Best beaches in Bali
Ready to get to know the most beautiful beaches in Bali? Let’s begin!
1. Melasti Beach (Uluwatu), one of my favorite beaches in Bali
I didn’t visit Melasti Beach until my third time in Bali and, honestly, I regret not going sooner. This beach located in the south of Uluwatu is one of the best beaches for swimming.
It has everything you’ll ever need to spend a great day at the beach: it is wide, the water has a beautiful turquoise color, it is clean, you can rent lounge chairs with umbrellas and there are several stalls and local restaurants where you can buy food and drinks. What more do you need?
Another strong point of Melasti Beach is how easily accessible it is. You can get to the beach in your vehicle, so you won’t have to beat yourself up going down and then up hundreds of stairs, like other beaches in the area.
To access the beach, you will only have to pay around $2 per vehicle. By the way, you will be amazed by the beautiful views from the road during your descent to the beach.
As I have already mentioned, once you get to the beach you can rent loungers, which allows for more comfort. Another option is to visit one of the beach clubs located on the beach: Palmilla Bali and Cattamaran Beach Club.
- Hotel near Melasti Beach: Adila Bali.
2. Nyang Nyang (Uluwatu), one of the most stunning beaches in Bali
Nyang Nyang is one of the most beautiful beaches in Uluwatu and Bali. Unlike Melasti Beach, Nyang Nyang Beach does not have as many facilities around. In fact, it is a very wild beach, as well as spectacular. You will find is a stall with some food and drinks, so don’t worry if you run out of water or get hungry.
A good thing about Nyang Nyang is that it can be accessed by motorcycle. Be careful, because the cars cannot go down. Therefore, if you drive a car to the beach, you will have to leave it in the parking lot above and descend down a huge hill walking. The climb can be exhausting as well.
If you’re lucky, you can find some shade under the bushes located between the sand and the grassy field. Also, I recommend walking to the other end once you get to the beach because there is less reef.
Before heading down to the beach, it is essential to make a sightseeing-stop at the top of the cliff. Here you will find the plane displayed in the photo above. Not only that, but you will be able to appreciate one of the most beautiful landscapes I have seen in Bali. Carefully lean over the cliff and be amazed by the views.
Nunggalan Beach is a beach located next to Nyan Nyang Beach. It is where shipwreck parts are found.
🌿 Don’t miss the best waterfalls in Bali.
3. Pasut Beach, black-sand beach near Canggu
In Bali you can find white sand beaches but also black sand beaches. Pasut Beach belongs to the black-sand beach group. This beach is located not far from Canggu. It takes about 40 minutes by motorcycle to get there. If you are in the area and want to go on a day trip, it may be a good idea. I recommend going at sunset.
Apart from the black sand and incredible sunset views, you will find many palm trees. One of them is very inclined and is usually a place where people take photos. A bad thing about this beach is that, during rainy season, there is usually a lot of waste.
- Hotels near Pasut Beach: Amarta Beach Retreat by Nakula.
4. Bias Tugel Beach (Secret Beach), best beach in Padang Bai
We visited this beach spontaneously and I have to say that I loved it, to the point of being able to say that it is one of the best beaches in Bali for swimming. We were in Padang Bai and we had the morning off and our hotel staff recommended going to this beach. I wasn’t expecting much but when I arrived I was blown away.
The water has a beautiful turquoise color, the sand is white, the beach does not have a reef or rocks in the water, there are food stalls, it is possible to rent deck chairs with umbrellas. We were practically alone! We spent a few wonderful hours on the beach. If you are in the area, do not hesitate to go and enjoy a morning or afternoon of relaxation, salt water and sun. You’ll love it!
Once you leave the motorcycle in the parking lot, you have to go down a path for a little less than 10 minutes. You have to pay an entrance fee to access the beach. It costs around $1.
- Hotel near Bias Tugel Beach: Bloo Lagoon Eco Village.
5. Thomas Beach (Uluwatu), one of the best beaches in Bali for bathing
This beach is also one of my favorite beaches in Uluwatu. It is an extensive beach with intense blue water perfect for spending a morning or afternoon swimming, sunbathing, relaxing, etc. The beach has a bit of a reef in several areas, but swimming is pleasant during high tide, which is when I recommend going.
When I first visited this beach, there were plenty of restaurants and sun-beds available for rent. The last time I visited Thomas Beach, during the pandemic, every restaurant was closed (I only saw one open on a corner). It was very sad to see the beach so vacant. I hope that, once tourism returns to Bali on a consistent basis, businesses will reopen.
A unique aspect about his beach is that, being a more complicated beach to access, there are not many people. To access the beach, you will have to approach Suka Espresso cafeteria and go through the path that is located right in front of it. It is a dirt pathway, therefore, be careful with the motorcycle. Then you will have to go down some stairs for about 10 minutes. The views of the beach from the path are very nice.
- Hotels near Thomas Beach: Sriyana Uluwatu.
6. Bingin Beach (Uluwatu), one of the most popular beaches in Bali
Let’s talk about Bingin Beach, one of the most famous beaches in Bali. It is located in Uluwatu, exactly in the area known by the same name, Bingin. Bingin is one of the most popular areas to stay in this part of the island. You will not only have access to the best beaches in Uluwatu but also to some of the best cafes.
Bingin Beach draws your attention because there are a ton of businesses built on the cliff located next to the beach. This creates quite a picturesque environment. It seems that it is a small town. You will find restaurants, cafes and accommodation.
To get to Bingin Beach, you must approach the area where the beach is located with your motorcycle and look for a parking lot. There are a couple of parking lots. Once you’ve parked, go down the stairs for about 10-15 minutes.
