Salty hair, a sun-kissed nose, and tan lines that stick around for months on end, there’s nothing better than beach life. And if there’s anywhere that has a knack for beaches, it’s Bali. Bali is blessed with sand-sprinkled adventures, hidden coves, a line-up of watersports, and family-friendly activities. So, gather your group, pack your suncream, turn on that out-of-office, and explore our list of the best beaches in Bali in time for your holiday…
Our Top 10 Beaches in Bali:
1. Bingin Beach: Best for Surfers
The unrivalled views of the Indian Ocean are merely the cherry on top of an already enticing beach. The real appeal is that Bingin Beach is every surfer’s fantasy brought to life – the five-star waves are mighty and challenging enough to poke even the most professional surfers. Getting to the stretch of white sand is the other half of the battle. When you first arrive, you’ll have to walk over uneven rocks and narrow alleyways. So, if you’re a newbie to Bali, you’ve been told. Eventually, you’ll spot the incredible ocean views and see that it’s worth every inch of effort.
2. Kuta Beach: Best for Vibrancy & Fun
Kuta Beach attracts a very international mix of travellers – predominantly a younger crowd, as it’s a favourite among Australians. You should be aware that Kuta is a traffic-frenzied scene, but if that doesn’t bother you, you’ll quickly realise it’s one of the greatest places to meet people. The long sandy beach is complimented by many bars, nightclubs, cheap accommodations, and restaurants. In a nutshell, Kuta’s wild and sultry nightlife is not for the faint of heart, but if you’re looking to tick off sun, sea, and party, then you’ve met your match.
3. Seminyak Beach: Best for Luxury
Seminyak Beach is the beating heart of Bali’s oceanfront action, with a blend of gold to dark sand and bright orange-hued sunsets. Having earned its reputation as Bali’s most stylish and upscale beach resort area, Seminyak bustles with resident expats drinking Bintang in one of the many beach bars. Just footsteps from the waves, you’ll find incredibly moreish dining outlets, lavish villas, luxury spas, designer boutiques, and beach clubs. Ease yourself in by chatting with the locals, learning to surf, or settling into a comfy beanbag for an incredible sundowner.
4. Canggu Beach: Best for Panoramic Scenery
Canggu Beach sets the tone for travellers looking to enjoy the slow-paced Balinese life. Incomparable to Seminyak – Canggu remains a very rural area, and between the black sand beaches, are the views of the verdant green rice paddies. Like something out of a movie, it’s the kind of scenery you won’t be able to find elsewhere. Gathering less of a crowd, it’s far easier to appreciate the sunsets from Canggu Beach. Munch away on chargrilled corn and watch another day disappear into the horizon.
5. Sanur Beach: Best for Coastal Ambience
Dreamlike and ultra-relaxed, Sanur Beach marks the spot to kick back. As one of Bali’s earliest beach resorts, Sanur pays homage to its classical fishing era with a subtle contemporary energy. As for the beach, families will be fans of the limp waves – all thanks to the reef and water breaks. A laidback atmosphere lingers in the air, which may be one of the many reasons Sanur continues to attract repeat visitors, mainly from Europe. If you’re not down by the beach, you can also explore the mix of bars, shops, and restaurants.
6. Jimbaran Beach: Best for Authenticity
Jimbaran Beach is the antidote to the stresses of modern-day life. The 3km stretch of glittering sand, azure waters, and secluded areas are all yours to explore well…sort of. You’ll be sharing the beach with the local fisherman. They’ll cast their nets each morning, and whatever they catch, they’ll sell at the local markets. As the island’s seafood hub, there are plenty of places to taste the catch of the day. Beachfront BBQs are a thing, but you can also head to the bay before the sunsets and choose your poison – only to devour it a few minutes later.
7. Nusa Dua Beach: Best for Families
Nusa Dua Beach is so spotless it almost looks manmade. It borders Nusa Dua’s resort area and is the perfect setting for a family with young children and teens. The beach is a sheer delight; the waters are warm enough, and there’s plenty to see and do to keep the whole family happy. Thrill-seeking water sports, a luxurious 18-hole golf course, and an upmarket shopping complex – this beach has everything. Fun-filled days have never been easier on beaches in Bali.
8. Pasir Putih Beach: Best for Instagram
Also known as White Sand Beach, Virgin Beach, and Hidden Beach (call it what you like), Pasir Putih’s reputation precedes it as one of the best beaches in Bali. Despite its remote location, its popularity has prompted a number of locally-run restaurants to open by the parking area. Several warungs also provide gear rentals and excursions if you’re after that sort of thing. But really, we love how spectacularly hidden the beach is, cradled between hills and greenery.
9. Amed Beach: Best for Diving
If you’re a keen diver, the chances of you already having Amed Beach on your beaches in Bali hit list are high. Remaining under the tourist trap radar, the beach features black sands and looming volcanoes as the backdrop. Amed is home to technicolour reefs, so grab your goggles, yank on those swimmers, and get ready to explore the most beautiful coral garden. And if this isn’t enough, adventure awaits beneath the waves at nearby Tulamben, where you can explore the US Liberty Shipwreck.
10. Padang Padang Beach: Best for 5 Minutes of Fame
You may (or may not) already recognise Padang Padang Beach from ‘Eat, Pray, Love’, starring Julia Roberts. But tourists flock from all over the world to visit this specific beach on their holidays. Smaller than most beaches in Bali, the waters are calm, and the setting is impressive. Visit in the early mornings to catch the sunrise or late afternoon once the crowds have started to fade.
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Inspired by our list of the best beaches in Bali? Take a look at our collection of luxury villas in Bali and start planning your next beachside escape! Speak to our friendly Concierge team for help planning your trip.
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