Pecatu

New Kuta Beach formerly Dreamland Beach, Pecatu, Bali beyond the cliffs

Pecatu is a beach resort located in the southern peninsula of Bali, at the southwestern part of the peninsula. The also popular resort area of Nusa Dua is also located in south-eastern end of the peninsula. Unlike Nusa Dua which is a mostly plain area, Pecatu is hilly with limestone cliffs isolating small, short beaches. The area is popular for surfers and also nudists due to its location behind the cliffs with limited access.^[1]

Administration

Pecatu is located in South Kuta District of the Badung Regency.

History

For decades, beaches around Pecatu had been well known by surfers and also nudists due to its location behind the cliffs with limited access.^[1] Some of the Macadam small roads were built before the 1997 Asian financial crisis.

After the Asian financial crisis (followed by the Bali bombings) the number of tourists dropped significantly, but it remained popular with surfers and they were among the first to come back. One of the beaches found to be very popular with Australian surfers was named Dreamland Beach. In order to reach this beach one had to hike down a small path. During that time some illegal simple 'warung's (shacks) were built on the beach and provided food and beverages for sale.^[2]

Since 2007, one area developer Pecatu Graha Bali (Kuta Golf Links Resort)^[3] owned by Tommy Suharto, son of the former Indonesian president who occupied the largest area in Pecatu up to 400 hectares, re-instated the projects begun before the Asian financial crisis.^[2] Previously Tommy had 600 hectares of land in the early 1990s and then sold 200 hectares to third parties and the proceeds are now used to finance the project with the new partner, a Balinese businessman, Made G. Putrawan.^[4] Indonesia and Bali were not affected by the Global financial crisis 2007, so these projects are well underway and growing rapidly.

Not only the name is changing. Where Dreamland used to be modest and simple, New Kuta Beach in Pecatu is the expression of hope and dreams come true with its luxurious clifftop views and remote location. It boasts being even more remote than Nusa Dua. With the narrow beach just below the cliff walls it is perfect for watching the sunset or the amazingly skilled surfers. This is a big attraction as these waves are not for beginners! The warungs have been moved from the beach and upgraded into nice shops though not as easily accessible from the beach they are much improved.^[1] The Entry/Parking Fee has also increased.

Waterpark

After soft opening at December 2010, since the end of January 2011 a new 5 hectares waterpark called "New Kuta Green Park" has been in operation with ticket price discrimination for international tourists, national tourists and Balinese.^[5][6]

Desalination

To fulfill the freshwater needs, the seawater desalination plant currently provides 1,000 cubic meters of clean water per day from its total capacity of 3,000 cubic meters.^[7]

Beaches

Pandawa Beach

It is the newest beach, a 20-minute drive from Garuda Wisnu Kencana, and has been developed by Badung Regency in Kutuh Village, South Kuta District, which was formerly known as secret beach because it lies behind the two cliffs with poor access with seaweed farming. Now the panorama with serene and quiet atmosphere can be accessed easily through 1.5 kilometers flanking cliff cut road by big buses, but the white sandy beach which suitable for swimming is not secret anymore. Paragliding can be done at Timbis Hill, not far away from the Pandawa Beach.^[8][9] There are no hotel or condotel in the beach and access road area, because there are reluctancy from Kutuh people.^[10]

Balangan Beach

Balangan Beach is located north of New Kuta Beach, Pecatu, also has the cliffs

Balangan Beach is one of the Bukit Peninsula surf spots located just north of New Kuta Beach. With its clear blue waves, white sandy beach and easy access, Balangan is not as crowded as Kuta or other surfing beach in Bali. In the north coast, there is a rocky hill which we can see fishing boats returning from sea to shore of Kedonganan.

Bingin Beach

Bingin Beach is located south of New Kuta Beach, Pecatu, also has the cliffs

Located just one kilometer from New Kuta Beach to the south, the beach is not recommended for novice surfers due to its reef bed. The beach is loaded with surfers from around the world between May and October, but its pristine beach makes the beach more appealing for non-water activities than New Kuta Beach.^{[11] [12]}

Impossible Beach

Impossible Beach is located between Bingin and Padang Padang. It is called Impossible Beach due to has a fast racy wave that it is impossible to surf (some experts can), but very picturesque.^[13]

Padang Padang Beach

Padang Padang Beach is located at Jalan Labuhan Sait, Pecatu village, not far from the famous Uluwatu temple. The entrance to the beach to pass through a kind of limestone cave inlet down provides its own nuance.^[14] It is free to come here, the beach is smaller than New Kuta Beach and the sea is so calm, so some of the native with their family frequent to swim here, but still ample of space. Since Julia Roberts came for the film Eat Pray Love, the name of Padang-Padang Beach was the one who started the fore.^[15] This beach is also very famous in the surf community due to the size and quality of the waves and the annual Rip Curl surfing contest held in July–August.

Nyang Nyang Beach

Not as other beaches which are located in the north of Uluwatu Temple, Nyang Nyang Beach is located in southeast of Uluwatu Temple. It is hidden beach suitable for surfing with large waves and also for sunbathing on the white rather course sandy beach. From the parking area you have to take the long tortous stairway (more than 500 steep steps) to meet the quietest beach in Pecatu. No foods and drinks vendors at all.^[16][17]

Pecatu vs Nusa Dua

References

Coordinates: 8°49′29″S 115°06′43″E / 8.8247°S 115.1119°E / -8.8247; 115.1119