Bali is much more than temples and rice fields. The island also offers a wide variety of beaches for every taste, from hidden coves perfect for relaxing to areas with great waves for surfing. This guide features the 20 best beaches in Bali to help you plan your trip.
Map of the 20 best beaches in Bali
List of the 20 best beaches in Bali
1. Balangan Beach (Bukit Peninsula)
One of the hidden gems on the Bukit Peninsula. Balangan combines photogenic cliffs with a long stretch of golden sand. Ideal if you enjoy surfing or simply want to watch the sunset from above with a cold beer in hand.

2. Bingin Beach (Bukit Peninsula)
Small and tucked away, Bingin is a quiet beach, frequented by experienced surfers and travelers seeking authentic spots. Getting there involves descending stairs, but the reward is fresh seafood in small warungs with amazing views.

3. Blue Lagoon Beach (Padang Bai, East Bali)
Looking to snorkel without going too far? Blue Lagoon is perfect. A small cove near Padang Bai port, with crystal-clear waters and coral accessible from the shore. Best visited in the morning to avoid choppy water.

4. Dreamland Beach
Surrounded by cliffs, Dreamland is a wide beach with good waves for more experienced surfers. It has fewer buildings than other southern beaches, making it feel wilder and more scenic.

5. Echo Beach (Canggu)
Canggu is synonymous with surf and trendy cafés, and Echo Beach is its epicenter. Dark sand beach, beach bars, and consistent waves. Great for a morning surf and sunset cocktails.

6. Geger Beach (Nusa Dua)
Hidden in the heart of Nusa Dua, this calm beach offers public areas and more exclusive spaces in front of resorts. Its clear, shallow waters make it ideal for swimming safely.

7. Green Bowl Beach (Ungasan, South Bali)
A hidden gem at the base of a 75m cliff, accessible by descending over 300 steps, the walk is part of the adventure! With white sand, protective caves, and turquoise water at low tide, it’s ideal for intermediate surfers or those seeking a wild, crowd-free beach day. No facilities, so bring your own food and water.

8. Legian Beach (South Bali)
Located between Kuta and Seminyak, Legian used to be one of the island’s most popular beaches, though today it’s quieter. Still one of Bali’s widest beaches, it boasts stunning sunsets and warungs with beach bars perfect for an evening drink. A great blend of surf, chill vibes, and local flavor.

9. Jimbaran Beach (Jimbaran, South Bali)
Famous for its beachfront seafood restaurants, Jimbaran is perfect for sunset dining. Calm waters make it ideal for swimming, and the bay is protected from big waves, making it very family-friendly.

10. Melasti Beach (Bukit Peninsula)
Surrounded by towering cliffs, Melasti stands out for its clear waters and easy access, thanks to a scenic road carved into the rock. Though now more developed, it’s still worth visiting for the epic views.

11. Nunggalan Beach (Uluwatu)
One of the wildest and most remote beaches on the Bukit Peninsula. You’ll need to hike about 20 minutes from the cliff to get there. The payoff: a long stretch of golden sand, a stranded shipwreck, and barely any tourists. Perfect for solitude and adventure.

12. Nusa Dua Beach – Mengiat Beach (Nusa Dua)
One of Bali’s best beaches in our opinion, thanks to its size and swimmable waters. Home to several 5-star resorts, proof of its quality. If you’re traveling with family or want a relaxing swim, this is your spot. Shallow, calm waters and great facilities nearby. Also ideal for kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding.
???? Tip: Some 5-star hotels in Nusa Dua, like Merusaka or Grand Hyatt, allow access to beachfront areas, pools, and bars with just a minimum spend, perfect if you want resort-level comfort for a day.

13. Padang Padang Beach (Bukit Peninsula)
A small cove between cliffs, famous for its natural beauty and its appearance in Eat Pray Love. Despite its size, it’s popular with surfers thanks to strong waves.
???? Tip: Padang Padang has become a victim of its own fame. It’s tiny and often packed. Add in the monkeys and persistent vendors, and it’s not the easiest place to relax. In our opinion, it’s one of Bali’s most overrated beaches. Karang Travel recommends exploring other Uluwatu beaches for a more enjoyable experience.

