Bali's coastline is one of the most varied in South-East Asia. In a single day you can trade the reef-protected calm of Nusa Dua for the cliff-shattered surf of Uluwatu, or drop off the tourist map entirely on the wild east coast around Amed.
The south coast — Seminyak, Canggu, the Bukit Peninsula — is where most travellers spend their days: dramatic cliffs, golden sand, and the world-class surf that made Bali famous. The east coast, from Sanur up to Amed, is quieter, cooler in tone, and home to Bali's best snorkelling. The outer islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan hold the most photogenic beaches on the map — Kelingking, Diamond and Crystal Bay all sit here.
For relaxing and swimming, look to Nusa Dua, Sanur, Jimbaran and Pandawa. For surfing, base yourself around Uluwatu or Canggu. For sunsets, Jimbaran and the Bukit cliffs are unbeatable. And for hidden coves, be ready for a walk down (and back up) a lot of stairs.
A few notes before you go: some beaches charge a small entrance fee (usually IDR 10,000–25,000), some require a genuinely steep descent, and a handful should be enjoyed with your feet firmly on the sand — rip currents and reef shelves catch travellers out every year. Look beyond the famous names too. Some of the best beaches on this list are the ones without a viral photo.
New to the island? Pair this guide with our 1-month Indonesia itinerary, our Indonesia travel guide, or explore our personalised Bali itinerary service if you'd like the whole trip planned around you.
The 20 best beaches in Bali
Ranked loosely from the south, up the east coast and out to Nusa Penida.
Nusa Dua Beach
South Bali
A long, calm crescent of white sand backed by manicured resorts on Bali's south-eastern tip.
Why visit — Reef-protected, glassy water that stays swim-safe year-round — one of the few beaches in Bali where kids can paddle freely.
- Best for
- Families, luxury travellers, swimmers
- Location
- South-east Bali, Bukit Peninsula
- Entrance fee
- Free (some resort access points charge)
- Facilities
- Sunbeds, showers, restaurants, watersports
- Swimming
- Excellent — protected reef, gentle waves
- Best time
- May to October, mornings for the calmest water
Tip — Walk south past the resorts to find quieter public stretches.
Melasti Beach
South Bali
A dramatic cliff-carved road drops down to a wide bay of pale sand and turquoise water.
Why visit — The approach alone — a switch-backing road cut through white limestone — is worth the drive.
- Best for
- Photography, day-trippers, sunset seekers
- Location
- Bukit Peninsula, south of Ungasan
- Entrance fee
- Around IDR 15,000 per person
- Facilities
- Beach clubs, warungs, sunbeds, toilets
- Swimming
- Good in calm months, watch for waves at high tide
- Best time
- Late afternoon into sunset
Tip — Ride a scooter if possible — parking near the cliff edge fills up fast.
Padang Padang Beach
South Bali
A tiny cove reached through a slit in the rocks, made famous by Eat Pray Love.
Why visit — Character-packed setting with a legendary left-hand reef break just offshore.
- Best for
- Surfers, couples, photographers
- Location
- Bukit Peninsula, Pecatu
- Entrance fee
- Around IDR 15,000
- Facilities
- Warungs, board rental, showers
- Swimming
- Fine at low tide in the shallow pools; expert-only when the surf is up
- Best time
- Dry season, mid-morning
Tip — Small and gets busy — arrive before 10am for space to lay a towel.
Bingin Beach
South Bali
A steep staircase drops through cliff-hugging homestays to a laid-back surf beach.
Why visit — One of Bali's most atmospheric surf villages — think barefoot cafés and reef pools at low tide.
- Best for
- Surfers, backpackers, digital nomads
- Location
- Bukit Peninsula, Pecatu
- Entrance fee
- Free (paid parking)
- Facilities
- Warungs, cafés, board rental
- Swimming
- Reef-shelf — swim only at low tide and stay in the pools
- Best time
- Sunset with a bintang at a cliff bar
Tip — Wear reef shoes and time your visit around the tides.
Dreamland Beach
South Bali
A wide golden bay flanked by cliffs and rock stacks, backed by a resort complex.
Why visit — Easier access than most Bukit beaches with plenty of sand for lounging.
- Best for
- Couples, sunset walks
- Location
- Bukit Peninsula, Pecatu
- Entrance fee
- Free (parking around IDR 10,000)
- Facilities
- Sunbeds, warungs, showers
- Swimming
- Strong shore-break — swim carefully
- Best time
- Late afternoon
Tip — Respect the flag system; lifeguards patrol the main stretch.
Balangan Beach
South Bali
A long ribbon of golden sand under a curving cliff, quieter than its neighbours.
Why visit — The best cliff-top viewpoint on the peninsula — and the beach itself is genuinely relaxed.
