12 Best Beaches in Bali, Indonesia for an Awesome Vacation

 

Bali, Indonesia is one of my favorite places to visit for its beaches. The beaches of Bali are the reason I keep going back. Besides the awesome food, people, culture, and tropical climate, beaches of Bali rank among the best of Southeast Asia.

Indonesia is like a second home for me. And as you all know, I’m a warm weather girl with sand running through my veins. Beach hopping is my favorite activity and Bali beaches offer so many choices that I find it impossible not to return year after year.

Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia. Ask anyone about Asia and they are likely to mention Bali. Travelers come from all around the globe to enjoy the long stretches of white sand beaches, beaches with strong waves for surfing, and black volcanic sand beaches. Many surfers around the world will tell you that the best beaches in Bali, Indonesia are those where surfers congregate.

 

 

Divers flock to Bali each year to enjoy the crystal clear warm waters with endless visibility and reefs chocked full of marine life. They’ll argue that the best beaches in Bali are home to the best reef diving.

Along with great beaches, sand lovers can also find the best hotels in Bali, catering to the budget conscious. Of course if luxury is your thing, like it is for me, you’ll find some of the best Luxury resorts in Bali as well.

For those of you who are not familiar with Bali, Indonesia let’s start with a little geography lesson. (But seriously, shame on you! EVERYONE knows where Bali, is!)

 

 

Bali is a province and one of 17,000 Islands of Indonesia. It’s 95-miles wide and located in the Indian Ocean. Bali sits two miles east off the tip of Java and west of Lombok and is a part of the Indonesian archipelago west of Australia.

All of Indonesia is breathtaking and full of wonder and adventure. I’ve been to so many beaches in Indonesia that I lost count long ago. The ones that I keep going back to are in Bali. The best beaches in Bali, Indonesia is an argument many locals and tourist alike get into. So this post is dedicated to emphasizing my favorite beaches in Bali, Indonesia specifically.

Best Beaches in Bali, Indonesia

 

1. Kuta Beach

Kuta beach is a haven for surfers. Located a short distance from Kuta city, this famous Bali, Indonesia beach is crowded with surfers from around the world. If you plan on spending a day at the beach swimming, this beach isn’t the place for you.

Locals and tourists alike favor it for it’s up beat vibe and beach bum feel. Close to restaurants like the Hard Rock Café, Bali, Kuta beach is great for the party animal!

 

 

Accommodations in Kuta are plentiful. Located near all the best beaches and restaurants in Bali, Rumah Kayu Bali’s modern, safe, and clean rooms are exactly what budget travel to Bali is all about.

2. Sanur Beach

South of Bali is the golden sand beaches of Sanur. Perfect for families, sunbathing, and swimming, the wide sandy beach is great for soaking up the sun. Waves are generally mild and great for snorkeling.

Much more laid back than Kuta, this beach is famous for it’s beachfront hotels, restaurants, and shops. There are awesome bars that offer local and modern entertainment.

 

Ocean front with its own beautiful private beach is Segara Village Hotel. A little on the upscale side but worth the extra money. Their pool faces beach front and it’s a great place for couples visiting Bali.

3. Padang-Padang Beach

Surrounded by beautiful moss covered rocks and tropical vegetation, Padang-Padang beach is one of the more romantic hidden paradise beaches in Bali. Its caves and large rocks are perfect for exploration. The beach is rarely crowded and great for swimming, snorkeling, and sun worshiping.

 

For a unique accommodation option, Belong Bunter Homestay is the place to go. Surrounded by tropical greenery and just a 3-minute walk to white sand beaches this simple but clean option is perfect for the wallet watcher.

4. Lovina Beach

North of Bali sits the quiet beach of Lovina. With black sands from the Mt. Agung volcano, calm seas, and tourist free beaches, Lovina beach is one of Bali’s best kept secrets. It’s with in walking distance of a fisherman’s village so when you’re done with worshiping the sun gods you can have a friendly meal with the local people.

 

Lovina Beach Hotel is the perfect seafront place to lay your head after a long day of exploration. With cheap room rates and a range of room types there’s something for every budget. The staff is friendly and the rooms are clean, what more could you ask for?

5. Nyang Nyang Beach

In the mood for an adventure? How does navigating 550 moss covered steps, hiking up and down winding road, and passing through a small forest sound to you? If you’re up to it you won’t be disappointed at the gorgeous beach that awaits you.

Nyang Nyang Beach might be hard to find but once you do it will be a Bali beach experience you won’t forget. The little known beach is quiet and perfect for swimming and exploring.

 

Puri Bali Villas offer accommodations for every taste. Their one bedroom villas have every amenity including a beautiful view of the expansive beach. Their prices are very reasonable and the surrounding area is quiet, perfect for honeymooners.

6. Tegalwangi Beach

Located on the western rim of the southern Bukit Peninsula in Bali, Tagalwangi Beach is one of the best beaches in all of Bali. It’s unique rocky surroundings make for magnificent seascapes. Sunsets are spectacular and make for the most romantic beach walks a couple could take.

Named after a Temple that sits atop a limestone cliff, this wonderfully hidden beach paradise is worth seeing at least once.

 

Bali has some of the best beach resorts in the world and Kupa Kupa Jimbaran is one of them. The five star Bali resort offers guests the utmost in luxury and has a remarkable beach club of its own. If pampering is what you’re looking for this beach resort will not disappoint.

