I can speak from experience about the magnetic power of Bali. After visiting twice for a few weeks each time, I decided to apply for a program to living in Bali for a year while learning the language and culture.
It was one of the best decisions I have ever made and I will always have a special place in my heart for Bali.
“Paradise” is a word that often comes up to describe Bali, and for good reason. This famous island in Indonesia is known for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes and wide choice of beaches. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the best beaches in Bali.
Although Bali may look small on the map, this unassuming island is packed with things and is definitely one of the best places to visit in the country.
In addition to its many excellent beaches, the island also has volcanoes, lakes, hot springs, forests, waterfalls and much more. With a few days here you can take a little of everything.
The 10 most beautiful beaches in Bali
If you’re ready to start planning your own dream trip to the Island of the Gods, read on to find the Bali beach (or five) that’s right for you!
1. Uluwatu Beach(es)
The Uluwatu area has become very popular over the last couple of years, and the defined areas of Bingin and Ulu have now merged – it’s practically one area now. So I will list here some of the the best beaches in Bali in the Uluwatu area.
Uluwatu Beach
Bali has long been a popular destination for surfers thanks to places like Uluwatu Beach. Located in the extreme south of the island, on the Bukit Peninsula, it is a legendary surf spot. It is worth noting that although many know it as Uluwatu Beach, it is technically called Suluban.
To access Uluwatu and many other beaches on the peninsula, you have to go down a long, steep staircase. It’s definitely not the best beach in Bali for people with limited mobility or people traveling with young children.
For surfers, it’s definitely worth going down to Uluwatu Beach. Even though I tried while I was there, I can’t surf to save my life, so I’m sending you to this excellent and detailed article from Surf Indonesia on all the waves you can surf there.
Those who don’t surf should plan to visit Uluwatu Beach at low tide. It’s not exactly the best place for sunbathing, but it’s a beautiful place to explore when the waves aren’t crashing. Be sure to check the tide chart before heading here so you can plan your visit accordingly.
One of my favorite places to watch the sunset and the surfers is at Single fin – the music is great, there are always people, and the snack is good too (the spicy edamame goes perfectly with a cold beer)… it’s also one of the best parties on the island every Sunday evening! Click here for directions to Uluwatu Beach.
Thomas Beach
This is a great beach to relax on. This is a good place for beginner surfers, and like many places in Uluwatu, the best swimming is at low tide, when the waves are not as big.
It’s a quiet place with local restaurants, a few surf shacks and not much else. Bring a book and spend the day enjoying the beach here. Click here for directions to Thomas Beach.
3. Padang Padang
This beach is famous (like many places in Bali) thanks to the movie Eat Pray Love. But it’s much more than just a filming location.
The surf here can be good and the shoreline is perfect for relaxing. To get there you’ll have to go down lots of steps and through an interesting cave – but it’s worth it and of course the sunsets here are spectacular.
When I visited, there were quite a few people on the beach (it’s a small area), so it might be best to avoid weekends and try to visit during the shoulder season. Find it on the map, here.
2. Seminyak Beach
This is one of the best beaches in Bali for beginner/intermediate bodyboarding or surfing.
Seminyak is actually one of my favorites – I know people love the beaches around Uluwatu, but hear me out! It is also known as Double Six and is one of the liveliest places on the island.
There are many things to love about this trendy Bali beach town. There’s plenty of space here to just lay your towel in the sand, and it’s not hard to find lounge chairs and umbrellas if you want a little more comfort.
Seminyak Beach has waves, but they are not huge depending on the time of day or season. This makes it a great place for beginner to intermediate swimming, bodyboarding, or surfing. You can easily rent a surfboard here and a guide.
Another reason to love the Seminyak area is the abundance of good restaurants, accommodation options and beach clubs. I loved relaxing on one of the colorful beanbags by the beach. Ironor you can head to the Double 6 on the roof for incredible views.
This stretch of beach is located about a 30-minute drive from the airport, just north of the busier Kuta/Legian area. Click here for directions to Double Six, and Seminyak Beach is just north of there.
