12 Must-Visit Stunning Beaches in Bali for a Perfect Island Getaway
Discovering Unique Sands in Bali: Despite its volcanic history, the island boasts a variety of gorgeous tan and gray beaches, making it an ideal destination for relaxation.
For a swim, head to the Bukit, where the best beaches are located. For surfers, the southwest coast offers top-notch surf breaks. No matter what you prefer, you'll find plenty of picturesque coves where you can take a leisurely walk and admire stunning sunsets over the water.
Kuta Beach and Seminyak Beach
Bali beaches for sunsets
The Journey Begins at Kuta Beach. The iconic beach continues to attract a large number of beach-goers with its renowned surf spots and breathtaking sunsets. Stroll along the shoreline and find vendors selling refreshing drinks, snacks, and other goodies. Rent surfboards, lounge chairs, and umbrellas or simply bask in the sun on the sand. As the sun sets, the atmosphere transforms into a lively party scene.
As you travel north from Kuta Beach, you'll reach Legian and then Seminyak. The lack of road access in Seminyak results in less crowded beaches compared to Kuta. However, it also means that the beaches are less monitored, leading to unpredictable water conditions. To avoid potential risks, such as rip tides and other hazards, it's recommended to stay in the shallower areas.
Discover the Beauty of Jungutbatu Beach - The Ideal Destination for Day-Trippers.
Located on the western shore of Nusa Lembongan, Jungutbatu Beach boasts an idyllic stretch of white sand and crystal-clear blue water with views of the majestic Gunung Agung volcano on Bali's main island. Take a leisurely walk along the charming seawall walkway, especially at sunset, and marvel at the scenic view of the boats swaying in the water.
Due to the high boat traffic, this beach is better for lounging than swimming. The once-strong odor of farmed seaweed has diminished as the area transforms into a bustling tourist destination. Today, the beach is surrounded by an array of cafes and resorts, making it the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Experience Culinary Delights at Jimbaran Beach - Perfect for Food Lovers.
Jimbaran Beach is one of Bali's finest, with a 4 km (2.5 miles) stretch of well-maintained sand and a variety of food options and sun lounger rentals. The bay's unbroken coral reef provides protection from stronger waves, making it a great spot for bodysurfing.
As the sun sets, Jimbaran truly shines. Seafood restaurants move their tables to the sand, allowing you to indulge in delicious barbecued fish and other seafood as you witness planes soaring over the bay on their descent into Ngurah Rai International Airport.
Surf's Up at Labuan Sait Beach - Ideal for Surfing Enthusiasts.
Though small in size, Labuan Sait Beach is a picture-perfect gem located near the main Ulu Watu road, where a stream meets the sea. This beach is a prime spot for surfing, attracting seasoned surfers for the renowned Padang Padang reef break, nicknamed the Bali pipeline for its long, cylindrical waves.
Even if surfing isn't your thing, you can still enjoy the beauty of Labuan Sait Beach. On Saturday nights, the beach transforms into a lively party spot, attracting people from all walks of life.
Escape to Yeh Leh Beach for Unrivaled Solitude
Discover Bali's wildest and most secluded beach, Yeh Leh. Stretching for 10 km (6 miles) from Pekutatan near Medewi's surf town, Yeh Leh is a virtually unknown gem. Featuring scattered boulders and a unique blend of gray and black volcanic sand, this stretch of coastline has remained largely untouched.
Take a walk down Yeh Leh Beach and enjoy the breathtaking sea views, passing by multiple, seldom-surfed beach breaks along the way. Experience absolute tranquility and seclusion at this hidden gem of Bali.
Sanur Beach - Ideal for a leisurely walk or jog
Sanur Beach boasts a 5km (3 mile) stretch of sandy shoreline, and its beachfront promenade, mostly paved, offers an inviting path for families with strollers and those who enjoy jogging. The beach is well-maintained and relatively serene, much like the town of Sanur itself.
Thanks to the offshore reefs, the waves here are small and gentle, making the beach ideal for families. Most of the resorts along the shoreline are low-key and discreet, contributing to the relaxed and uncrowded atmosphere of the beach. Keep an eye out for the iconic jukung outrigger fishing boats, which are decorated with eyes and beaks that make them resemble giant marlins.
Pemuteran Beach - Ideal for Snorkeling
With its stunning blue waters and green hills, Pemuteran Beach provides a picturesque setting for visitors. Although the sand may be a bit gritty, the beauty of the beach and the surrounding scenery more than make up for it, especially during sunset when the sky is painted with brilliant hues of crimson and orange. Taking a walk along the beach is a popular activity, but the highlight of Pemuteran is its easy-to-access snorkeling and diving reefs. You can rent snorkeling gear near the beach and enter the water through a coral-free path, where you'll find an abundance of fish and gorgeous coral formations.
Blue Lagoon Beach: Ideal for Privacy-Seeking Sunbathers
Nestled behind the eastern headland at Padangbai, a short walk from the town center, lies the secluded Blue Lagoon Beach. This petite and sandy cove, measuring only 60m (200ft), is basked in the early sun and remains relatively tranquil, unlike the busy crowds found on the other side of the bay. Despite the bustling town of Padangbai, Blue Lagoon offers a serene and picturesque escape for those seeking peace and privacy while soaking up the sun.
Amed Beach - Ideal for Scuba Diving
Experience a different vibe at the tranquil beaches of Bali's north coast, including Amed. Away from the noise and bustle, Amed boasts a stunning backdrop of the Agung volcano and calm waters that wash over its gleaming reef. It is a prime destination for scuba diving, attracting enthusiasts to the WWII wreck of the USAT Liberty ship, struck by a Japanese torpedo. Even if you aren't a diver, Amed offers a unique opportunity to snorkel among schools of massive Napoleon wrasse, also known as reef buffalo, in Bali.
Green Bowl Beach: The Ultimate Spot for Spectating Intense Surf
Nestled along the southern coast of Bukit Peninsula, Green Bowl Beach is a serene and picturesque cove that's only accessible by descending 300 concrete steps. While it can get crowded on weekends, it remains peaceful during the week. The beach boasts turquoise waters for swimming, caves for exploring, and a wide lagoon for paddling, making it an ideal location for nature lovers. Additionally, Green Bowl is renowned for its wild surf, attracting surf enthusiasts from all over. Get ready for an awe-inspiring spectacle of waves crashing on the reef, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the beach.
Lebih Beach
Ideal for a respite from Ubud
Located just a 30-minute drive from the heart of Ubud and along the coastal highway, Lebih Beach boasts sparkling sand infused with mica. The shore is dotted with fishing boats, and the aroma of grilled fish wafts from the row of beachside cafes, making them a great spot for a delicious lunch break.
Balangan Beach: Ideal for Unrestricted Tropical Relaxation
Experience Bali's rugged charm in contrast to the luxurious Bukit Peninsula at Balangan Beach. This long, serene shore is set amidst rocky cliffs and surrounded by palm trees, with almost-white sand dotted with sun umbrellas. The beach features surfer bars, cafes in shacks and guesthouses that offer the quintessential beach bum experience.
