As a tropical getaway destination, Bali is known for the many amazing beaches found throughout the island. Bali’s best beaches are those which visitors choose to return to again and again. The best beaches in Bali offer their own unique combination of standout features like incredible views, picturesque sunrises or sunsets, great conditions for swimming, snorkelling or surfing, or even cleanliness.
With beaches renowned worldwide for incredible scenery like sprawling ocean vistas, golden hour sunsets and soft sand, there is no wonder that a visit to Bali’s beaches is one of the most popular things to do in Bali.
In this guide, we rank the best beaches in Bali according to a range of criteria, including popularity, visual beauty, geological features like rock pools and caves, what conditions are like for surfing or swimming, how secluded they are, cleanliness, which beach clubs they are near and the ocean conditions.
In this guide we take you through all of Bali's best beaches, highlighting key information and providing tips on how long it takes to get there, entrance fees, photography opportunities, what cafes or restaurants are nearby and ways to value-add to the overall experience.
The 10 best beaches in Bali are below:
- Kelingking Beach (Most Instagrammable): Kelingking Beach, located on Nusa Penida, is renowned for its remarkable "T-Rex" shaped cliff formation and mesmerizing coastal views, making it the most Instagrammable beach in Bali. Access to the beach is challenging, involving a rocky 40-minute hike from the cliffs, but the view from Kelingking's cliff is easily accessible via a scenic path.
- Seminyak Beach (Best Nightlife): Situated on Bali's west coast, Seminyak Beach offers thrilling surfing adventures with impressive waves and has the best nightlife hub as the sun sets. The beach is just a 10-minute walk from the main streets of Seminyak, making it easily accessible.
- Double Six Beach (Best for Live Music): Double Six Beach in Seminyak is perfect for families, offering a spacious shoreline, live music, and an excellent atmosphere. It's known for its soft golden sand and is adjacent to Seminyak Beach, making it easily accessible.
- Jimbaran Beach (Most Romantic): Jimbaran Beach, located in the charming fishing village of Jimbaran, is famous for its seafood dining, romantic sunsets, and swimming. It's easy to reach from most resorts in the Jimbaran area.
- Padang Padang Beach (Best for Families): Padang Padang Beach, near Uluwatu, is a picturesque surf spot, featured in the film "Eat, Pray, Love." It offers breathtaking views of cliffs, crystal-clear water, and a good place for swimming, accessible via stairs with a small admission fee.
- Nusa Dua Beach (Best for Swimming): Nusa Dua Beach is known for its clean waters and ideal conditions for swimming and water sports. It's accessible from Denpasar and offers shaded areas, making it family-friendly.
- Pandawa Beach (Best for Activities): Pandawa Beach, also known as Secret Beach, offers pristine white sands and crystal clear waters, making it an excellent spot for water sports and photography. Access to the beach requires a small entrance fee but is worthwhile for the beautiful scenery and facilities.
- Balangan Beach (Best Hidden Gem): Balangan Beach in Uluwatu is a hidden gem known for its fantastic waves, tranquil atmosphere, and excellent surfing conditions. It has a small parking fee and is not ideal for swimming due to strong waves and rocks.
- Dreamland Beach (Best for Surfing): Dreamland Beach, near Uluwatu, is a stunning surfing beach with turquoise waters and great waves. It's suitable for surfing, but caution is advised for swimming due to strong waves. Entry is free, with a suggested donation for cleanliness.
- Kuta Beach (Most Popular Beach in Bali): Kuta Beach, the most popular beach on Bali mainland, offers a vibrant atmosphere, stunning sunsets, and beginner surfing opportunities. While it can be touristy, it remains a fantastic location for various beach activities, and it's easily accessible from Denpasar airport. Visitors should be cautious of pushy vendors.
Read on for our full list of Bali's best beaches.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS: Photography, Hiking, Views, Scenery
Description: Kelingking Beach, also known as T-Rex Bay or Secret Point, is one of the most iconic landscapes in all of Bali. Located on Nusa Penida, Kelingking is made up of a long stretch of white sand bordering turquoise waters, Kelingking Beach is famous for the remarkable “T-Rex” shaped cliff formation which surrounds it.
What Makes It Special?: The view of the sweeping coastling from the cliffs is truly mesmerising, drawing visitors to Nusa Penida from all around Bali. The views are unbelievable, and it's the best beach in Bali to snap an Instagram shot.
Access: Kelingking Beach itself is very difficult to access, as it takes about 40 minutes to hike down the beach from the cliffs and the path especially in the last part is exceptionally rocky, so extreme caution is advised. However, many visitors come just to see the view from Kelingking's cliff, and this is easy to get to via a scenic path.
Tips for your Visit:
- We recommend bringing proper footwear, staying well hydrated and bringing cash to pay for parking (it costs 5,000 IDR which is ~$5 AUD) and a drink. Given its popularity, arriving at Kelingking early is advised to avoid large crowds.