3. Virgin Beach
Virgin Beach (Pasir Putih) is one of the the best beaches in Bali for swimming.
It is located on the northeast coast and it takes a while to reach, but it is worth it. This magnificent stretch of white sand is rare in this part of the island. Most of the beaches in eastern Bali consist of black volcanic sand and aren’t exactly the best for lounging.
There’s not much going on here, but that’s the beauty of the place. There are some simple ones roadside stand (local restaurants) on the beach that will let you use their chairs if you order something.
These places may not look like much, but I’ve had some of the most amazing grilled fish in Virgin Beach, and the restaurant staff is super friendly.
This part of the island doesn’t get any waves, so it’s a great place to swim and do a little snorkeling. You can bring your own or rent one from one of the restaurants.
The nearest town with tourist facilities to Virgin Beach is Candidasa. From there it is only about a 20 minute drive. If you are traveling to Virgin Beach from the southern towns or Ubud, it will take a few hours. Click here to find it on the map.
4. Nusa Lembongan Beach
Nusa Lembongan Beach offers a little bit of everything. It is a good place for snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing and swimming.
There are three small islands just off the southwest coast that are still considered part of Bali, and Nusa Lembongan is one of them.
These are known as the Nusa Islands (Lembongan, Ceningan and Penida) and are easily visited on a day trip.
On Nusa Lembonganyou will find many beaches to choose from. The main beach is Jungutbatu, this is where you will find a wide range of accommodation, restaurants and bars.
In fact, the Nusa Islands are known for their excellent snorkeling, diving and surfing activities. When I visit, I prefer to base myself in Candidasa and go on diving excursions. Check out our article here to learn diving around the Nusa Islands from Candidasa.
Nusa Lembongan is home to several dive shops and surf schools to set you up. The surf spots here are better suited to more experienced riders, as they all break onto coral reefs.
There are many other beautiful beaches to explore on Lembongan. With a rental scooter, you can easily visit Mushroom BeachSandy Bay, Dream Beach, Coconut Beach (which is one of the best beaches in Bali for families), and much more.
There’s enough to see and do here to justify spending a few nights on the island, and it’s much nicer once all the day-trippers have left anyway!
5. Canggu Beach
Yes, it’s true that Canggu has really grown over the years since my first visit. But the beach remains ideal for surfing and having a drink. It also offers the best sunset in Bali.
Canggu is another beach in Bali that is very popular with surfers. It is located north of Seminyak and is also easily accessible from the airport. This field has developed rapidly in recent years and Canggu is now a hot spot for digital nomads and yogis.
Canggu is actually home to several different beaches. From south to north, there are Marshy, Batu Bolong, Echo Beachand finally to Father. Each beach has its own vibe and offers different things.
The beaches here have dark gray or black sand and they are not the best beaches in Bali for swimming, as the waves can be very rough. Thus, you will find the beaches of Canggu much less crowded than those located further south.
Berawa has a few restaurants and bars, and you can also rent boards and deck chairs there for a reasonable price. This is my favorite beach to go to when I just want to go surfing or bodyboarding without the crowds and touts.
When you search for “Canggu Beach” on Google Maps, it takes you to Batu Bolong. There’s a lot more action here, thanks in large part to The old man. It’s one of the coolest bars in Bali and the perfect place to party after a big day on the water.
To be clear, you don’t need to be a surfer to enjoy Canggu. I can’t get on a surfboard to save my life and I always have a great time going to Canggu beach.
It’s especially fun to go there at sunset to watch surfers ride their last waves as the sun sets behind the horizon. A day at the beach followed by dinner and drinks in Canggu is a great addition to any Bali itinerary.
6. Sanur Beach
Another one of my favorite beaches! Sanur Beach is a great place to swim, relax and take a walk.
This beautiful beach in Bali holds a special place in my heart. Sanur is a sleepy fishing town on the southeast coast of Bali and is where I lived most of my year on the island.
Despite a very important tourist scene, Sanur remains at its heart a traditional Balinese village. Traffic stops here quite often as processions pass through the streets, and there is a massive spectacle and parade for the Balinese New Year.
