Best Beaches in Bali

Situated between Kuta and Canggu, Seminyak Beach is a sprawling 5 km stretch of stunning golden sands, vibrant beach bars, high end restaurants and 5-star hotels, making it a mecca for fun seekers of all ages. Some of the best dining in Bali can be found here, boasting stunning views out to sea, many of the eateries are just a few feet from the ocean waves. Seminyak Beach is also a great place to embrace surfing with gentle sections, ideal for learning and also some challenging waves and undercurrents providing ample excitement for the more experienced. So, if you want to indulge in some unadulterated and luxurious pleasure head over to Seminyak Beach, claim a sunbed, order a cocktail and enjoy one of the finest beaches on the island.

Nestling next to one of Bali’s top all-inclusive resorts, Nusa Dua Beach is an immaculate white sand heaven. Surrounded by high-end hotels, gently swaying palm trees and sculptured gardens that have barely a blade of grass out of place, the whole area is a piece of man-made beauty. This is a great location for families to spend some time together, with calm seas providing perfect conditions to indulge in water-based activities, while clean, safe beaches are ideal for relaxing. The area also boasts many family friendly restaurants, a shopping centre and even an 18-hole golf course. One thing is certain you will not be short of things to do at Nusa Dua.

Sat between Seminyak and Tanah Lot, Echo Beach’s rugged coastline and challenging seas have been attracting the surfing community for many years. Not surprisingly, what was once a must-go destination for romantic beachfront dining has now become one of the coolest places to be seen, with rustic surf shack bars frequented by stereo typical ‘beach babes’ and ‘surfer dudes’ dotted everywhere. But don’t be put off if riding the waves is not really your thing. Echo Beach is a stunning location to visit, with volcanic black sand set against a backdrop of vibrant, green paddy fields and many places set up to maximise the views whilst you relax with some food and drink. Echo Beach is sun and fun during the day and a lively, trendy nightspot once the sun sets.

Jimbaran Bay is a superb stretch of sparkling white sandy beaches, renowned for being a photogenic location. So it's no surprise that many luxurious 5-star hotels thrive here, making the most of the beauty of the location. The area is also Bali's seafood hub, where you can watch local fishermen sell their freshly caught produce in bustling, noisy morning markets. We recommend taking the time to sample the exquisite produce at one of the many seaside barbecues, or arriving in the early evening to choose your dinner from the colourful seafood stalls on offer. Sit back, order a drink and watch the sun gently set before your chosen meal arrives, cooked to perfection.

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle, then seek out some relaxing tranquillity at Sanur Beach. Sanur itself is a quaint, little fishing village and is a great place to set out from to explore over 5 km of coastal paths and promenades. Meander through resort areas, old world beachfront cafes, traditional wooden fishing boats and elegant villas built by wealthy expats. Arrive early to see spectacular sunrises light up the white, coarse coral sand and define the outlines of Mount Agung and Nusa Penida Island in the distance. Sanur has a charm all of its own and is perfect for a romantic day at the beach, away from the crowds.

If you want rustic Bali charm and to catch a glimpse of what life was like before tourism took over, then head to the Western side of the island and Medewi Beach. This quiet beach area is home to quaint, remote villages, interspersed with gently swaying palm trees set against the backdrop of verdant green rice paddies. This is the place to grab some tranquil me time and unwind from day-to-day stress. However, if you are a keen surfer then this is also a destination with world-class breakers in an uncrowded location – one of Bali’s little gems. Whether you are seeking an adrenalin rush on the surf or some inner peace under a palm tree, make sure you stay to see the spectacular sunsets that grace this West facing, magical beach area.

With the majestic Mount Agung volcano behind and pounding waves to the front, the black sands of Keramas Beach make a dramatic and stunning sight. Away from the majority of the crowds on the Eastern side of the island this is a go-to destination for those in the know. We recommend that you check out the Komune Beach Club if you decide to include this on your itinerary. This beachfront establishment rests above the black sand and boasts an amazing infinity pool that seems to be joined to the azure ocean. Hire a sunbed by the pool and enjoy the world as it gently passes by while you soak up the sun and enjoy quality food and drinks.

Blue Lagoon on the East coast is a truly photogenic vision of a tropical paradise. This bay is a textbook mixture of white sands, gentle blue ocean and palm trees, all framed by rocky outcrops and rugged coastline. But the wonder is not exclusively above the water; below the surface there are dramatic coral reefs inhabited by uncountable numbers of energetic sea life. Not surprisingly, the lagoon is a magnet for snorkellers and divers all trying to ‘Find Nemo’. Blue Lagoon is also a great destination to launch into some island hopping as it is next to Padang Bai harbour where you can join boat trips to the Gili Islands, Nusa Lembongan or Lombok.

For that ‘hippy’ vibe, go south and try to find Bingin Beach. When you are in the area lookout for the faded, hand painted signs or follow those in the know, easily identified by their stereotypical, bare-footed cool surfer looks. Boasting perfect waves, and sheltered spots for swimming this is a favourite location for both sun worshippers and surfers who know Bali. However, you will need to be relatively fit to enjoy this tiny slice of paradise as it can only be reached by a set of rough, rocky steps carved into the cliff face. This beach may seem like too much hard work, but don’t dismiss it, as we can assure you that your efforts will be well rewarded.

Pandawa beach, on the southern tip of Bali's Bukit peninsula, is a place of contrasts. If you're looking for a lively and fun beach atmosphere, Pandawa is for you. Sun loungers and parasols galore, local traders coming and going to sell everything you could possibly need during your stay on the sand. and water activities in abundance, Pandawa has it all. However, if this vision is your idea of holiday hell, don't despair… wait for low tide and wriggle past the crowds to find an unspoilt stretch of white sand and blue sea, seemingly untouched by the hand of man. No tanning gear, no vendors and no crowds — it's paradise.