Our 21 Favourite Beaches in Bali [With Map]

From the dramatic, cliff-backed white sands of the south to the unique volcanic shores of the north, Bali is a tropical paradise with a beach for every occasion.

After years exploring the island, we've seen the best (and the worst) of Bali's beaches. In this guide, we'll share our favourites for relaxing, swimming, water sports, and fun-filled beach days.

Where Are The Best Beaches?

This really depends on what exactly you're looking for. There are beautiful beaches all over Bali, each offering something a little different.

The Bukit Peninsula in South Bali is where you'll find many of the island's prettiest beaches, with soft white sands and vibrant turquoise waters perfect for a day of relaxation. Uluwatu also attracts the island's surf crowd thanks to its world-class waves.

The Nusa Islands, just off Bali's east coast, are also known for their stunning white sand beaches. Nusa Penida has the most picturesque coastline, but the steep cliffs make the beaches more difficult to reach. Lembongan is better for a chilled-out beach break.

Along the west coast, Seminyak and Canggu might not have the most beautiful beaches, but they are lively and great for enjoying a sunset beer at one of the beach clubs or beachfront bars.

Or, if you'd rather avoid the crowds, North Bali's volcanic black sands offer a more peaceful coastal escape. The likes of Lovina, Candidasa, and Amed spring to mind.

Best Beaches in Bali: Overview

Map of Beaches in Bali

Beaches on the Bukit Peninsula

1. Melasti Beach

Melasti Beach is a well-developed stretch of soft white sand beach that spans over 2km along the southernmost point of Bali.

The large beach is one of the most accessible on the island. It's easily accessible by car via a well-maintained road and offers plenty of parking right next to the sand.

Thanks to a reef break, the waves are relatively calm once they reach the shore, making it one of Bali's best beaches for swimming and very safe for families. However, 'swimming' might be an overstatement. The area between the breaking waves and the shore is wide but shallow, so 'paddling' is a more apt phrase.

The ease of access and great facilities mean that Melasti is one of the most popular beaches on the Bukit Peninsula. It can get super busy during peak periods. However, there’s more than enough room along the spacious beach for everyone to spread out and not feel overly crowded.

Toilets, showers, changing rooms, and sun beds on the sand are available for a small fee. Lining the back of the beach are a dozen or so epic beach clubs. Sundays and Klive are our favourites for a relaxing beach day, whereas White Rock and Tropical Temptation are better for a livelier vibe.

2. Nunggalan Beach

Nunggalan Beach offers a stark contrast to Melasti, with its untouched natural beauty, limited facilities, and just a handful of visitors sharing the most pristine white sand beach in Bali.

Sounds idyllic right... so what's the catch? Well, Nunggalan Beach is only accessible by a long, steep trek down the surrounding cliffs, making it one of Bali's hardest-to-reach beaches.

The dirt path winds through the foliage-filled cliffside for 20-30 minutes before finally arriving at the beach. It's not for the faint of heart.

But once you've made the journey, Nunggalan offers a serene natural paradise, with soft white sand and turquoise waters backed by towering limestone cliffs. Plus, don't miss the beach's most famous landmark - the vibrant graffiti-covered shipwreck that you can climb into (pictured below).

A few tiny shacks offer cold drinks along the beach, while a handful of well-spaced sunbeds and umbrellas are also available to rent.

With hardly any other people around, Nunggalan offers a sense of seclusion and tranquility that's hard to find on most beaches in Bali. It's the perfect spot for spending the day lounging in the sun in peace.

3. Nyang Nyang Beach

Right next to Nunggalan, Nyang Nyang is another beautiful beach that remains largely untouched, other than a small shack or two.

Much like its neighbour, the dreamy natural oasis is hidden below the towering cliffs and can only be reached via a steep winding path. But unlike Nunggalan, the path to Nyang Nyang is suitable for motorbikes (provided your a confident driver).

However, the small road is steep and dangerous, so we parked at the top and walked down - it only took 15 minutes. During busier periods, locals might offer bike transfers up and down the cliff for a small fee.

The beach has a long stretch of golden sand with just a couple of small warungs selling cold drinks. There's plenty of room to spread out and feel like you have an entire private beach to yourselves.

At high tide, the waves are strong so it is best to avoid the water. At low tide, the reef is largely exposed and you can just about soak in the shallow pools.