- There are a number of various shacks for buying food and drinks as you walk the scenic route to the top of Kelingking's cliffs.
Key Highlights: WATER ACTIVITIES, NIGHTLIFE, SUNSETS
Description: Situated on the west coast of Bali, Seminyak Beach is a captivating stretch of soft volcanic black sand that has become a favoured destination for tourists, particularly those seeking thrilling surfing adventures.
What Makes It Special?: Aside from its impressive waves, Seminyak Beach offers gorgeous sunsets and a vibrant atmosphere, with numerous bars, restaurants, and beach clubs lining the coast. As the day transitions into evening, Seminyak Beach transforms into a hub of entertainment. The beach clubs come alive with live music, DJs, and vibrant performances, offering an unforgettable nightlife experience by the ocean
Access: Seminyak Beach is easy to get to if already in the Seminyak area, as it's only 10 minutes walk from the main streets to the shore.
Tips for your Visit:
- Seminyak Beach has an amazing atmosphere with live music and plenty of people around. It's a great place to relax on a beanbag with drinks as the sun sets.
- This is a crowded beach, and it does get littered at times
3. Double Six Beach, Seminyak - Best for Live Music
Key Highlights: SURFING, FAMILIES, ATMOSPHERE, LIVE MUSIC
Description: Located in Seminyak, Double Six Beach (sometimes called Blue Ocean Beach) is a great option for those wanting to unwind with family and friends. Double Six Beach got its name from the renowned 66 Nightclub, which used to stand on its shore.
What Makes It Special?: With its soft golden sand and lively atmosphere Seminyak Beach is the perfect place to relax, enjoy wonderful live music, and watch the sunset. Many families love Double Six Beach due to its spacious shoreline, which provides ample room for building sandcastles and engaging in playtime. Additionally, there is a wide selection of fantastic restaurants and cafés nearby, offering delightful dining options to suit various budgets.
Access: Double Six is located next to Seminyak Beach, and is a flat beach with open access.
Tips for your Visit:
- Whilst not as crowded as Seminyak Beach, Double Six is very popular so it's better to come in the morning if you want to avoid crowds
- This is a great beach for beginner surfers who want to develop their skills and ride some moderate waves.
4. Jimbaran Beach, Jimbaran - Best for Seafood DIning
Key Highlights: SEAFOOD, DINING, SUNSETS, SWIMMING
Description: Jimbaran Beach (Pantai Jimbaran) is a soft white sand beach located in the famous “Jimbaran Bay”, a charming fishing village in South Kuta.
What Makes It Special?: Bordered by a plethora of excellent seafood restaurants, Jimbaran Beach is the perfect place for a romantic dinner while watching the sunset - especially if you love fresh fish and traditional local dishes. While the beach is worth visiting at any time of day, it truly comes alive during the golden hour, attracting both locals and tourists from around the world who gather to witness the breathtaking sunset and relish a beachfront dining experience.
Access: Jimbaran Beach is an easy beach to reach, and is located very close to most of the resorts in the Jimbaran area.
Tips for your Visit:
- Jimbaran Beach is ideal for swimming due to the gentle waves
- The best time to visit Jimbaran Beach is actually at sunset, when locals and tourists gather to eat and drink on the shore!
5. Padang Padang Beach, near Uluwatu - Best for Famiies
Key Highlights: SURFING, EXCELLENT FACILITIES
Description: Padang Padang Beach (aka Pantai Labuan Sait) is one of Bali’s most picturesque surf spots, made famous by the 2010 film Eat, Pray, Love. It's located in the village of Pecatu on the southwest coastline of the Bukit Peninsula.
What Makes It Special?: Padang Padang distinguishes itself with breathtaking views of cliffs, crystal-clear water, and numerous surfers. It's one of the best beaches in Bali for swimming.
Access: Padang Padang is only accessible via a flight of stairs through a hollow rock entrance. Admission to the beach costs 15,000 IDR (~$15 AUD) for adults and 10,000 IDR (~$10 AUD) for children, with an additional 5,000 IDR fee (~$5) for the car park. It's important to note that the descent down the stairs, while manageable for most, is likely to pose a challenge for individuals with mobility issues.
Tips for your Visit:
- It's advisable to keep a close eye on your belongings, as the area is inhabited by mischievous monkeys with a keen eye for shiny objects.
- Depending on the time of year you visit, you might witness an international surfing event, like the Rip Curl Cup Padang Padang (which this year takes place from 1st -31st August).
6. Nusa Dua Beach, Nusa Dua - Best for Swimming
Key Highlights: CLEANLINESS, ATMOSPHERE, VIEWS, SWIMMING
Description: With its calm blue waters and pristine white sand, Nusa Dua Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Nusa Dua. Located just 22 km from Denpasar, Nusa Dua Beach, (known as Pantai Mengiat by the locals), is an ideal destination for those looking for a serene and luxurious beach experience.