- Best for
- Sunset, surfers, photography
- Location
- Bukit Peninsula, Jimbaran
- Entrance fee
- Free (paid parking)
- Facilities
- Warungs, beach loungers, surf lessons
- Swimming
- Reef-shelf — best at low tide
- Best time
- Sunset from the cliff-top warungs
Tip — Skip the sunbed touts near the entrance — walk 100m further for cheaper drinks.
Suluban Beach
South Bali
A cathedral of limestone caves opens onto a sliver of sand at Uluwatu's tip.
Why visit — Surreal cave arches frame the world-class Uluwatu reef break.
- Best for
- Photography, surfers watching the pros
- Location
- Uluwatu
- Entrance fee
- Free (parking around IDR 10,000)
- Facilities
- Cliff-top cafés (Single Fin nearby)
- Swimming
- No — reef and strong currents
- Best time
- Low tide in the morning for the caves
Tip — Access disappears at high tide — check tide times before you go.
Thomas Beach
South Bali
A hidden white-sand cove reached by a long staircase down from Padang Padang road.
Why visit — A slice of paradise a fraction as busy as its famous neighbours.
- Best for
- Couples, quiet days, snorkelling at high tide
- Location
- Bukit Peninsula, near Padang Padang
- Entrance fee
- Free
- Facilities
- Warungs, sunbeds
- Swimming
- Good at high tide, reef exposed at low tide
- Best time
- Morning before the tour buses
Tip — Bring water — the staircase is long and shade is limited.
Nyang Nyang Beach
South Bali
A vast, wild kilometre of empty sand at the very southern edge of Bali.
Why visit — Rarely more than a handful of people even in peak season.
- Best for
- Solitude, sunset walks, photography
- Location
- South of Uluwatu
- Entrance fee
- Around IDR 25,000
- Facilities
- Minimal — a few beach shacks
- Swimming
- Strong currents — for wading only
- Best time
- Sunset
Tip — The 500-step path down is the fittest part of your trip — take it slow.
Green Bowl Beach
South Bali
A near-hidden white-sand cove reached by more than 300 steps.
Why visit — Clear water, monkeys in the cliffs and almost nobody else.
- Best for
- Adventurous couples, snorkelling
- Location
- Ungasan
- Entrance fee
- Free (small parking fee)
- Facilities
- One or two warungs
- Swimming
- Good at high tide — reef exposed at low
- Best time
- High tide for swimming, morning for calm water
Tip — Watch your bags — the cliff monkeys will steal snacks.
Pandawa Beach
South Bali
A wide bay accessed through hand-carved limestone gates and giant statue niches.
Why visit — The dramatic road-in is Instagram gold, and the water is genuinely swimmable.
- Best for
- Families, first-timers, photography
- Location
- Kutuh, Bukit Peninsula
- Entrance fee
- Around IDR 15,000
- Facilities
- Sunbeds, cafés, paddleboards, kayaks
- Swimming
- Good — gentle waves, reef further out
- Best time
- Morning for the calmest sea
Tip — Rent a kayak and paddle to the cave at the northern end.
Jimbaran Beach
South Bali
A long crescent of golden sand famous for its sunset seafood grills.
Why visit — The best beachfront dinner in Bali — toes-in-sand grilled fish at sunset.
- Best for
- Couples, families, foodies
- Location
- Jimbaran Bay, south-west Bali
- Entrance fee
- Free
- Facilities
- Endless — restaurants, hotels, watersports
- Swimming
- Very good — calm and shallow
- Best time
- 1 hour before sunset with a dinner booking
Tip — Book a seafront table in advance during high season.
Sanur Beach
South Bali
A five-kilometre paved promenade fronting Bali's most peaceful stretch of east-coast sand.
Why visit — Sunrise views, calm swimming and easy cycling paths — the antidote to Kuta.
- Best for
- Families, cyclists, sunrise lovers
- Location
- East of Denpasar
- Entrance fee
- Free
- Facilities
- Endless — hotels, cafés, watersports
- Swimming
- Very good — reef-protected, shallow
- Best time
- Sunrise
Tip — Rent a bike and ride the full promenade at dawn.
Virgin Beach (Pasir Putih)
East Bali
A white-sand cove tucked behind a jungle track, a world away from the south.
Why visit — The closest thing to Nusa Penida sand without leaving the mainland.
- Best for
- Day-trippers from Ubud, swimming
- Location
- Karangasem, east Bali
- Entrance fee
- Around IDR 10,000
- Facilities
- Warungs, sunbeds, snorkel rental
- Swimming
- Excellent — calm, clear water
- Best time
- Weekdays in dry season
Tip — Pair it with Tirta Gangga water palace on the way back.
