Indonesia has the most beautiful and exotic beaches in the world. The reason being that this country is an archipelago of over 17000 islands, surrounded by oceans on all sides. Righteously known as the Island of Gods, Bali is definitely the most popular island among the 17,000+ islands of Indonesia. The warm climate, cool sea breeze, pristine beaches, mountains, caves, mangroves, world-class surfing, cultural heritage makes Bali a Paradise on Earth.
We have listed a few of the best beaches in Bali which are classified into categories suiting your interests, such as suitable for couples, nature lovers, and people who love action and entertainment!
Romantic Beaches:
1. Jimbaran Beach:
Jimbaran bay lies in the southwestern region of Bali and is well known for its beaches. The beach not only has spectacular views but also has a wide variety of water sports like snorkeling, parasailing, scuba diving, banana boat rides, and jet skiing. Surfing is the most popular sport in Jimbaran Bay.
The bay also hosts a wide variety of grilled seafood restaurants and local cuisines attracting a large number of tourists. Jimbaran beach is the perfect place for a candlelight dinner for couples and honeymooners.
Once the sun sets, several restaurants offer entertainment like traditional dance and bands by the shore. The Jimbaran beach hosts numerous high-end resorts that offer endless massage options as well as the world-famous full body scrub massage.
2. Virgin Beach or White Sand Beach:
Pasir Putih Karangasem, as the localities call the Virgin Beach, is a beach with the best white sand in Bali. Hence, it is also known as White Sand Beach. You can enjoy the beautiful sea in front of you and the forest behind you. You can also go up to the hill on the right of the coast and see a beach with black sand (Bugbug) on the south, Nusa Penida Island, and several small islands around the beach.
One of the Best Beaches in Bali, the White Sand Beach is only half an hour’s walk from Padang Bai. Over a small hill and a short distance through the forest, you reach the beautiful white beach. The light and fine sand on White Sand Beach makes it very pleasant to sit on the beach or tan even without a sun lounger. If you prefer to use a couch, you can rent it from one of the restaurants.
Whether building sandcastles, splashing in the water, or lying in the sun – the beach is an absolute highlight for every holidaymaker. Since the water is crystal clear one can go snorkeling to discover the underworld wonders. There are also many diving schools in the small bay that assist you in this adventure.
How to Reach: Pantai Pasir Putih or Virgin Beach can be traveled for 20 minutes by driving to the north of Candidasa in East Bali.
Must Read: 15 Best Islands to visit in Indonesia.
3. Tulamben beach:
The Tulamben beach is one of the Best Beaches in Bali because of its unique and beautiful underwater shipwreck that is now home to coral fishes. The name of Tulamben is derived from the word Batulambih (local Balinese word), which roughly translates as “many stones”. It is a reference to the volcanic eruptions of Mount Agung that have affected this part of Bali. Tulamben Beach is not covered by sand but is entirely covered by fairly large, and smooth stones.
Tulamben Beach is the best place to go diving because it has flat lagoons and easy to reach the coral reefs from the coastal edge.
There are beautiful corals and colorful fishes. Tulamben’s main dive site, the USAT Liberty shipwreck has drawn divers from all over the world to this quiet coastal village in East Bali. You can join a diving trip to visit the spectacular remains of a military cargo ship originally built in World War I, but which was torpedoed by the Japanese during World War II. As also The Boga, a World War II cargo ship, which was torpedoed by a Japanese submarine back in 1942 the shipwreck located off the coast of Tulamben in East Bali, draws tourists and divers alike.
Tulamben Beach is also ideal for the honeymooners, for the beach offers a peaceful atmosphere, romantic sunrise, and calm seawater with the humongous Mount Agung as the backdrop. As most of the action is underwater, the beach itself has a quiet, laid back vibe that’s suitable for relaxing and sunset viewing.
How to Reach: The beach is about 3 hours drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport and it has been appointed as one of the famous tourist destinations in Karangasem Bali.
4. Bingin beach:
Bingin Beach has long been hailed as one of the best Bali beaches. Located in the South of Bali, in the Pecatu Village, this stunning beach provides unrivaled views of the Indian ocean. The thick, pearly white sand is a welcome change.
Bingin is one of the most well-kept secrets in Bali. Tucked away on a limestone cove of South Bali, Bingin has a bohemian, rustic charm. A beautiful beach, clean sand and water, and a surfing hotspot. Known for its great waves from time immemorial, the beach attracts international surfers. Colorful and uniquely designed surfboards can be seen everywhere on this pristine beach. Old surfboards are sometimes used as signboards too.
