Famous for its picturesque terraced rice fields, ancient temples, and vibrant culture, Bali is also home to some of the world’s most stunning beaches.
Its 5,780 km coastline offers everything from tranquil, secluded coves to bustling hotspots with lively nightlife.
Over the past weeks, we embarked on an unforgettable journey to uncover the 11 best beaches in Bali for 2023. Here’s the result of our sandy, salty, sun-soaked adventure.
Top Beaches in Bali – Swimming, Surfing and Sunbathing
1. Kuta Beach
Kuta Beach, once a quiet fishing village, is now the hub of Bali’s tourism. Its long stretch of golden sand and consistently good waves make it a popular spot for surfers, especially beginners. Here, we spent hours riding the waves and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere.
Beyond surfing, Kuta Beach offers an array of beachside cafes, bars, and restaurants, perfect for savoring Balinese cuisine while enjoying the splendid ocean view. At night, the beach transforms into a lively party scene, with music and fire dance performances setting the mood.
Walking down the beach, we also came across the Bali Sea Turtle Society (BSTS), where you can witness turtle hatchlings being released into the sea. This conservation effort is a heartwarming experience that adds a unique charm to Kuta Beach.
Where to stay: Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort, Hard Rock Hotel Bali
2. Seminyak Beach
Just north of Kuta, Seminyak Beach presents a more luxurious, sophisticated vibe. It’s lined with high-end resorts, trendy restaurants, and chic boutiques that reflect Bali’s cosmopolitan side.
We found the beach itself to be wider and quieter than Kuta, making it ideal for a relaxing sunbathe or a peaceful walk along the shore. The waves here are excellent for surfing too, attracting both novices and experienced surfers.
Seminyak Beach is famous for its stunning sunsets. We made sure to visit one of the beach clubs, where you can sip on a cocktail while lounging on a bean bag or a hammock, taking in the breathtaking view.
What adds to the charm of Seminyak Beach is its close proximity to some of Bali’s most renowned temples, including the Petitenget Temple. This centuries-old sacred site offers a glimpse into the island’s rich culture and history.
Where to stay: Anantara Seminyak Bali Resort, Alila Seminyak
3. Jimbaran Beach
Heading south from Kuta, we arrived at Jimbaran Beach. A beautiful crescent of white sand hugging the calm waters of Jimbaran Bay, this beach is a haven for those seeking a tranquil retreat. We relished the chance to unwind and soak up the sun in this peaceful setting.
But what really sets Jimbaran Beach apart is its legendary seafood. As dusk settles, beachfront cafes light up their barbecues, and the irresistible aroma of grilled fish fills the air. Dining barefoot on the beach, with tables set right on the sand, we feasted on a range of seafood – from snapper to prawns to squid – all caught fresh and grilled to perfection.
Jimbaran Beach also offers an array of water sports, including jet-skiing and parasailing, and the shallow, calm waters make it a great spot for families with children.
Where to stay: Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay, InterContinental Bali Resort
4. Nusa Dua Beach
Our next stop was Nusa Dua, an area known for its cluster of high-end resorts. Nusa Dua Beach, with its exceptionally clear water and soft white sand, is nothing short of a tropical paradise. The well-maintained, clean surroundings and tranquil waters were a welcome sight.
We spent a leisurely day here, snorkeling in the clear waters and discovering a vibrant underwater world. For those more adventurous, water sports like jet-skiing, banana boat rides, and parasailing are also available.
The beach is lined with manicured gardens and statues, reflecting the local culture. A walk down the beachfront path led us to Water Blow, where we watched the sea water erupt and crash against the rocks in a spectacular display.
Where to stay: The St. Regis Bali Resort, The Mulia
5. Padang Padang Beach
Making our way to the Bukit Peninsula, we reached Padang Padang Beach. This beach may be small, but it’s famous worldwide among the surfing community. Known for its powerful waves, it’s not for the faint-hearted – but for surfers, it’s a dream come true.
Beyond the surf, Padang Padang Beach is a beautiful spot to spend a day. Enclosed by rocks and cliffs, the beach feels like a secluded, secret spot. Its beauty hasn’t gone unnoticed by Hollywood – the beach was featured in the film “Eat, Pray, Love.”
While the surf can get heavy, the shallows near the sand are safe for swimming. We loved the unique vibe of this beach and can’t wait to return.
Where to stay: Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort, Suarga Padang Padang
6. Amed Beach
Journeying towards the east of Bali, we made our way to Amed Beach, renowned for its exceptional snorkeling and diving opportunities. The quiet, laid-back atmosphere makes this beach a great retreat away from the busier parts of the island.
