Padang Bai is a beautiful, small friendly fishing village on the east coast of Bali in about 54km from Denpasar. Not all but, sadly, a lot of people dont stop to enjoy the life of Padang Bai. Padang Bai is also the main ferry port for heading east to the island of Lombok. Most people on a limited time rush through on their way to the Gilli islands of the coast of Lombok and beyond.
Most visitors to Padang Bai are there to catch a boat to Lombok. It is though a charming little place in its own right and spending a night or two here will certainly not be time wasted. Accommodation tends to be quite basic.
The main beach is generally awash with colorful double outrigger fishing boats in the shape of a marlin. The front of the boat is shaped with the point of its mouth open wide and large eyes looking to the heavens. Either side of the main beach are two other coves with nice, quiet
white sand beaches.
To reach the secluded Bias Tegul Beach, also called Pantai Kecil (Little Beach), back out of the the main beach cross the ferry carpark and turn west up the road next to the police station. Keep going up the hill until you see the sign to the beach on the right. Be careful on this hillside track. Before you head down into the cove turn around. Weather permitting you should be able to see the largest mountain on Bali, Mount Agung - a powerful sight.
To reach Blue Lagoon beach, head east on foot over the prominent headland at the eastern end of the main bay. Follow the signs that say Blue Lagoon. There is good snorkeling here just off the beach.
Temples
If you need a break from the beaches, there are some temples to discover. These are not especially notable temples, but still worth a visit. Padang Bai has five major temples: Pura Dalem, located downtown, Pura Segara, located next to the beach in between town and the main beach, Pura Telagamas, Pura Silayukti and Pura Tanjungsari in the eastern end of Padang Bai. Just walk along the beach road to the end and up around the headland. Don't forget to bring a sarong and a sash.
There is good snorkeling in the bay, though the snorkeling at the Blue Lagoon is much better. Many of the local dive operators organise trips to this spot. If the waves are large, don't bother snorkeling as the current is extremely strong and visibility will be 1 to 3 metres at best. On a calm day expect lots of fish and great visibility. Buoys mark the furthest point snorkelers should go. For even better snorkeling you can charter a boat.
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