7. Green Bowl

The stretches of seaweed farms and lush hillside is why this beach was named Green Bowl. With a 197 foot (60 m) stretch of sand, the empty beach is one of Bali’s most secluded.

A steep 10-minute descent down a flight of questionable stairs is the only way to reach this hidden beach gem. The base of the limestone surrounded beach is covered with bat caves adding to the mystery. A great location for snorkeling and wave riding this beach is perfect for those who like privacy.

 

Part of the Max One Hotels group MaxOne@Bukit Jimbaran is a unique eclectic hotel near the best beaches and only a 20 minute drive from Bali International Airport. It’s a perfect home base for your beach getaway when visiting Bali as it’s near great entertainment and international restaurants.

8. Balangan Beach

One of Bali’s most scenic and popular beaches, Balangan Beach, or as locals call it Pantai Balangan beach, is a beautiful 3.1 mile (.5 km) golden stretch of sand.

 

Admired and frequented by the best surfers around the world, it is said that the beach has the longest left-hander breaks in Bali.

Close to Dreamland beach, aka New Kuta Beach, the area is touted as the most gorgeous beach in Bali. Not sure I agree however you will find some amazing scenery and places to stay and eat.

 

One of those great places, especially if your going to spend your days surfing and sunbathing, is Flower Bud Bungalows. The no nonsense hotel offers cheap bungalows situated right on the beach. It’s a small family owned and run establishment that is rustic but clean for the most part.

9. Perasi Beach

Known as “White Sand Beach” or “Virgin Beach” Perasi Beach is located in the Karangasem regency in East Bali. When you’re looking to get away from the crowded beaches in the south, then is the right beach for you.

Tourist accommodations are purposefully built at a distance from Perasi Beach leaving only the views of Gili Biaha in the distance. The locals do have a few food stands that offer local street type food, snacks, and drinks for guests. Beach umbrellas and sun loungers are also available to rent for the day.

Perasi Beach is roughly a one and a half hour drive from Denpasar and Bali’s International Airport. It’s a nice drive filled with views of local life and beach side fishing villages.

 

The Nirwana Resort & Spa is an ocean view resort a short distance from Perasi Beach. This beautiful Bali resort offers a restaurant, spa, and infinity pool with direct views of the pristine beach, azure ocean, and mountains.

Surrounded by tropical flora and fauna this Bali beach resort is one not to be missed. The cool ocean breezes and sound of crashing waves can be enjoyed in each of their rooms.

 

10. Amed Beach

A great base to explore local attractions, this eastern part of Bali is where you’ll find Amed beach. The mountains that surrounds the beach makes for outstanding diving and snorkeling as the waters are protected by a natural reef. The breathtaking sunsets are another draw to this quiet beach.

Amed, the Indonesian word for small fishing villages, is home to several small charming beach communities spread out along the coast. You can also find attractions like Tirta Gangga Water Palace and Goa Lawah Temple.

 

On a serene expanse of coast, bordered by mountains on one side and calm seas on the other, Puri Wirata Dive Resort & Spa offers a relaxed and inexpensive Bali beach getaway. With an in house PADI 5 star dive center, private beach, 2 beachfront pools, and a spa this beach resort is the perfect getaway.

11. Dream Beach

I’ll be honest, this beach isn’t actually on Bali itself but its so amazing I had to include it on this list. Located on the southern shores of Lembongan, Dream beach is a beautful 30-minute boat ride from Sanur beach or Benoa Harbor.

With no cars, simple beach style accommodations, and local food the golden sand secluded beaches are a must see for anyone traveling to Bali. Everything about this small beach island is exceptional, it’s hard to leave after spending a day lounging in the sun and enjoying the warm waters.

 

If you want to stay on the island then Dream Beach Huts is the place for you. Located on the south of the island they offer 6 different style thatched roofed huts depending on the size of your party.

They have a café, bar, and pool and are happy to organize snorkeling trips. Rates are very reasonable and include a continental breakfast.

 

12. Karma Beach

Part of Karma Kandara Resort, this private beach is located in Ungasan, Bali. Although private, Nammo’s Beach Club charges a fee to those who want to spend the day enjoying the beach but are not staying at the resort.

The price of your ticket goes toward food and drinks that are served in the Mediterranean restaurant. A bit pricey, however you don’t have to deal with the hawkers that can sometimes drive you nuts on the public beaches in Bali.

 

For about $90 US dollars a night you can spend your vacation 197 ft. (60 m) in a beach view, limestone clifftop. Mu Bali boasts Bali bohemian style thatched roundhouses.

The airy pavilions are operated by nonchalant French owners who’s passion for laid back is evident. The Indian Ocean views are heart stopping and the only secluded bungalow, built into the cliff, is perfect for honeymooners or couples celebrating a special occasion.

 

Bingin beach is a 10 minute walk and beaches like Uluwatu and Impossibles that are said to have waves that challenge Hawaii’s are within walking distance as well.

 

So, that’s my list. Although there are hundreds of other activities and sightseeing spots in Bali like volcanoes, hot springs, temples, and hiking trails, I believe the world class Bali beaches are indeed the best part of this tropical paradise.

From the second you step off the plane you’ll understand why travelers from all over the world choose Bali, Indonesia as their beach destination.

I hope you enjoyed my list and found it informative. The next time you plan a vacation consider the 12 Best Beaches in Bali, Indonesia for an Awesome Vacation.