All the beaches in Bali

It's hard to call Bali an ideal place for a beach vacation. Tourists who have visited beaches in Thailand, the Maldives, and the Caribbean often feel disappointed with Bali's beaches.

Let's not forget that people come to this island for its unique blend of culture, combining rituals, dance, theater, crafts; for its nature, which encompasses both the coastal areas and imposing volcanoes on a small piece of land; for its world-class surf spots, yoga and meditation centers; and for the atmosphere of fun, socializing, and making new connections, bringing people from all corners of the world together.

And if you add a few dozen beaches to this luxurious collection of merits, you won't be disappointed in that context.

One of the significant features of Balinese beaches is their diversity. Bali's beaches have varying surroundings, sand colors, and textures.

Most beaches with light sand are located in the south of Bali. The southern Bukit Peninsula and the rest of Bali have different geological origins. The Bukit Peninsula is older and has limestone in its structure, while the rest of Bali is younger and more volcanic.

In other words, the closer you are to Bukit, the lighter the sand; the closer you are to the volcanoes, the darker the sand. Although there are exceptions. In the areas near the volcanoes, there are beaches with coral white sand, such as Virgin or White Sand Beach, Bias Tugel, Blue Lagoon. But even on these beaches, you can find quite vivid black volcanic sand intermingled with the white sand.

Choosing the right beach during the rainy season is crucial and largely depends on whether it's located on the eastern or western part of Bali. During the rainy season, the wind blows towards Bali from the west, and currents bring debris to the beaches on the western coast. This debris includes plastic, which migrates in the global ocean, and organic matter like algae, branches, and even logs. In the dry season, the wind blows towards Bali from the east, causing currents to flow towards the eastern coast of Bali.

So, if you're planning to visit Bali from December to March and you intend to swim in the ocean, opt for beaches on the eastern coast or the south of Bali. If you're coming during the dry season from May to September, choose beaches on the western coast.

Tips for beach relaxation:

1. Don't forget about ocean safety rules! Before heading to the beach, learn about rip currents and how to behave if you get caught in one.

2. Always check the tide schedule in Bali before going to the beach. Choose times with high tide (over 1.5 meters) for comfortable swimming. If you want to explore hidden rocky beaches or observe reef inhabitants, go during low tide.

3. If you're arriving at the beach on a bike, don't leave valuables in the bike's storage compartment! Keep your most valuable items in the hotel.

4. On crowded beaches like Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak, never leave your valuable belongings unattended. Take turns swimming. If you're renting a surfboard or a beach chair, you can ask the rental provider to watch over your belongings, but don't rely too much on their assistance.

5. Throughout the day, and not just at the beach, use sunscreen. If you're used to a specific brand of sunscreen, bring it with you. However, you can find good sunscreen from brands like Nivea or BananaBoat in Bali.

Please write about your favorite beaches. Enhance our reviews with your comments if we missed something or made inaccuracies. Your opinion will help other forum members better choose a beach they will enjoy.

Beaches in Bali by regions. 

Bukit Peninsula, west coast:

Jimbaran

Tegal Wangi - difficult to access

Kubu - only accessible for guests of Ayana hotel

Balangan - difficult to access

Dreamland - difficult to access

Bingin - difficult to access

Padang Padang

Thomas

Suluban - difficult to access

Bukit Peninsula, south coast:

Nyang Nyang - difficult to access

Nunggalan - difficult to access

Karma Kandara

Melasti

Greenbowl - not suitable for swimming, there have been drowning incidents

Pandawa - good for swimming, but there have been drowning incidents

Timbis - difficult to access

Gunung Payung - difficult to access

Bukit Peninsula, east coast:

Sawangan

Geger

Mengiat

Nusa Dua

West Coast:

Kuta (Pantai Kuta)

Legian

Double Six

Berawa - difficult to access

Batubolong - difficult to access

Sanur, east coast

Mertasari

Sanur

Karang

Gianyar, east

Purnama - not suitable for swimming

Keramas - not suitable for swimming

Masceti - not suitable for swimming

Bias Tugel - snorkeling

Blue Lagoon - snorkeling

White Sandy Beach - swimming and snorkeling

Jemeluk Amed - swimming and snorkeling

Buleleng, north (Singaraja, Lovina)

Lovina - swimming and snorkeling

Beaches for the most comfortable and peaceful swimming. These beaches are also the most suitable for swimming during the rainy season.