At the far end of Nyang Nyang, you'll find the Bubble Hotel (pictured above), a unique beachfront glamping site and one of the coolest places we've stayed in Bali! It's a great spot for a honeymoon or a romantic couples getaway.

4. Uluwatu Beach/Suluban Beach

Uluwatu Beach is a small sandy beach sheltered by tall limestone rocks in the heart of Uluwatu.

While the beach may seem secluded, it actually sits just below several popular bars and restaurants, including Single Fins and the unusual Delphi's Warung.

You'll need to climb down a short but steep staircase into the small bay to reach the beach. At low tide, another secret beach can be accessed by wading through a sea cave, also known as Suluban Beach.

While certainly picturesque, the tiny beach has become increasingly popular in recent years.

During peak times, you'll often need to fight your way past tour groups and Instagram photoshoots to enter the bay. Unfortunately, it's lost its allure as a hidden gem or a peaceful spot for sunbathing.

That's not to say the busy beach isn't worth visiting. If you're an avid surfer, Uluwatu and Suluban are where you'll find one of the best surf breaks in Uluwatu.

5. Dreamland Beach

Dreamland is one of the beaches in Bali we visit most regularly. It's easily accessible, with parking very close to the sand. The beach is well-equipped for tourists, with toilets, showers, shops, sunbeds, and a large local eatery with beach seating.

Just above the beach, you'll also find Klapa Beach Club, one of the region's more laid-back beach clubs where a large infinity pool overlooks the bay.

With its gentle waves and sandy bottom, Dreamland is one of the best beaches for beginner surfers. A couple of surf schools along the beach offer lessons and rental.

Far from a hidden gem, Dreamland has a lively atmosphere throughout the day. Most visitors tend to congregate near the entrance. But if you walk further along the beach, there is space for a more peaceful experience.

Being entirely west-facing, Dreamland is one of the best Bali beaches for watching the sunset each evening.

Many people climb up Dreamland Cliff (near the beach entrance) for sunset. But we prefer to grab a drink from the restaurant at the back of the beach.

6. Balangan Beach

Balangan is one of the most northerly beaches on the Bukit Peninsula, straddling the border between Uluwatu and Jimbaran. If you're visiting from the popular resort towns of Kuta or Seminyak, it's one of the quickest beaches to reach.

Remaining somewhat of a hidden gem, Balangan tends to be much quieter than other spots nearby, making it one of our favorite beaches in Uluwatu for a chilled day out with friends.

The stunning soft sand beach is yet to see the same rise in development as much of the Uluwatu region, with only a few small rustic cafes and surf schools lining the back of the beach. At the far end is a large cliff that's popular for photoshoots and a great vantage point for sunset.

Balangan isn't ideal for swimming due to the exposed reef close to the shore. But at high tide, it is a fantastic surf spot, with waves suitable for beginners and more advanced surfers. Multiple surf schools along the beach offer affordable beginner lessons.

The beach is easy to access, with two parking areas just a short distance from the sand. It doesn't matter which one you park in.

7. Pandawa Beach

Sitting along the south coast between Uluwatu to the west and Nusa Dua to the east, Pandawa is another of the most accessible and well-equipped white sand beaches in Bali. It's the perfect spot for a hassle-free beach day with kids or those with mobility issues.

The sandy beach has plenty of fantastic facilities, including numerous restaurants, shops, and showers lining the back of the beach and a seemingly never-ending row of sun loungers on the sand.

The beach is popular among Indonesians, so you can expect many smaller local warungs and cafes. But if you are looking for something more modern and luxurious, Roosterfish and Timbis Beach Club are good choices.

Pandawa is a fantastic spot for swimming in the calm turquoise waters. It's also one of the only beaches in the region where you can rent kayaks to head out onto the ocean.

Despite its popularity with families and larger groups, the 800m long beach is big enough to accommodate everyone, so it rarely feels overcrowded. The western side of the beach is where most of the facilities are. Or for a slightly quieter experience, head to the eastern side near Oka Warung.

In the parking area, you'll find a local vendor renting bicycles and children's ride-ons. Pandawa is connected to nearby Timbis Beach and Batu Barak Beach by a modern coastal road, so there's plenty of space to explore. The entry fee includes access to all three beaches.

8. Mengiat Beach (Nusa Dua Beach)

Nusa Dua’s beautiful white sand beaches are calm azure waters are one of its biggest draws. The area is home to some of the most beautiful, accessible, and cleanest beaches in Bali – mostly thanks to the many high-end beachfront resorts that help to maintain them.