What Makes It Special?: Nusa Dua Beach is perfect for practising water sports, swimming, or just relaxing. It is one of the cleanest beaches in Bali, making it a popular destination for families. There is a wide range of water activities for visitors to enjoy, from snorkelling to kayak rentals. Shaded areas with beach chairs and umbrellas are easy to find, making it easy to enjoy the sunset.
Access: Although some areas of the beach are private due to the high-end resorts located here, many areas are open to the public, and there is no entrance fee, only a parking fee.
Tips for your Visit:
- The beach is equipped with clean restrooms, showers, and vendors offering snacks and drinks. Off the shore visitors will find shaded green areas which are ideal for a picnic.
- Lifeguards patrol the beaches for safety
7. Pandawa Beach, Badung - Best for Activities
Key Highlights: ATMOSPHERE, WATERSPORTS, PHOTOGRAPHY, DINING
Description: Pandawa Beach, also known as Secret Beach, is an enchanting destination for families looking for a less crowded beach for relaxing and enjoying water sports.
What Makes It Special?: With its breathtaking views, pristine white sands, and crystal clear waters, it provides the perfect backdrop for some of the amazing activities on offer here, including surfing, paragliding and canoeing.
Access: An entrance fee of 15,000 IDR (~$15 AUD) is required to access Pandawa Beach, but the fee is worthwhile considering the beautiful scenery and available facilities.
Tips for your Visit:
- While the beach is generally clean, it is not uncommon to find seaweed along the shore.
- We recommend wearing water shoes here due to the presence of rocks and coral,
- Numerous restaurants and cafés are located in close proximity
8. Balangan Beach, Uluwatu - Best Hidden Gem Beach
Best Beach in Bali For Surfing
Description: Locally referred to as Pantai Balangan, Balangan Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Uluwatu.
What Makes it Specia: Balangan is one of the best beaches in Uluwatu, but it still manages to maintain its status as a hidden gem. With it's fantastic waves, tranquil atmosphere, and green surrounds, it's undoubtedly one of the best beaches for an authentic experience.
Access: Upon arrival at the parking lot, there is a fee of 10,000 IDR (~$10 AUD) for cars or 5,000 IDR (~$5 AUD) for scooters.
Tips for your Visit:
- Swimming is no always the best here due too strong waves and the presence of rocks and coral. Caution is advised if deciding to take a dip.
- Balangan Beach offers excellent conditions for surfing, especially for advanced surfers.
9. Dreamland Beach, near Uluwatu - Best for Surfing
Best Beach in Bali For: Key Highlights: SURFING, SCENERY, CLEANLINESS, CLEAR WATER
Description: Dreamland Beach, also known as New Kuta Beach or Pantai Cimongka, is a stunning surfing beach located in Pecatu Village, South Kuta. Known for its breathtaking scenery, Dreamland boasts turquoise waters, soft white sand and great waves.
What Makes it Special?: This is an excellent beach for surfing, especially for beginner and intermediate level, with playful waves that break in both directions.
Access: Entry to the beach is free, although a suggested donation of 5,000 IDR (~$5 AUD) is encouraged to support the locals in maintaining cleanliness. Beach facilities include public toilets and a spacious parking area, which costs 10,000 IDR ($10 AUD) for cars and 5,000 IDR (~$5 AUD) for motorbikes.
Tips for your Visit:
- Especially quiet in the morning, the beach tends to become crowded with tourists in the afternoon.
- When it comes to swimming, the waves at Dreamland Beach are quite strong at times, so we recommend swimming in areas with lifeguards present. There is also a café on-site offering a diverse menu of food and beverages. While efforts are made by volunteers to keep the beach clean, it's worth noting that after heavy rainfall, some trash may wash up onto the shore.
10. Kuta Beach, Kuta - Most Popular Beach in Bali
Key Highlights: VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE, STUNNING SUNSETS, BEGINNER SURFING
Description: Kuta Beach (sometimes called Sunset Beach) is the most famous and popular beach on Bali mainland. It's a busy stretch of sand with lots of restaurant, and is ideal for watching the sunset.
What Makes it Special: Whilst undoubtedly one of the most touristy beaches in Bali, Kuta Beach is stil an amazing location, featuring a wide stretch of golden sand and stunning sunset views. The atmosphere here is amazing, and visitors love to surf, swim or simply relaxing in the sun.
Accessibility: Kuta Beach is located only 15 minutes fron Denpasar airport, making it a great place to stop or even stay overnight on your first or last day in Bali. Access to the beach is free.
TIps for Your VIsit:
- Be cautious of pushy vendors at Kuta Beach trying to sell you thing
- Once you have head a swimming, why not head to Beachu can rinse your feet at the entrance of Beachwalk Shopping Center. This chic shopping centre is one of the best places to shop in Bali, and offers a place to rinse sand off your feet before you enter.
