The Best Bali Beaches
Bali has been attracting travellers for decades, largely due to the fantastic beaches on offer. At first it was the golden sands of the then undeveloped Kuta that attracted backpackers and adventurous surfers looking to surf the warm tropical waters. While the island has changed a lot since that time, the fantastic beaches are still a major attraction of the island. So if you’re looking for a world class surf break, a trendy beach club or an isolated stretch of beach to yourself, you can still find it all right here. From the unusual black sands of the beaches in northern Bali, to the stunning sunsets of Seminyak beach to the surf breaks and beach clubs on the Bukit Peninsula, read on to find out more with our ultimate Bali Beach Guide.
Kuta Beach is where it all started, and the golden sands and surf breaks of this beach still attract the crowds in droves. If you’re looking for an isolated stretch of sands to yourself you won’t find it here, but what you will find is surf breaks suitable for beginners, close proximity to every amenity you can need and a great holiday vibe. This stretch of beach is a crescent that stretches for about 10km all the way up the coast line to Canggu. If you’re an early riser, you’ll be able to enjoy a stroll on the beach at sunrise, and sense the calm of quieter times. As you follow the beach west towards Seminyak, you’ll come to some of the island’s famous beach clubs, including Kut De Ta and Potato Head. Enjoy a cocktail in the pool here, of hire a sun lounger on the sands. The sunsets are a simply sensational kaleidoscopic display that isn’t to be missed.
A little further along the coast, you’ll find the beaches of Canggu. There are plenty of options when it comes to grabbing some refreshments here – from La Laguna Bar to the trendy Finns Beach Club to cool bamboo huts on the beach serving up ice cold Bintangs. Walk a few minutes away from the main focal points however and you’ll find a strip of sand to lay down your sarong and soak up the sun on a stretch of beach all to yourself. If surfing is your thing, the waves here are great to beginners and long boarders, and more experienced surfers will also love the waves at the famous Echo Beach.
For something different, head further up this stretch of coast past Tannah Lot and head to Yeh Gengga Beach, or Kedungu Beach. Here you’ll find stretches of deserted beach, backed by palm trees and rice paddies. Off the tourist trail you’ll see traditional villages and stunning scenery on your way. Be prepared for a surprise when you get there though – black not golden sands await you. This is a result of the volcanic rock from which the sand is formed.
The Bukit Peninusla, on the south of Bali is home to some of the best Bali beaches, where golden sands meet the clear blue waters of the Indian ocean. Jimbaran Bay is a great place for a sunset stroll and then to enjoy a freshly grilled fish dinner from one of the numerous fish grills on the beach. Balangan Beach is a great option for both sunbathing and surfing. Sun loungers can be rented on the golden sands and there are several warungs selling traditional Indonesian food and cool drinks. When the surf is pumping, you can still find a quiet spot for a swim too. Bingin Beach involves a climb down some serious stairs to get there but is well worth the effort. Numerous guesthouse and cafes cling to the cliffs, including the famous Cashew Tree where some of the island’s best bands can be heard getting the crowd rocking. The beach itself is fairly narrow, but the sands soft. The surf break here is fast and on a reef so not for beginners, but a lagoon on the inside of the reef can provide a great place for swimming at high tide. Dreamlands is another great option in this area, and Padang Padang again offers golden sands and world class waves. At low tide, it’s even a popular place for rock climbing on the cliffs.
Geger Beach in Nusa Dua is another must visit Bali beach. A wide crescent of beach, where you can hire a sun lounger or find a spot of sand for yourself and lay down on your towel. There’s an outer reef which is where the famous surf break is – boats can be hired to save you the paddle out if you’re here for the waves. The inside lagoon is always calm making it perfect for swimming, and kayaks and stand up paddle boards can also be rented here.
If you really want seclusion on the beach, head north to Amed. Here quiet villages and low-key resorts are nestled in the many bays and the pace of life is slower than in south Bali. The beaches here are sometimes black sand again, but the pay off is seclusion in an an area of truly outstanding natural beauty. The calm waters and rich marine life also make Amed the perfect area for snorkelling and scuba diving. You can rent snorkelling gear on most beaches and there are also plenty of dive schools in the area. Tulamben Shipwreck, a sunken ship from World War Two is easily accessible and is well worth a visit to dive or snorkel. As you continue along the northern coast of Bali, you wont fail but to be impressed by the scenery as rugged volcanos rise to form a dramatic landscape as you look inland. Along the coast inviting waters and beaches are ever present. At Lovina you may be able to swim with dolphins, while the West Bali National Park in Pemuteran offers stunning secluded beach where marine and wild life abounds.
From the trendy beach clubs of Seminyak to world class surf breaks on the Bukit to the seclusion of Amed, there’s a Bali Beach for you. The hardest question is going to be ‘Which one should I visit first?’
If you’re looking to get out and about on your Bali holiday you may also be interested in our Top Things to do in Bali Guide. https://www.balivillasandmore.com/things-to-do-in-bali/
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