What most people refer to as ‘Nusa Dua Beach’ is actually Mengiat Beach, a long stretch of white sand, home to some of the area's most luxurious hotels and resorts.

Public parking and access are available here. The water in the bay is extremely clear and calm, making it a great place to swim or snorkel. Several vendors offer watersports nearby. The colourful Ayodya Beach Club & Grill is our favourite place along relax on Mengiat Beach.

The southernmost part of Mengiat Beach is Greger Beach, also a beautiful spot only a little quieter in our experience. The beautiful Pura Geger Temple sits on the clifftop overlooking the beach and often hosts Balinese ceremonies.

9. Gunung Payung Beach

Gunung Payung Beach is another beautiful white sand beach along the peninsula's southern coast. It has the allure of a peaceful secluded beach like Green Bowl, but with enough modern amenities for a more comfortable visit.

The small bay is best known for the several caves that punctuate the cliffs at the rear of the beach, including the largest cave which makes a great photo spot! The sand is soft and white and the clear water is calm enough to swim.

Despite being a more natural and secluded beach, there are still some good amenities at Gunung Payung. A vendor offers a handful of sunbeds, parasols, and kayak rental in one area. There's also a large warung just above the beach serving a basic menu of drinks and local dishes. A toilet is available here.

To get to Gunung Payung Beach, you'll need to park in the clifftop parking area then walk down 280 steps for around 10 minutes. The route leads through an unusual cliffside ampitheatre which appears to be abandoned.

Recently, the beach started running a shuttle service which takes you down a private road to the warung just above the bay. From here, there are only 50 steps down to the beach. The shuttle doesn't have a set schedule and costs 25,000 IDR for a return journey.

Beaches in South Bali

10. Sanur Beach

Sanur is one of the most family-friendly resort towns on the island. The long stretch of coastline has a scenic boardwalk, lined with bars, restaurants, cafes, and even a beach club. The calm, shallow water is an ideal place for kids to swim and try a variety of watersports.

What most people call “Sanur Beach” is actually a series of smaller beaches connected by the same boardwalk. Moving from north to south, you’ll find Padang Galak, Sindhu, Segara Ayu (often referred to as Central Sanur Beach), Karang, Semawang, and finally Mertasari Beach.

Walking from one end to the other can take up to 90 minutes, so we prefer cycling. Many vendors offer bicycle hire, but be prepared to negotiate on price. They'll start high, but aim to get them down to around 80,000 IDR per day ⓘ.

Our favourite of Sanur's beaches is Sindhu Beach, which has become even livelier since the ICON shopping mall opened. Some spots we love are Moreno Cafe, Byrdhouse Beach Club, and the restaurant at Tandjung Sari (this little cove is a great area for swimming).

11. Seminyak Beach

Seminyak marks the point where the volcanic black sand beaches of northern Bali begin the transition to more picturesque golden hues of the south. As one of the biggest tourist spots, there's a great atmosphere along the beachfront, especially around sunset.

Although one long beach, there are very distinct sections. The main part of Seminyak Beach has lots of bars and restaurants along the beachfront, with beach seating, live music, and an upbeat atmosphere.

The most famous beach bar (and still our favourite) is La Plancha, a Spanish-inspired bar famous for its colourful parasols and bean bags. It has a minimum spend of 200,000 IDR ⓘ, though you can easily meet this with a drink and some tapas dishes.

Slightly further north is Petitenget Beach, which is much quieter and laid-back. It’s a popular spot for families or groups of friends to hang out and relax.

There are no bars or restaurants directly on Petitenget Beach, so we love to grab a cold coconut and a freshly made crepe from the stalls near the entrance and find a spot on the sand to lay down our beach towel.

The strong waves here are perfect for surfing, but not so great for swimming. If you decide to go in the water, pay close attention to the flags and only swim in the permitted areas.

12. Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran is one of those destinations in Bali that often flies under the radar unless you're booked into one of its high-end hotels.

The small fishing village, close enough to the airport that you can see the planes taking off, is best known as the home of Bali’s largest local fish market. The market sits next to Jimbaran Beach, a long stretch of white sand that goes on for more than 4km (if you include neighbouring Kedonganan and Kelan Beaches).

During the day, the enormous beach is very peaceful - a rarity for such a beautiful spot in southern Bali. The waves here are much calmer than the beaches further along the west coast, although it wouldn’t be our top pick for swimming when compared to the likes of Melasti or those on the east coast.

