23 Best Beaches in Bali

Best Beaches on the Bukit, Bali: Uluwatu, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua + Sanur

Dreamland Beach is where everyone gathers. It’s ideal for surfers who want to catch the waves and people want to enjoy the Bali sun. With its golden sand and easy access, Dreamland is a favorite destination for beach lovers in South Bali.

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Rows of small cafes and restaurants at Dreamland make it a perfect beach to spend the afternoon. Plus, it’s one of the best beach areas in Bali to catch a stunning sunset, according to the locals. If you’re checking out the beaches in Uluwatu, make sure to add Dreamland to your list!

One of the best beaches in Bali, Melasti Beach, is what a well-developed beach area looks like. The three Balinese gates and the signage on the white limestone cliffs have become the iconic background for your social media posts.

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Fancy for a margarita? The Palmilla Beach Club, with its infinity pool, is just a few steps away from the beach. But it’s the water that will tempt anyone to jump in. Don’t worry, as Melasti Beach is safe for swimming, and there are always lifeguards on duty to ensure your safety.

Padang Padang Beach shot to fame after it was featured in the movie "Eat, Pray, Love" with Julia Roberts. What’s unique about Padang Padang is the giant rock and the small opening to get to the beach.

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This small sandy cove beach is always packed with people. You can see people swimming close to the beach or surfers bringing surfboards to catch the waves. If you want to laze around, there is a shady area on the left side of the beach, perfect on a hot day!

Bingin Beach used to be familiar only to surfers. However, the growing popularity of beach clubs in Uluwatu has made it a must-visit beach in the south. Though you need to climb down the stairs to get the best view of the beach, it’s a journey worth taking.

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Bingin Beach might be a surfer’s haven, but you don’t need a board to fall in love with the view. This charming spot offers cozy surf camps, laid-back accommodations, and local restaurants right by the beach. And when the tide is low? It’s pure magic — warm turquoise waters and stunning Indian Ocean views you’ll never forget.

Uluwatu Beach, or Blue Point Beach, is still a beauty to behold despite the unpredictability of the waves. But let’s be honest, not everyone is an intermediate surfer, to begin with, who always checks the wave conditions.

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When it’s low tide, relaxing by the beach and swimming on its rocky surface are options. But during high tide, don’t attempt to even swim as it can be dangerous. But if you get to Uluwatu Beach and there’s no way you can swim, just head to Single Fin and enjoy the sprawling Indian Ocean from above. A win-win solution!

Nyang Nyang Beach used to be the hardest beach to reach, thanks to its hundreds of steep stairs. But now you can get as close as possible to the beach by driving a motorbike. So that’s what we suggest when you come here instead of taking a car.

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Go here on weekdays, and the stretch of golden sandy beach can be your little private beach for the day. The abandoned wooden bow from a boat has become the icon at Nyang Nyang Beach and is an interesting prop for your Insta feed. But it’s the sunset view from here that is unmatched.

If there’s a perfect beach for an afternoon visit, Balangan is surely within the top 3 beaches in Uluwatu for that. Lay out your picnic blanket while waiting for the sunset, or you can admire Balangan from the cliff above, which is what most people do.

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Another surfer’s favorite spot, when the waves are good, you’ll see plenty of them. Though it can be really hot during the day since there isn’t any shade, take a seat at one of the beachside warungs and order yourself a nice, cold, young coconut. After all, there’s no such thing as a waste of time when going to Balangan Beach.

If you’re thinking of having a seafood feast by the beach, then Jimbaran is the best beach in Bali for that. There are no areas that serve seafood like the ones at Jimbaran Bay. Though mostly known for the freshest sea products, Jimbaran Bay is also quite underrated as a swimming and sunset spot.

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You can easily spend a day here. Swimming during the day, sunset in the afternoon, and closing it off with dining by the beach. One more thing, you can also see the planes taking off and landing at Ngurah Rai International Airport. The location of Jimbaran Bay is extremely close to the airport, and some people consider it an attraction itself!

