The Most Beautiful Beaches In Bali

With rich culture, balmy weather and delicious food, there are many reasons to visit Bali. Even so, the main magnet here has always been the island’s beautiful beaches; attracting surfers, divers, and swimmers from all over the world. With countless sandy stretches dotted around the island, make sure you visit all the best ones with our guide.

If you’re keen to experience all the highlights of Bali, from surfing and snorkeling to visiting sacred temples, book yourself onto our exclusive 12-day trip to the island.

1. Pandawa Beach

Natural Feature

If vast white sands and clear blue water is your ultimate beach scene, then Pandawa Beach is the place for you. Often dubbed as a “secret beach” in Kutuh Village, South Kuta, the beach has a lot to offer. You can chill under one of the big umbrellas for rent, challenge the steady waves canoeing, or play with the smooth sand. A few hundred metres to the land, you can find man-made caves with statues of the five Pandawas, the heroes of the Mahabaratha epoch; proving this beach is as rich in culture as it is in scenery.

2. Padang Padang Beach

Natural Feature

Mainly known for its appearance in the romantic movie Eat, Pray, Love, this southern beach lives up to the hype. Like a small secret nook, the beach is surrounded by cliffs and corals, as if hidden from the outside world. The view is perfect for the eye, and the waves are excellent for your adrenaline. The challenging, unending waves are ideal for various water sports, including surfing. Like most popular Bali beaches, you can rent a surfing board or sign up for a one-time surfing lesson here.

4. Kuta Beach

Natural Feature

As the nearest beach from the heart of the city, Kuta beach is often considered one of the most mainstream beaches in Bali. While there are many other beaches with prettier views than Kuta beach, people keep coming back for the lively vibe and various activities, such as surfing and horse-riding. Lined along the coast are cozy cafés with bean bags on the sand – a perfect way to enjoy a cold beer and the sunset view. Kuta’s charm extends from the beach, with hundreds of local shops and restaurants along the neighboring streets.

5. Suluban Beach

Natural Feature

Located in Pecatu, south of Kuta, this beach boasts a stunning view of whites, blues, and greens. Its rocky structure is more a blessing than an annoyance to pro surfers and tourists, as it adds a certain appeal to Suluban Beach. The beach feels protected from the outside world and the picturesque view makes the climb down steps to get there more than worth it.

6. Green Bowl Beach

Natural Feature

Named for the colour and curve of its beach, Green Bowl is quieter than its southern coast neighbours, due to its canopy-enclosed seclusion and steep, stair-lined descent. Shouldered by towering limestone cliffs pocketed with caves and lapped by surf-ready tides, this beach draws sporting types and those seeking solitude. Be aware that you’ll need the stamina to make the ascent back up the cliff, but it’ll be worth it.

7. Amed Beach

Natural Feature

Amed Beach with Mount Agung in the background at sunset; Bali, Indonesia

Stretched across the length of seven east coast fishing villages, Amed draws snorkellers and scuba divers to its glittering coral reefs, which swell with vivacious marine life. This scene is best greeted at sunrise; in the foreground, you’ll find traditional fishing boats bobbing on the waves, while across the bay is Bali’s highest point – the conical peak of mighty Mount Agung. If you’re feeling adventurous, hire a Balinese jukung to experience the natural beauty of this region from the water.

8. Balian Beach

Natural Feature

Follow an almost invisible, pothole-dappled road to this surfer’s paradise, complete with rolling knolls, black-dusted dunes and pounding surf. If you’re keen to escape the bustle of southern Bali, you’ll find the small rice field-surrounded village of Balian 90 minutes from the airport by car. The best time for surfing is in the dry season (several shops here offer gear), but the winds of August make Balian the perfect spot for kitesurfing.

9. Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida

Natural Feature

Cross the Badung Strait and you’ll find yourself on the hilly island of Penida. To reach the gleaming sands of Diamond Beach on the island’s eastern edge, you must make the bracing descent down stone steps carved into the limestone cliff-face, trailed by a rope handrail; look out on your way down to see manta rays swimming below. Diamond-shaped rocks, turquoise waters and green-topped rock formations are your rewards at the bottom. While on Nusa Penida, don’t miss Kelingking Beach and Broken Beach on the other side of the island.

10. Echo Beach

Natural Feature

The waves that break in Canggu captivate surfers and sunset-seekers alike. Here you’ll find a community of compelling contrasts, with modern boutiques and hipster lounges flanking rice paddies and local warungs. Although not the most idyllic stretch of sand in Bali, Echo Beach is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and delicious seafood. The best time to visit is between April and October, after Bali’s rainy season. Just watch out for the heat that gets caught in the black sand beneath your feet.

Chloe Thrussell contributed additional reporting to this article.

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