The black volcanic sand gives this beach a unique look and is a stark contrast to the beautiful blue water. What’s unique about Amed is the abundance of marine life close to the shore, making it ideal for snorkeling.
We found ourselves surrounded by tropical fish of every imaginable color. For the more adventurous, several local businesses offer dive trips to nearby shipwrecks. We can safely say that the underwater beauty of Amed Beach is a sight to behold.
Where to stay: Amed Beach Villa, Onlyou Villas
7. Uluwatu Beach
South Bali is home to Uluwatu Beach, a surfer’s paradise with stunning cliffs and a pristine coastline. The waves at Uluwatu Beach are legendary, so much so that it’s a hot spot for international surfing competitions.
Apart from the allure of surfing, the place is also known for the Uluwatu Temple, perched high on the cliff, providing incredible views of the ocean. We were thrilled to watch a captivating Kecak dance performance at the temple during sunset.
As the day wound down, we found many beach clubs and restaurants perched on the cliff overlooking the beach. The fresh seafood we had here, with the beach as our backdrop, is a memory we’ll cherish forever.
Where to stay: Bulgari Resort Bali, Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort
8. Virgin Beach
Located in the Karangasem regency, Virgin Beach stole our hearts with its tranquility and natural beauty. Also known as Perasi Beach, this is one of the few remaining hidden beaches in Bali, giving it an off-the-beaten-path charm.
The secluded beach is surrounded by green hills, and the journey to the beach itself is quite scenic. Its white sandy beach, rare in Bali, is perfect for lounging, and the calm, clear water is perfect for swimming.
While the amenities here are basic, the tranquility more than makes up for it. We particularly enjoyed the small warungs (local eateries) on the beach, serving up delicious Balinese food right on the sand.
Where to stay: Villa Campuhan, Tirta Ayu Hotel & Restaurant
9. Nusa Lembongan Beach
Just a 30-minute speedboat ride from the mainland, Nusa Lembongan is a beach lover’s dream. We were spellbound by the crystal-clear water, colorful coral reefs, and the rich marine life, making it an ideal spot for snorkeling and diving.
Aside from the water activities, the seaweed farms in Nusa Lembongan were a unique sight, and the local village offered an intimate look into the traditional Balinese way of life. The suspension bridge to the neighboring island of Nusa Ceningan is also worth a visit.
Where to stay: Lembongan Beach Club and Resort, Lembongan Island Beach Villas
10. Canggu Beach
Canggu is the beach town where Bali’s hip culture thrives. With an array of beach clubs, yoga studios, and vegan-friendly cafes, Canggu has become a favorite among digital nomads.
The beach itself, with its black sand and great surf, draws both beginners and pro surfers. While we spent the day catching waves, the evenings were for unwinding at a beachfront bar with a cocktail, watching the sunset.
Where to stay: COMO Uma Canggu, Aston Canggu Beach Resort
11. Bingin Beach
Last but not least, Bingin Beach, a hidden gem on the Bukit peninsula, is known for its stunning cliffside location and powerful waves. The steep cliffs offer a stunning panoramic view of the Indian Ocean.
The beach is accessible only by foot, which adds to its secluded appeal. Whether it was the friendly locals, the rustic beach huts, or the powerful surf breaks, Bingin Beach held a charm that made us fall in love with it.
Where to stay: The Bingin Beach Villas, Mick’s Place
FAQs: Best Beaches in Bali
What is the nicest beach in Bali?
Bali boasts many beautiful beaches, each with its unique charm. However, Seminyak Beach is often regarded as the nicest due to its combination of vibrant beach life, luxurious resorts, great dining options, and a stunning coastline.
Which side of Bali has better beaches?
Both sides of Bali offer beautiful beaches, but they offer different experiences. The beaches in South Bali such as Seminyak, Kuta, and Nusa Dua are known for their vibrant nightlife, luxury resorts, and surfing spots. In contrast, the beaches in East Bali, such as Virgin Beach and Amed Beach, are more secluded and peaceful, making them great for relaxation and snorkeling.
What is the most crowded beach in Bali?
Kuta Beach is the most crowded beach in Bali. Known as the epicenter of Bali’s beach life, it’s famous for its lively nightlife, shopping, and surfing, attracting tourists from around the world.
Which beach is not crowded in Bali?
Virgin Beach, also known as Perasi Beach, is one of the less crowded beaches in Bali. Its secluded location in Karangasem regency gives it an off-the-beaten-path charm. The beach offers tranquility and natural beauty, perfect for those seeking peace and relaxation.