11. Sanur Beach, Sanur - Best for Watching the Sunrise
Key Highlights: RELAXATION, SUNRISE, SWIMMING, SOUVENIRS
Description: Sanur Beach is a calm and picturesque beach located in the seaside town of Sanur. The beach is known for the colourful "jukung" fishing boats which line the shore.
What it's Best For: Sanur is excellent for leisurely beach activities and family-friendly fun. It's incredibly relaxing to sit on the shore and watch the fishing boats gently bobbing on the water, and visitors can even get out on the water on a canoe if they want to. It's also a great place for beach strolls, swimming and shopping for souvenirs.
Accessibility: Sanur Beach is strategically located close to the city centre, making it easy to access from Sanur.
Tips for Your Visit:
- Some of the best parts of the beach are usually owned by resorts, so consider staying in one of them if you want to experience the finest areas of this beach
- Sanur is one of the most popular beaches for watching the sunrise, with visitors and locals heading out for an early morning stroll or jog.
12. Batu Bolong Beach, Canggu - Best for Surf Lessons
Best Beach For: BEGINNER SURFING, PHOTOGRAPHY
Description: Located in Canggu, Batu Bolong Beach (aka Old Man's Beach) is one of the most popular beaches in Bali amongst locals and tourists alike. With its dark coloured sand and lively surf, Batu Bolong is a great place to come in the afternoon and enjoy the vibrant Canggu atmosphere.
What Makes it Special?: There is usually a hive of activity going on around Batu Bolong, from surfers catching waves to families playing in the water and joggers making their way along the shore. Many people come at golden hour to sit on a bean bag at one of the many beach bars, and enjoy the sunset with a drink. Batu Bolong is also an excellent beach for beginner and intermediate surfers, with boards available for rent and many surf schools offering lessons.
Accessibility: Parking at Batu BOlong costs around 2,000 IDR (~$2 AUD), and there's no entry fee. The beach offers facilities including showers and toilets.
Tips for Your Visit:
- It tends to get crowded in the afternoon at Batubolong, especially at sunset, so it's recommended to go as early as possible if you want to find the beach uncrowded.
- Some of the best surf schools on Batu Bolong include lokalsurfbali, Bali Salty Surf and Private Surf School Canggu. Alternatively, it's possible to book a surf school with a local directly from the shore. Prices for surf lessons are often as cheap as 100,000-200,000 IDR (~$10-20 AUD).
13. Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida - Best Beach in Nusa Penida for Snorkelling
Key Highlights: SNORKELLING, MARINE LIFE, SCENERY
Description: Crystal Bay, sometimes called Silver Beach, is a secluded 200m cove on the west coast of Nusa Penida. Crystal Bay is one of the main tourist attractions in Nusa Penida, renowned for it's clear water, and stunning coral reefs. The sand is a dark colour and the shore is usually packed with deck chairs from the many visitor to this amazing location.
What Makes it Special: Crystal Bay is renowned for it's snorkelling, as the bay is host to amazing sea creatures such as manta rays, turtles, and colourful fish like mola mola.
Accessibility: Crystal Bay is one of the most accessible beaches in Nusa Penida, with well-paved access roads. There's no entry ticket needed, only a parking fee of 5,000 IDR (~$5 AUD).
Tips for Your Visit:
- Crystal Bay is a popular departing spot for manta ray tours, and many of the general tours around Nusa Penida stop here as well. Expect crowds, especially in the middle part of the day
- The swimming conditions here vary: sometimes they are gentle and at other times they are quite strong. Caution needs to be taken if you decided to swim, especially since there are quite a few rocks in the area.
14. Legian Beach, Legian - Best All-Rounder
Key Highlights: BEGINNER SURFING, CONVENIENCE, SUNSETS, UNCROWDED
Description: Legian Beach, sometimes called Padma Beach, is a wide sandy beach located between Kuta and Seminyak. Lined with stalls, bars and cafes, Legian is a popular beach amongst locals and expats for enjoying a drink and a bite whilst watching the incredible sunset.
What Makes It Special?: There are even a number of places on the shore where beachgoers can relax on loungers and beanbags. Legian is one of the best beaches in Bali for learning to surf due to the consistent swells, and the host of surf schools in close vicinity. One drawback of Legian Beach is that at times it becomes quite polluted with litter that washes up on the beach.
Access: Legian Beach is directly accessible from Legian, and doesn't require an entry fee.
15. Atuh Beach, Nusa Penida - Most Spectacular
Key Highlights: SCENERY, SWIMMING, PHOTOGRAPHY
Description: Atuh Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand located on the east coast of Nusa Penida, right next to Diamond Beach. With its breathtaking natural beauty, powdery white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this secluded beach is ideal for those seeking a picture-perfect experience.
