12 Best Beaches in Bali 2024

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Being the most popular travel place in Indonesia, Bali has one of the best beaches in the world. Many come to Bali for the culture, the arts, the temples, diving, surfing, or even the food, but one thing is for sure it is also for the beaches.

Travelers visit Bali for its long stretches of white sand beach, the crystal clear sea for swimming, strong waves for surfing, and black volcanic sands for sunbathing.

Best beaches in bali
Best beaches in Bali. Photo by Sven Piek on Unsplash

Bali has many beach types, from those with big rocks created by corals or lava to those covered wholly with white or black sand. Depending on what you want to do at the beach, whether you are a swimmer or not, or with kids, you may choose from these beautiful beaches below. Look out for the high tide when swimming!

See Best Accommodations in Bali

With so many beaches and so little time, we help you here by picking the best Bali beaches for you:

Best beaches in Bali for swimming

Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua Beach has many luxury hotels built around it, but be assured it is one of the best beaches in Bali. There are a variety of flowers and plants that grows around here. Imagine tall palm trees, wild mangroves, fragrant trees, and orchids amidst a clear blue ocean and rolling golden sand. Yes, we are almost describing paradise.

Swimming here is excellent as the currents and waves are low. The water is crystal clear for snorkeling. For surfers, head to the south or north ends for higher waves.

A few of the most popular luxury beach hotels in Nusa Dua are Kayumanis Nusa Dua Private Villa & Spa * and Samabe Suites and Villa *. Another good yet more affordable beachfront resort is the INAYA Putri Bali Resort *.

Nusa dua beach bali
Nusa Dua Beach, Bali. Photo by Dennis van Dalen on Unsplash

Sanur Beach

Sanur Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Bali due to its calm waters, long stretch of white sand, and scenic views of the sunrise. This beach is located on the coast of the village of Sanur, south of Bali.

The waves here are milder and suitable for swimming. The sea here is crystal clear, and you can spot sea creatures like starfish while walking along the beach. There are also many seashells here for avid collectors.

One of the coolest places to stay here at Sanur Beach is at Klumpu Bali Resort *, but if you want a beachfront resort, Avillion Villa Cinta * is for you.

Sanur beach, bali
Sanur beach, Bali. Photo by Mutekk on Unsplash

Padang Padang Beach

Padang Padang Beach is considered one of the best beaches in Bali due to its stunning natural beauty, consistent surf, and unique cave entrance.

Located close to the Uluwatu temple, this beautiful beach is surrounded by big rocks, overgrown plants, and monkeys. You must get past this hidden paradise’s narrow passage and steep steps. The beach is covered with huge rocks and small caves for exploration, and when the tide is high, it is also suitable for swimming. Just beware of sharp corals and sea urchins.

Recently, after Eat, Pray, Love fame, this beach has been more crowded than usual, but it still has most of its beauty and charm.

A luxurious villa that faces this beautiful secret beach is the Suarga Padang-Padang *. While an affordable alternative option would be the Pinkcoco Bali *

Padang padang beach, bali
Padang-Padang Beach, Bali. Photo by Mutekk on Unsplash

Dream Beach in Nusa Lembongan

Dream Beach in Nusa Lembongan made it to the best beaches in Bali due to its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, stunning cliff formations, and tranquil atmosphere.

This beach is well known for its serene sea lapping and white sand. The beach has relatively calm waters and is generally safe for swimming, though caution is needed during high tide as the waves can be strong. Stay within designated swimming areas!

Most people stay longer on this island to explore all the beauty of it. It is still largely undeveloped, unlike the rest of Bali, and lets one feel the sense of going back in time, just enjoying the natural beach.

The Akah Cottage * and Water Blow Huts * would be the best places to stay next to Dream Beach.

Pandawa Beach

Since I received tips and feedback from several people about this beach, I have to look it up. Indeed, it does fit our list – accessible, powdery white sand beach and swimmable aqua blue sea—one of the important qualities of the best beach in Bali.

This beach is surrounded by massive limestone cliffs, giving it a dramatic backdrop. Located in the south of Bali, one can easily reach it from Uluwatu or Canggu. There is also an entrance fee of 15,000 IDR.