As far as Bali beaches are concerned, Bingin is a gem. At the base of the Bingin beach cliffs, one can see smaller secluded beaches and beach shacks. The salty sea air is thick with the fragrance of pink frangipani blossoms. Whether there are rains or thunderstorms, whether it be surfing, sunbathing, or just relaxing, one can find tourists all round the year.
How to Reach: Bingin beach is only 30 minutes from Denpasar Airport
5. Melasti beach:
Melasti Beach in Uluwatu is a hidden gem of Bali, which beckons a large number of tourists and travelers from all around the globe. This pristine, sandy beach is located right below a high cliff marked by an unspoiled blue sea and is considered one of the best locations to visit in the Ungasan region.
Called Melasti Beach, because the beach is used for Melasti ( which means ceremony before Nyepi days, people came to the beach for a clean body and soul ). At the north end of the beach, there is a small hill overlooking the sea from where you can have breathtaking views of the ocean by the sandy white beaches along with a natural Jacuzzi that you will find on the beach. Melasti Beach also has a temple situated at the seaside.
Melasti beach consists of 3 parts of the middle, east, and west. The middle part is the most visited because there are many small pools that can be used for swimming and building sandcastles. In the eastern part, there is a cape, made naturally from limestone. The west is the best place to see the sunset.
The cleanest among Bali beaches is rarely visited. The scenic landscape, the seasonable waterfall at the end of the beach, limestone cliff, offers you the opportunity of a lifetime to click photographs for posterity. Melasti Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy a chilled day with your friends, and loved ones.
Must Read: 10 Best Waterfalls in Bali.
6. Padang-Padang Beach:
Also known as Pantai Labuan Sait, Padang Padang Beach is a famous surf spot on the Bukit Peninsula in Bali. This naturally beautiful Bali beach features a semicircular cove with golden sands surrounded by rocks and cliffs on one side and lush green vegetation on the other side. It is also a natural habitat for monkeys and tropical plants.
One of the lesser-known beaches, Padang Padang Beach is not crowded with tourists which actually makes it a great place for a peaceful getaway. This hidden paradise has its own charms and beauty. The beach is accessible down a flight of stairs through a unique hollow rock entrance. Its water is considerably calm so it is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. You can also swim out to the left of the beach alongside the edge of the cliffs to find a number of small caves that you can enter and walk around inside.
This beach is also a regular spot for International surfing events. If you are an enthusiastic surfer, you can hire a surfboard from one of the local surf life-saving guards. An ideal place for all types of travelers, this beach is slowly gaining popularity after being featured in the movie ‘Eat, Pray, Love’.
Nature’s Pride:
7. Tanah Lot:
Tanah Lot beach is one of the favorite tourist destinations in Bali due to the stunning scenic beauty, peaceful atmosphere, breathtaking view of the sunset, and a unique Hindu temple set on the big rock and encircled by the seawater. This beach is located in Beraban Village, Kediri District, Tabanan Regency in Bali province.
Tanah Lot or “Land on the sea” is a 500 years old temple. The astounding architecture and intricate rock faces, against the background of the sea, provides photographers ample opportunity to capture the sunset at its glory.
The huge waves make the beach a favorite spot for surfers. There are two surf spots available that give the alternative for surfers to choose the surf spot at Tanjung Galuh or Batu Bolong Temple. Tanah lot beach is one of the best sunset spots in Bali. Make sure that you arrive around 4 PM and walk down toward east along the beach line to choose a correct spot for sunset view.
How to Reach: It takes around 30 minutes from Denpasar and 60 minutes from Ngurah Rai International Airport.
8. Green bowl Beach:
Green Bowl Beach is definitely one of the best white sand Bali beaches. The sand is grainy and sparkling white, the water crystal clear and the cool spot with some amazing scenery makes it a paradise on earth. Green Bowl Beach, also known as Pantai Green Bowl, is in South Bali and sits at the base of verdant cliffs next to a small village known as Ungasan.
This 30-meter coastal strip with coarse white sand is located at the bottom of a 75-meter-tall cliff. It takes hundreds of steps to get to this beach, but it’s worth it because once you arrive there, the pristine beauty mesmerizes you. At the base, you’ll come across 2 large limestone caves that house small rock shrines. They also provide shade and shelter for beachgoers and surfers throughout the day.