14. Pemuteran Beach (North Bali)
Located on the calm northern coast, Pemuteran is a black sand beach with a peaceful vibe and almost no crowds. Calm waters are perfect for swimming or snorkeling, especially around the restored coral gardens offshore. Great base for exploring Bali Barat National Park.

15. Sanur Beach
On Bali’s east coast, Sanur is a peaceful beach with calm waters thanks to the reef barrier. Ideal for swimming, kayaking, or strolling along the beachfront promenade. It attracts a more relaxed crowd, away from the island’s southern buzz.

16. Seminyak Beach
With a more upscale vibe than Kuta, Seminyak combines a good beach with stylish bars, beach clubs, and boutique shops. Strong waves make it better for surfing than for gentle swimming.

17. Suluban Beach (Uluwatu, Bukit Peninsula)
A favorite among surfers and photographers, Suluban is hidden between caves and rock formations. From here you can walk to Uluwatu’s cliffs. Not great for swimming, but perfect for exploring and soaking in the views.

18. Thomas Beach (Bukit Peninsula)
Quiet and low-key, Thomas Beach is a solid choice if you want to avoid Uluwatu’s crowds. Great for swimming when the sea is calm, with simple warungs nearby for a post-swim snack.

19. Virgin Beach (Karangasem, East Bali)
As the name suggests: virgin, peaceful, white sand, and lush surroundings. Off the main tourist path, it’s perfect if you’re after a different beach day in Bali’s east.
???? Tip: Combine your visit with some of the area’s top temples.

20. Lovina Beach (North Bali)
Famous for its dolphin-watching tours at sunrise, Lovina offers a more authentic and laid-back vibe. Calm waters are great for swimming or snorkeling close to shore. Perfect if you want to experience a less touristy side of Bali.

Best beaches near Bali
Crystal Bay (Nusa Penida)
One of Nusa Penida’s most popular beaches, great for swimming, snorkeling, or just relaxing after exploring the island. Clear, protected waters, but it does get busy at sunset.

Diamond Beach (Nusa Penida)
A spectacular white sand beach at the base of a dramatic cliff. Descend via stairs carved into the rock to reach a postcard-perfect scene. Great for photos and appreciating untouched nature.

Kelingking Beach (Nusa Penida)
The most iconic beach of Bali and its islands, known for its T-Rex-shaped cliff. Below lies a stunning white sand beach surrounded by cliffs. The descent is steep, but the view alone is worth the trip.

Suwehan Beach (Nusa Penida)
A hidden beach in southeast Nusa Penida, with tricky access but a breathtaking landscape. White sand, turquoise water, and almost nobody around if you come early. Ideal if you seek an authentic spot.

Dream Beach (Nusa Lembongan)
On nearby Nusa Lembongan, Dream Beach is a white sand cove with cliffs and strong waves. The scenery is stunning, just be cautious when swimming. A perfect wild getaway.

Recommended activities to enjoy the most
Top activities include surfing at beaches like Kuta, Legian, Canggu, and Padang Padang, ideal for all levels. For snorkeling and diving lovers, Nusa Lembongan and Gili Trawangan are highlights thanks to their underwater landscapes.
Prefer something calmer? Paddleboarding and kayaking are great options in the calm waters of Sanur, Nusa Dua, and Jimbaran.
If you’re into scenic walks and photo spots, the southern beaches are surrounded by cliffs and viewpoints perfect for hiking and capturing great moments.

Tips to make the most of Bali’s beaches
The best time to visit Bali is between May and October, when the weather is dry and the sea conditions are better. Want a full breakdown of Bali’s climate? Read our guide on when to travel to Indonesia.
???? Tip: At Karang Travel we recommend avoiding July and August if possible, some beaches get a bit crowded during these months.
To get between beaches, the most practical way is hiring private transport or renting a scooter (if you’re comfortable riding one). Respect the environment, some beaches have rules to protect nature, so take your trash and avoid disturbing marine life.
Safety-wise, while many beaches are swimmable, big waves and strong currents are common. Red flags may be posted to indicate danger, so always check conditions before going in and don’t take risks if unsure.

Bali has a beach for every kind of traveler. Whether you’re looking for peace, waves, stunning landscapes, or a seaside dinner, you’re sure to find the perfect spot for you.