The nearest best resort to this beach is the Puri Pandawa Resort *.

Best secret beaches in Bali

Balangan Beach

This is well on top of the list of best beaches in Bali, located across from the greens of Uluwatu. To get there, you will pass local villages with cattle grazing the fields with local people going about their daily chores. This small, quiet beach is one of the best beaches in Bali for those looking for a secret hideaway.

The ocean currents are strong and the waves high; therefore, it is not recommended for swimming. When the tide is low, it would be a perfect beach for strolling along and enjoying the sun while the waves lap on your feet.

One of the most famous hotels in Bali is located at this beach, and it’s the RIMBA Jimbaran Bali by AYANA *

Geger Beach

Located from the highway heading to Nusa Dua, Geger Beach is a beautiful white sand beach glistening in the sun. The sea is calmer here compared to Kuta or Balangan beach, though sometimes it may get rough by the evening, so please beware.

Local seaweed farmers do their work here sometimes, so if you are lucky, you can enjoy watching them going about their livelihood. Many cafes are dotted along this beach, making it famous for Sunday brunch or just for drinks, and there is a temple at the end. The unique atmosphere, coupled with its white sand beach, made it one of the best beaches in Bali.

Bias Tugal (Tugel) Beach

Also known as Pantai Kecil (little beach) to the locals or white sand beach to the travelers, this deserted beach is one of the best-kept secrets. Tucked away near Padang Bai and west of the harbor, it is somewhat hidden and only accessible after a 500m trek down a rocky path.

After the trek, you will be greeted with stretches of white sand beach and a sparkling blue sea with swaying coconut trees. The current may be strong here and not for beginner swimmers, but you can always soak up the sun in solitude by the sand. This secret beach is not known to many but it is definitely on our top list of best beaches in Bali.

Nearby this beach, you may find OK Divers Resort & Spa * a good choice to stay.

Lovina Beach

This less famous yet one of the best beaches in Bali is located in the North. Lovina Beach is covered in black sands initiated by the Mt Agung volcano-cooled lava. This is almost a swimmer’s paradise with a calm sea and low waves.

The area is also generally quiet without the usual swarm of tourists. Further down, you will find a fisherman’s village with friendly local people and thermal hot springs from the volcanic water. Most travelers only come here to catch the dolphins at sunrise.

One of the good, affordable places to stay near this beach is Pandawa Village *.

Nyang Nyang Beach

Another one of the secret best beaches in Bali, this beach requires going uphill and downhill on a winding street and then through a small forest. Finding this hidden beach with a white sandy beach and crystal clear blue sea is well worth it.

There are few tourists here, and you would see local people harvesting seaweed. The downside here is that you must climb down slippery 550 moss-filled steps to get to the water; therefore not recommended for children.

Also, beware of many mosquitoes hidden in the greens; repellant is a must. Swim only when the tide is low.

Being such a secluded beach, it is not surprising to find that the only few places to stay around here with top options are the luxurious Bulgari Resort Bali * with its elevator down to the beach and the further afield Alila Villas Uluwatu *

Nyang nyang beach bali
Nyang Nyang beach in Bali. Photo by Polina Kuzovkova on Unsplash

Best surf beaches in Bali

Canggu Beach

A bonus addition to the list, Canggu Beach is fast becoming a strong contender to be the best beach in Bali. There are many things to do in Canggu, but this beach is also one of the best places for surfers. There are cheap lessons and rental boards in various sizes offered right by the beach.

Old Man’s Beach is the best surf spot at this beach for beginners, while Echo Beach and Berawa are for more seasoned riders. A good thing here is that the waters are not as crowded as some of the famous beaches in Bali.

The top choices to stay at Canggu Beach are Theanna Canggu * and Hotel Tugu Bali *.

Surfing babes and new friends at canggu, bali, indonesia
Surfing and new friends at Canggu Beach, Bali. Photo by Andrea.

Kuta Beach

Further down the line from the Kuta city is the Kuta beach. The waves are higher here, and the strong currents make it a perfect beach for surfers. But of course, it means not so much for swimming.