Amed Beach
East Bali
A string of small dark-sand fishing bays under the shadow of Mount Agung.
Why visit — Some of Bali's best shore-entry snorkelling — including the USS Liberty wreck at nearby Tulamben.
- Best for
- Snorkellers, divers, slow travellers
- Location
- North-east Bali
- Entrance fee
- Free
- Facilities
- Dive shops, warungs, homestays
- Swimming
- Excellent — sheltered coves
- Best time
- April to October, early morning
Tip — Stay a night — the sunrise over Lombok is unreal.
Blue Lagoon Beach
East Bali
A tiny cove of turquoise water and easy shore snorkelling near Padang Bai.
Why visit — Coral gardens start ten metres from the sand.
- Best for
- Snorkellers, beginner divers
- Location
- Padang Bai, east Bali
- Entrance fee
- Around IDR 10,000
- Facilities
- Warungs, snorkel rental
- Swimming
- Excellent — very calm
- Best time
- Morning before the day-trip boats arrive
Tip — Bring your own mask if you can — rentals are hit and miss.
Bias Tugel Beach
East Bali
A postcard cove of white sand hidden behind Padang Bai's headland.
Why visit — Ten minutes' walk from the ferry port yet feels miles away.
- Best for
- Couples, quiet swimming
- Location
- Padang Bai
- Entrance fee
- Small local fee
- Facilities
- Two or three warungs
- Swimming
- Good — clear, calm water
- Best time
- Mid-morning
Tip — Combine with Blue Lagoon on the same day.
Kelingking Beach
Nusa Penida
The T-Rex cliff — one of the most photographed viewpoints in Asia.
Why visit — The view alone is unforgettable; the descent to the sand is a mini-adventure.
- Best for
- Photography, adventurous travellers
- Location
- West Nusa Penida
- Entrance fee
- IDR 20,000 (island entry ticket)
- Facilities
- Cliff-top warungs, viewpoints
- Swimming
- Strong currents — beach access at your own risk
- Best time
- Early morning before the tour boats
Tip — The climb back up takes 45–60 minutes — bring water.
Crystal Bay
Nusa Penida
A palm-fringed swimming bay on the quieter west of Nusa Penida.
Why visit — The best swim-and-snorkel beach on the island and a launch point for mola-mola diving.
- Best for
- Snorkellers, families, sunset
- Location
- West Nusa Penida
- Entrance fee
- IDR 5,000 local fee
- Facilities
- Sunbeds, warungs, snorkel rental
- Swimming
- Very good — watch for currents further out
- Best time
- Late afternoon
Tip — Stay for sunset — the light hitting the offshore islet is superb.
Diamond Beach
Nusa Penida
A cliff-side stunner in the east of Nusa Penida with a carved staircase to the sand.
Why visit — White sand, jade water and rock stacks that look computer-generated.
- Best for
- Photography, wild swimming
- Location
- East Nusa Penida
- Entrance fee
- Small local fee
- Facilities
- Cliff-top viewpoint café
- Swimming
- Strong shore-break — knee-deep only
- Best time
- Golden hour
Tip — Combine with neighbouring Atuh Beach for a full east-coast day.
Best beaches by category
Quick picks for however you like to spend a beach day.
Best for swimming
- Nusa Dua
- Sanur
- Jimbaran
- Crystal Bay
- Virgin Beach
Best for beginners (surf)
- Kuta
- Batu Bolong (Canggu)
- Balangan (small days)
Best for surfing
- Uluwatu
- Padang Padang
- Bingin
- Balangan
Best sunset beaches
- Jimbaran
- Balangan
- Melasti
- Nyang Nyang
- Suluban
Best hidden beaches
- Nyang Nyang
- Green Bowl
- Thomas
- Bias Tugel
Best for snorkelling
- Amed
- Blue Lagoon
- Crystal Bay
- Virgin Beach
Best family beaches
- Nusa Dua
- Sanur
- Pandawa
- Jimbaran
Best for couples
- Jimbaran (dinner)
- Melasti
- Thomas
- Diamond Beach
Best for photography
- Kelingking
- Diamond Beach
- Suluban
- Melasti
Best white sand
- Nusa Dua
- Virgin Beach
- Crystal Bay
- Diamond Beach
- Pandawa
Beach map
All 20 beaches, grouped by region. Click a marker for the full write-up.
Planning your beach days
The practical stuff — what to pack, what to watch out for, and when to go.
What to bring
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Hat & sunglasses
- Flip-flops (and reef shoes for Bingin)
- Quick-dry beach towel
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Small IDR notes for entry & parking
- Snorkel gear if you have space
Safety tips
- Rip currents are the #1 danger in south Bali. Always swim between the red-and-yellow flags.
- Reef shelves at Bingin, Balangan and Green Bowl are exposed at low tide — check tide times.