Apart from the pristine sandy shores, Green Bowl Beach is a popular spot for die-hard surfers. At low tide at Green Bowl Beach, you can wander around the caves and further down the coastline to discover other secluded sandy areas and dozens of rock pools.
How to Reach: This hidden beach portrays the vision of a castaway island. From Kuta, Seminyak, or Canggu it is approximately a 1 hour to 1.5-hour drive to Green Bowl Beach
Must Read: 12 best Indian restaurants in Bali
9. Pemuteran beach:
Located at the northwestern of Bali island in the sub-district of Gerokgak, in the Buleleng Regency, the calm Pemuteran beach is an ideal location for diving, snorkeling, swimming, and walking. The tranquil atmosphere allows a tourist to enjoy the serene beauty and relax. While peace and tranquility are found on the shores, wonders await below the surface. The Pemuteran area has large areas of shallow reefs and a short boat ride away, you might find seahorses, unique Crabs, Frogfishes, and other sea creatures decorating the seafloor.
Another fascinating feature is the construction of an enchanting underwater temple garden which combines nature’s beauty with amazing work of art. This temple was constructed to conserve and restore the coral reef, increasing reef fish density by providing fish with a suitable habitat. The project has won many international awards for ecotourism
With its gleaming black volcanic sandy beaches and enchanting sceneries of green hills in the background, Pemuteran is a perfect example of Balinese philosophy on energy “Nyegara Gunung” (The fusion of energy between the mountains and the sea).
10. Bias Tugel beach:
Pantai Bias Tugel is referred to as Pantai Kecil, a local Balinese word that loosely translates to ‘the Little Beach’. The word “Bias” means sand, while “Tugel” means cut.
There are just a few pristine white sand beaches in Bali and Bias Tugel is one of them. Small, tranquil beach, reachable via short trek, with vendors offering food and beer, the bay offers a tranquil scene that is made possible by a long and narrow headland that obscures it from the hubbub of the nearby port.
The underwater panorama that is still natural and very beautiful is clearly visible because of the clear seawater. Bias Tugel Beach has a small lagoon located on the left side of the beach. Hence, an ideal place for snorkeling and swimming.
Popular tourist attractions near the Bias Tugel Beach include Tirta Gangga, Taman Ujung Water Palace, Candidasa, and Gates of Heaven at Lempuyang Temple. Load your camera because there will be a lot of natural scenery which is a pity if not photographed.
11. Kelingking beach:
One beach in Bali that has garnered global fame, is the ever-stunning Kelingking Beach. We’ve all seen that iconic bird’s eye view of the emerald green cliff-line soaring into the sky from the turquoise waters below on Instagram. Well, this Insta-famous spot is located on Nusa Penida, just a 40-minute boat ride from mainland Bali.
The amazing Kelingking beach cliff (also known as Karang Dawa) is one of the most famous views in all of Bali. The main view is an incredible ‘T-Rex jaw’ shaped rock sticking out over the ocean, with perfect turquoise water splashing around it. The first time you look over the edge of the cliff and see this view, it really is breathtaking! It’s hard to browse Instagram without seeing epic pictures of this natural wonder. Head to Kelingking Beach to get that all-important shot of the best beach in Bali.
After you’re done staring in awe at the Kelingking T-Rex, there’s also a path to go down to the beach at the bottom. The beach at the bottom is pristine and clear. There’s even a couple of caves down there!
To enjoy Kelingking Secret Point Beach from a unique angle, instead of hiking, head to the right along the cliffs. Here you can find multiple epic viewpoints, with arguably a better look at the beach and an awesome spot to capture the sunset.
12. Gunung Payung Beach:
Gunung Payung Beach is situated in Adat Kutuh Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency, Bali. A natural beach with its soft textured white sand and blue-green seawater. On top of the hill surrounding the beach, you will see a sacred temple called Gunung Payung Dang Kahyangan. The location takes its name from this Balinese Hindu temple The temple along with the beach adds to the exoticism surrounding the area.
Gunung Payung Beach is one of the ‘hidden beaches’ on Bali’s southern coast where you can find stunning seascapes, ruins of the limestone cliffs, small caves in the corner of cliffs, making it the best beach in Bali to bring your family to.
The deep green patches in the clear waters are growing grounds of local seaweed farmers, and upon reaching the base, you’ll discover deep and coarse sand with calm waters great for snorkeling.
