Wondering where to find the best beaches in Bali?
Bali is renowned for its year-round weather and some of the world’s most stunning tropical beaches. People come to Bali for all sorts of reasons, and there are a lot of incredible places to see on the island, from mountains to volcanoes, waterfalls, ancient temples, and rice fields.
But no one comes to Bali without planning to spend a day or two at the beach!
Every beach in Bali is different and caters to a different kind of traveler. Some are great for adventurous travelers, some for expert surfers, some for actually learning HOW to surf, and others for swimming and sunbathing.
This guide shares exactly which Bali beach is best suited for different interests and types of travelers. This way, you can choose the one that’s right for you and immediately add it to your Bali itinerary!
Let’s begin!
The 12 Best Beaches Of Bali
This list is not ranked; instead, it presents beaches from the southern tip to the island’s northern side, each unique unto itself. They are one of the main reasons Bali is still worth visiting and continues to create life-long memories for thousands of visitors daily.
1. Suluban Beach – Best For Adventure
Suluban Beach, tucked into the cliffs of Uluwatu, is one of the island’s most unique and adventurous beaches.
Its small, secluded nature and surrounding cliffs offer a picturesque setting for photographers, and visitors can actually explore under the cliffs and find a path to Uluwatu Beach.
Despite being marketed as a hidden gem, it’s not-so-secret anymore, and during high season, hundreds of tourists hike down the staircase to check it out.
Once you’re finished exploring, one of the best things to do in Uluwatu is watch the surfers from Single Fin’s Bar. The bar has lots of space to relax and even an infinity pool overlooking the ocean. The menu is quite expensive, but if you buy a drink, you’ll have full access to the pool and the views!
Just remember that it’s important to note that you’ll have to wait for low tide if you want access to the beach!
Surfing at Sulaban Beach: You should surf during high tide. However, the surf here is pretty intense, so unless you’re experienced, leave it to the pros.
Tip: If you have limited time in Bali, pick 2-3 beaches from this list or take a convenient day tour like this one. It hits top white sand beaches where you can relax and swim, then ends with sunset at stunning Uluwatu Temple. Having a private driver and guide maximizes your time so you can experience the best beaches and sunset views in a single day.
2. Padang Padang – Best For Sunset
Padang Padang’s claim to fame is the “Bali Pipeline,” a perfect tube for advanced surfers.
Although not experts in surfing, people still visit this beach for one of the best sunsets in Bali.
The cliffs are magnificent, towering on either side of the beach, and during low tide, you can walk super far out into the ocean (over 100 meters) before the water reaches your knees. But Pack some water shoes because the ocean floor is really rocky.
The downside of Padang Padang is that it was smaller than we expected, so there weren’t beach chairs for rent, and it was kind of difficult to escape the crowds.
The entrance fee is just 15K IDR ($1), and then it’s a short, steep walk past a few monkeys to get to the shoreline.
Surfing at Padang Padang Beach: Surf at high tide. The waves are primarily for experts, but you can find smaller waves to the right-hand side of the break.
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3. Thomas Beach – Best For Peace And Quiet
Visitors arriving at Thomas Beach, especially in the morning, often find it exceptionally peaceful, with calm waters and few other people around, even during peak season. The beach is less maintained than most beaches in Bali, but local beachfront vendors and warung owners are quick to tidy up.
This is a lesser-known beach in Bali and a favorite for a quiet morning or afternoon in the sun.
Travelers can access the beach parking lot via a small road just across from Suku Espresso. There is a sign advertising it as a way to Padang Padang Beach, but this is actually the path to the parking lot for Thomas Beach.
Surfing at Thomas Beach: Surf at high tide. Beginner waves but very limited surf rentals on the beach.
4. Bingin’ Beach – Best For Boho Bali Vibes
Bingin’ Beach stands out further up the southern shore with its secluded boho vibes and beachfront cafes.
It’s excellent for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing, and while the beach may be small, the quick-deepening water allows people to swim and snorkel near the reef right offshore! That’s really what sets it apart from most of the beaches in Bali.
This is a well-known beach, but it’s less crowded due to a 10-minute hike down to the beach and over 200 steps!
As you get closer to the shore, you’ll notice various restaurants nearby, offering a perfect spot for a post-beach smoothie or lunch with an ocean view.
Surfing at Bingin’ Beach: Surfing here is best at high tide and is more suited for intermediate to advanced surfers.
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5. Dreamland Beach – Best For Swimming & Learning To Surf
Dreamland is yet another beautiful shore in the Uluwatu region! The sunset is stunning, and many shops and restaurants are lining the beach!
It is one of the best beaches in Bali for learning how to surf, with a mellow break, uncrowded waves, and a soft, sandy bottom.
There are a few surf schools and rental shops near the beach.
If you want to swim at Dreamland Beach, you should do your best to visit during high tide. This means the waves will be super mellow, so you can swim and snorkel without watching out for surfers.
Another popular place to visit near Dreamland Beach is Klapa Beach Club, which has an infinity pool and a full restaurant overlooking the coast.
Surfing at Dreamland Beach: Low tide is ideal for surfing and the perfect beach for beginners!
6. Balangan Beach – Best For Sunbathing
Balangan Beach stands out as one of the longest beaches in the Uluwatu area, offering plenty of space to relax and sunbathe. Beach chairs are available for rent at just $1 an hour, and surfboards for roughly $2/hour.
This beach is also a popular spot for photography, thanks to its stunning lookout point.
