The 12 Best Beaches in Bali You Have to Visit
Located just below the equator, the Indonesian island of Bali is a paradise filled with stunning beaches and amazing places to explore.
Beyond its shores, Bali boasts a unique culture shaped by Hindu traditions, lush rice paddies, dense jungles, cascading waterfalls, and a breathtaking coastline.
Despite its small size, Bali’s coastline is incredibly diverse. Here, you’ll find powdery white sand beaches, primarily concentrated in the Pecatu Peninsula, and golden and black sand stretches scattered across the island.
In this post, I’m sharing my 12 favourite beaches in Bali – each with something special to offer.
(This post contains affiliate links, which means I receive a certain percentage of a sale if you purchase after clicking.)
Bali Beaches: Important Considerations
Before we dive into the best beaches in Bali, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Uluwatu is one of the best areas to stay in Bali for white-sanded beaches. Although you’ll find the most picture-perfect stretches of sand here, most are located at the bottom of a cliff, so you’ll have to hike down to access the beach.
- Not all beaches are great for swimming. Some, like Batu Bolong Beach in Canggu, are perfect for beginner to intermediate surfers but not ideal for swimming due to strong waves.
- Most beaches charge a small (usually under $1 per person) entrance fee or parking fee.
12 Great Beaches in Bali For Everyone
1. Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach is an iconic surfing beach located in one of the most happening areas of Uluwatu. The beach itself is very unique – tucked away at the base of towering cliffs and partially hidden inside a cave. Sometimes, at high tide, the beach gets entirely swallowed by the sea, so make sure you visit at low tide.
Like most surfing beaches, Suluban isn’t great for swimming due to its sharp coral reef and shallow waters. It’s still worth the trip for its dramatic scenery and cool vibe.
After exploring, head up to Single Fin Beach Club for a cold coconut and front-row seats to watch pro surfers skillfully ripping through the waves.
2. Virgin Beach
Easily my favourite beach, Virgin Beach is one of the off-the-beaten-track places for beach enthusiasts to visit in Bali. It’s located in the eastern part of the island in Karangasem province, and due to its remote location, the beach remains a hidden gem.
The beach is tucked in a cove and surrounded by a dense forest. As you approach it from the cliff, make sure you pull over at one of the viewpoints to enjoy its bird’s-eye view!
Once you arrive, I recommend renting a sunlounger from one of the beach warungs that also serve delicious lunches. The highlight of Virgin Beach is the masseuses who offer relaxing massages delivered to your lounger!
3. Geger Beach
I love Geger Beach for its stunning turquoise waters and soft, powdery white sand – a rare quality in Bali, where many beaches have black volcanic sand.
The beach is located in the southern part of the Nusa Dua region, but it’s an excellent destination for a day trip, no matter where you’re staying. The southern part of the beach is home to the luxurious Mulia Resort, while the northern side retains a more local vibe.
Here, you’ll find a few beach warungs serving Indonesian food, along with umbrellas and sunbeds for rent.
If you have time, don’t miss Pura Geger Dalem Pemutih, a small Indonesian temple perched on a cliff just south of the beach.
4. Batu Balong Beach
Batu Bolong Beach, located in Canggu, might not be the prettiest beach in Bali, but it earns its spot for its effortlessly cool, hipster vibe.
Firstly, this beach is one of the best for surfing, offering multiple surf breaks for beginners, intermediate, and advanced-level surfers. The surfer’s favourite hangout place is Times Warung, where you can sink into a bean bag and watch the surf action unfold right in front of you.
Batu Bolong is also home to the iconic Sand Bar, which features live music at sunset and, after midnight, hosts the craziest beach parties in town!
5. Melasti Beach
Melasti Beach is easily one of the most spectacular beaches in Bali! My favourite is its scenic road carved into a black cliff that takes you down to the beach, offering breathtaking views as you drive toward the shore.
Once you arrive, you’ll find soft white sand and plenty of loungers and parasols available for rent. If you’re looking for more luxury than a sunlounger, several fancy beach clubs such as Palmilla or Tropical Temptation offer beautifully manicured lounging with a picturesque infinity pool and a drink and food service.
If you stay until sunset, around 6:00 pm, you can watch a traditional Kecak dance performance with an equally epic setting as the one at the Uluwatu Temple.
6. Kelingking Beach
Located on Nusa Penida, a smaller island just a 30-minute boat ride from Bali, Kelingking Beach is one of the most photographed beaches ever.
