups or people with luggage, and ride-hailing apps help budget travelers making direct trips with light bags.

Where to park and how to find the beach path

The Bingin area welcomes you with a final test – finding a good parking spot and the hidden path that leads to this cliff-side paradise. My years of surfing these waves taught me every shortcut and access point that locals use.

Parking fees and locations

You can’t drive right up to Bingin Beach. The designated parking areas sit at the cliff top. Several lots serve the beach, with the main one at coordinates: 54R7+VC Pecatu.

The parking costs vary based on different sources, but here’s what you’ll pay:

• Scooter parking: 5,000 IDR (approximately $0.50 USD)
• Car parking: 10,000 IDR (approximately $1 USD)

Note that you’ll need cash only for parking. Bring small Indonesian currency. Some people mention paying just 2,000 IDR for motorcycle parking, but these might be older rates or seasonal changes.

The main lot looks like an empty dirt field filled with motorbikes. Better parking spots open up before 9 AM or after 3 PM, when the midday crowds thin out.

Best access point: follow signs to Kelly’s Warung

The beach access hunt starts after parking. Many paths go down to the beach, but the signs to Kelly’s Warung show the clearest route. This beach restaurant makes a perfect landmark because it sits right on the sand with ocean views.

A narrow paved alley leads from the parking area past hillside accommodations. The Bingin Beach signboard marks where your descent starts.

The pathway splits halfway down. Each route takes you to the shore, but the Kelly’s Warung path saves time. Local signs work better than Google Maps here – these tiny footpaths don’t show up well on digital maps.

What to expect on the walk down

The trek to Bingin challenges you but rewards your effort. The limestone cliff holds 150-190 concrete steps. One careful counter found exactly 187 steps.

Most people take about 8 minutes to reach the bottom. Your speed depends on fitness and what you carry. The steps vary from gentle slopes to steep drops. Rough stones replace uniform steps in many spots.

Surfers face extra challenges on these stairs. A shortboard works fine alone, but longboard carriers might want help from a local porter. First-timers should skip the flip-flops and wear shoes with good grip.

The final stretch weaves through warungs and budget rooms built into the cliff. The path gets tight in places. Single-file walking becomes necessary because everything grew naturally without formal plans.

The white sand of Bingin feels like a secret world when you finally arrive. These winding stairs keep the crowds smaller than at easier-to-reach beaches. That makes every step of your descent worth the effort.

What to pack and prepare before arriving

Getting ready for Bingin Beach will save you trouble at the time you reach those famous cliff stairs. I’ve called Bingin my home for years as a surfer and watched many visitors struggle because they didn’t know what to expect. Let me help you plan before you begin your trip.

Footwear for the stairs

Your feet will suffer if you’re not ready for the Bingin descent. The limestone cliff has 187 concrete steps of different heights, so you’ll just need comfortable, strong footwear. A beach day might make flip-flops seem right, but they won’t give you enough grip on steps that get dangerous with water or sand.

You should wear sneakers or hiking sandals with ankle straps for the way down. The climb up is even tougher, especially when it’s hot or wet. I’ve seen too many people twist their ankles or get nasty cuts because they wore the wrong shoes on these stairs.

Carrying surfboards or luggage

The steep Bingin staircase is a real challenge with equipment. Shortboards are easy enough to handle, but longboards take some skill to move through the narrow spots.

You have several options if you don’t want to deal with heavy items:

• Surf camp transport services (100,000-500,000 IDR per day)
• Local porters who can help with heavy luggage
• Board rentals at the beach (50,000-150,000 IDR daily)

If you plan to stay at Bingin for a few days, think about getting help for your original arrival, especially if you have more than a daypack and surfboard.

Cash vs card: what’s accepted

Cash rules at Bingin Beach. Most warungs and businesses only take cash, including popular spots like Kelly’s Warung and Lucky Fish. The Indonesian Rupiah is the only currency they’ll take, so exchange your money ahead of time.

Small bills come in handy too. You’ll pay parking fees (5,000 IDR for scooters and 10,000 IDR for cars) in cash. You’ll also want proper change for small purchases since vendors rarely break large bills.

Of course, some upscale places take cards, but they usually add a 3% fee for credit card payments. Card payments become easier if you visit fancy restaurants or hotels beyond Bingin.

