Bali beaches: the island's top coastal gems
Sun, surf and serenity!
Bali isn’t just another tropical island - it’s the island when it comes to beach escapes in Indonesia. We’ve put together the ultimate beach guide for every kind of traveler: families, surfers, sunset seekers, and those who just want a quiet corner with a fresh coconut. Check out the best beaches in Bali and plan that dream island escape on Ferryhopper.
Seminyak Beach, one of Bali’s most vibrant coastal destinations
What are the best beaches in Bali?
With so many incredible spots, picking just a few top beaches in Bali is like trying to choose your favorite dessert - they're all delicious in their own way. But here are a few that really steal the show:
- Seminyak Beach
- Kuta Beach
- Uluwatu Beach
- Nusa Dua Beach
- Padang Padang Beach
- Jimbaran Beach
- Amed Beach
Which beaches in Bali are best for surfing?
Bali is a surfer's paradise, with waves suitable for both beginners and seasoned pros. If you’re after the best Bali surf beaches, you’re in luck:
Kuta Beach
Located near the airport, Kuta Beach is ideal for beginners. Surf schools offering lessons, board rentals and gentle waves make Kuta the perfect place to fall, and fall again. It is easily reachable by car or scooter from Denpasar in about 30 minutes.
Kuta Beach, known for its vibrant atmosphere and surf-friendly waves
Canggu Beach (Echo Beach)
A haven for intermediate surfers, Canggu offers laid-back vibes with its black sand beaches, hip cafes, and waves that keep intermediates and seasoned surfers stoked. It’s approximately 45 minutes by car from Denpasar.
Uluwatu
Renowned for its challenging waves and tall limestone rocks, this small sandy beach is a must-visit for advanced surfers. The nearby Uluwatu Temple adds cultural significance to the area. It’s about 1 hour by car from Denpasar. You’ll need to climb down a short but steep staircase to reach the beach.
Padang Padang
Famous for its appearance in the movie "Eat Pray Love," this small beach with crystal-clear waters offers powerful waves suitable for the pros, but even watching from the sand is a thrill. The beach is located in Pecatu and is accessed through a narrow rock crevice, adding to its allure.
Padang Padang Beach, a hidden gem in Bali
Suluban Beach
Hidden beneath limestone cliffs, Suluban Beach is a unique spot where surfers can enjoy reef breaks. The beach is also known for its sea caves and stunning views. It’s reachable via stairs from the parking area in Uluwatu.
Medewi Beach
Located on Bali's west coast, Medewi is home to the longest left-hand waves in Bali, making it perfect for longboarding days. The area retains a traditional Balinese village feel. It’s about a 2 hour's drive from Seseh and 2.5 hours from Denpasar.
Tip: dry season (May to September) is the best time for surfing in Bali. The waves are cleaner, the skies bluer and the vibes unbeatable.
Where can I watch the sunset in Bali?
Some sunsets in Bali are so good, they’ll make you forget your phone’s even in your hand. Here’s where you’ll catch the sky on fire:
Seminyak Beach
Fancy a cocktail with your sunset? Seminyak Beach delivers. It’s a trendy spot with beach clubs and vibrant nightlife. The expansive shoreline offers plenty of room to sprawl out and soak it in. It’s easily accessible from central Seminyak. If you arrive by car, there’s plenty of parking available.
Jimbaran Beach
Beyond its family-friendly appeal, Jimbaran is also known for its stunning sunsets. Tables right on the sand make it one of Bali’s most romantic sunset experiences. Jimbaran is close to the airport and easily reachable from Seminyak and Denpasar.
Jimbaran Beach in Bali, famous for its seafood restaurants and stunning sunset views
Tanah Lot Beach
Home to the iconic sea temple, Tanah Lot offers dramatic sunset views with cultural significance. The temple silhouetted against the setting sun is a photographer's dream. It’s located in Tabanan, about an hour's drive from Denpasar.
Bingin Beach
Tucked beneath cliffs near Pecatu, Bingin feels like a secret. Grab a perch on the rocks or a cozy spot on the sand, and let the fiery sky wash over you. It’s a quiet, dramatic spot where nature puts on a show, no filter needed. To access it, you’ll need to climb down stairs.
Bingin Beach - a scenic surf spot known for its laid-back vibe and dramatic cliffside views
Seseh Beach
A quiet alternative to the busier beaches, Seseh offers a peaceful environment to enjoy the sunset. The lack of large-scale development adds to its charm. Keep in mind that, due to its shore-breaking waves, Seseh is not ideal for swimming or water sports. It’s situated near Canggu and accessible by scooter or car.
