Beaches in Bali

Located just minutes away from the International airport, Kuta is undoubtedly the most famous spot in Bali. The white sandy shores provide a stunning view of the sunset, while the main beach road is lined with shops, hotels, clubs, restaurants and markets. The beach is a haven for surfers and swimmers with several surfing schools available to ensure you experience the thrill even if you're a beginner.

Coral reefs, sun-loungers and luxury hotels - Jimbaran beach has everything to offer for a beach lover. A strip of land connecting mainland Bali with the Bukit peninsula, this beach in Bali is replete with a variety of dining options to have a scrumptious meal while the watching the glorious sunset here. The waters are also excellent for swimming and surfing for experts and beginners alike. Also, if you fancy yourselves some fresh fish then be sure to visit the fresh fish market here.

The upscale neighbour to Kuta and Legian, Seminyak offers an array of chic villas and beach resorts in Bali in addition to fine dining venues and clubs. One of the finer beaches in Bali, this one is mainly occupied by ex-pats. Must-do activities here include sunbathing, surfing (for advanced surfers only) and horseback riding. Nearby is Jalan Laksmana, or eat-street, as it's better known, where popular entertainment venues Ku De Ta and Potato Head are located. For shopping, the main Jalan Raya Seminyak street and the Seminyak Village mall are ideal.

Often described as an 'All Inclusive' beach, Nusa Dua has everything one could ask for - shopping complexes, high-end hotels, museums, even an 18-hole golf course! The pristine white sand and blue waters provide for an awe-inspiring scene to rejuvenate your senses, and the additional facilities of spas and watersports make this an ideal beach in Bali for both the honeymooning couples and travelling families.

Overseeing a magnificent view of the Pacific Ocean, Sanur Beach is one of the oldest beaches in Bali. Located on the east of Denpasar, the area has been developed as a tiny town with beachside shops, bars, local restaurants offering a wide range of local cuisines, and different sporting activities. The beach's coastline stretches for about 4km with a great beachfront walk. Sanur's calm beach makes it also ideal for young children who would want to play about.

Just 10 minutes away from Kuta, Legian is another great beach in Bali to chill out at. Rent a sun lounger and spend a few relaxing hours sunbathing, or wait for the sunset to play volleyball on its golden-silver sands. Legian also offers a host of options for those on a tight budget, with several beach bars selling Bintang beers for as low as IDR 20,000. Across the boardwalk are well-known shopping sites such as Jalan Werkudara (Garlic shopping lane) and the twin Poppies Lane. The area is buzzing with activity throughout the night, with Azul Beach Club and Sky Rooftop Lounge bar being major crowd-pullers.

One of the many surfing beaches in Bali, Padang Padang is on the Bukit peninsula and features a long stretch of white sand ideal for building sandcastles and sunbathing, while the blue waters draw pro surfers. Lined with cafes and shops, the beach gained fame for being the backdrop to Julia Robert's Eat, Pray, Love. Known locally as Pantai Labuan Sait, this beach is hidden and has to be reached by passing through a unique hollow rock entrance.

Nyang Nyang Beach is Bali’s best-kept secret featuring a 1.5-kilometre crystal white sand beach along the turquoise blue waters in the Uluwatu Pecatu region. The pristinely quiet beach with graffiti bearing shipwrecks along the coastline makes it one of the most visited beaches in Bali. Located about half a kilometre drive from the famous Uluwatu temple, Nyang Nyang Beach is about a 15 to 20 minutes trek from its parking spot. The beach is ideal as it is far-flung and away secluded from the other crowded beaches.

Pasir Putih is located between two villages, Bugbug and Parasi, in the Karangasem regency. The unique white-and-black sand and clear blue waters are fantastic for swimming, snorkelling and sunbathing. Gear rentals and guides are provided by the many refreshment stalls and cafes scattered at this beach in Bali, which serve various drinks and snacks. Grilled seafood is also available and is best enjoyed in the beautiful dusky evenings over a cold soft drink.

Located about 20 kms south of Kuta, Balangan Beach is one the most scenic beaches in Bali, famous for its golden sands and surfable blue waves. Attracting surfers worldwide, the hill from where the beach descends offers a panoramic view, and the beach itself is dotted with warungs serving refreshments. Ideal for expert surfers seeking to challenge themselves, the beach lacks lifeguards, making it unsafe for beginners.

Located about 75 m below a cliff in Ungasan, Green Bowl beach is another hidden gem in Bali. Reached by descending hundreds of steps, this is one of the best beaches in Bali for snorkelling and paddling across the reef barrier, but only during a low tide. The entire beach is flooded right up to the cliff's face at high tide. Green Bowl beach also features two large caves made of limestone, within which lie small rock shrines, providing shelter and shade to the beachmongers. Above the beach, at the hilltop, are four warungs selling snacks and refreshments. Due to the lack of bodyguards, caution is advised while heading into the water.