1. Melasti

2. Geger

3. Gili Air - southeastern beach

4. Gili Meno - southeastern beach

5. Gili Trawangan - northeastern beach

6. Sanur

7. White Sandy Beach

8. Pandawa

9. Karma Kandara

10. Gunung Payung

The most popular beaches for sunset views:

1. Suluban

2. Balangan

3. Jimbaran

4. Dreamland

5. Kuta, Legian, Double Six

6. Batubelig

7. Berawa, Batubolong, Echo

Secluded beaches for beautiful photoshoots:

1. Nyang Nyang, Nunggalan

2. Timbis

3. Tegal Wangi

4. Greenbowl

5. Gunung Payung

6. Mengening

Beaches suitable for long walks and runs:

1. Jimbaran

2. Kuta - Legian - Seminyak - Berawa - Batubolong - Pererenan

3. Sanur

4. Geger - Mengiat - Nusa Dua - two peninsulas - Samuh - Club Med - Tanjung Benoa

Beaches with the most developed infrastructure (sunbeds, restaurants, beach clubs):

1. Karma Kandara

2. Geger

3. Double Six

4. Pandawa

5. Sanur

6. White Sandy Beach

7. Kuta

Beaches with the whitest sand:

1. Karma Kandara

2. Melasti

3. Pandawa

4. Gunung Payung

5. Sawangan

6. Geger

7. Nyang Nyang, Nunggalan

Beaches with the blackest sand:

1. Masceti

2. Keramas

3. Saba

4. Purnama

5. Ketewel

6. Seseh

7. Mengening

8. Pasut

9. Kedungu

10. Lepang

Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran Beach is quite extensive, about 5 km long, with a gentler slope in the southern part and steeper in the central and northern areas. Jimbaran Beach is great for leisurely walks during low tide and for morning and evening jogs.

The southern part of the beach is also known as Muaya Beach (Pantai Muaya), while the northern part is called Kedonganan Beach (Pantai Kedonganan).

In the northern section of the beach, you'll find a fish market where you can buy fresh fish and have it prepared in one of the local restaurants. Additionally, Kedonganan Beach is home to the beach club Ibiza in Bali, with numerous restaurants right on the shore, although it's mostly frequented by local tourists. Swimming is not particularly common in this part of the beach.

In the central part of the beach, there is also a cluster of restaurants that attract both locals and foreigners. Here, you can find sunbeds for sunbathing.

The southern part of the beach, specifically Muaya Beach, is the most active and popular. There are many restaurants here, with the most famous being Menega. Further south, you'll find the beach club and restaurant Sundara, and even farther south is the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel. There's also a relatively affordable beach club in this area, the Jimbaran Beach Club.

Local residents often choose the area right in front of Sundara for swimming, while foreigners tend to prefer the area opposite the InterContinental Hotel. It's less crowded there, and the beach is well-maintained.

The water here is generally good in calm weather, although it can be slightly cloudy due to sand being stirred up from the bottom. The beach is safe for swimming. It's better to swim during high tide since the water recedes quite far during low tide. During storms, the beach occasionally experiences large waves, but this is rare.

Throughout the year, there are moments when you can surf in the southern part of the beach, particularly during very large waves. However, for the majority of the year, Jimbaran is not a surfing destination.

During strong low tide, you can walk along the southern part of the beach past the rocks that extend along the Four Seasons Hotel shoreline. Here, you can find quite picturesque boulders and cliffs, although they are not very tall. The key is to keep an eye on the tide schedule to ensure that the high tide doesn't catch you off guard.

Lantau Tegal Wangi

A very picturesque, small beach by the temple. There's a steep descent over rocks to the water, but the descent itself is not very long. Tegal Wangi Beach is a great spot to enjoy the sunset from the beach or the cliffs. If you continue along the beach, you can climb on the rocks and explore small caves. The rocks are sharp, so it's better to wear footwear.

There's a cave on the beach that photographers often use to create dramatic shots. However, be cautious during high tide and strong waves. Avoid being in the cave if there's a chance that an incoming wave might block your exit.

Swimming is not allowed here. During high tide, strong waves reach the beach. It's only safe to wade near the shore when there are no waves at all. There are submerged rocks near the shore, which can be dangerous to approach. "A clean beach with pure white sand and no litter."

Pantai Kubu 

On the map 

A small and very pleasant beach. It's difficult to access and is exclusively for guests of the local Ayana Resort and Spa hotel and the Biu Biu villa complex.

There are very few people here, and the water is calm. Many forum members' attempts to reach this beach have not been successful.