How to Reach: From Ngurah Rai Airport, it is a 20-minute drive to the beach and if you are in Nusa Dua, you only need 15 minutes to reach the beach.
The Entertaining Beaches:
13. Pandawa Beach:
One of the secret beaches in Bali, Pandawa Beach is located in the south of Kuta. The white sand beach is commonly known as the Kutuh beach. The beach is located behind a high limestone cliff, and from the top of the cliff, you will be able to view the Indian Ocean.
On the cliff of Pandawa Beach, there are six statues of Panca Pandawa taken from the Mahabharata story. There are six fissures on the cliff. Inside this fissure, there are statues of Five Pandava and his mother, Dewi Kunti. Therefore the beach is called Pandawa Beach.
Pandawa Beach is also the prime hub for water sports. Adventure enthusiasts can experience surfing, kayaking, or even paragliding and canoeing. Apart from these things, you can always go for a walk on the beach with your loved ones, try out some tempting food, splash and play around in the water, build sandcastles with your children, watch the sun going down.
Keep the camera busy by taking perfect snapshots to have an amazing flashback to recall of the time well spent on the beach.
How to Reach: Pandawa Beach is an hour’s drive from Bali airport.
14. Amed Beach:
If you are a keen diver, Amed Beach in Bali should not be overlooked. Amed is a 14-km strip of fishing villages in Karangasem Regency on the east coast of Bali. The picturesque fishing villages and the glimmering ocean on one side and rugged green mountains that reached so high that it looked as if the clouds had formed a halo around its peaks on the other. Makes this black sand beach surreal. Amed is famous for its lively coral reefs and excellent offshore snorkeling too.
Amed Beach in Bali is all about ‘doze, dine n’ dive’. Naturally, plenty of diving instructors have set up base here. A recent attraction Freediving which is an extreme sport is included in the line-up of activities around Amed Beach in Bali. Amed Beach in Bali is also suitable for snorkeling as vast reefs span the bay. The island’s eastern shoreline is an underwater playground, hence the Beach attracts a large crowd of divers.
Amed Beach in Bali was once best known for its traditional salt farming. In the area of Purwati, filtered seawater is poured into the dugout halves of coconut tree trunks and set to dry under the sun and later salt is extracted in the traditional way.
Jukung, the traditional Balinese wooden boats are available for fishing charters. As you finish your day out in the underwater playgrounds, loosen up with a traditional Balinese massage, delivered by skillful local women.
Amed Beach in Bali offers dramatic sunrises that are not-to-be-missed. There is so much on offer that one should not miss this Bali beach.
15. Dreamland Beach:
A beach that everyone dreams of, a perfect place to sunbathe and relax. Yes, it is the Dreamland Beach located in Pecatu Village, District of South Kuta, Badung Regency. One of the best beaches in Bali, hidden by rocks, it surprises everyone with its beautiful white sands and scenery. This beach is very cozy and quiet as it is located behind the cliff.
It is a perfect place for inexperienced surfers who can enjoy the small waves for surfing. In certain seasons, the waves can get bigger and attract many international surfers. The attractiveness of this beach is its clean and bluish seawater that makes you want to stay longer. You can play with sand, stroll around the coast, or just laze around with a book and relax. Don’t forget to capture these moments on camera.
How to Reach: To reach this beach, you have to travel for about 45 minutes from Ngurah Rai Airport.
16. Balangan Beach:
Balangan Beach is one of Bali’s best beaches, featuring a gorgeous half-kilometer stretch of golden sand between vegetated limestone cliffs. Locally referred to as Pantai Balangan, this beach is located in the white stone hill area of Pecatu, south part of Bali in the Uluwatu peninsula.
This beach is one of the great places for surfers as the sea waves are really high. Considered as one of the best surfing points on the Island of God, Balangan beach is very popular with local and foreign surfers alike.
Balangan Beach is very beautiful and a perfect place for relaxation on the white sand, while enjoying the tropical atmosphere and sea breeze. You can explore the caves and small hidden temples on the rocky headland Don’t miss out to take Instagrammable photos on the cliffs at Balangan Beach
How to Reach: This beach is just 25 minutes from Denpasar Airport.
17. Impossible Beach:
Named Impossible since the path leading to the beach is unusual and difficult to traverse. The impossible Beach located in the village of Pecatu, South Kuta District, is one of the most picturesque seashores in Uluwatu. Surrounded by boulders, the mossy cliff sides, coarsely textured white sand, turquoise sea, lovely scenery of the Indian Ocean this picture-perfect beach is a sight for sore eyes.