As the sun sets, the atmosphere on Jimbaran Beach really comes alive when it transforms into a popular dining location. Both tourists and locals come here to enjoy freshly caught produce served to them at the candle-lit tables spread across the sand.

Being a west-facing beach, you get an excellent view of the sunset if you head there early enough.

We’re not avid fish eaters, but after visiting with friends who take their seafood seriously, we can confirm that it lived up to their expectations and was very affordable as far as seafood goes.

Beaches in North Bali

13. Pasut Beach

Pasut Beach is one of the most underrated beaches in Bali – it even took us by surprise.

We think it’s one of the most beautiful black sand beaches on the island, yet it’s also one of the most untouched. Perhaps the two go hand in hand.

It’s backed by an amazing palm tree forest that contrasts perfectly with the dark hues of the sand and makes for some epic photo opportunities. Add a sunset into the mix and it’s a photographer’s dream. But keep in mind that the beach gets busier in the evenings for this exact reason.

The beach also has some special features. One oddly shaped palm tree hangs towards the ocean which you can climb up if you’re brave enough, while a free-to-use rope swing sits between two others.

It’s not just the palm trees that make this beach unique. The sand is also dense enough to drive on. We saw several groups having a blast as they sped around on motorbikes and 4x4s. You can also join a quad bike tour along the beach.

Should you want to get some food, there is one restaurant called Lilly by the Sea along the back of the beach which we loved. It has beach club vibes with an infinity pool overlooking the sand.

14. Pantai Bias Tugel

Pantai Bias Tugel is a hidden gem beach, tucked in a little cove in East Bali, not far from Padangbai harbour.

The white sand beach has very little development compared to other beaches in Bali, although there are plenty of local warungs and beach bars where you can rent a sunbed and order food and drinks.

There's a small parking area (big enough for scooters or drop-offs), followed by approximately 75 steps down to the sand. It's pretty easy to reach.

You can swim at Pantai Bias Tugel, but the waves can get pretty big as large ships pass the harbour.

15. Virgin Beach

Virgin Beach is the most popular beach in East Bali, offering a laid-back and more rustic escape from the busier beaches in the south. Just north of Candidasa, this wide golden bay is ideal for swimming and snorkelling thanks to its clear, calm water.

A new parking area now allows you to drive right down to the shore, making it accessible for everyone. Despite its growing popularity, the beach still feels relaxed and local. You can rent a sunbed on the sand or settle in at one of the simple warungs along the beach. The Fisherman’s Café is a great pick, especially if you enjoy fresh seafood.

Virgin Beach Restaurant is a newer addition with its own pool overlooking the beach, while a small headland to the south offers a scenic viewpoint and a campsite.

Beaches on the Nusa Islands

16. Diamond Beach

Next we head across to the Nusa Islands, which sit around 30 minutes from mainland Bali by boat. One of the most famous beaches on Nusa Penida (the largest of the three islands) is Diamond Beach, named after the diamond-shaped rock that pokes out of the turquoise blue water.

The beach has only been accessible since 2018, when a staircase was carved into the cliffside. And with several hundred steps down to the bottom, it’s hard work getting there. But the journey is worthwhile and the picturesque views along the way are a great distraction.

At the bottom, you’ll find a stunning, untouched white sand beach. There are no sun beds, no warungs or cafes, and no annoying vendors here - just a small slice of paradise that's perfect for relaxing in the sun. However, the waves can get pretty strong here, so swimming is prohibited.

When we last visited, there was a fee of 35,000 IDR, which also included access to neighbouring Atuh Beach (this is next on our list). We'd suggest visiting Diamond Beach early in the morning. In the afternoon, the towering cliffs block the sun leaving it mostly in the shade.

17. Atuh Beach

Adjacent to Diamond Beach is Atuh Beach, which is most notable for the small limestone arch that sits just offshore.

The picturesque white sand beach has a row of sunbeds and parasols and a few tiny warungs selling cold drinks and snacks. But don't expect any fancy or modern facilities.

Like Diamond Beach, you’ll have to conquer a steep descent down a long staircase to reach the beach. But unlike its neighbour, you can cool down with a dip in the water after your trek down. The beach sits within a sheltered bay and the waves are usually pretty calm, making it a popular spot for swimming.