Pantai Balangan 

On the map 

Balangan is a picturesque beach stretching about 700 meters. It's surrounded by beautiful cliffs that offer excellent views. Balangan Beach is a popular surf spot. The location is perfect for photographs, especially in the morning when the beach is empty, around 9-10 AM. Balangan is highly sought after for sunset viewing.

Swimming at Balangan is quite challenging due to the reef that extends to the shore. The waves are massive, so you won't have a calm swimming experience. However, for some, challenging the waves can be a certain kind of thrill.

It's better to swim in the northern part of the beach near the cliffs or in the southern area. There are no lifeguards here. Don't swim if you're not confident or if conditions are unfavorable. If your goal is to swim, it's not recommended to go to Balangan. The chances of finding comfortable water for swimming, with the right depth and no waves, are very slim.

On the map 

Dreamland Beach is incredibly picturesque. It's best to visit Dreamland in the morning (around 7-8 AM) when it's completely empty, and the sun isn't too harsh.

Swimming here is challenging. Strong waves often occur right at the shore, and there are dangerous rocks underwater near the coast. It's not recommended to swim here.

But if you're not afraid of waves, head north (to the right) from the beach entrance about 100 meters. There you can wait for a series of waves to pass and then paddle about 10 meters away from the shore to ride the waves before they break on the beach.

The water here is of an amazing azure color!

First and foremost, Bingin is a charming, atmospheric surf spot. It's perfect for enjoying sunsets and spending quality time with close friends.

The beach is not well-suited for swimming; you can swim only during high tide when the waves are small. During low tide, the water becomes too shallow. However, during low tide, the water is clear and perfectly transparent.

The shoreline is rocky and reef-covered. Entering the water can be challenging. Bingin is a steep and fairly challenging surf spot.

Pantai Padang Padang 

On the map 

A famous beach! This is where a scene from the movie "Eat Pray Love" with Julia Roberts was filmed. After the movie, the number of tourists on this beach significantly increased. In good weather and high tides (from 1.5 meters), it can be very beautiful. Padang Padang is also a renowned world-class surf spot (+ suitable for beginners).

If you walk to the right, you can find a quiet spot with cliffs and a little forest. On the left side, there's a beautiful rock hanging over the water, a favorite spot for tourists to take photos.

"The beach is beautiful, including the descent to it; usually everyone goes down and up the same stairs, which causes a 'traffic jam' of people."

Swimming is possible here, but one should be cautious. Sometimes there's a strong current near the left rock, which can carry swimmers out into the ocean. Waves at the shore are quite rare.

On the map 

A long beach named after the guesthouse situated on the cliff. Not long ago, it was a hidden gem, but it quickly gained popularity. The beach offers a very picturesque view from above.

Swimming should be done cautiously, closer to the stairs. Around 50 meters to the right from the stairs and preferably during high tide. Beyond that, there's a strong shallow area. The seabed is rocky and covered with grass. Avoid stepping on the bottom because there are many sea urchins in the water.

Sulunan beach 

This beach is known either as Suluban or Uluwatu, named after the nearby temple, or Blue Point. It houses the renowned Uluwatu surf spot for experienced surfers. The cliff offers breathtaking views.

Suluban Beach is one of the most popular sunset-watching spots in Bali. Often, sunsets are enjoyed at the bar atop the Singl Fin cliff, an iconic place in the area known for its Sunday parties. But if Singl Fin is too crowded, you can step into any nearby bar lower down the cliff to watch the sunset.

During low tide, you can walk south over large boulders and a rock jutting out into the sea, leading to a secluded secret beach.

From the cave that greets you at the base of the stairs, you can also head north to the right. There, you'll find an interesting rocky shoreline with great photo spots.

Suluban is unsuitable for swimming due to its rocky bottom and strong currents. You can only splash around in the water during low tide.

Nyang Nyang beach 

On the map 

A relatively uncrowded beach, kept secret due to its poor accessibility and the fact that swimming is not allowed. Paragliders soar above the beach. Herds of cows graze on the upper terrace. The sunset is not visible from here.

Swimming is unrealistic due to the reefs right at the shore. However, these reefs are teeming with marine life, providing a sort of dry snorkeling experience. There are many starfish. The seabed is reef-covered and not very deep even during high tide, but you can still wade in.

Atmosphere and Ambiance

A remarkably beautiful beach with pristine white sand and turquoise waters. Come here if you love admiring natural beauty! On the shore, there are two partially ruined boats that add a touch of character.

Additionally, there are 5 hotel Bubble capsules set up on the beach.