Every summer, the town hosts a traditional kite festival. If it’s the “real Bali” you’re looking for (whatever that means), Sanur is a great choice.
While many denounce Sanur as being too boring – her nickname is actually “Snore” – I find that to be far from the truth. Sure, there are no gnarly waves or loud beach clubs here, but that’s precisely why I (and many others) love it.
The beaches here are beautiful, the water is calm and there are several places with lounge chairs and umbrellas available. There is a long path along the beach which makes it the perfect place to go for a leisurely morning or evening stroll.
It’s one of the few places in Bali where you can walk around without fear of being run over by a motorbike.
Although surfing isn’t really possible here, you can still go jet skiing, SUP, snorkeling or diving from Sanur beach. There are also some excellent yoga studios on the beachfront.
There are actually several different beaches in town. Sanur beach is the most central (Click here for directions), and other beaches in the area include Sindhu, Karang and Mertasari. There are tons of options for staying, shopping, eating and drinking here, making Sanur a very convenient base.
7. Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran Beach is one of the the best beaches in Bali for swimming and have a meal.
This beach in Bali is also the easiest to access from the airport. Actually, Jimbaran Beach starts just south of the trail. You can be relaxing on the beach with a cold drink in hand in no time!
This beach is part of the narrow isthmus that connects the mainland to the Bukit Peninsula, making it a very convenient location for exploring southern Bali. With a scooter you can be in Kuta or Nusa Dua in less than half an hour.
Jimbaran Beach is a pretty calm place in terms of ocean and ambiance. There are no big waves here at all, so it’s definitely not a priority for surfers.
If you’re a total beginner, this is a good place to try it. This is actually where I tried (and mostly failed) surfing for the very first time. But most people just lounge on the beach, so it’s one of the more laid-back places on this list.
8. Lovina Beach
If you really want to escape the crowds, one of the best beaches in Bali to visit is Lovina. It is located on the far northern coast of the island, which seems to be the polar opposite of the chaos of the south.
The name Lovina actually refers to a stretch of seven different villages along the northern coast of Bali.
The beaches here are generally black sand and the water is very calm – this is not the Bali beach for you if you chase waves. There is, however, unlimited quality snorkeling and diving here.
Lovina’s greatest claim to fame lies in the dolphins that inhabit the waters around the town. There is even a statue of aquatic mammals on the main beach. Basically anyone in Lovina can set you up on an early morning visit looking for dolphins.
From the airport, it takes about 2.5-3 hours to reach Lovina beach. If you end up renting a scooter/car or just hiring a driver, it’s worth adding stops to the Jatiluwih rice terraces, Ulun Danu Beratan Templeand maybe even the Aling-Aling Waterfall on your way.
Since it’s a very long trip, I don’t really recommend coming here just for the afternoon. Do what I do and stay a few days.
Lovina Beach is actually a great place to spend a few nights. There are plenty accommodation options here and the prices are very reasonable. Plus, it’s nice to experience a more authentic Bali beach town, free of McDonald’s and Starbucks.
If you are staying a few nights in Lovina, I highly recommend taking a short trip inland one afternoon to get to the Banjar Hot Springs. These pools filled with natural hot spring water are a great place to relax for a few hours. It just takes 20-30 minutes drive from Lovina to get there. Find Lovina on the map here.
9. Nusa Dua Beach
Nusa Dua is one of the best swimming beaches in Bali, and it’s also one of the most beautiful.
Considered by many (myself included) to be the most luxurious beach in Bali, Nusa Dua is located on the northeastern tip of the Bukit Peninsula. This area is known for its chic resorts, upscale shopping, and world-class golf course. In short, this is where the fabulous people stay!
Nusa Dua is a tourist enclave and is actually a closed area where you have to go through security checks. Although it may seem very exclusive, most of the beach is still public here.
Even if you’re not staying in a 5-star hotel, it’s worth visiting Nusa Dua for an afternoon. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali.
Nusa Dua beach is white sand and the water is great for swimming. If your idea of a perfect beach day involves a lounge chair, a few adult beverages, and a good book, this Bali beach is for you.