There are two entrances to Atuh Beach - an official entrance to the south and a local one to the north. We’ve tried both and would recommend the south entrance (Google Maps pin). It's a slightly longer route but the path is better maintained and it’s easier to combine your visit with neighbouring Diamond Beach (included with your ticket).

Watch out for the mischievous monkeys that sometimes hang out near the steps. They've never caused us any problems but hold your valuables tightly to be safe.

18. Crystal Bay

Crystal Bay is one of the few beaches on Nusa Penida that you can actually drive all the way down to (albeit not a great road). The white sand beach is known for its crystal clear water that provides excellent visibility when snorkelling, hence the name.

Despite being easy to access, Crystal Bay isn't an 'Instagram spot' so it doesn’t get as crowded as other beaches on Penida. Use this to your advantage and enjoy a relaxing day in paradise without the steep climb up and down.

A handful of warungs line the back of the beach and dozens of sun loungers offer shade from the sun. We paid 100,000 IDR ⓘ for two, but prices are negotiable. Crystal Bay is one of the few west-facing beaches on the island so head here at the end of the day to enjoy an impressive sunset.

19. Kelingking Beach

Perhaps the most iconic attraction on Nusa Penida, if not the whole of Bali, is Kelingking Beach.

Here, a giant limestone headland protrudes out into the ocean and resembles a T-rex with its mouth wide open. Once you’ve seen the dinosaur, you can’t unsee it!

At the bottom of the headland is a beautiful secluded cove with yet another untouched white sand beach. And this beach really is untouched as the path leading down to it is probably the hardest on all of Nusa Penida.

There are hundreds of steep and uneven steps winding their way down, with some parts where you actually have to climb down the cliff edge with the help of a rope. I’ve not yet attempted this, but Emily has and described it as "one of the toughest things she's ever done!".

If you plan on braving the climb, make sure you have decent footwear for climbing down rocks and take plenty of water with you. The hike takes around 30 minutes each way.

If you skip the hike, you're not alone. Most people visiting Kelingking don’t venture down to the beach but simply enjoy the iconic view from the clifftop.

The viewpoints can get extremely crowded, so it’s best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon when you'll avoid the daytrippers. Alternatively, watch this reel for a secret viewpoint at Kelingking Beach away from the crowds.

20. Dream Beach

For the final two beaches on our list, we're heading across to Nusa Lembongan. Dream Beach is the most popular beach on the island. And for good reason.

Rugged cliffs shelter the golden sand and turquoise waters, which can be reached via a stone staircase from the cafe and car park above. You can bring your own towel and sunbathe on the sand for free, or hire a deckchair or beanbag for a little extra comfort.

At high tide, it’s possible to paddle in the calm, crystal-clear waters at Dream Beach. But it’s best not to swim too far out where the waves get significantly stronger. At low tide, there are a few natural caves in the cliffs on the east side of the beac,h which are fun to explore.

There's a short set of steep steps down to the sand which should be manageable for most. But if accessibility is an issue, a couple of restaurants sit on the clifftop with daybeds and infinity pools overlooking the scenic bay. You can use all of the facilities at Cafe Pandan if you purchase food or drinks or by paying just 50k per person.

21. Jungutbatu Beach

Jungutbatu is Nusa Lembongan's main hub, where you’ll find the majority of oceanfront cafes, bars, and accommodations. It’s also where many of the ferries from Bali first arrive.

Easily accessible from the main street, the gorgeous white sand beach is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and a variety of watersports.

Jungutbatu is also where you’ll find some of the best sunsets on the island. Head out onto the water on a stand-up paddleboard or grab a cocktail from one of the beach bars and watch as the deep blue skies turn to vibrant shades of pink, orange, and red.

FAQs

Is Padang Padang Beach worth visiting?

Uluwatu's Padang Padang is one of the best-known beaches in Bali, famous for its appearance in Julia Roberts' iconic movie Eat Pray Love and its world-renowned surf break.

We're sure you'll find it featured on every other of list of top beaches in Bali. So why haven't we included it? Unfortunately, Padang Padang has become a victim of its own popularity.

The beach is one of the smallest in the area and gets extremely overcrowded. And even if you do find somewhere to lay down your towel, you'll spend your time warding off the notorious troupe of monkeys and local hawkers trying to sell you drinks and tourist knick-knacks.

In our opinion, Padang Padang is overrated. Unless you're especially coming for the surf, we'd recommend heading to one of Uluwatu's other beaches instead.