They look quite intriguing, but signs nearby indicate that entering the capsule area is prohibited, and photographing them is also not allowed.

During high tide, the waves are very strong. People swim only a couple of meters from the shore and don't venture further. During low tide, the water reveals the reef, making swimming also challenging. However, the water is great for cooling off on a hot day. During the dry season, there are a few algae in the water, but overall, the water is clean, clear, and of a stunning color.

A small beach at the foot of a cliff. It's located near the Karma Kandara and Sunday's beach clubs, slightly further away, with its own luxurious beach. There are small caves and rocks at the edges of the beach, providing shade from the sun.

The waves break against a reef that's far from the shore. The water depth is good, but be cautious: there are sometimes rocks underwater that you could bump into. Fortunately, the water is transparent, and such areas are visible on the water's surface. The water is clear and calm.

On the map 

Over the past few years, the beach has noticeably changed. Like its neighboring beach, Pandawa, roads have been carved into the cliffs, making access to the beach much easier. However, it hasn't become as crowded and popular as Pandawa just yet. Balinese gates called "Kori Agung" stand at the beach's edge, adding an enchanting atmosphere to this place. Breathtaking views make it an excellent spot for photoshoots. Although you can't see the sunset directly here, the sky takes on beautiful pink and red hues. There are many great viewpoints along the cliffs. The higher you go, the more stunning it gets.

Crystal-clear blue water. During high tide, there are waves on Melasti Beach. But during low tide, the waves break far out, leaving the shoreline calm. It's possible to swim here with children. The entry points into the water vary, with some areas having larger stones and others having pleasant sandy patches. The seabed isn't sandy; it has sharp pebbles. Swimming in large waves could lead to foot injuries due to the sharp stones. There's also strong currents.

Pantai Greenbowl 

On the map 

This is a surfer's beach and is almost unsuitable for swimming unless you are a surfer. There are a few caves where you can seek shelter from the sun.

Swimming is problematic here; there are sharp rocks everywhere and very strong currents. It's highly discouraged to swim at this beach. Occasionally, people drown here.

On the map 

A nice and beautiful beach. The beach is named after the five Pandava brothers (Yudhistira, Bima, Arjuna, Nakula, and Sadewa) from the Indian epic Mahabharata. Statues of these brothers are carved into the cliffs right on the beach. An interesting feature of the beach is the limestone-carved passage leading to it. It's beautiful, with places to stroll and things to see. There's a beautiful descent to the beach.

On the right side of the beach, there's good and safe swimming during high tide, as the reef protects the beach from the waves. On the left side of the beach, there's a dangerous channel. Swimming there is not allowed! Crushed shells and stones can pierce your feet. It's advisable to enter the water wearing lightweight protective footwear. There are beautiful corals and many fish. All of this can be seen during calm seas when the waves are not big.

The strength and size of the waves greatly depend on the tides. The water entry is smooth.

On the map 

If you walk east from Pandawa, past the cliff, you can reach Timbis Beach. It's not suitable for swimming due to its long shallows, but there are few people on it, and you can sunbathe in peace and tranquility.

It's also convenient for photoshoots if you don't want many curious spectators around.

There's a hill above the beach that's used for paragliding, so colorful paragliders will be soaring in the sky above you.

One of the most beautiful beaches on the Bukit. You can swim only in high tide and when there are no waves. During low tide, you'll need to find a spot where the water is at least waist-deep. Because the water breaks against the reef about 1000 meters from the shore and the reef is quite high, no garbage reaches here, and the water is perfectly clear.

On the map 

The beach is located near the Hilton hotel.

The water is of an amazing turquoise color. Swimming is pleasant, but don't venture too far as there might be currents! The waves can be quite strong. The beach is not greatly affected by tides.

A good, well-maintained beach in Nusa Dua with blue water. The waves are relatively small. It's great for swimming with children. Often referred to by Russians as the "children's beach." Fishing boats are anchored in the water. There are no strong currents. The sea entrance is steep. The seabed is a bit rocky in some places. Algae start at a depth of over 180cm, so if there's no storm, you won't feel them while swimming. You can walk on the reef using a path underwater at a depth of 50cm. Ask the locals about the path.

Pantai Nusa Dua 

On the map 

The beaches in Nusa Dua are among the best in Bali. They are long and have white sand, making them great for both walks and swimming (in deeper waters).

The water is clean and, during storms, might become a bit sandy but still maintains a turquoise hue. There are algae underwater, but they're not noticeable while swimming during high tide.