What Makes it Special?: Atuh Beach is one of the most spectacular beaches you will come across in your travels, providing a level of aesthetic beauty and breathtaking views that surpasses many others.
Accessibility: Reaching the beach is somewhat physically challenging, requiring a steep descent down the steps of the cliff - not easy especially on a hot day. For this reason, we recommend you access Atuh Beach by entering Diamond Beach first as the access is much easier. This avoids dealing with potential scammers who try to charge lots of money to enter via Atuh Beach directly. The maximum you should have to pay via Diamond beach is 25k IDR (~$2.50 AUD) and this includes a bottle of water.
Tips:
- Although Atuh Beach is a wonderful place to swim, be mindful that some areas have stones and corals, requiring caution when entering the water.
- The morning is when the waters of Atuh Beach are at their most turquoise
16. Melasti Beach, near Uluwatu - Best for Beach Clubs
Key Highlights: SUNSETS, SERENITY, SUNBATHING, SWIMMING
Description: Located near Uluwatu in south Bali’s Ungasan area, Melasti Beach is a sandy strip of beach set against towering limestone cliffs and surrounded by lush green vegetation. Melasti is a stunning beach boasting white sand and blue turquoise waters.
What Makes it Special?: This is a beach with community atmosphere, where locals and tourists alike flock to, especially on weekends. The beach clubs here are excellent, offering pools and loungers overlooking the beach with food and drink service. Tropical Temptation Beach Club, one of the best beach clubs in Bali, is located here, and another great one is Minoo.
Accessibility: The beach is easy to access in generally, and partially wheelchair accessible if you drive down to the beach. The cost of entry is around 8,000-20,000 IDR (~$8-20 AUD), depending on when you visit - which incluse use of the facilities.
Tips:
- While it usually becomes crowded here on weekends, the weekdays are quieter, making it a perfect setting for sunbathing, swimming and witnessing spectacular sunsets.
17. Broken Beach, Nusa Penida - Most Dramatic
Key Highlights: SCENIC COASTAL FORMATIONS, NATURAL POOLS, PHOTOGRAPHY
Description: Broken Beach (aka Pasih Uug) is renowned for its majestic coastal formations, featuring a stunning natural arch caused by the erosion of the sea against the cliff. Located in Nusa Penida, the name "Broken Beach" comes from the fact that the water of the bay spills out through the archway into the open sea.
What Makes it Special?: Broken Beach is a natural wonder, and one of the most unique beaches in the world. Visitors love visiting the incredibly picturesque location, even though it isn't possible to go on the beach directly. The cliffs reach heights of 50-200 metres, and from here visitors can watch the waves crashing dramatically underneath.
Accessibility: Broken Beach is technically one of the least accessible beaches in Bali, as it isn't actually possible to get onto the beach itself.
Tips for Your Visit: |
- Broken Beach is a very popular attraction, with many tourists stopping to capture photos, so consider arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds and take some great snaps.
- This is a very windy spot, so visitors need to be cautious of hats or clothing that could easily be blown away
- Utmost caution is advised when walking along the cliffs. Though rare, there have been occasions of visitors falling off.
- This beach is located close to another great spot for clear waters, Angel's BIllabong, also in Nusa Penida.
18. Green Bowl Beach, Uluwatu - Most Secluded
Key Highlights: SECLUSION, NATURAL BEAUTY, CAVEX EXPLORATION
Description: Green Bowl Beach, located in Uluwatu, is a small and secluded beach with aqua-coloured waters, soft white sand and uneroded cliffside. This is one of the best hidden gem beaches in Bali.
What Makes It Special?: Once you get to Green Bowl beach, you'll be greeted by an utterly beautiful and uncrowded beach which is about 500 metres wide and surrounded by big rocks and stone. There are some hidden caves as well, one of which is a shrine (temple) and requires appropriate clothing to enter. The other cave is a great place to get some shade or leave your belongings for safe keeping. Green Bowl is one of the best surfing spots during Bali's Wet Season, from November to April. In the Wet Season, Green Bowl offers up amazing surf with excellent "right-hander" waves.
Access: To access Green Bowl beach, you'll need to descend a flight of over 300 stairs, which is likely to pose a significant challenge for individuals with mobility issues. Don’t forget you have to make your way back up them when you head home!
Tips for Your VIsit:
- Keep in mind that the shore of Green Bowl tends to disappear during high tide, so check the times beforehand and try to come at low tide.
- There are a lot of monkeys in the area, so it's important to be mindful of them. There have been some reports of invasive merchants on the beach as well who don’t take the word “no” easily.
19. Berawa Beach, Canggu - Best for Sunsets
Key Highlights: SURFING, VIBRANT ATMOSPHERE, BEACH CLUBS
Description: The expansive Berawa Beach (aka Pantai Berawa) is one of the most popular beaches in the area of Canggu in Dalung, Kuta. partially due to its proximity to some of Bali's biggest beach clubs like Finn and Atlas.