- Hotels near Bingin Beach: Bandido Bali, Villa V Uluwatu, Villa Hari Indah, Bingin Cliff House.
7. Amed Beach, a magical beach in the east of Bali
Amed Beach does not have light blue water. It is a beach full of small stones. In addition, the beach is usually occupied by dozens of fishing boats. Still, its unique beauty and magic have earned it a spot on this list of the best beaches in Bali. Why is Amed Beach so special?
Amed Beach is located in Amed. It is a small fishing village located in the east of Bali. It has a very calm and local atmosphere.
Its main beach has beautiful views of Mount Agung, the highest and most sacred volcano in Bali. Bathing in Amed beach watching the sun set over Agung, the children playing on the shore and the fishermen going into the sea is priceless. I have had the opportunity to experience this moment in two separate occasions while being in Bali and I must admit that both baths were incredibly magical.
In addition, the water is very calm, which makes it a perfect beach for swimming. It is also a nice places to for snorkeling. If you like this activity, I recommend going to Jemeluk Bay, which is very close to this beach.
- Hotels near Amed Beach: The Griya Villas and Spa.
8. Green Bowl Beach (Uluwatu)
This beach is a small white-sand beach with turquoise water located at the southern end of Uluwatu. It is one of the most best beaches in Bali but it’s also one of the most complicated to access. To get to Green Bowl beach, you will have to go through the jungle through hundreds of concrete stairs. Along the way you may come across a monkey or two. Be careful with your belongings!
It is very important that you take drinks and some snacks, since there is absolutely nothing at the beach. If you don’t bring anything, you can buy something at the stalls located next to the car park.
On the beach you will find a couple of caves where you can take shelter from the sun. If you are a surf lover, know that Green Bowl is one of the best beaches in Bali for surfing. Although only if you are an experiences surfer since the waves and tide are not for beginners.
- Hotel near Green Bowl: Salty Breeze Bali.
9. Padang Padang Beach (Uluwatu)
Although when I visited Padang Padang beach it was very crowded, I had to include this beach in this list of the best beaches in Bali. It’s one of the most popular beaches in Uluwatu. If you are panning on visiting Padang Padang beach, I recommend going in the morning. This way you can enjoy the scenery and bathe comfortably. If you are unable to go in the morning, I recommend visiting another beach.
In order to get to the beach, you must go down a flight of stairs which takes a few minutes. On the way down you will see monkeys, be careful with your belongings and avoid too much eye contact. Once you’ve made it all the way down, you’ll see a bay and some rock formations.
It’s a very popular beach among surfers, specially novice surfers who seek relatively-easy waves to surf on.
- Hotels near Padang Padang: Dreamsea Bali.
10. Suluban Beach (Uluwatu), one of the best beaches in Bali to go surfing
This beach is one of the best beaches in Bali for surfing. Even if you do not surf, I recommend visiting this beautiful beach in Uluwatu. To get to the beach you have to go down concrete steps and cross a cave-like formation that is part of the cliff above.
On the upper part of the cliff and on the path to the beach you’ll find several bars and restaurants where you can eat or drink while enjoying a beautiful view of the ocean. One of the most well-known restaurant is Single fin. I recommend going during sunset.
11. Nusa Dua Beach, ideal for families
If you are traveling to Bali with small children, Nusa Dua is a beach you may want to look into. This extensive white-sand beach is located in the southeastern coast of Bali and has many beach resorts nearby. Even if you aren’t staying at a resort near the beach, it is still possible to purchase a day pass and enjoy certain services in the hotel such as, pool, showers, loungers, etc. It’s worth it!
Nusa Dua is also a very popular beach for water sports, as well as for swimming. It is very clean and the water is calm.
- Hotels near Nusa Dua: The St. Regis Bali Resort, Amnaya Resort.
12. Echo Beach (Canggu), perfect for watching the sunset
Echo Beach isn’t one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali; however, it’s one of the best beaches to go watch the sunset. It’s one of my favorite beaches. In addition, it’s one of the best places to visit in Canggu, which is a popular area in Bali.
It’s a black-sand beach and it’s a popular beach for surfing. If there aren’t many waves, you can bathe. There is no reef or seaweed which makes it ideal for swimming. You’ll find many warungs on the beach with loungers on the beach. It’s the perfect spot to have a beer or coconut and enjoy the sunset.
La Brisa, one of the most popular beach clubs in Bali, is located in Echo Beach. It’s worth going. There is a small market on Sundays from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.
13. Balangan Beach (Uluwatu)
We’ve arrived at the last beach on this list of best beaches in Bali, Balangan Beach. It is also located in Uluwatu. As you may have already notice, Uluwatu hosts many of the best beaches in Bali. Most beaches in Uluwatu are white-sand beaches. Balangan Beach is no exception.
Before heading down to Balangan Beach, I recommend going to the viewpoint on top of the cliff. It’s located on the northern part of the beach. You’ll be able to enjoy some incredible views of the ocean and beach from the viewpoint. You can also visit the viewpoint once you’re done visiting Balangan beach and enjoy the sunset on top of the cliff.
You can find loungers, palm trees and a few local restaurant at the beach, the perfect recipe for a nice day at the beach.
- Hotels near Balangan Beach: La Cabane Bali, La Joya Biu Biu Resort.
Map of beaches in Bali
Here you can check the location of all the Bali beaches I have recommended above:
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Check out my Indonesia travel guide to discover all you need to know before traveling to this country and don’t miss the best tips to travel to Bali.
I hope this article about the best beaches in Bali has been of great help to you when planning a trip to this Indonesian island. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to comment down below or email me. Until next time, travelers!
