Best Beaches in Bali: 9 Spots You Don’t Want To Miss
Bali is one of the most enchanting seaside holiday destinations in the world.
But if you’re heading there for the first time, it can be hard to know which beaches to visit.
Many popular options like Kuta and Seminyak have become tourist traps in the past few years. And some beaches are overcrowded or littered with plastic pollution.
However, Bali’s coastline still has many beautiful spots that live up to the hype.
We’ve handpicked the nine best beaches in Bali to help you plan a dream-worthy holiday.
Best Beaches in Bali: 9 Spots You Don’t Want To Miss
1. Padang Padang Beach
Padang Padang is a favourite among surfers for its consistent waves, especially when there’s big swell around. While it is one of the busiest beaches on the Bukit Peninsula, it still makes for a delightful day relaxing in the sun.
Getting to the beach requires a short walk down a narrow staircase. As you emerge from between the limestone cliffs you’re rewarded with a tropical scene fit for the movies. (This beach gets a cameo in the film Eat Pray Love). There’s ample parking at the top if you’re getting there by scooter and a few small shops on the beach where you can buy drinks or rent an umbrella.
Protect your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays with the vitamin E enriched Sun Bum Original Sunscreen SPF 30+
2. Balangan Beach
Balangan is an excellent alternative if you’re looking to avoid touristy beaches or overpriced resort areas. This 500m stretch of white sand is easily accessible by scooter or taxi. Loungers and umbrellas are available for rent at reasonable prices, and there are a few warungs on the beach that serve fresh juices and local fare.
Another favourite spot for surfers, Balangan has one of the best left-hand breaks on the island. While it is swimmable, its advisable to wear booties since the beach has a sharp reef base.
3. Karma Beach
If you’re interested in a more exclusive and luxurious beach day experience, Karma Beach is ideal. You can buy a day pass at the Karma Beach Club for IDR 500 000, which includes a IDR 300 000 credit towards food and drinks.
Spend a few hours chilling out on a daybed in this little piece of paradise, and you’ll forget all about the stress of everyday life. This secluded white sand beach is set in one of Bali’s most beautiful coves and is accessible by a small cable car. It’s recommended to get there early or pre-book your chair/cabana to ensure you get a spot.
4. Nyang Nyang
Plastic pollution has affected a lot of Bali’s beaches in recent years, but Nyang Nyang is still one of the cleanest in the area. It takes some extra effort to reach it, but your trek will be worth the sweat.
Wear a good pair of walking shoes for the twenty-minute hike down and up. The challenging access keeps the beach quiet, and the scenery is lovely. It’s the perfect spot to get away from the hustle and bustle. You can even catch a few waves if you’re an advanced surfer. There are several warungs on the beach where you can buy food and rent an umbrella to escape the heat.
The Channel Islands Surfboards Essential 42L Surf Backpack is the perfect gift for the surfer who loves to go off the beaten path to find uncrowded waves. It's the swiss army knife of surf backpacks.
5. Echo Beach
14 km west of Denpasar lies Echo Beach, a stretch of black sea sand with a surf break that has one of the best tubes on Bali’s west coast. Its real name is Pantai Batu Mentan, after the Balinese Hindu sea temple in the area.
It’s a lovely beach to rent a lounge chair and sip a cold Bintang, but the place comes alive at night. The sunsets here are breathtaking and the seafood barbeques make this a place to spend a lazy afternoon and evening on your next trip to Bali.
6. Bingin Beach
The beach is less crowded, and the relaxing atmosphere makes it ideal to help you switch from work to holiday mode. At night there are seafood dinners on the beach where you can enjoy the catch of the day with your toes in the sand.
7. Gunung Payung Beach
Have you heard of Gunung Payung Beach? Most people haven’t. That’s what makes it so remarkable. This hidden beach gets its name from the Balinese Hindu temple at the top of the adjacent cliff. It does take some effort to reach it. You’ll need to climb down 300 steps to enjoy this secluded stretch of coastline.
There are no vendors, so bring water and snacks. If you’re looking for a quiet beach to relax for the day, there’s no better place. The water is usually calm and suitable for swimmers to enjoy.
This breathable organic cotton Patagonia Men's P-6 Responsibili-Tee was designed for adventurous people on the move.
8. Green Bowl Beach
Said to have been named Green Bowl Beach by surfers, the beach otherwise known as Ungasan is another unspoiled gem on this list of must-visit beaches in Bali. And like Gunung Payung, you’ll need to walk down 300 steps to get to this secluded beach.
Visiting Green Bowl is best on low tide, since most of the beach is covered during high tide. Low tide is also the perfect time to get your goggles on and go snorkeling here. If the sun gets too hot for you, the natural caves provide good cover to cool down. This beach has ample parking space and a few small warungs selling fresh young coconuts and snacks at the top of the cliff. Check it out if you’re looking for uncrowded surf and a little peace and quiet.
9. Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach, also known as Blue Point Beach, is a tiny stretch of white sand concealed by natural limestone formations. This spot is a favourite among professional surfers because of its powerful waves and long barrels. It’s ideal for swimming on a calm day or just lounging in the water-filled rock pools.
Suluban is only a few minutes away from the breathtaking Uluwatu temple. Getting to the beach requires a 10 min walk down steep concrete steps, but once you see the ocean, you’ll be mesmerized by the shades of blue and turquoise. On your way down you’ll walk past rows of local cafés serving fresh juices, beer and local dishes.
Conclusion
I hope you’ll visit at least one of these beaches on your next trip to Bali.
You can head out to the remote spots with nobody around, surf your heart out at some of the best breaks in the world or spend a few dollars to enjoy a luxury beach club.
And if you’re willing to climb down (and up) a lot of steps, you’ll discover pockets of paradise that will make your holiday one to remember.