Tell your bank about your travel plans to avoid blocked transactions abroad. On top of that, it’s vital to keep your cash safe – I suggest keeping your daily spending money separate from larger amounts in your accommodation’s safe.

Accessibility and safety tips

Bingin Beach’s dramatic clifftop location creates unique accessibility challenges that you should know before you start your trip. I surf these waves daily and have seen both the thrill of successful visits and the frustration when people show up unprepared.

Is Bingin Beach suitable for kids or elderly?

The beach’s biggest problem lies in its limited accessibility. You won’t find it suitable if you have mobility issues or heart conditions. Parents with small children should be extra careful since the rocks get slippery and the reef break isn’t safe for all swimmers.

Visitors with older children often have good experiences here. The beach works well for some families, though steep cliffs and countless stairs make it better suited for those with older, more active children. The natural barriers create a peaceful atmosphere that many visitors love.

How to manage the stairs safely

The ground reality at Bingin has about 150-190 concrete steps from cliff top to beach. Someone counted them carefully and found exactly 191 steps. These stairs have different heights and widths that just need careful navigation.

To get down safely:

• Put on sturdy shoes with good grip instead of flip-flops
• Stop and rest when needed, especially when you have hot weather
• Be extra careful on wet or sandy stairs
• Think over getting local help to carry heavy items

What to do if you need help

Keep these important Bali contact numbers handy in case of emergency:

• National emergency: 112
• Ambulance: 118 and 119
• Police: 110
• Bali Coast Guard: +62 361 226 045
• Firefighter (National): 113

Bali runs tourist police centers with English-speaking staff ready to help visitors. The nearest major hospitals (Siloam, BIMC, and SOS) sit 30-40 minutes away from Bingin, depending on traffic.

The close community of warungs and accommodations along the cliff can help coordinate emergency response if you need help at the beach. Local businesses keep first aid supplies handy for minor accidents that happen on the stairs.

FAQs

How long does it take to get to Bingin Beach from Bali Airport?

The journey from Bali Airport to Bingin Beach typically takes between 40 to 90 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. It’s best to travel early morning or late evening to avoid peak traffic hours.

What’s the best way to reach Bingin Beach?

The most convenient options are hiring a private driver, using ride-hailing apps like Grab or Gojek, or renting a scooter. There’s no public transportation directly to Bingin Beach, so private transport is necessary.

Is Bingin Beach accessible for everyone?

Bingin Beach has limited accessibility due to its location at the bottom of a cliff. There are approximately 187 steep, uneven steps to reach the beach, making it challenging for those with mobility issues, young children, or the elderly.

What should I bring for a day at Bingin Beach?

Bring cash in Indonesian Rupiah, as most establishments are cash-only. Wear sturdy footwear for the stairs, pack sunscreen, and consider bringing your own water and snacks. If you’re surfing, you can either bring your own board or rent one at the beach.

Are there parking facilities at Bingin Beach?

Yes, there are parking areas at the top of the cliff. Scooter parking costs around 5,000 IDR, while car parking is about 10,000 IDR. Remember to bring cash for parking fees and arrive early for better availability, especially during peak hours.

When is the best time to visit Bingin Beach?

The dry season from April to October is ideal, offering sunny days and calmer seas—perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing. For fewer crowds, consider visiting early in the morning or during weekdays.

Is Bingin Beach good for surfing?

Yes, Bingin Beach is a popular surf spot, especially for intermediate to advanced surfers due to its consistent reef break. Wave conditions are best at mid to high tide. Beginners might prefer nearby beaches like Padang Padang or Dreamland.

Are there food and drink options available at the beach?

Yes, several local warungs and beachfront cafes offer food and drinks, including fresh seafood, Indonesian dishes, and smoothies. Options range from budget eats to stylish sunset spots with ocean views.

Can you stay overnight near Bingin Beach?

Absolutely. There are a variety of accommodations near the beach, from budget-friendly guesthouses to luxury cliffside villas. Booking in advance is recommended, especially during high season or weekends.

Is Bingin Beach family-friendly?

While the beach is beautiful and peaceful, the steep stairs and rocky shoreline can be challenging for families with small children. Still, older kids who enjoy exploring tide pools or surfing may find it fun with proper supervision.