Bali’s beaches are world famous and single-handedly attract thousands of visitors to the island each year. The various bays and coves vary dramatically in their atmosphere, surrounding landscape and surf. Swimmers and snorkelers should stick to the eastern beaches for smooth, flat water, while surfers should head to the west for the biggest swells.
Whether you’re travelling with a family, a group, as a couple, or alone, Bali has a beach to suit you. Read on for our favourite sandy spots around The Island of the Gods and find out which you should visit during your travels!
On the beaten path
Kelingking Beach
Where? Nusa Penida
Who should go? Hikers and adventurous travellers
Best for: Yoga, relaxation, sunbathing and swimming
Kelingking Beach is one of Bali’s most Insta-worthy bays and is a must-see if you happen to visit Nusa Penida. This small island lies just a few miles off Bali’s southeastern coast and is easily accessible by boat from the mainland. Once you’re there, be sure to allow at least a few days to explore the dense jungles, winding roads and incredible coastline of this small, quiet island.
Kelingking Beach is located on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida and is easily accessible by motorbike. Many people come just for the viewpoint, from which you can see the beautiful bay in its entirety along with the unique ‘T-Rex’ rock formation to the right. If the water looks too good to resist, however, you can brave the crumbling cliffside path down to the sand below. It’s a steep, treacherous trek that puts many people off – but if you make it, you’ll find yourself in the perfect place to swim, sunbathe and relax!
Kuta Beach
Where? Kuta
Who should go? Families, groups, beginner surfers
Best for: Swimming, relaxation, sunbathing, snorkeling, surf lessons
Bali’s most famous beach is a favourite among families on holiday in Kuta and stretches across miles of golden coastline. Although this beach can become overwhelmed with crowds during high season, the calm, clear waters and soft sand means it’s perfect for kids. The gentle waves create ideal conditions for beginner surfers to learn the basics and there are plenty of places to buy food and beer along the beach. Visit to sunbathe, relax, swim, spend time with your friends and family, or recover from the night before!!
Padang Padang
Where? Uluwatu
Who should go? Surfers, families, couples, groups, solo travellers
Best for Relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, surfing, yoga
Padang Padang Beach is one of Uluwatu’s best-known surf spots but is also a favourite among swimmers, sunbathers and groups. The chilled-out atmosphere and natural beauty of this secluded paradise mean Padang Padang is popular with every type of beachgoer!
To reach the soft, white sand, you’ll first have to make your way down hundreds of stone steps. These start immediately off the main road and take a steep path down the cliffside to the beach far below. Once you get to the bottom, you can buy a beer from one of the beachside stalls and relax on the powder-soft sand, or take a dip in the sparkling, turquoise water to cool off. Alternatively, experienced surfers can grab their boards and take advantage of the powerful swell around this part of Bali’s coast.
Suluban Beach
Where? Uluwatu
Who should go? Pro surfers
Best for Surfing and swimming
If you’re a surfer in Uluwatu you’ll definitely wind up on Suluban Beach at some point. Widely agreed to be one of the best surf spots in Bali, Suluban is notorious for serving up, fast, powerful waves and big barrels. The many hazards here include sharp rocks and reefs, so this beach is only suitable for expert and pro surfers. Head down at low tide, however, and you’ll find plenty of space to sit and admire the ocean. If the water is calm, this is also the best time to go for a swim; if not, head up to Single Fin for a cocktail at sunset!
Echo Beach
Where? Canggu
Who should go? Intermediate surfers, families, groups, solo travellers
Best for Surfing, relaxation, sunbathing, swimming, running
Echo beach is the main hangout spot in Canggu and attracts surfers, groups, couples and families from all over town. The powerful waves here are perfect for intermediate surfers to practice, but not so big that swimming is impossible. If you’d prefer to relax on the sand and soak up some rays, there are several beachside bars and cafes where you can buy beer and snacks. The sand at Echo Beach is soft and clean; perfect for children, runners and sunbathers!
Keramas Beach
Where? Gianyar
Who should go? Families, surfers, groups
Best for Relaxing, surfing, yoga, sunbathing, swimming
For a change of scenery, head to Keramas beach on the south coast of Gianyar. This wide, beautiful beach is distinct from others in this region because of its black, volcanic sand. This inky stretch of coastline covers 2 km of Bali’s southern shores and has an unmissably unique beauty.
Keramas Beach is less busy than others in this area and is quieter and more relaxed as a result. This makes it ideal for relaxation, yoga, meditation, or spending quality time with friends or family.
Keramas is also a popular surf spot, with a powerful enough swell to present an exciting challenge for intermediate surfers. Head here during high tide for the biggest waves, or at low tide for the best swimming conditions.
Jimbaran Beach
Where? Jimbaran
Who should go? Families, couples, groups
Best for Relaxing, swimming, sunbathing
If you want to relax and luxuriate in unspoiled, white-sand beauty, head to Jimbaran on the Southeastern coast of Bali. The beach here is famed for its soft, clean sand and incredible sunset views. Calm, clear water and small waves mean Jimbaran Bay is perfect for swimming and is one of the best places for families with small children.
The coastal town of Jimbaran is also well known for having the freshest seafood in Bali. To sample the finest of the day’s catch, make your way to one of Jimbaran’s many beachside restaurants for a memorable sunset meal.
Pemuteran Bay
Where? Singaraja
Who should go? Families, couples, groups, snorkelers, divers
Best for Relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, diving
Pemuteran Bay is a quiet spot on the lesser-visited northwest coast of Bali and has a soothing, peaceful atmosphere. The warm, calm waters of Pemuteran are perfect for divers, swimmers and snorkelers, and the coral reefs here are vibrant and healthy. If you’d rather remain on dry land, you can stretch out on the soft black sand and relax with a beer.
This safe, secluded spot is quiet and peaceful and is ideal for families, yogis and couples.
Off the beaten path
Nyang Nyang Beach
Where? Pecatu
Who should go? Surfers, adventurous travellers
Best for Surfing, relaxation, yoga, meditation
Just a short drive from Uluwatu is Nyang Nyang, one of Bali’s many hidden beaches. This secluded paradise is seldom visited compared to others in the area, partly because of its location. Although only 10 minutes by motorbike from Uluwatu Surf Point, Nyang Nyang requires a little trekking to get to.
Once you’ve located the car park, you’ll have to make your way down a steep path through the jungle to reach the beach. Once you reach the soft, white sand, you’ll find miles of mostly-deserted coastline, turquoise ocean and picturesque shipwrecks, all framed by lush, green foliage. Surf, meditate, swim, or simply relax – but brings snacks and water, as you won’t be able to buy these on the beach!
Melasti Beach
Where? Ungusan
Who should go? Adventurous travellers, couples, groups, solo travellers
Melasti has all of the pristine white sand and crystal waters you’d expect from a Bali beach, but its surrounding landscape makes it stand out from the crowd. Sheer, towering cliff faces surround this beautiful and surrounding cove and the view from the top is breathtaking. Climb up for sunset after your day at the beach for incredible panoramic views of the ocean and the fiery sky above!
Melasti Beach was only recently open to the public and is largely overlooked by many visitors to Bali. As a result, it is spotlessly clean, blissfully quiet and ideal for a day of relaxation!
