Where are the best Bali beaches is a common question. I hear so many people who have gone to Bali for the first time say Bali beaches aren’t that nice. And to be honest, some of them aren’t (at least not all year round). After our first visit to Bali, even we didn’t think all the beaches in Bali were nice. But then we started exploring. Bali has some stunning beaches. For different reasons, we definitely have our favourites, and we’d love to share them with you so you too can see Bali’s best beaches.
Our Favourite Bukit Peninsular Beaches
I will start by saying if I were to sum up the best Bali beaches by one area, I would say that area is the Bukit Peninsular is where the best beaches in Bali are.
Padang Padang Beach
So to get to Padang Padang you basically walk downstairs through a cave-like split between the rocks. The water and sand are beautiful, but it can get a little busy. You will see monkeys here too so hold onto your stuff!
Sundays Beach/Karma Beach
The private beach accessed by Sundays Beach Club (At The Ungasan Clifftop Resort) and Karma Kandara Beach Club is beautiful. You don’t need to be staying at The Ungasan or Karma Kandara to access the beach, but you do have to pay a fee to get down to the beach, which includes food and beverage credit. The beach is one of the nicest beaches in Bali, and they both have a restaurant on the beach. This is an awesome way to do a beach day in Bali.
Blue Point Beach/Suluban Beach/Uluwatu Beach
Uluwatu is a favourite amongst surfers, but not the easiest or safest if you’re just going for a swim, especially during high tide. Although it’s unique, it’s a bit of a trek to get to especially if you are visiting for the day. Just being in the Uluwatu area, looking down from the surrounding cliffs is stunning, Single Fin is a great pick to soak in the view. The Uluwatu area has some of the best beaches in Bali, albeit a lot are better for surfers and observers than for swimmers.
Bingin Beach
One of our absolute favourite Bali Beaches. Whilst it is a small stretch of beach it is one of those Bali beaches that make you go wow. Not hard to get to but not the easiest either.
Thomas Beach
This beach is one of our absolute favourites. If you ask the locals, this is the real Padang Padang beach. Such a pretty beach with a few places to get a snack or drink, and just relax watching the surfers.
Read More About Uluwatu:
Where To Stay In Uluwatu: Our Uluwatu Accommodation Guide
Our Favourite East Bali Beaches
Bias Tugal Beach
Bias Tugal is also one of our favourite Bali beaches. As with a lot of Bali beaches, Bias Tugal has a varied level of swimability. When we have been here the current has been strong and swimming was only for the brave. Still worth the visit if you’re in East Bali.
Virgin Beach (Aka White Sand Beach Aka Pasir Putih)
This beach of many names is another great beach in East Bali. The beach as a whole is set up well for a beach day if staying in Candidasa or East Bali. We have snorkelled from the beach too which we enjoyed, but to be honest the underwater view was not great.
Read More About East Bali:
Where To Stay In East Bali: Our East Bali Accommodation Guide
Things To Do In Candidasa: What We Did
Our Favourite South Bali Beaches
West Coast Beaches
Jimbaran Beach
Every time we have been to Bali, at some point we have stayed in Jimbaran. The water is blue, there are some waves and the sand is soft. During the day it doesn’t attract the big crowds so it’s relaxing and calming. And at night, the beach is lined with seafood restaurants, where you can literally sit at a table in the sand with the water brushing your toes.
Read More About Jimbaran:
Where To Stay In Jimbaran: Our Jimbaran Accommodation Guide
Incredible Things To Do In Jimbaran Bay Bali
Jimbaran Seafood: Where To Eat
Seminyak Beach
Not our favourite Bali beach as a beach, but for atmosphere and activity it is great. Seminyak Beach around sunset comes alive. So many people enjoying the sand and water. Locals and visitors alike, enjoying the vibes. Watch the locals play soccer, walk along the beach or have a sunset drink. This is when Seminyak is in its element.
Read More About Seminyak:
Where To Stay In Seminyak: Our Seminyak Accommodation Guide
Things To Do In Seminyak: 9 Of Our Favourites
Great Places For Your Sunset Drink In Seminyak
East Coast Beaches
Nusa Dua Beach/Geger Beach
The southern most part of Nusa Dua Beach and Geger Beach is another beautiful example of Bali beaches. I say southern most part as Nusa Dua Beach is a long beach that has better parts than others. The South end is consistently nicer.
Pandawa Beach
Pandawa beach can have some of the prettiest water we have seen in Bali. It can get very busy at Pandawa Beach, that said we always manage to find our own space away from the warungs and carpark.
Read More About Nusa Dua: Where To Stay In Nusa Dua: Our Nusa Dua AAccommodationGuide
Nusa Lembongan Beaches
So just off Bali you can reach some stunning Bali islands. Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan. There are some stunning beaches on these islands. One of our favourites is Dream Beach on Nusa Lembongan island which is about a half hour speed boat trip from Serangan or Sanur, and it’s definitely worth it. The currents can get quite strong here, so you need to be careful swimming.
Read More: Things To Do In Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan
Where To Stay In Nusa Lembongan Bali
Our Stay At The Tamarind Resort Nusa Lembongan
Where To Eat In Nusa Lembongan
8 Reasons Why You Should Go To Nusa Lembongan
The Gili Islands Beaches
You can get to the Gili Islands in a couple of hours from Bali. These islands of Lombok are increasingly popular and for good reason. The three islands Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno all have some stunning beaches. Explore whichever Island you visit and find a little spot all to yourself for a true ‘island’ feeling.
Read More About The Gili Islands:
Our Stay At Slow Villas Gili Air Luxury Private Pool Villas
How To Get From Nusa Lembongan To The Gili Islands
How To Get To The Gili Islands From Bali
So These Are Some of The Best Beaches In Bali
When you’re in Bali, try to visit at least one of these amazing Bali beaches. As mentioned at the beginning of this article, not all of Bali’s Beaches are at their prime all the time. This is partly due to currents, winds and all the rest so if you notice one of the beaches is too rough or dirty, try a different area of beaches. We want you to see the best beaches in Bali on your trip and hope you have the best time exploring the island and have some incredible beach days.
We love a day out at Sundays Beach Club with the kids! The water is lovely and the kids love playing in the sand
So do we :) it’s always beautiful there!
Karma Kandara – Our favorite beach in Bali
We just went there on our last trip… beautiful :)