Bali beaches are the stuff of genuine legend. From the volcanic black-sand shores of the east coast to the blinding white coves tucked along the Bukit Peninsula in the south, this island has a beach for every mood and every kind of traveller. A holiday to Bali means you're never far from the ocean but knowing which beaches in Bali are the best makes all the difference. Here's the best Bali beaches to explore.
Best beaches for surfing
1. Uluwatu Beach
Located on the southwestern tip of the Bukit Peninsula, Uluwatu is one of the most revered surf spots in the world. The waves here are powerful, fast and consistent, best suited to intermediate and experienced surfers, particularly between April and October. Access is via a steep cliff staircase, which adds to the drama. Down on the beach you'll find a handful of warung cafés, surf rental shacks and a crowd that's refreshingly serious about the waves rather than the scene.
2. Medewi Beach
About two hours west of Seminyak along the coastal road, Medewi is Bali's longest left-hand point break and a firm favourite with longboarders. The setting is completely different to the south, rice paddies roll down to the shore, the village is quiet and the pace is slow. It's not glamorous but that's the point. Medewi rewards the effort of getting there with uncrowded water and one of the most mellow surf vibes on the island.
3. Balangan Beach
Also on the Bukit Peninsula, Balangan sits at the bottom of a cliff path about 20 minutes from Uluwatu. The reef break here produces excellent left-handers and the beach itself, a crescent of pale sand backed by limestone cliffs, is gorgeous. There's a small warung strip above the beach for post-surf Bintangs and the crowds, while growing, are nothing compared to Kuta. For more on the best time to catch these waves, see our guide on when to visit Bali.
Best beaches for snorkelling and diving
4. Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida
Crystal Bay on the western side of Nusa Penida, a 45-minute fast boat from Sanur is one of the most celebrated dive and snorkel sites in the Indonesian archipelago. The water is staggeringly clear, the reef is vibrant and between July and October there's a genuine chance of spotting the prehistoric-looking Mola Mola (ocean sunfish) that drift up from the deep to be cleaned by the reef fish.
5. Amed Beach
On Bali's quieter northeast coast, Amed is a long string of fishing villages with some of the island's best shore diving. The Japanese Shipwreck, a WWII-era cargo vessel sitting in just 30 metres of water, is accessible directly from the beach and encrusted with coral and marine life. The black volcanic sand is distinctive, the vibe is relaxed and getting there (about 2.5 hours from Seminyak) filters out the day-trippers. Stay a night and you'll wish you'd booked two.
6. Menjangan Island
Off the northwestern tip of Bali in the West Bali National Park, Menjangan is a protected island with some of the most pristine coral walls in the region. Visibility regularly exceeds 30 metres, and the drop-offs teem with reef sharks, sea turtles and technicolour soft corals. Access is via a short boat ride from Labuan Lalang jetty and day trips can be arranged from most areas of the island. This is as close to undisturbed diving as Bali gets.
Best beaches for sunbathing
7. Seminyak Beach
Seminyak is where Bali does its best impression of a boutique beach resort, wide, golden and lined with stylish beach clubs and open-air restaurants. Potato Head, Ku De Ta and La Plancha are among the famous names along this stretch, offering sunbeds, cocktails and world-class sunset views. It's polished without being pretentious and if a luxury Bali holiday is what you're after, the hotels here set the standard for the whole island.
8. Nusa Dua Beach
South of Seminyak on the eastern side of the Bukit Peninsula, Nusa Dua is calm, clean and sheltered by a reef that keeps the water flat and swimmable year-round. It's Bali's most manicured beach enclave, with wide pavements, landscaped gardens and a row of five-star resorts facing the sea. Perfect for those who want maximum comfort with their sunshine and very little hassle.
9. Padang Padang Beach
Made famous by the film Eat Pray Love, Padang Padang is a small, sheltered pocket of white sand reached through a narrow cave opening in the cliffs near Uluwatu. It's intimate, photogenic and blissfully beautiful. There's a small entrance fee, the steps down are steep but the reward is a beach that genuinely looks like a film set. Go early to claim a spot!
Best remote beaches
10. Green Bowl Beach
Hidden beneath towering cliffs at the southern end of the Bukit Peninsula, Green Bowl requires descending around 300 steps to reach, which is exactly why it's so quiet. The cave overhangs, rockpools and pale sand are stunning, and at low tide snorkelling around the rocks reveals a surprising amount of marine life. Pack water, wear shoes with grip and treat yourself to one of Bali's most private stretches of coastline.
11. Bias Tugel Beach
Near the town of Padangbai on Bali's east coast, Bias Tugel is a 10-minute walk along a clifftop path from the main beach and most visitors to the area never make that walk. The reward is a small, white-sand bay with clear turquoise water and a completely different energy to the busier west coast beaches. Simple warung stalls serve cold drinks and grilled fish. There's honestly not much else, which is precisely the point.
12. Pasir Putih (Virgin Beach)
On the east coast near Candidasa, Pasir Putih or Virgin Beach, lives up to its name more than most. Backed by coconut palms and framed by jungle-covered headlands, it's one of the few beaches on the island that still feels genuinely undiscovered. A small access fee is charged at the top of the track, but the beach itself has only a handful of warungs and the water is clear and calm. Getting here takes about two hours from Seminyak, so bring enough supplies for the day.
Best beaches for families
13. Sanur Beach
On Bali's sheltered east-facing coast, Sanur is the gold standard for family beach days. The reef offshore creates a calm, shallow lagoon that's safe for young children to swim and paddle in, and the wide beachfront promenade, stretching several kilometres and lined with cafés, restaurants and bike hire, makes it easy to fill a full day without ever feeling hemmed in. The atmosphere is relaxed and local-friendly, and fast boats to the Nusa Islands depart from here if the family wants a day trip.
14. Tanjung Benoa
Just north of Nusa Dua, Tanjung Benoa is Bali's water sports capital, banana boats, parasailing, glass-bottom boat rides and sea walking all operate from this sheltered stretch of beach. It's lively, slightly commercial, but kids absolutely love it. The water is calm and protected, and the sheer volume of activity operators means there's always something going on. For more ideas on keeping the whole family entertained, check out our guide on things to see in Bali.
15. Lovina Beach
Up on Bali's quiet north coast, Lovina is a long, dark-sand beach fringed with fishing boats and far removed from the package-holiday bustle of the south. Dolphin watching trips depart at dawn from here, and the calm, shallow waters are ideal for swimming. It's a two-hour drive from Seminyak but a world away in atmosphere. If you're considering getting married in Bali with the family in tow for a combined celebration, the north coast's relaxed pace makes it a beautiful setting.
Ready to find your perfect beach?
Bali's coastline is endlessly varied and the best Bali beach really does depend on what you're after. Whether you're chasing waves, calm family waters or a completely untouched cove, the island delivers. Get in touch with the Away Holidays team and we'll help you put together a Bali trip built around the beaches that suit you best.
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