Experience the Allure of Bali's Black Sand Beaches: A Stunning Escape

Black sand beach and dolphins tour in Bali? Say no more! Start your morning with a pod of splashing dolphins while the sun rises. While the dolphins steal your heart, don’t forget the main star of Lovina: its black sand beach. Lined with tropical trees, local warungs, and cafes, Lovina Beach creates a perfect spot to lounge and relax once your dolphin tour is over. Dip in the ocean as the water is relatively calm with no big waves as far as the eye can see, making the area an ideal getaway for family as well as honeymooners.

Your time in Lovina shouldn’t stop at the dolphin tour only. Don't rush to leave the area when the black sand view fulfills your checklist. Make the two-tiered Banjar Hot Spring as your next stop. If you aren’t keen on soaking in the sulfur spring, head to Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist Monastery, the largest Buddhist Monastery in Bali. Walk around its garden and pond, and snap photos of its unique fusion of Balinese and Buddhist architecture.

Amed, the quaint fishing village on the northeast of Bali, is not only for diving but also because the place is charming with a capital C. Thanks to Mount Agung’s volcanic activity, which you can see towering over the beach, Amed is blessed with a deep and striking black sand beach coastline. Roam the Japanese shipwreck surrounded by the diversity of marine life. But if you prefer the goggles and the fins, the colorful colors and reef fish should give you plenty to see when snorkeling.

When you need a quick break from the incomparable black sand beach and diving, Amed has other things to show you. Bring yourself to stroll in the Tirta Gangga Water Palace, the former summer residence of the royal family of Karangasem. Don’t miss out on getting an Insta-worthy photo by stepping on the stone in the fish pond.

Black sand beach in Canggu? Yes, you’ve heard it right. The famous Echo Beach, where you can find the hippest and most stylish beach clubs and restaurants, has become the most accessible black sand beach in Bali. Sure, the breaks and the waves have become the playground for intermediate and advanced surfers. But ask anyone about their favorite sunset spot in Canggu, and you will hear the name Echo Beach multiple times.

Swimming in Echo Beach is a no-no. But you can still sip the fresh coconut by the beach while waiting for the golden hour and see surfers trying to beat the waves. Get your camera ready to snap the dark sparkle of the beach with the orange hues at the horizon. If you need a place to chill out, you can get to La Brisa in no time.

You probably don’t hear the word Keramas often unless you’re a surfer. Part of the east coast paradise, Keramas, is where pro surfers come to play. The powerful and barrelling right-hand breaks are no match for beginners. But you can watch the advanced surfers conquering the waves in Bali with the bonus of the glinting black sand as if it’s made of crushed obsidian rocks. Thank us later when you fall head over heels with the contrasting view of the dark sand and turquoise water.

Since the name Keramas is only familiar among surfers who come to Bali, enjoy the stroll along its black sand beach without the crowd. Stay after sunset to witness surfers tackling the waves at night under the LED-lit sea. If you have a one-day excursion, stop by Bali Marine and Safari Park to learn more about the elephant sanctuary. When you need a cultural trip, drive north to Goa Lawah Temple, the Bat Cave Temple.

Though Pererenan shares the same coastline as Echo Beach, think of the beach as the quieter sister of the latter. You get the same stunning stretch black sand beach in Bali — without hundreds of surfers or people snapping their beach selfies — and the sunset view is even more jaw-dropping. Forget the lively beach clubs or Instagrammable cafes dotting along the coastline. You get a few local umbrellas and sun chairs, giving you a sense of unspoiled beach vibe.

Once you have enough of the dark black sand view, drive to Batu Bolong or Echo Beach in Canggu to get your dose of nightlife checked. SKOOL Kitchen will serve you the most scrumptious barbeque dinner, and then dance your night away at the beach bar like Old Man’s or Sand Bar to end your day.

Step back in time in Seseh because what you will find is beyond the breathtaking black sand beaches in Bali. Nestled in the quiet village, you see people placing offerings at sea temples, and you find small warungs selling drinks and snacks. Occasionally, you find surfers riding the waves, but the vibe of Seseh never comes close to the hustle and bustle of Canggu. Don’t forget to say hi to fishermen when they haul today’s catch as they put the boats to rest for the day.

Come for the sunset while you walk along its fine sandy beach since you cannot swim here. Find a shady tree if you come during the day, and then drive to Tanah Lot Temple for your cultural fix. During the full moon, Balinese will wear white clothes for a ceremony, contrasting the black sand creating a perfect background for your photos.

Let’s be honest: You may not have heard of Medewi before. But for surfers, Medewi has long been the pilgrimage site for the longest left-hand reef break on the island. The pebbly and coarse black sand beach may not be everyone’s favorite in Bali. But when the beach comes with volcanic rocks, palm trees, and Bali rural vibes, you can use the word idyllic, and we won’t judge you.

Surfers come to Medewi because the consistent waves can stretch for hundreds of meters, but it’s no beginner's playground. While a flock of surfers will try to ride the waves, you can chill at some of the humble warungs, taste the local nasi campur, and sip your Bintang beer while staying for the sunset. Don’t miss Rambut Siwi Temple, a less-crowded sea temple overlooking the ocean where you don’t need to hackle for an Insta-worthy shot.