What Makes It Special?: Berawa Beach is located in the heart of Canggu, where the whole town flocks to at sunset. The atmopshere on the beach is fun and energetic, with the throngs of tourists, young people and surfers who come in the late afternoon. giving the beach an energetic vibe.
Accessibility: Berawa Beach is free to enter and easy to access from the streets of Canggu.
Tips For Your Visit:
- Berawa Beach is dog friendly, with many local dogs found off leash here - so better to avoid this one for those that don't like animals.
- This is one of the most popular beaches, but not always amongst the most aesthetic, especially in the rainy season when the shores sometimes become eroded.
- Berawa is located close to many of the biggest beach clubs in Bali, like FInns Beach Club, which is a great place to spend the day before heading on to Berawa for the sunset.
Best Lesser-Known Beaches in Bali
1. Bias Tugel Beach - EAST BALI
Key Highlights: SUNBATHING, SURFING, TRANQUILITY
Bias Tugel Beach, also referred to as Pantai Kecil, which means "little beach," is a charming white sand beach that spans only 130 metres in length. Located in a bay in south of th Padangbai Harbour in East Bali, it takes about an hour to reach this hidden gem from popular tourist hubs like Ubud and Sanur. Bias Tugel Beach has extremely clear blue water, soft white sand, and is one of the cleanest and most pristine beaches in Bali. This beach is a bit more effort to get to, and the road to get to the beach itself is quite narrow which requires some manouevring skills. With that being said, its seclusion makes Bias Tugel an excellent place to relax and catch some waves. Just be mindful that the waves are often large and powerful, going as high as 3 metres, so we don’t recommend swimming or snorkelling here unless the waves are gentle and caution is exercised.
The entrance fee is 10,000 IDR, and the beach provides basic facilities such as toilets, but no showers.
2. Thomas Beach - PECATU, NEAR ULUWATU
Key Highlights: SECLUSION, SWIMMING SUNBATHING, SUNSET VIEWS
Located in Pecatu (found halfway between Padang Padang and Uluwatu), Thomas Beach is a secluded stretch of white sand and blue water that is primarily known by locals. Thomas Beach is a quiet and relaxing beach, offering beautiful views which you can enjoy from one of the day beds available for rent onshore - it costs 50k ($5 AUD) for a daybed and an umbrella. There are also vendors and stalls nearby which sell drinks, clothing and offer massages.
Thomas Beach is a great place for swimming, as long as it’s high tide. Swimming at low tide is difficult. It’s also lovely to sunbathe here or take in the breathtaking sunsets.
Entry to Thomas Beach beach is completely free, but reaching it requires descending 130 steps. Additionally, visitors should be mindful of their belongings as there are monkeys in the area.
3. Pantai Nunggalan - ULUWATU
Key Highlights: SECLUSION, SUNBATHING, RELAXATION
Pantai Nuggalan is a beautifully pristine and secluded beach located near Uluwatu temple. Pantai Nunggalan is only accessible via a relatively steep trail of jungle, making this beach harder to reach but all the more worth it for the peaceful atmosphere and seclusion. The hike from the parking area takes about 15-20 minutes, so we recommend bringing some snacks and water with you for energy.
Once on the beach you will find ample space, soft sand, and even a shipwreck - making this an excellent place to sunbathe and explore.
4. Yeh Leh Beach - JEMBRANA
Key Highlights: TRANQUILITY, UNIQUE ROCK FORMATIONS, LOCAL CUISINE
Yeh Leh Beach is a quiet and serene beach which makes a great rest stop when travelling along the west coast of Bali. Located in Jembrana, just off the Denpasar-Gilimanuk highway, the beach stands out for its unique landscape, which is filled with thousands of rocks that have been smoothed by the ocean over a vast period of time. An old wives tale from the region of Jembrana says that the rocks are rubble from ancient buidlings. There are plenty of local restaurants and food stalls close to the beach which offer delicious seafood and traditional Balinese cuisine, and there is a grassy knoll with some shade which makes a nice place to sit and enjoy the scenery. There’s no entry fee, just a 5,000 IDR parking fee.
5. Amed Beach - AMED
Key Highlights: SNORKELLING, DIVING, WATER SPORTS, EXPLORING
Located in the quiet fishing village of Amed on Bali’s east coast , Amed Beach is a relaxed and picturesque beach renowned for its black volcanic sand. Amed Beach is one of the best beaches in Bali for snorkelling and diving, given its clear, calm waters and the diverse marine life on display under the water. The location around the beach is great for exploring during the day or in the evening, with dozens of restaurants, cafes and bars to stop in at and live music contributing to the overall atmosphere. The sunsets here are beautiful, with a stunning view of Mt Agung in the background.