About 14 kms from Denpasar and Past Canggu's greenery, Echo beach welcomes you with its stunning black sand and sunset, great reef breaks and seafood cafes. A hotspot for surfers during the day, this beach in Bali acquires a laid-back vibe in the evenings with its beanbags and parasols. Well-maintained by the locals and tourists, Echo beach is ideal for both the thrill-seeking surfer as well as the lazy sunbather.

Mushroom Beach, or Mushroom Bay Beach, is replete with quaint fishing boats that gives it a very authentic fisherman bay vibe. The beach is also populated with beautiful beach huts and villas that overlook the Nusa Lembongan cliff, which is another very popular site for cliff-diving. A short walk away from Tamarind Beach, Mushroom Bay is known for its clear blue waters, and easy accessibility and tourism-friendly amenities.

Another one of those beaches that are hidden away from the general tourist’s domain of knowledge, Dreamland Beach is a favourite amongst the surfers and beach hunters. Although the warungs of yesteryear have given way to bodegas and vendors selling ice-cold Bintang beers from coolers, Dreamland beach located on the southern Bukit Peninsula, still offers a beach experience far-removed from the more popular beaches of Bali.

Located just 10 minutes from Uluwatu temple, Bingin beach in Pecatu is the ideal spot for experienced surfers looking for challenging waves. Hidden by limestone cliffs and uneven rocks, getting here is quite the struggle; however, the view at Bingin beach in Bali makes the effort worth it. For non-surfers, the beachscape during low-tide is a spectacular sight.

Located on the south-eastern coast of Nusa Penida, Atuh beach is ideal for spending a quiet evening. Known as one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, Atuh Beach is accessible through a 30-minute trek over rough terrain. The beach is dotted with four rocky islets in an arch-like formation. During low tide, small pools come into view brimming with minute marine life. However, the waters are not suitable for swimming, especially due to the absence of lifeguards. You can come here early morning to witness the breathtaking sunrise, and follow it up with some freshly cooked breakfast on a lounge chair.

Situated in Labuan Sait close to Uluwatu and Padang Padang, Suluban Beach is a scenic beauty obscured by limestone formations and full of rocky openings and mini pools. Accessible only through a narrow and steep pathway, the beach offers waves from 3-12 feet, making it a delight for surfers of all levels. Suluban Beach is also known as ‘Blue Point’ since many people associate this beach with the Blue Point Bay Villas, situated at the top of the beach.

Batu Bolong beach in Canggu is a visual delight with the black-grey sand it is composed of. A favourite of surfers with its slow and easy waves, this beach in Bali has instructors and organisers to welcome all levels of surfers. The numerous ice cream vendors and cafes on the beach will satiate your sweet cravings, leaving you refreshed and relaxed. Batu Bolong Beach is populated by several clubs, cafes and dining spots. Some of the must-visits are Batu Bolong Beach Cafe, Cafe Vida, Eden Cafe, Machinery Cafe, Monsieur Spoon and Old Mans Restaurant.

Popularly known as "Broken Beach", Pasih Uug is one of the scenic beaches in Bali, located on the southwestern tip of Nusa Penida island. It features an arch-like rocky formation over the waters and provides a stunning view for nature-lovers and photographers. An unpaved and bumpy road leads to the area, and there are a couple of vendors selling beer and other refreshments.

Located in Kerobokan in Bali, Batu Belig beach offers the best of both worlds- a multitude of bars and restaurants without the overcrowding of commercialized beaches of Bali. A hotspot for surfing, the beach provides a stunning view of the sunset and is ideal for those looking for a relaxing beach holiday.

A recently discovered gem of a beach in Bali, Melasti beach is a picturesque attraction located in Ungasan. Flanked by limestone cliffs, the white sands and clear blue waters are ideal for swimming and sunbathing. Best when visited during low tide, when small pools are formed between rocks and little fish can be seen swimming around. A relatively new and unpopulated beach, Melasti offers a more secluded and softer beach experience as compared to the boisterous nature of beaches like Kuta

Bali might be known as Indonesia’s party island, but not all of its beaches have that notorious wild vibe. At Lovina Beach in north-western Bali, you’ll find a much more laidback atmosphere where people can lay back and enjoy the feeling of sand on their toes and the sun on their skin. It’s quieter than most tourist hotspots, but that is exactly Lovina Beach’s charm. The exquisite beach consists of seven small villages like Pemaron, Anturan, Kalibukbuk (the liveliest village of the lot), Temukus, and Kaliasem along its 10-kilometre stretch. Instead of Bali’s usual white sand beaches, you’re treated here to narrow, black sand beaches which have calm waters ideal for swimming.

