From dramatic coastline scenery to great sweeps of golden sand, Bali has beaches to suit every taste. There’s world-class surfing for surfers, pristine diving sites, and lazy days digging your feet into sandy shores.
The northern part of the island feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s south coast. Stretch your legs on the paved path along Lovina Beach and look out over the glimmering waters.
Batu Bolong Beach
One of the best beaches in Bali for beginners, Batu Bolong Beach is located in Canggu Village. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and is a great place to watch the sunset. It is also a good choice for families with children.
While surfers flock to this beach for its great waves, tourists come here to relax and soak up the sun. The beach is a great place for swimming, and there are many cafes that offer delicious food and drinks.
The best time to visit Batu Bolong Beach is in the afternoon for its beautiful sunset. Visitors can enjoy a cold drink at Old Man’s beach bar or at one of the cafes with unique designs on the cliffs overlooking the beach. They can also try fishing at the beach or explore the weekend markets.
Berawa Beach
In the tourist town of Canggu, Berawa Beach is a local spot that’s less crowded than Seminyak and Kuta beaches. Although swimming is not recommended due to strong currents and higher waves, the beach’s picturesque setting and laid-back vibe make it worth a visit.
Greyish volcanic sand slopes steeply into foaming water, overlooked by a plethora of trendy beach bars and cafes. The most famous is Finns Beach Club, where sun worshippers and luxury lovers gather for front-row beachside views, deluxe coastal-Mediterranean food, and star-studded events.
Early risers often take a sunrise beach walk to experience the tropical beauty of Berawa before the crowds arrive. At sunset, the beach becomes a hub of activity with surfers riding the golden waves into the night. Enjoy a drink and people watch at one of the many beachside bars.
Uluwatu Beach
Located south of the fishing village-turned-resort town of Jimbaran, Uluwatu Beach is one of Bali’s most iconic and breathtaking beaches. Its silky sand, crystal clear waters, and epic cliffs are perfect for swimming and relaxing. It’s also a great spot to watch the sunset as the light bathes the coastline in magical hues.
It’s best to visit Uluwatu Beach an hour or so before sunset as it can get busy with tour groups and throngs of tourists. It’s worth it though if you can make the effort as the views are truly amazing.
You can swim here or take a stroll on the sand or head to one of the many beach bars for an epic drink and sunset view. It’s a cool spot for surfers, too, as it has epic waves that roll in every day.
Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran Beach is one of the most captivating holiday destinations in Bali. The beach offers beautiful vistas and a peaceful atmosphere. It also has comprehensive facilities, including restaurants and accommodation options. Additionally, it is easy to reach the beach from Ngurah Rai Airport and other major attractions in Bali.
The beach itself is a sight to behold as it features long strips of soft white sand that are flanked by limestone cliffs. The beach is a surfing hotspot but non-surfers can enjoy the warm water and relax in the sun on the sand.
At night the beach transforms into a bustling hub of seafood restaurants that serve up the day’s catch sourced from local fishermen. Visitors can choose their ocean treats from a never-ending display to feast on while enjoying the mesmerising sunset views.
Pemuteran Beach
Unlike Bali’s overcrowded beaches in the south, Pemuteran is a tranquil beach where you can relax with plenty of space to lay out your towel. The sand is volcanic gray-black and the water is warm with a gentle current that makes swimming easy for all levels.
This serene beach is an ideal base for exploring the pristine Menjangan Island and West Bali National Park as well as trekking at Mount Batur or hiking to the Ijen Crater. You can also visit some of the island’s most renowned dive and snorkelling sites.
The calm bay is an oasis for snorkelers and divers – with a thriving reef, good drop-offs and a light current, it’s a great spot for beginners to get their sea legs. Pemuteran is also home to the Turtle Project which cares for and raises turtle hatchlings before releasing them into the high seas.
