Bali and beaches are inseparable. When you think of this island paradise, it’s impossible not to picture golden sands, rolling surf, and fiery sunsets. But beyond the postcards, Bali’s coastline tells the story of the island itself — a mix of energy, ritual, and rhythm shaped by culture and nature. The west coast faces the Indian Ocean with its bold waves and legendary sunsets, while the north and east open to calm waters, perfect for snorkelling and reflection. Some beaches shimmer in volcanic black, others glow white against turquoise seas, yet each has its own pulse.
Whether you’re chasing waves, travelling with family, or simply in need of a quiet morning where fishermen cast their nets into the dawn light, Bali’s beaches offer more than a view — they offer a sense of place.
Here’s our complete guide to Bali’s best beaches, arranged by region.
CANGGU
Echo Beach & Old Man’s – Best for Surf & Sunsets
Canggu is where surf culture meets café life, and nowhere shows that balance better than Echo Beach. The wide, black-sand shoreline is a favourite for photographers, sunbathers, and surfers alike. Reef breaks draw experienced riders, while the beach’s social scene draws everyone else. At sunset, locals and travellers gather on beanbags with cold drinks as the sky burns orange.
Nearby, Old Man’s Beach is slightly less rocky and a touch friendlier for intermediate surfers. The energy is upbeat, casual, and creative — think sandy feet, happy dogs, and beach bars that flow effortlessly from afternoon to night.
Local Tip: Walk north from Echo Beach toward Pererenan for quieter sands and a more local crowd. You’ll still catch the same spectacular sunset but with fewer cameras around.
Echo Beach & Old Man’s – Best for Surf & Sunsets
Berawa sits at the heart of Canggu’s social scene. The beach stretches wide, dotted with colourful beanbags and surfboards stacked under palm shades. It’s also home to some of Bali’s most famous clubs and restaurants — from Finn’s Beach Club and Morabito Art Cliff to laid-back Caravan. The waves here suit intermediate surfers, though currents can be strong, so it’s best for board riders rather than swimmers.
Come late afternoon, Berawa transforms into a golden-hour playground — families, locals, and travellers all sinking into the same lazy rhythm as the sun slides into the sea.
Hidden Gem: A short walk south brings you to Petitenget Beach, one of the most balanced stretches on this coastline. It’s calmer and more spacious than Berawa, better for swimming, and home to iconic spots like La Lucciola, Alila Seminyak, and W Bali. With fewer crowds and plenty of beachfront cafés, it’s where many locals go when they want the Canggu energy with Seminyak comfort.
Find the best hotels in Canggu here
SEMINYAK & KUTA
Seminyak Beaches – Best for Stylish Lounging & Sunsets
Seminyak’s coastline runs for over 5km, linking some of the most iconic beach scenes in Bali: Double Six, Seminyak, Petitenget, and Batu Belig. Each has its own personality.
Double Six Beach is vibrant and full of life — think surf schools, cocktails under parasols, and spontaneous games of beach volleyball. Seminyak Beach itself blends that buzz with sophistication. Legendary spots like Ku De Ta, Potato Head, and Mano Beach House have turned sunset hour into a ritual of their own. For something a little more local, Batu Belig Beach is an underrated gem with a relaxed mix of locals and expats, plus the always-lively 707 Beach Berm.
Local Tip: Head to Mano Beach House for a quieter sunset drink away from the larger crowds of Seminyak. The view’s just as good, and the playlists are better.
Kuta & Legian – Best for Surf Beginners & Beach Fun
Kuta is where Bali’s beach story began. Once a humble fishing village, it became the island’s first surf hub in the 1970s, luring travellers with cheap rooms and endless waves. Today, the energy remains — surfboards lined up on golden sand, instructors calling out to beginners, the air thick with salt and suncream.
For me, Legian Beach — the village I call home — captures Bali’s everyday beauty best. It’s where life feels unfiltered: massage ladies chatting, kites flying, kids playing football at sunset. The waves are playful, ideal for first-timers or those just chasing fun. Stay long enough, and you’ll recognise faces; it’s one of those beaches where community still matters.
Favourite Spot: Order a coconut or a cold Bintang from the local beach bars like Kanoa or Cookies, settle into a beanbag, and just watch the light change. That’s Legian — simple, timeless, endlessly soothing.