Located on the island of Nusa Dua, Geger beach is one of the relatively secluded beaches in Bali. The picturesque beach with its golden sands is ideal for a leisurely stroll, while the calm waters make this a great spot for swimming and paddling. Local beachfront bars serve multi-cuisine refreshments, where you can enjoy some traditional nasi goreng fried rice as well as cheeseburgers. For some delicious seafood and beer head to the Nusa Dua Beach Grill at the southern end.

Double six beach in Seminyak offers a chilled-out ambience with golden-white sands and blue waters. Daytime sees tourists relaxing in sun loungers under parasols, and the waters are fairly good for surfing. The clubs and restaurants across this beach in Bali make it lively at night, and the beach is a popular spot for gay men and women. Add some spice to the experience and head to the horse stable nearby, where one can rent a horse, saddle up and enjoy a horse ride.

One of many surfing spots in Canggu, Berawa beach is closest to Seminyak and is relatively quieter and has the largest lagoon along the Canggu coastline. The black sand beach offers sunbeds and parasols to spend the afternoon sunbathing, although is waves are too strong to go swimming. The various bars and vendors make this a great spot to unwind from the hustle at this beach in Bali.

The Tegal Wangi Beach is a beautiful white sand beach located on the southern Bukit Peninsula in Bali. Its gorgeous vistas, raw natural beauty and breathtaking sunsets against the oceanic background make it a wonderful tourist location for all. The stunning beach in Bali had been kept a secret among wedding photographers for long. Presently, its striking environs is able to draw in crowds from all walks of life.

Right next to Padangbai's main beach lies the Blue Lagoon beach, a long stretch of white sand framed by green hills and palm trees. Ideal for snorkelling, the coral is just a few metres beneath the waters for those seeking an easy underwater experience. One can sunbathe on the loungers with a drink from the many cafes selling refreshments here.

Pererenan beach in Bali's Canggu is primarily a surfer's paradise; it offers rough crashing waves for the advanced surfer but isn't suitable for swimming. The black sand glimmers in the sun and this beach in Bali is ideal to witness a gorgeous sunset. A perfect getaway from the more congested southern areas, an evening spent at Pererenan beach is a good way to wrap up your day.

Located on the northwestern Bay of Bali is Pemuteran beach, a popular spot for snorkelling and diving. A narrow strip of black sand and clear blue waters invite you to stroll through the beach, where multiple restaurants and beach resorts in Bali. Known for its unique Artificial bio rock reef restoration project, Visiting this magnificent beach in Bali is a great way to de-stress to the sound of waves lapping gently.

Nestled in the southern corner of Bali, Pandawa beach, also called 'the secret beach', is a 1 km stretch of stunning shoreline flanked by precipitous hills on either side. Inaccessible until recently, the newly carved entrance invites you into a spot of untouched beauty, allowing you to sunbathe and witness a beautiful sunrise here.

Located on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida Island in Bali, Kelingking beach is a secluded stretch of white sand bordered by T-rex shaped steep cliffs. The scenic beauty is offset by the 400m steep climb and strong undercurrents, making this a sparsely populated beach. The only security from fatal falls are bamboo fences, so physical fitness is a must while coming here.

Around the corner from Padang Bay, a steep path through a densely forested area leads to the scenic beauty of Bias Tugal beach. Also known as the 'Secret Beach' due to its remote location, the beach is ideal for snorkelling early morning, while the warungs serve up some delicious grilled fish. Located on the eastern coast of Bali, Bias Tugal harks back to the virgin beaches that Bali and Indonesia's islands were famous for before mass tourism opened up the beaches of Seminyak and Kuta to the world.

The most popular of the three Nusa islands in Bali, Nusa Lembongan hides on its southwestern coast the Dream Beach, a remote 115m stretch of pristine white sand. With low-lying cliffs and rock formations, the beach provides a panoramic view of the ocean and is known for the breather it offers from the hassle of typical tourist spots in Bali.

A welcome relief from the hedonistic and heady vibes that permeate Kuta Beach and Seminyak, Mengiat Beach offers a quieter and more laid-back attitude. Away from the throngs of surfers that are queueing up to drop in on the stellar waves, Mengiat is the perfect beach to find a haven of paradise-like white sand and soft waves. The proliferation of 5-star resorts in the area also ensures that Mengiat beach is immaculately maintained and is perfect as a swimming beach for the whole family.

Also called Secret Mushroom Beach, which leads to slight confusion amongst travellers, Tamarind beach is one of the beaches in Nusa Lembongan that most travellers discover by happy circumstances. Located at the end of a trail that follows through a jungle is a slice of island-paradise that most people only dream of finding. A smattering of tables scattered on the beach, this oasis amongst the crowded beaches of Bali is perfect for swimming and snorkelling and is an amazing beach for those that still want the idea of a virgin beach.