What are the quietest beaches in Bali?
Need a breather from the scooters and smoothie bowls? These are Bali's lesser-known coastal treasures:
Nyang Nyang Beach
Located near Uluwatu and hidden beneath towering cliffs, Nyang Nyang is where silence meets splendor. The descent is steep, but the reward is a postcard-perfect stretch of untouched white sand and shimmering turquoise waves. Few venture here, making it feel like your own private paradise.
Nyang Nyang Beach, a secluded paradise in southern Bali
Balangan Beach
With its wide curve of golden sand and rugged cliffside backdrop, Balangan feels like a throwback to old Bali. It’s calm, a little wild and still wonderfully undeveloped. Surfers carve waves while sunbathers lounge undisturbed, blissfully far from the bustle. Situated in the Uluwatu area, it’s accessible by car or scooter.
Gunung Payung Beach
Tucked away in Kutuh, Gunung Payung is a hidden gem, characterized by its clear waters and peaceful ambiance. The beach is less frequented, offering a serene escape. It requires a walk down stairs from the parking area.
Gunung Payung Beach, offering a tranquil escape from the crowds
Family-friendly beaches in Bali
If you're traveling with kids or seeking calmer waters, these beaches are your go-tos:
Nusa Dua Beach
Impeccably clean and picture-perfect, Nusa Dua offers soft white sands and glassy waters that stay calm all day. Ideal for splash-happy toddlers, sandcastle builders and paddleboard beginners. With luxurious resorts and top-notch facilities lining the beach, everything you need is right at your feet. It’s easily accessible by car.
Sanur Beach
Known for its laid-back vibe and tranquil waters, Sanur is a haven for family strolls and mellow swims. The beachfront path is perfect for bike rides or early morning jogs, and the gentle surf means even the littlest swimmers can dip in safely. Located in southeastern Bali, it’s accessible by car or scooter.
Sanur Beach, a peaceful destination in Bali
Jimbaran Bay
Famous for its seafood restaurants, Jimbaran Bay offers a relaxed beach atmosphere with warm, friendly waters suitable for children. Dining on the beach at sunset is a must-do experience. It’s close to the airport and easily reachable by taxi.
Karma Beach
A secluded beach accessed via a shuttle service from Karma Kandara resort, Karma Beach provides a luxurious setting with clear waters and soft sands. The beach is kitted out with loungers, paddleboards, snorkeling gear, and lifeguards, making it as safe as it is scenic. It’s located on the Bukit Peninsula on Bali’s south coast.
Stunning views of Karma Beach from a serene cliffside pool
Beaches for snorkeling and diving in Bali
Explore Bali's vibrant marine life at these top snorkeling and diving spots:
Amed Beach
Amed greets you with its black volcanic sands and rich underwater biodiversity. Snorkelers can explore coral reefs just meters from the shore. It’s located in East Bali and can be reached in 2.5 hours by car from Denpasar.
Tulamben Beach
Beneath the surface lies one of Bali’s most iconic dive sites: the USAT Liberty shipwreck. Coral-encrusted and alive with marine life, it’s accessible right from the beach, no boat needed. Ideal for both beginners and seasoned divers, Tulamben is located in Karangasem, also around 2.5 hours from Denpasar.
Colorful corals on the historic USS Liberty shipwreck off Tulamben beach
Blue Lagoon
Blue Lagoon dazzles with calm waters, soft sand and a kaleidoscope of reef fish just below the surface. It’s a snorkeler’s paradise - don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen and some cash for a post-swim Bintang.
It’s located in Nusa Ceningan, near Padangbai, about 1.5 hours from Denpasar. You can get here by crossing the Yellow Bridge from Nusa Lembongan. Check out the Bali - Nusa Lembongan ferry routes on Ferryhopper.
Tips for visiting Bali’s beaches
- When to go: May - October is the sunshine season. Expect warm temps and clear skies.
- How to move around: scooters are cheap and quick, but only if you're comfortable riding. Otherwise, a driver is your best friend.
- What to pack: sarong, flip-flops, hat, sunscreen, reusable water bottle - and maybe a sense of adventure
- Cultural heads-up: don't step over offerings (you’ll see them on the ground everywhere), and always wear a sarong near temples.
The stunning Blue Lagoon at Nusa Ceningan
Whether you're chasing the next wave, the next sunset, or just a little peace and quiet, there's a stretch of sand in Bali that feels just right. Ready to hit the coast? Bali is well connected by ferry from Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, Lombok, and the Gili Islands. For more details on the routes and schedules, you can check out the Bali ferries and then book your tickets on Ferryhopper hassle-free.