Explore Seminyak’s top stays HERE
BUKIT & ULUWATU BEACHES
Jimbaran Bay – Best for Seafood & Romantic Sunsets
Jimbaran is where the day ends with grilled fish and the sound of waves. Its 3km crescent of sand curves around calm waters, lined with seafood warungs serving the catch of the day. Dinner is eaten barefoot on the sand as the sun fades and lanterns flicker.
If you prefer something polished, Sundara Beach Club and Ibiza in Bali add a touch of elegance without losing that coastal charm. Come early for cocktails, stay late for the soft glow of candles and live music drifting across the bay.
Local Tip: Visit around 5:30pm to see local fishermen pull in their nets before the beach transforms into an open-air dining strip.
Jimbaran is where the day ends with grilled fish and the sound of waves. Its 3km crescent of sand curves around calm waters, lined with seafood warungs serving the catch of the day. Dinner is eaten barefoot on the sand as the sun fades and lanterns flicker.
If you prefer something polished, Sundara Beach Club and Ibiza in Bali add a touch of elegance without losing that coastal charm. Come early for cocktails, stay late for the soft glow of candles and live music drifting across the bay.
Local Tip: Visit around 5:30pm to see local fishermen pull in their nets before the beach transforms into an open-air dining strip.
Suluban Beach (Blue Point) – Best for Secret Swims
Bingin has long been one of Bali’s most beloved beaches, famous for its bohemian cliffside warungs and that effortless, barefoot atmosphere. Recently, though, the landscape has changed. Much of the ramshackle cliffside has been deemed illegal by local authorities and torn down, leaving the once-lively steps to the sand quieter and harder to navigate.
The beach itself remains — a narrow strip of golden sand framed by limestone — but access is more challenging, with debris and uneven paths replacing the old cafés and huts. Surfers still come for the perfect left-hand break, and the sunsets are as breathtaking as ever, but visitors should expect a more rugged experience now.
Local Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the climb and check the tides before visiting; high tide can make the beach almost disappear. For easier access, nearby Dreamland or Padang Padang offer similar beauty with less effort.
Bingin Beach – Best for Surf & Cliffside Charm
Suluban Beach, tucked under Uluwatu’s cliffs, feels like something out of a dream. Accessible through narrow caves and rock passages, it’s as dramatic as it is beautiful. Crystal waters lap at hidden coves, surfers paddle out toward the world-famous Uluwatu break, and curious travellers find shade in natural caves between dips.
This is an adventure with a reward — and the view from the top, near Single Fin, might be the best sunset seat in Bali.
Karma & Melasti Beach – Best for Beach Chic Relaxation
For those who like their beach days with a bit of polish, Karma and Melasti tick all the boxes. Karma Beach sits below Karma Kandara Resort, reached by a private inclinator, and shares its pristine cove with the equally stunning Sundays Beach Club next door. Both offer white sand, turquoise water, and Mediterranean-style dining that blends barefoot luxury with Bali’s coastal charm. Whether you’re paddling in clear shallows, sipping cocktails, or settling in for sunset by the firepit, it’s pure island indulgence.
Once a quiet local spot, Melasti Beach has evolved into one of Bali’s liveliest coastal destinations. The calm, crystal-clear waters still make it the island’s most swimmable beach, but the landscape has changed — traditional beach bars have given way to stylish beach clubs like Tropical Temptation, White Rock, and Palmilla, where music, cocktails, and all-day parties now set the tone.
Despite the buzz, Melasti’s setting remains spectacular. Towering limestone cliffs frame the shoreline, and early mornings still capture a touch of the beach’s quieter past before the crowds arrive.
Local Tip: Come early if you want a swim before the day party begins; by afternoon, expect a lively scene with DJs and sundowners that last well into the evening.
Find the best hotels in Uluwatu here
EAST COAST
Sanur Beach – Best for Sunrise & Family Strolls
While much of Bali wakes to sunsets, Sanur celebrates the sunrise. The 7km coastal path runs past local markets, fishing boats, and tranquil beaches perfect for morning walks. The sea is calm, protected by an offshore reef, making it one of Bali’s safest places to swim.