Nusa Dua Beach is all about a luxury destination. If you’re looking to splurge, rows of five-star accommodations are here to pamper you. With the white sandy beach and manicured promenade, Nusa Dua is designed for families and couples alike.

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If you’re an adrenaline seeker, you have to explore the water sports in Nusa Dua. From jet skiing and banana boats to sea walking and flyboarding, Nusa Dua has it all. Aside from the first-class amenities, Nusa Dua is also home to some of the best restaurants in Bali. From Japanese restaurants to the Mediterranean, the dining experience in Nusa Dua is not to be missed.

If you are looking for a spot to catch the sunrise, Sanur is one of the best beaches in Bali. If you need to go to Nusa Penida, Sanur is also where you need to head to. Aside from those things, the area is also famous for being a family-friendly destination. With low tide most of the time and no big waves, Sanur is safe for swimming, even for kids.

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Another attractive factor of Sanur is the coastal promenade. This facility makes it easier to bring a stroller or simply to cycle. With many affordable accommodations and restaurants nearby and the proximity to Denpasar, Sanur is an excellent alternative to other beach areas in Bali.

Must-Visit Beaches in South Bali: Canggu, Seminyak, and Kuta

Seminyak has been known for its vibrant nightlife and as a shopping mecca. But it’s the Seminyak beach that draws people to explore the area. Considered to be one of the best beaches to swim in Bali, Seminyak Beach is a place where you can do literally anything from renting a sun lounger, walking along the beach, surfing, or simply enjoying the sunset.

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Some of the renowned hotels, beach clubs, and beachfront bars are also located along the beach. From the legendary Ku De Ta and Potato Head to La Plancha, there are places for you to party all night long or spend a day by the pool.

Kuta Beach is arguably Bali’s most famous beach. The stretch of golden sands has been a center of surf culture since the 1970s. Even today, surfing is still a big part of the beach. If you want to learn how to surf, this is the perfect spot because of its sandy bottom.

Kuta is more than just about surfing. It is surrounded by restaurants, Beachwalk Shopping Mall, convenience stores, and world-class hotels and resorts. Kuta Beach is a busy beach, both day and night. It’s a lively beach area you need to experience while visiting Bali.

Talking about Canggu, it’s hard not to discuss Echo Beach. It’s where surfers go in the morning and in the afternoon to chase the perfect surf breaks. It’s one of the spots where beginner and intermediate surfers gather. Echo Beach is a popular surf spot, where it can be crowded when the conditions are excellent.

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If you’re hunting for that golden hue of Bali sunset, Echo Beach is where you should go. Beyond the surf and the sunset, Echo Beach is home to La Brisa, one of the most famous beach clubs in Canggu.

If any beach in Canggu is too crowded for you, your best and closest alternative is Pererenan Beach. The towering Balinese statues and the name sign make this beach easy to recognize. But Pererenang Beach is more than just a place for your afternoon stroll.

Rows of beachside cafes and restaurants line the beach. Grab a glass of your favorite cocktails while watching the sunset to close your day. Go here when the sun is at its peak for lunch by the sea, or dress up to the nines for a casual dinner. You’ll see why Pererenan is slowly getting the buzz after Canggu.

Kedungu Beach is perfect if you're on the lookout for a chill spot away from the hustle and bustle of Canggu. Sharing the coastline with Balian Beach, this black sand beach is only an hour from Canggu, and the difference couldn’t be starker.

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For surfers, Kedungu Beach can also be an alternative if you want to conquer the waves. The surf breaks at this beach are perfectly suited for beginner surfers. If you’re looking for a less crowded surf spot near Canggu, don’t count out Kedungu Beach.

Best Beaches in Nusa Islands: Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan

The rock formations at Diamond Beach feel like they come out of a fantasy world. Another iconic spot in Nusa Penida, Diamond Beach, is only for the brave should you decide to go down. The carved steps are steep, and the waves and currents can be extremely strong, making it unsafe for swimming. But only a few people make it to the beach, so you can take it as a challenge!

