A hidden cove reached through a gap in the rocks, loved by surfers.
You reach Padang Padang by squeezing down a narrow staircase that threads through a gap in the cliffs, past caves and giant boulders. The tight, hidden approach is part of the fun, and the beach stays out of sight until the last few steps. Watch your footing - the stairs are steep and narrow.
At the bottom is a small, beautiful cove - a pocket of white sand hemmed in by cliffs, caves, and clear water. It's compact, so it fills up, but the setting is one of a kind, with boulders framing the sand on every side. Mornings are the calmest time to enjoy it before the crowds arrive.
Just offshore is a reef break that draws surfers from around the world, and watching them ride it is half the entertainment. Long loved by surfers and made famous by the film Eat Pray Love, the beach has an easy, photogenic charm. It's a fun stop for a swim, a wander, and some people-watching on the south coast.