Families and older travellers love Sanur for its relaxed pace. The beachfront cafés — like Soul on the Beach and Genius Café — serve coffee with front-row sunrise views.
Hidden Gem: Hire a bicycle at dawn and follow the path from Sindhu Beach to Mertasari; the light and peace are unmatched.
Find the best hotels in Sanur here
Nusa Dua & Geger Beach – Best for Family-Friendly Fun
Nusa Dua’s beaches are Bali’s cleanest and calmest, with manicured sands and gently lapping waves. Offshore reefs protect swimmers and snorkellers, and the waters stay shallow for a long stretch. Resorts like The Laguna, St. Regis, and The Apurva Kempinski keep their beachfronts immaculate.
Of the public beaches, Samuh is calmest, while Geger offers an almost Mediterranean look with cliffs and temples framing the view.
Find the best hotels in Nusa Dua here
Keramas Beach – Best for Surf & Poolside Lounging
On the eastern coast, Keramas is darker and moodier — a black-sand beach known for its consistent surf and sunrise sessions. It’s home to Komune Resort, where you can swim in the pool while watching surfers carve the waves just metres away.
While swimming isn’t ideal, the energy is electric — sunrise yoga, surf competitions, and occasional beach bonfires keep it alive year-round.
NORTH & WEST BALI
Amed & Tulamben – Best for Diving & Snorkelling
Amed’s black volcanic sand meets coral gardens that glow under clear water. It’s a diver’s dream — shipwrecks, reef walls, and quiet fishing villages where time moves slowly. Tulamben’s Liberty Shipwreck remains one of Bali’s top dive sites, accessible even for beginners.
Where to Stay:
- The Griya Villas & Spa – Elegant private villas with ocean views and a tranquil spa.
- Blue Earth Village – Eco‑conscious wooden bungalows with a yoga shala and views of Mount Agung.
- Palm Garden Amed Beach & Spa Resort – Right on the sand with a dive centre next door.
- Salt Resort & Spa
Find the best hotels in Amed here
Medewi Beach – Best for Longboard Surf
The black-sand beaches of Lovina and Pemuteran define Bali’s north: slower, gentler, deeply local. Lovina is best known for its calm seas and traditional jukung boats that set off at dawn in search of dolphins. Pemuteran, meanwhile, has one of the best coral restoration projects in Indonesia and offers some of the island’s best snorkelling without the crowds.
Where to Stay:
Find the best hotels in Pemuteran here
Lovina & Pemuteran – Best for a Slow-Paced Escape
On the far west coast, Medewi is a surf purist’s dream. It’s quiet, remote, and home to Bali’s longest left-hand break. The black rocks make entry tricky, but once you’re in, it’s all smooth rides and no crowds. The sunsets here feel endless, framed by rice fields and old coconut groves.
NUSA ISLANDS
Nusa Lembongan – Best for Laid-Back Island Life
A short boat ride from Sanur, Nusa Lembongan feels like stepping back in time. The beaches are smaller, softer, and slower in pace. Mushroom Bay is calm and great for swimming; Dream Beach is wilder, with dramatic waves crashing below the cliffs.
Where to Stay:
Find the best hotels in Nusa Lembongan here
Nusa Penida – Best for Adventure & Dramatic Clifftops
Penida is wild and awe-inspiring. The landscape feels prehistoric — cliffs drop hundreds of metres into turquoise bays, and beaches appear only to those willing to climb down. Kelingking, Diamond, and Atuh Beach are must-sees, though access can be steep. For something gentler, Crystal Bay offers easy swimming and snorkelling.
Where to Stay:
Find the best hotels in Nusa Penida here
Final Thoughts
From sunrise strolls in Sanur to golden-hour surf in Canggu, Bali’s beaches are as diverse as the island itself. You’ll find polished clubs and untouched coves, volcanic sands and coral lagoons, all bound by that unmistakable Balinese warmth.
For me, nothing beats the easy rhythm of Legian Beach — the one constant through all my years on this island. The sound of the waves, the laughter of beach vendors, and the sky glowing pink at dusk remind me why Bali never loses its magic.
So whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, explore the coastline, find your spot in the sand, and let the island show you its many faces — one tide at a time.
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