Bali’s stunning beaches are legendary, drawing travelers from around the world to sink their toes into soft sands and splash in clear waters. But with so many beaches lining the island’s shores, how do you choose the perfect stretch for your Balinese getaway? Luckily, we’ve done the research for you. So grab your sunscreen and let’s explore the best coastal spots this Indonesian paradise has to offer.
1. Seminyak Beach
Seminyak Beach is one of the favorite beaches for those who love a nice tan. This long stretch of soft sand is lined with trendy beach clubs, boutique hotels, and upscale restaurants. Spend your day sunbathing, surfing the beginner-friendly waves, or people-watching at lively spots like Potato Head Beach Club.
- Address: Jalan Kayu Aya, Seminyak, Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
- Timings: Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: A 30-minute taxi ride from Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Swimming, surfing, beach clubs, sunset cocktails, boutique shopping
- Best time to visit: Dry season (April to October)
- Accommodation:The Oberoi Beach Resort, W Bali – Seminyak, Alila Seminyak
- Top restaurants:Merah Putih, Sardine, Metis
2. Nusa Dua Beach
Nusa Dua Beach is a serene spot ideal for families and friends. The calm, shallow waters are perfect for little ones to splash around in. There are also plenty of water sports on offer, from snorkeling to kayaking. Many of Bali’s most luxurious resorts line this pristine beach.
- Address: ITDC Complex, Nusa Dua, Badung, Bali 80363, Indonesia
- Timings: Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: A 20-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, building sandcastles
- Best time to visit: Dry season (April to October)
- Accommodation:The St. Regis Bali Resort, The Mulia, Sofitel Bali Nusa Dua Beach Resort
- Top restaurants:Soleil, Raja’s Balinese, Kwee Zeen
3. Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach on Bali’s southeastern coast has a laid-back village vibe. A paved beachfront path makes it perfect for jogging or cycling. At low tide, you can walk hundreds of meters out on the exposed sand flats. Water sports like kitesurfing and wakeboarding are popular here.
- Address: Sanur, Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia
- Timings: Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: A 25-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Swimming, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, cycling, strolling the beachfront promenade
- Best time to visit: Dry season (April to October)
- Accommodation:Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali, Maya Sanur Resort & Spa, Segara Village Hotel
- Top restaurants:Massimo, Cafe Batu Jimbar, The Glass House
4. Melasti Beach
Melasti Beach sits at the base of towering cliffs near Uluwatu Temple. The bright white sand and clear turquoise waters make it a photographer’s favorite. Take a dip in the calm cove or explore the rocky outcrops at either end. Aim to visit at low tide for the widest expanse of sand.
- Address: Jl. Melasti Ungasan, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
- Timings: Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: A 40-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Swimming, beach photography, sunbathing, beach walks
- Best time to visit: Dry season (April to October)
- Accommodation:Karma Kandara, Banyan Tree Ungasan, Renaissance Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa
- Top restaurants: Ju-Ma-Na, ROOSTERFISH Beach Club
5. Pandawa Beach
Also known as Secret Beach, Pandawa Beach was only accessible via a steep, rocky staircase until recently. Now a paved road leads to this gorgeous 1-kilometer stretch of white sand. Colorful umbrellas and sun loungers line the beach, while local warungs serve fresh seafood and cold Bintangs.
- Address: Kutuh, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Timings: Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: A 40-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Swimming, sunbathing, beach volleyball, seafood BBQs
- Best time to visit: Dry season (April to October)
- Accommodation:Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran, AYANA Resort and Spa, BALI, Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay
- Top restaurants:PandawaBob Seafood, Pandawa Cliff Estate
6. Dreamland Beach
Dreamland Beach lives up to its name with golden sands, azure waters, and dramatic limestone cliffs. It’s a popular spot for surfers, who come to ride the left-hand reef break. Non-surfers can swim in the sheltered cove or sip sundowners at one of the clifftop bars.
- Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
- Timings: Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: A 40-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Surfing, swimming, beach walks, sunset drinks
- Best time to visit: Dry season (April to October)
- Accommodation:The Ungasan Clifftop Resort, Sal Secret Spot, Klapa Resort
- Top restaurants:Dolu, Mick’s Place, El Kabron
7. Crystal Bay
Crystal Bay on the island of Nusa Penida is known for its crystal-clear waters and excellent snorkeling. Colorful fish and coral gardens lie just offshore. The half-moon beach is flanked by soaring cliffs and swaying palm trees. Visit at low tide to walk to the tiny islet of Pulau Batu Pageh.
- Address: Sakti, Nusapenida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Timings: Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: A 30-minute boat ride from Sanur, then a 30-minute drive
- Things to do: Snorkeling, diving, beach walks, island hopping
- Best time to visit: Dry season (April to October)
- Accommodation:Coco Resort Penida, Namaste Bungalows, Ananta Bungalow Nusa Penida
- Top restaurants:Penida Colada, Maruti Beach Club, Kelingking Beach Bar & Restaurant
8. Gunung Payung Beach
Gunung Payung is one of Bali’s most beautiful private beaches. Accessible via a steep flight of stairs, the 300-meter stretch of white sand is rarely crowded. Calm, clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Relax under the thatched umbrellas or take a stroll to Pura Dhang Kahyangan temple.
- Address: Pantai Gunung Payung, Kutuh, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
- Timings: 7 am to 6 pm, everyday
- How to reach: A 30-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Swimming, snorkeling, relaxing, temple visits
- Best time to visit: Dry season (April to October)
- Accommodation:Villa Plenilunio, The Ungasan Clifftop Resort, Karma Kandara
- Top restaurants:di Mare, Ju-Ma-Na
9. Kuta Beach
Bustling Kuta Beach is Bali’s most famous stretch of sand. Popular with backpackers and surfers, it’s known for its lively atmosphere and legendary sunsets. By day, hit the waves, get a beach massage, or browse the countless shops and stalls. By night, the beach comes alive with fire dancers and open-air bars.