This breathtaking spot is nestled in a secluded sandy cove, framed by towering cliffs that form a headland resembling the head of a T-Rex – a natural landmark that has made the beach an Instagram sensation.
In the past, reaching the beach meant navigating a rough, poorly maintained path – a strenuous 60-minute hike that, in a way, made the reward of stepping onto the untouched sands even sweeter. I kind of liked it that way!
However, in 2024, authorities began constructing a lift that will eventually take tourists down to the beach in minutes. While it promises easier access, the project has raised controversy, with many considering it an eyesore that disrupts the untouched beauty of the surrounding landscape.
7. Padang Padang
Padang Padang is another stunning beach located in the heart of Uluwatu. What I love most about it is that, unlike many other Uluwatu beaches, it’s easily accessible – no need to tackle a massive cliffside descent.
Plus, its waters are sheltered inside a bay, making it one of the few beaches in the area that is safe for swimming.
The beach is partially organised, so you can rent a sunbed and umbrella, but there’s also plenty of space to lay down your towel. I love claiming a spot under the rocks where there’s plenty of natural shade.
Just outside the cove, you’ll find a beginner-friendly surf break. If you’re up for it, you can rent a board and try catching some baby waves!
8. Amed Beach
Few tourists venture to Bali’s eastern coast, home to the peaceful fishing town of Amed and its striking black-sand beaches. But if you find yourself in this part of the island, spending a day at Amed Beach is a must – it offers an interesting insight into the daily lives of local fishermen.
Visit in the early morning, and you’ll see them setting sail or returning with their catch in jukung, the traditional colourful fishing boats that dot the shoreline.
Beyond its charm as a fishing village, Amed Beach is also known for its clean sand and crystal-clear waters. Its coral reef makes it one of the best spots in Bali for snorkeling and diving.
9. Nusa Dua Beach
Nusa Dua Beach (also known as Pantai Mengiat) is the largest and arguably the best beach in the Nusa Dua region. It’s a private stretch of beach lined by luxury resorts, which means the fine white sand is always immaculate, and the beach is exclusive to hotel guests.
But if you’re not staying in one of these 5-star resorts, there’s a small public section that’s just as beautiful and open to everyone.
Nusa Dua is perfect for activities like snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply swimming, and it’s especially great for families with kids, thanks to its shallow, calm waters.
10. Tanah Lot Beach
Tanah Lot Beach may not boast the turquoise waters and white sand of other Bali beaches, but it earns its spot for its spiritual significance.
The beach is home to an important Hindu temple, Tanah Lot, which attracts pilgrims from all over the island. The shrine sits on a small island, separated from the mainland at high tide, but can be accessed during low tide when the waters recede.
For the best experience, I highly recommend timing your visit to catch the sunset. The temple looks stunning when bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun.
After exploring the temple, head to one of the cliffside restaurants nearby, where you’ll get an unbeatable view of the temple as the sun dips below the horizon.
11. Balangan Beach
Balangan Beach is located on Pecatu Peninsula between Jimbaran and Uluwatu. It offers a long stretch of golden sand and is easily accessible from the road.
The beach is lined with local eateries where you can enjoy a delicious Nasi Goreng (a classic local dish with fried rice, veggies, and your choice of chicken or tofu) along with a refreshing cold coconut.
Don’t forget to check out the Balangan viewpoint, which offers breathtaking views over the beach that are perfect for a drone-like shot. The viewpoint is perched on a nearby cliff, and the best time to visit is at sunset when the sky lights up with stunning colours.
12. Bingin Beach
Bingin Beach is a favourite among the younger crowd, and it’s not hard to see why. The beach requires a bit of effort to reach, with a labyrinth of narrow paths winding between buildings and a cliff descent. Not fun on the way back up!
But once you’ve made the trek, you’re greeted by golden sand and stunning turquoise waters. The beach has a laid-back, casual vibe, with a few warungs serving cold drinks and freshly caught seafood.
During low tide, it is possible to reach the neighbouring Dreamland Beach, which makes for a pleasant stroll.
This guest post was written by Mal, a Bali-based travel blogger and co-founder of Where To Stay Bali, a go-to website for insider tips on the best places to stay, eat, and explore across the island.
Check out:
10 Best Places to Visit in Bali For First-Timers
14 Things NOT to do When Visiting Bali, Indonesia
The 8 Best Vegan Restaurants in Bali You Must Visit
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