- Cliff paths at Nyang Nyang and Green Bowl are unlit and slippery in the rain.
- Monkeys around Uluwatu and Green Bowl will steal sunglasses, phones and food.
- Temples near beaches (Uluwatu, Tanah Lot) require a sarong — respect the dress code.
Best time to visit
Dry season (April–October) is peak beach weather — clear water, blue skies and the best surf on the south coast.
Wet season (November–March) still has plenty of sunny days but expect afternoon downpours and murkier water at west-coast beaches. The east coast (Sanur, Amed) actually surfs and snorkels better in this season.
Sweet spots: May and September — dry, quieter, and cheaper than July–August.
Time of day: mornings for the calmest water, late afternoon for the light, and 30 minutes before sunset for the west-coast magic hour.
Suggested beach itineraries
Three ready-to-go routes, sequenced to minimise driving.
Best beaches in one day — South Bali
- 1Morning: Padang Padang (before the crowds)
- 2Late morning: Suluban Beach caves at low tide
- 3Lunch: cliff-top warung at Balangan
- 4Afternoon: Pandawa or Melasti for a swim
- 5Sunset & dinner: Jimbaran seafood grill
Two-day beach hopping route
- 1Day 1: Padang Padang → Bingin → Balangan → Uluwatu sunset
- 2Day 2: Nusa Dua morning swim → Pandawa → Green Bowl → Melasti sunset
Three-day ultimate Bali beach road trip
- 1Day 1: Bukit loop — Padang Padang, Bingin, Suluban, Nyang Nyang, Jimbaran sunset
- 2Day 2: East coast — Sanur sunrise → Padang Bai → Blue Lagoon → Virgin Beach → overnight Amed
- 3Day 3: Ferry to Nusa Penida — Kelingking → Crystal Bay for sunset → Diamond Beach next morning if staying over
Want a route stitched around your dates, budget and travel style? Our personalised itinerary service plans it all for you — including accommodation, drivers and restaurants.
Nearby attractions
Pair your beach days with these.
Uluwatu Temple
Cliff-edge sea temple with a nightly Kecak fire dance — 10 min from Padang Padang.
Garuda Wisnu Kencana
Enormous statue and cultural park on the Bukit — a wet-weather backup.
Tanah Lot
Bali's most famous sunset temple, sitting on a tidal rock — 45 min from Canggu.
Ubud
Rice terraces, jungle waterfalls and yoga — a natural pairing with east-coast beach days.
Tegenungan Waterfall
The easiest waterfall to reach on a rest day.
Sunset beach clubs
Single Fin (Uluwatu), Karma Beach, La Brisa (Canggu), Ulu Cliffhouse.
Surf schools
Batu Bolong (Canggu) and Padang Padang for lessons at every level.
Nusa Penida boat trips
Manta Point and mola-mola snorkelling from Sanur or Padang Bai.
Keep reading
More Bali & Indonesia guides
Frequently asked questions
Which beach in Bali has the clearest water?
Crystal Bay and Diamond Beach on Nusa Penida, plus Amed and Virgin Beach on mainland east Bali, consistently have the clearest water.
Which Bali beaches are best for swimming?
Nusa Dua, Sanur, Jimbaran, Pandawa and Crystal Bay are the safest and calmest for swimming — reef-protected with gentle waves.
Which beaches are safest for families?
Nusa Dua, Sanur and Pandawa. All three have shallow, protected water, lifeguards and full facilities.
Are Bali beaches free?
Most are free. A handful — Melasti, Padang Padang, Pandawa, Nyang Nyang, Green Bowl and Nusa Penida entries — charge a small entrance fee of IDR 10,000–25,000 (£0.50–£1.30).
Which beaches are best for surfing?
Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin and Balangan for experienced surfers; Kuta and Batu Bolong (Canggu) for beginners.
Which Bali beaches have white sand?
Nusa Dua, Pandawa, Virgin Beach, Thomas, Green Bowl, Crystal Bay and Diamond Beach are the standouts.
Which Bali beaches are least crowded?
Nyang Nyang, Green Bowl, Thomas, Bias Tugel and Virgin Beach stay quiet even in peak season.
Can you swim everywhere in Bali?
No. Many south and west coast beaches have strong rip currents and shore breaks — always check flags, ask locally and avoid swimming at reef-shelf beaches at low tide.
Which beaches are best for sunsets?
Jimbaran, Balangan, Melasti, Suluban and Nyang Nyang all face west and deliver spectacular sunsets.
Which beaches are closest to Seminyak or Canggu?
Seminyak, Double Six and Batu Bolong (Canggu) are on your doorstep. Jimbaran and Balangan are the closest of the Bukit beaches, around 30–50 minutes away.