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Admiring the blue waters as far as the eye can see from the top is already spectacular. Diamond Beach also makes a great spot to take your post or pre-wedding photos. It’s the kind of backdrop that will make everyone talk!

You’ve probably seen the image of Kelingking Beach all over your Instagram feed. The T-Rex-shaped limestone formations are the icon of Nusa Penida. Located on the small island of East Bali, you need to take a boat from Sanur to reach Nusa Penida island.

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The journey is worth it since there are many viewpoints where you can enjoy the stunning view and take scenic photos. Going down to the beach requires effort and stamina, as the stairs are steep! The waves and currents here are quite strong, so it’s not recommended to swim at Kelingking Beach.

Crystal Bay is quite an anomaly compared to other beaches in Nusa Penida. Instead of the towering cliffs and powerful waves, you can reach the beach easily and even swim!

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Crystal Bay has a cove characteristic like Padang Padang Beach. The beach is small, but with the coconut trees and the sight of traditional boats, it’s hard to beat the fishing village meets paradise vibe here. You’ll be surrounded by hills with lush greenery, making it a great escape from more crowded spots like Kelingking or Diamond Beach.

Our version of a dream beach is how Dream Beach in Nusa Lembongan is. The contrast of the golden sand and the turquoise water is a view we can’t ever get tired of. If you want a full view of how dreamy this beach is, just go to the cliff on the opposite side and snap those Insta-worthy photos.

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Though it seems tempting to swim, be careful of the strong currents. Unless you’re a professional swimmer, it’s better to dip your toes and stay close to the beach. When the sun’s too hot, head to one of the beachside warungs and enjoy your bottle of beer to cool down.

Best Beaches in East Bali: Amed

Contrary to the beaches on the south coast, Amed is a picturesque beach town. It’s where the wooden fishing boats line up, and Mount Agung stands tall in the background. But it’s the underwater wonder that attracts people to the east coast of Bali.

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Colorful fish and coral reefs, endemic sea creatures, and historical wrecks are waiting for you in Amed. There is a USAT Liberty Wreck and a Japanese shipwreck less than 30 minutes away from Amed. With its black sand, thanks to the volcanic activity of Mount Agung, Amed is the ideal destination if you’re a scuba diving and snorkeling enthusiast.

Not to be confused with the Blue Lagoon Beach in Padangbai, Pantai Pasir Putih is also known to locals as the Virgin Beach. Sheltered from the outside with palm trees and cliff rocks, this is the true definition of a secret beach in Bali.

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Swimming here can be tricky, thanks to strong waves and currents, but that’s no reason to skip it. Grab a sun lounger, soak up the vibes, and take a breather. If you’re heading to Amed, Virgin Beach is the perfect place to stop and recharge before continuing your adventure to the north.

Best Beaches in West Bali: Lovina

Lovina Beach is synonymous with dolphin watching. People flock there in the mornings (from 6 to 8 am) to catch a glimpse of these gentle creatures. But the dolphins are not the only charm of this beach. Lovina’s black sand and atmosphere attract those looking for peaceful and less crowded beaches in Bali.

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The location on the northern tip of Bali means people rarely make Lovina their prime destination. However, the area still has that Balinese hospitality and attractiveness that you cannot find anywhere else.

Get your goggles and fins ready for some snorkeling adventure in Pemuteran Beach. Rent one of the boats to get you off the shore and get ready for the incredible sights of the underwater beauty. From turtles to colorful corals, you’ll be pleased to know that you come here prepared.

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Pemuteran Beach may not be as famous as Lovina, which is also on the north side of Bali. But believe us, stop by on this black sandy beach, even if you don’t snorkel, you won’t regret it. There are many shady spots, so even if you get here at midday, you can still enjoy the view.

Practical Tips for Visiting Bali’s Beaches

• Best time to visit: March to September (dry season).

• What to pack: Reef-safe sunscreen, water shoes, and a beach towel.

• Safety tips: Be cautious of strong currents at surf beaches like Uluwatu and Kelingking.

• Eco-friendly travel: Use reusable bottles and avoid single-use plastics.