Amed Beach is beautiful and whilst the waters here are crystal clear, it is worth noting that some visitors report occasionally finding trash and plastic on the shore or floating at the top of the water, detracting from the overall experience.
6. Pererenan Beach - CANGGU
Key Highlights: SURFING, SWIMMING, SCENERY, SUNSETS
Pererenan Beach is a beautiful and relatively uncrowded beach located in north Canggu. The scenery at Pererenan is beautiful, featuring wide open spaces, dark golden sand and incredible sunsets. The strong waves at Pererenan Beach make it a very popular spot for swimming and surfing.
The entrance to Pererenan Beach is marked with an impressive statue of a mythological figure called Gajah Mina. Underneath there is a set of steps leading down to the beach, which is a great place to sit and enjoy the view.
There are a number of great eateries close to Pererenan Beach. One of our favourites is Arte Canggu, which offers the highest quality Italian pizza we have tried in the area. We recommend you dine in, or take the pizza back to the beach to enjoy as the sun goes down.
7. Pasir Putih - KARANGASEM
Key Highlights: SERENITY, SWIMMING, SNIORKELLING
Pasir Putih, also known as White Sand Beach or Virgin Beach, is a serene and secluded beach located in east Bali’s Karangasem area. Renowned for its white sands, this peaceful hidden gem is one of the best beaches in Bali for swimming. Enclosed by verdant green cliffs, it’s a fantastic place to unwind and enjoy the quiet. With a reef found around 30-40 metres from the shore, it’s lovely to snorkel at Pasir Putih and enjoy the vast array of colourful fish on display. The beach is dotted with a variety of warungs offering delectable fresh seafood, but it's important to note that they only accept cash payments. It’s a lot less touristy than other beaches in the area, and to get in you have to pay an entry fee of 10,000 IDR (~$10 AUD).
8. Blue Lagoon Beach - PADANG BAI
Key Highlights: SNORKELLING, MARINE LIFE
Located in the village of Padang Bai, Blue Lagoon Beach is a narrow hidden beach known for its relaxed vibe and friendly snorkelling conditions. The name Blue Lagoon is derived from the vibrant blue hues of its waters, which allows you to spot a wide array of colourful fish with the naked eye. Snorkelling from the shore here is easy, and it is common to spot sea turtles, sea snakes and eels. There is a convenient warung (local restaurant) available nearby for food and drinks, and you can rent snorkelling gear there as well for only 50k IDR (~$5 AUD).
9. Gunung Payung Beach - SOUTH KUTA, NEAR ULUWATU
Key Highlights: WATER SPORTS, PEACEFUL ATMOSPHERE
Gunung Payung Beach (aka Pantai Gunung Payung) is a quiet and beautiful beach featuring white sands and blue-green waters located in Adat Kutuh Village, just 30 km from Denpasar. Gunung Payung is one of the best beaches for beach and water sports, offering an ideal setting for renting a canoe or even paragliding. A walk of approximately 500 metres is required to reach the beach, with a short descent down some steep rocks. For those that would prefer to skip this, you can take a convenient shuttle bus from the parking lot for only25,000 IDR (~$2.50 AUD) which will transport you directly to the beach.
10. Keramas Beach - GIANYAR
Key Highlights: ADVANCED SURFING, SURF SCHOOLS, RELAXED ATMOSPHERE
Keramas Beachis a serene surfing destination situated on Bali's eastern coast, Spanning 10 kilometres, this hidden gem features black sand and remains relatively unknown to many tourists. The powerful and challenging “right-hander” waves at Keramas Beach make it a perfect spot for experienced surfers, with a number of professional surfers arriving in February and March. There are a number of great surf schools in this area, like Gone Surfin School and Keramas Surf School, which makes this a suitable beach for beginner surfers (under the right guidance). Due to the large, high waves, we don’t recommend swimming at Keramas Beach.
11. Bingin Beach - PECATU, NEAR ULUWATU
Key Highlights: EXPERIENCED SURFERS, MARINE ANIMALS, SURF COMPETITIONS
Situated in Pecatu Village near Uluwatu in Bali’s south, Bingin Beach is a cliffside beach which stretches along the coast. Known as one of Bali’s best surfing spots, the waves here are formidable - attracting intermediate to experienced surfers and a number of surf competitions. There is a lot to appreciate about Bingin Beach for non-surfers as well, given breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean and pristine white sand to walk along. However, accessing the beach can be challenging as it requires navigating a significant number of small steps.
The best time to visit Bingin Beach is during low tide (except for surfing which is better at high tide), making it possible to walk directly across the shore to Dreamland and Padang Padang beaches. For those who want to relax on the shore or swim, we recommend avoiding the beach at high tide as the waves are often very large.