Further, the powerful and high waves of the Beach attracts surfers from far and wide. In fact, among the Bali beaches, it is the most in-demand surf spot by the surfers. So, from thrilling surfing adventures to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere, the amazing cliffs and scenic Indian ocean, a trip to the Impossible Beach is an ideal destination for every kind of tourist.
This beach is close to other famous surf points such as Uluwatu Beach, Suluban Beach, Bingin Beach, Padang – Padang Beach, Dreamland Beach, and Balangan Beach. One of the famous temples, Uluwatu Temple, is 5 minutes away from the beach. You can even enjoy a traditional Balinese dance performance called Kecak performance at the close by clifftop stage.
So what are you waiting for? Take your camera and capture the amazing sunsets from the cliffside, the coarse sand, huge waves, if a surfer then a photo in action, a remembrance for a lifetime. The nearest airport from Impossible Beach is Denpasar Airport
18. Karma Beach:
If one wants to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city and wants to avoid crowded beaches, and wants to experience a perfect laid-back leisurely time in a secluded beach, then Karma Beach or the extraordinarily posh beach is a good choice when you visit Bali. The beach lies extensively at the bottom of a cliff where you can simply relax by day and enjoy the social parties in the evening conducted by the famous Karma group.
One of the best Bali beaches famous for night parties and socializing, tourists from all over the world gather here to experience the two different faces of beach life. Earlier the beach was known as Nammos Beach Club and now it is part of Karma Kandara Resort.
Sunbathing, leisurely walk, beach fun games, swimming, etc are the main activities done here. Also, there is a cable car ride offered by the resort at an additional charge. There is a bamboo decking with a kitchen where traditional wood-fired pizza along with just-caught seafood is prepared. There is a bar too that serves you with some awesome drinks that you can sip while you enjoy the pristine beach.
19. Legian Beach:
Legian beach is located in Legian Village, South Kuta District, Badung Regency in Bali. Set between 2 of Bali’s most famous beaches, Legian is a mix of the surfing scenes of Kuta and the partying crowd of Seminyak. It’s a great recreational place where you can swim in clear waters and go for leisurely walks along streets lined with boutiques and restaurants. Legian Beach is blessed with a spectacular sunset that creates a romantic atmosphere
The most popular stretch of Legian Beach is at the bottom of Jalan Padma and is sometimes called Padma Beach
Surfing and swimming are among the best things to do at Legian Beach. Every evening at about 5 PM you can join a game of beach football and beach volleyball that is played. On weekends the beachfront is packed with tourists and you can enjoy jamming sessions on the beach along with some raving parties!
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20. Lovina beach:
Lovina Beach in Bali is the collective name for a stretch of smaller resort beaches that are known for their coral reefs, black sand beaches, and happening nightlife.
One of the major attractions at Lovina Beach is water sports. Be it jet-skiing, parasailing, banana boating, or surfing, these activities can be performed by children too since no prior training is required.
Apart from water sports, there are underwater sports activities, like scuba diving and snorkeling. There are even places that offer sea bottom walking tours, where you can walk and swim among various sea creatures such as fish, turtles, and stingrays. Lovina beach is one of the best beaches in Bali where snorkeling is quite popular.
The black sand beach in the laid back coastal town of North Bali is also known for the frequent sighting of dolphins. An early morning Dolphin tour is not to be missed.
Apart from the nightlife, Lovina Beach is quite popular among tourists because of the fact that most of the luxury resorts are located here. Lovina Beach is one of the best beaches in Bali that offers to teach cooking of local cuisines, which makes you aware of the culture and heritage of that place.
Indulging in water activities, taking a romantic stroll, watching a beautiful sunset, visiting the famous seafood restaurants nearby, making the most of the dolphin tours, whatever activity suits you best do capture the fun moments together to reminiscence later.
How to Reach: Lovina Beach is not very far from Kuta, only around 90 kilometers away, and can easily be reached via a 2-hour car journey.
Final Thoughts:
Beaches are serene destinations that have the magical ability to get us calm, composed, and relaxed. Whatever the mood you may be in, the tranquil blues of the ocean always takes away our gloomy blues. So, when you are in the process of choosing the best beach destination, why not choose the best, that is Bali!
Not only does the place have beaches, but innumerable mesmerizing temples and historic places. Here is all you need to know about the Top things to see in Bali.
Bon Voyage!