Padangbai is a charming little place in its own right with idyllic beach, tranquil atmosphere and lovely small town feeling. Padangbai has some interesting places to explore. Blue Lagoon Beach is a great beach for snorkeling. The coral reef is right up to the shore and is very pretty. Best way is to enter on the far left side, where there is a coral-less canal that leads to the snorkeling site. If the waves are large, don’t bother snorkeling as the current is extremely strong and visibility will be 1 to 3 meters 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.
Bias Tugel Beach, also called Pantai Kecil (Little Beach), is the best beach in Padang Bai. This white sandy beach is good for swimming, though the currents can be strong. To reach the secluded Bias Tugel Beach, walk from the police station for 100 meters up the hill. Directly after Bamboo Paradise turn left (there’s a sign that says Bias Tugel) and climb the steep hill along a construction road for about 5 minutes and then descend. While descending – weather permitting – you should be able to see the largest mountain on Bali, Mount Agung on your left – a powerful sight. If you continue over the hill and follow the road, you will eventually come to a long, white sand beach.
There are some temples to discover in Padangbai area. 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. Of the five, Pura Silayukti is the most notable, having been the home of the great Hindu sage Empu Kuturan and dating back to the 11th century, making it one of the oldest extant temples on the island.