12. Sawangan Beach - NUSA DUA
Key Highlights: RELAXATION, SWIMMING, SURFING
Sawangan Beach, previously known as Nikko Beach, is a beautiful and secluded public beach located in Nusa Dua, adjacent to the Hilton Hotel. The sand here is soft and white, and the beach is immacuately clean - making it a great place to relax and enjoy time swimming or surfing. With its tranquil atmosphere, crystal-clear waters, and soft white sand, it offers the perfect setting for relaxation, swimming, and surfing. Being a public beach, there is no entrance fee, but a parking fee of 5,000 IDR applies. However, it's important to note that there's only one café near the beach, so if you're looking for diverse dining options, this might not be the best choice.
13. Suwehan Beach - NUSA PENIDA
Key Highlights: PHOTOGRAPHY, SURFING, SWIMMING, SECLUSION
Suwehan Beach, located in Tanglad on the far southeast corner of Nusa Penida, is one of the most stunning hidden beaches in Bali and on of the hardest to access. With its mesmerising cone-shaped rock formations covered with trees, and extremely blue waters, Suwehan Beach is definitely worth the difficult hike to get there. Once you arrive you will find that the beach is very uncrowded, especially if you arrive early - making it the perfect spot to swim, relax and take some incredible photos.
The major drawback of Suwehan beach is the challenging accessibility, because you have to descend a very steep staircase whilst holding a rope to get to the shore. However, as long as you have a reasonable level of physical fitness and exercise caution, this shouldn’t be an issue.
Make sure to bring water and snacks, otherwise these can be purchased from the warung (local restaurant) near the car park.
Tip: We only recommend visiting this beach when it is low tide, as otherwise there is not much beach space and the ocean.
14. Pasut Beach - TABANAN
Key Highlights: VOLCANIC BLACK SAND, FAMOUS COCONUT TREES
Pasut Beach in Bali is a hidden gem known for its black sand, serene atmosphere and towering coconut trees. Unlike some of the more touristy beaches in Bali, Pasut Beach offers a peaceful experience with a lack of crowded buildings and hotels. Visitors can enjoy the stunning sunset, relax to the gentle sound of the waves, and climb up the coconut trees for a photo as has become popular on social media. This long, wide beach is frequented by locals who engage in activities like football and fishing, and at times people come and ride motorbikes along the beach (which is a bit noisy at times). Generally, you will find this to be a quiet and uncrowded beach, ideal for relaxing. Just keep in mind, there aren’t as many shops and amenities at this beach as some of the busier beaches.
Which Beaches in Bali are Best for Swimming?
Bali has a lot of beaches., but many of them aren't as ideal for swimming as you might think., for various reasons. For example, some beaches aren't particularly clean, some are located near rocks or reefs, and others have very strong currents. Whereas the best beaches in Bali for swimming are clean, have gentle waves, aren't located near rocks or reefs, and are easy to access. In general, beaches in the Nusa Dua area are the best for swimming in Bali. This is because the area is well maintained by the resorts that line the area, and the coral creates a buffer which makes for a gentler swimming experience.
Below are the 4 best beaches in Bali for Swimming:
- Nusa Dua Beach: With its white sands, gentle waves and crystal-clear waters, Nusa Dua stands out as Bali's best swimming beach. The waves close to the shore are calm, thanks to natural coral reefs that act as a buffer, which makes swimming here a safe and enjoyable experience for all ages. Nusa Dua is also a very well kept and clean beach compared to some other beaches in Bali.
- Mengiat: Mengiat Beach, located in the Nusa Dua area, is a fantastic choice for swimming, as it's uncrowded yet a safe environement for a leisurely swim. The waters are blue and clear, the and the sands are lovely and white - so it makes a great place to come for a dip. We recommend coming about 2pm, when the tide isn't too high and the sun has mellowed, creating perfect conditions for a relaxing swim.
- Bingin: Binging is one of Bali's great swimming beaches, located in Pecatu near Uluwatu in the south. The beach is beautiful and seren, with soft white sand and picturesque shoreline. The water conditions are suitable for swimming, especially during low tide, making it a delightful place to swim. It is also quieter and crowded than other beaches - just be mindful that there is a descent down about 200 stairs to get to the beach itself.
- Padang Padang: Padang Padang Beach, located in Pecatu in South Bali, is an excellent location for swimming in Bali. The white sand beach is accessed through a stone cave and a descent via steps, opening up to a wide ocean of clear blue water. On the shoreline, shallow pools of seawater become visible during low tide, creating inviting spaces for swimming and soaking up the sun. Just watch out for your belongings as there are some cheeky monkeys in the area.
- Geger: Geger Beach is a great place to swim in Bali, due to its calm and transparent waters and the lifeguards who patrol the beach. Geger is quite clean compared to other beaches in Bali, and very peaceful, making it an ideal place to come for a dip. Just bring some small change with you as there is an entrance fee of 5000 IDR (~$5 AUD).