There are a few things to do here. One of the highlights of visiting Nusa Dua is seeing the famous Water splash. This is a point on the coast where waves crash spectacularly against a rock formation. It’s also a very popular spot for photo ops, so you have to pay a small entrance fee to access the trail.
Nusa Dua is the best beach in Bali if you are on your honeymoon, looking for peace and quiet, or want a more luxurious stay. You can find Nusa Dua on the map here.
Beaches to avoid in Bali
Unfortunately, these beaches were once great, but over the years things have really changed. There has been a lot of construction in Bali and a high number of visitors. In my opinion, unfortunately, these beaches no longer make the difference.
Bingin Beach
Bingin used to be a great place for surfing and swimming and it was a bit of a hidden gem as it was difficult to get to. There were lots of local restaurants here, as well as a few guesthouses and shops once you descended the cliff.
These days the government has demolished the whole area to build something (rumor has it it’s another beach club…), but so far it’s just a pile of rubble. Find Bingin on the map here.
Kuta Beach
I’ve never been a fan of this area, but a lot of people are. Kuta Beach has a reputation as a party zone…and it lives up to that. Think: loud music, tons of people and, unfortunately, trash on the beach. This is the closest beach to the airport, so people who come just for a day or two often stay here. My opinion? Avoid it. There are much better beaches in Bali to spend your time!
Stay connected in Bali
Like anywhere in the world, you need to make sure you have an internet connection abroad during your trip to Bali. Our preferred solution is to obtain a travel eSIM card from Holafly. Rather than using old-fashioned physical SIM cards or relying on spotty wifi, you simply add this virtual eSIM to your phone using a QR code.
The best thing, however, is to have data as soon as you arrive in Bali. You can be sitting on the tarmac and immediately connected, which is helpful when you’re trying to figure out how to get to your accommodation, looking for somewhere to eat, or just looking up the price of something.
We highly recommend Holafly eSIMs and use them when traveling. Goats On The Road readers receive 5% off. Click here to learn more about eSIMs in Bali, which include unlimited data!
Best Beaches in Bali: FAQ
Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about visiting Bali beaches.
Where is the most beautiful beach in Bali?
The most beautiful beach in Bali is in Nusa Dua. The water here is a beautiful powder blue color, the sand is white and the water is calm for swimming.
Are there white sand beaches in Bali?
Yes, Bali is home to white sand beaches. However, most beaches are golden sand or even black sand. For white sand beaches in Bali, head to Nusa Dua and Virgin Beach.
What are the best beaches in Bali for swimming?
The best swimming beaches in Bali are Nusa Dua, Seminyak, Virgin Beach and Jimbaran.
What are the best beaches in Bali for surfing?
Bali is full of good surf spots. Discover Uluwatu, Echo Beach in Canggu and the Nusa Islands. Seminyak can also be a suitable place for beginner surfers.
What is the worst beach in Bali?
Kuta Beach is (in my opinion) one you should avoid. It is the main tourist center of Bali and is by far the most popular, busiest and most developed beach on the island. In less than 30 years, it has gone from a small fishing town to a booming tourist destination, and the negative effects of this rampant development are all too evident. Kuta is plagued by traffic jams, scammers and petty crooks. The beach is overcrowded and not very pleasant, and the touts are incessant there. You would be much better off spending your precious vacation days at one of the other Bali beaches on this list.
Are Bali beaches safe?
Whether or not it’s a beach supposed To be able to swim safely in Bali, tide changes, storms and currents can occur, making the sea dangerous. For your safety, always ask locals for advice, check the condition of the flag before jumping into the water and be attentive to changing tides.
In conclusion
As you can see, Bali is home to many fantastic beaches, each unique in its own way. When I look back on the year I spent in Indonesia, some of my most vivid memories took place on these most beautiful beaches in Bali.
My best advice is to rent a scooter or car, or just hire amazing local drivers and do a loop of the island to visit as many amazing beaches as possible!
Note: Some images in this article are courtesy of Shutterstock.com.
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