- Address: Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
- Timings: Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: A 15-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Surfing, beach shopping, sunset watching, nightlife
- Best time to visit: Dry season (April to October)
- Accommodation:Hard Rock Hotel Bali, Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, The Anvaya Beach Resort Bali
- Top restaurants:Ma Joly, Bamboo Bar & Grill, Feast
10. Padang Padang Beach
Lovely Padang Padang Beach, also known as Pantai Labuan Sait, is nestled between dramatic cliffs on the Bukit Peninsula. Made famous by the movie “Eat, Pray, Love,” it’s a popular spot for beginner surfers and sunbathers. The beach is small but the beauty is big, with fine white sand and stunning turquoise water.
- Address: Jl. Labuan Sait, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
- Timings: Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: A 40-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Surfing, swimming, sunbathing, beach walks
- Best time to visit: Dry season (April to October)
- Accommodation:Suarga Padang Padang, Mu Bali Boutique Resort, Padang Padang Inn
- Top restaurants:Ulu Cliffhouse, Single Fin, The Cashew Tree
11. Uluwatu Beach
Presided over by the 11th-century Uluwatu Temple, this stretch of sand is one of the most iconic beaches in Bali. Uluwatu Beach is a sight to behold, with aquamarine water crashing against the bottom of sheer cliffs. It’s a popular spot to surf, with several breaks including the challenging Uluwatu Left.
- Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
- Timings: Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: 45-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Surfing, watching the Kecak fire dance at Uluwatu Temple, seafood dinners on the beach
- Best time to visit: Dry season (May to September)
- Accommodation:Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort, Alila Villas Uluwatu, Six Senses Uluwatu
- Top restaurants:Ju-Ma-Na at Banyan Tree Ungasan, CIRE at Alila Villas Uluwatu
12. Jimbaran Beach
A wide, gentle curve of white sand, Jimbaran Bay is hands down one of the best beaches to visit in Bali for families. The calm, reef-protected waters are perfect for swimming, while the spectacular sunsets beg for early evening strolls. Jimbaran is also famous for its plentiful seafood restaurants, which set up candlelit tables right on the sand.
- Address: Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
- Timings: Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: 15-minute drive south of Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Swimming, kayaking, sunset walks, seafood dinners on the beach
- Best time to visit: Dry season (May to September)
- Accommodation:Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, Belmond Jimbaran Puri, Ayana Resort & Spa
- Top restaurants:Cuca Flavor Restaurant, Sundara, Menega Cafe
13. Bingin Beach
Just north of Uluwatu lies beautiful Bingin Beach, a hidden gem in Bali that’s well worth seeking out. To access this secluded stretch of white sand, you descend a series of steep, rocky stairs but the pristine beach and epic surf break at the bottom make the effort worthwhile. Bingin has an earthy, laid-back vibe and some great warungs (local eateries) perched on the cliffs.
- Address: Jalan Pantai Bingin, Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
- Timings:Open 24 hours, every day
- How to reach: 50-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Surfing, swimming (at high tide), sunbathing, eating at clifftop warungs
- Best time to visit: Dry season (May to September)
- Accommodation:The Temple Lodge, Mick’s Place, Sun & Surf Stay
- Top restaurants:Kelly’s Warung, The Cashew Tree, Gooseberry Intimates
14. Karma Beach
This stunning private beach in Bali is part of Karma Kandara Resort, perched high on cliffs above. A cable car whisks you down to this hidden cove, where white sands are lapped by azure waters. The beach club here is the perfect spot to while away the day, sipping cocktails between dips.
- Address: Karma Kandara Bali, Jalan Villa Kandara, Selatan Ungasan, Kuta Selatan, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80362, Indonesia
- Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM for Karma Beach Club, everyday
- How to reach: 30-minute drive south of Ngurah Rai International Airport
- Things to do: Swimming, snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, beach club, spa treatments
- Best time to visit: Dry season (May to September)
- Accommodation: Karma Kandara, Elkabron
- Top restaurants: di Mare (Karma Kandara),
FAQs
Are there any entry fees for the beaches in Bali?
Most beaches in Bali are free to enter, but some popular ones, like Dreamland Beach and Padang Padang Beach, may charge a small entrance or parking fee.
Are Bali beaches suitable for families with kids?
Yes, many beaches in Bali, such as Sanur Beach and Nusa Dua Beach, have calm waters and family-friendly facilities, making them ideal for kids.
Is there any dress code for visiting beaches in Bali?
There is no strict dress code, but modest swimwear is recommended on public beaches. When leaving the beach, it’s respectful to cover up with a sarong or light clothing.
What are some must-try local dishes near Bali beaches?
Try fresh seafood at Jimbaran Beach, sate lilit (Balinese fish satay), nasi campur (mixed rice), and babi guling (suckling pig) for an authentic Balinese experience.
Is it safe to swim in the waters of Bali beaches?
Swimming is generally safe, but always check local warnings about strong currents and jellyfish, especially at beaches like Kuta and Uluwatu. Lifeguards are present at some popular beaches.
What facilities are available at the beaches?
Most popular beaches offer sunbeds, umbrellas, showers, food stalls, and rental options for water sports. High-end beaches may also have beach clubs and restaurants.
What should I pack for a day at the beach in Bali?
Pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, swimwear, flip-flops, extra clothes, and cash for food or rentals. A dry bag is useful for keeping valuables safe.