To reach the overlook, drive down Jl. Pantai Balangan until you arrive at Tanjung Balangan, where you’ll find a breathtaking cliff overlooking the beach.
Surfing at Balangan Beach: Balangan is ideal for intermediate surfers, and you can only surf during high tide. However, surfers should be cautious of the shallow reef break.
7. Nusa Dua Beach – Best For Water Sports
Nusa Dua’s well-maintained and family-friendly environment, combined with the array of watersports and leisure activities available, makes it one of the top beaches in Bali for those seeking a blend of adventure and relaxation.
It’s one of the best beaches in Bali for families with small children since many more family-friendly activities and tons of water sports are available.
The beach is part of the well-developed Nusa Dua area, known for its luxurious resorts, golf courses, and upscale atmosphere. You’ll also notice that many of the more traditional resorts and hotels in Bali are in this area.
Heading a few kilometers north, you’ll run into Tanjung Benoa Bay, which is the mecca of watersports in Bali, thanks to a vibrant coral reef and calm water.
Some watersports in Nusa Dua include jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides, along with underwater opportunities like snorkeling, underwater scooters, sea walks, and scuba diving.
Surfing at Nusa Dua: No Surfing
8. Blue Lagoon Beach – Best For Snorkeling
Next to Padang Bai Beach is a small cove called “Blue Lagoon Beach,” which is significantly less crowded and a fantastic place to go snorkeling, sunbathe on the shore, or hang out in a local warung.
The beach is reachable by renting a motorbike or hiring a driver from Ubud. It takes about one hour to reach Padang Bai, and from there, you just continue past the ferries for about 5 minutes and follow the signs for Blue Lagoon.
The lagoon has clear blue water, perfect for snorkeling gear right on the beach for about 50k IDR ($3). As an East Coast beach, it has the same calm water as Nusa Dua, so you won’t have to worry about surfers here.
Pro Tip: There are also fun snorkeling tours at Blue Lagoon that will take you to other popular snorkel spots nearby.
Also, right on the beach is a local cafe with some of the best Yellow Curry on the island. It’s called “Warung Blue Lagoon.”
Surfing at Nusa Dua: No Surfing
9. Kuta Beach – Best For Nightlife
Kuta Beach, the party capital of Bali, stretches from the airport northwards, transitioning into Legian, Seminyak, Berawa, and eventually Batu Bolong. While the area is quite touristy, the beach is wide and has small, soft waves that are excellent for beginner surfers.
The area caters to all budgets and travel styles, offering a mix of hostels, luxury resorts, local warungs, fine dining, market stalls, and trendy boho shops.
It’s definitely the most touristy area of Bali, but if that’s what you like, you’ll enjoy Kuta.
Surfing at Kuta Beach: Surf at high tide, and the waves are wonderful for beginners
10. Seminyak Beach – Best For Families
Seminyak Beach, a short drive north of Kuta, is considered the best beach in Bali for families and long-term travelers.
It offers a pleasant balance in Bali with a central location, sprawling restaurant scene, and various accommodation options ranging from budget to luxury.
The waters are calm, and the beach provides ample space for relaxation, striking a nice balance between the busier Kuta and the more laid-back Canggu.
Surfing at Seminyak Beach: The waves are very mellow here, so it’s great for beginners, and you should do your best to surf at high tide.
11. Batu Bolong Beach or Canggu Beach – Best For Surfing & Great Food
Also known as “Old Man’s Break,” Batu Bolong Beach is THE best beach in Bali for aspiring (and intermediate) surfers.
Tip: There are so many places to rent boards and even surf lessons available for less than 500K IDR ($30). A surfboard alone costs 50K IDR ($3) for 2 hours.
If surfing is not your thing, Batu Bolong is also one of the best beaches in Bali to chill out. The beach is huge, with plenty of beach chairs and space to lay out on a sarong!
As the most popular beach in Canggu, there are also various beach bars, cafes, and restaurants lining the beach–all serving decently priced dishes with a view of the beach.
Although Batu Bolong may be the most popular beach in Canggu, it’s not the only one. Head north to Echo Beach or south to Berawa Beach.
These beaches tend to have fewer crowds but the same soft sand, beach chairs, and beautiful sunsets.
12. Kelingking Beach – Best For Dramatic Views
Kelingking Beach is for sure the most awe-inspiring beach in Bali, but it’s actually not on the mainland. You’ll have to take a fast boat to Nusa Penida if you want to check out this beach.
But it’s worth it!
The view from the top will blow you away, and for more adventure, you can take a daunting hike straight down the cliff to the beach!
It takes about one hour each way and will leave you exhausted, but it is one of the most thrilling experiences in Bali.
Just remember to bring sturdy shoes and bring water with you because there are no facilities at the beach.
Also, you should go early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the tour groups. Later in the day, you’ll be forced to wait in line for photos and maneuver around other hikers while descending to the beach.
Surfing at Kelingking Beach – No, you cannot surf at Kelingking Beach.
Final Thoughts: Best Beaches in Bali
In a perfect world, you would have time to visit all of them, but if you only have a limited time, the absolute best beaches in Bali are;
- Blue Lagoon Beach for Snorkeling
- Batu Bolong Beach for Surfing
- Padang Padang Beach for Sunset and Coastal View
Or as mentioned above, you could take a day tour that takes you to the best beaches and at the end to watch the sunset.
Hopefully, this helps you plan a fantastic trip to Bali and determine which beaches are worth adding to your itinerary!