The beach is always crowded with locals or tourists, mainly for the vibe and energy. At night, you can find the Kuta beach parties among the beach clubs that are guaranteed to entertain. The local Hard Rock Cafe Bali is situated here, so you can eat, drink, and party all day and night. Though crowded, its unique party atmosphere kept it on the list of the best beaches in Bali.

The best hotels with quick access to Kuta Beach would be the famous Poppies Bali * at Kuta or Legian Beach Hotel * at Legian.


The following are the beaches that did not make it to our top 12 best beaches in Bali but they are worth a mention here if you have even extra time to explore more beautiful beaches in Bali (lucky you!):

Blue Point Beach, Uluwatu
Just 45 minutes from Kuta beach, this beach is framed by limestone cliffs and is a perfect place for pictures. Locally named Suluban Beach, and while it’s very popular for surfers, one can also do some swimming here. There are also many good cafes around here now.

Jimbaran Bay
Close to the famed noisy Kuta, Jimbaran is, on the other hand, still pretty quiet and underdeveloped. It is most famous for its sunset dining along the beach with fresh seafood.

Pasir Putih (White Sands)
Another relatively unknown beach is a fishing village offering a laid-back atmosphere, with soft sands for sunbathing and water good for swimming.

Seminyak beach
Bali’s more sophisticated side, the beach, is well flanked by classier shops, cafes, and hotels. It is popular with families: a great place to chill but not so much for swimming.

As you can see, the best beaches in Bali are beautiful, from people-filled and full-of-energy beaches to quiet, secluded, or secret beaches. You will also find beaches with white to black sands, a sea serene for swimming, and strong waves for surfing. Do you have a Bali beach worthy of the top 10 that we did not mention? Which is your favorite beach in Bali?

Recommended Tours to the Best Beaches in Bali

Bali’s Top Southern Beaches Day Tour

Discover the crystal-clear waters of Bali’s south with visits to Melasti, Pandawa, and Padang-Padang Beaches. Experience the vibrant Kecak Dance, explore the sacred Uluwatu Temple, and conclude your journey with a complimentary seafood dinner in Jimbaran.

Read more…

  • Melasti beach
  • Padang-Padang beach
  • Pandawa beach
  • Uluwatu temple

Surfing Lesson at Kuta Beach by 27 Surf Bali

Learn to surf at one of Bali’s best beaches – Kuta Beach. Achieve confidence on your board in just hours with personalized one-on-one instruction. Equipment is provided.

Read more…

  • All necessary equipment
  • 90 minutes surfing lesson
  • Certified professional instructor
  • 1-1 lessons

Private car charter

Charter a car and explore all the best and secret beaches in Bali in your time and pace! Customize your itinerary for 6, 10, or 12 hours. Choose a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle that suits your group size. Professional and multilingual drivers.

Read more…


  • Hassle-free
  • Car rental with driver
  • Multilingual

Best Accommodations in Bali

Booking.com is my favorite site for booking a place in Bali when planning my trip. The main reason is that most bookings can be canceled right up to the trip, allowing flexibility. Here are a few of the best accommodations that we recommend for a stay in Bali:

Luxury (from 150 USD)

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Located in the heart of vibrant Seminyak, Bali, this luxury resort blends modern design with Balinese culture. It offers luxurious rooms, suites, and villas with private pools and advanced amenities. Known for its exceptional dining, chic bars, and the iconic WET pool, the resort caters to relaxation and social life. Direct beach access, along with top-notch spa and fitness facilities, ensures a blend of leisure and lifestyle, ideal for guests seeking sophistication and the essence of Bali’s trendy atmosphere.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *

For those who appreciate traditional architecture and design. This hotel, built in 1962, encapsulates the Balinese style and spirit. The spacious gardens are thatched roofed bungalows, pavilions, sculptures, and fish ponds. It also has direct access to Sanur Beach.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *

Mid-range (50 – 150 USD)

For those who are looking for unpretentious comfort with Balinese charm. Located in Ubud, our favorite place to stay in Bali, the Balinese-style cottages with carved wood furnishings are set in beautiful gardens with a pool.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *


Resort Courtyard by Marriott Bali, Seminyak
Marriott is a trusted brand for many, and this one in Bali lives up to its name. This secured luxury is located just 5-minute walk to Seminyak Beach. A noted feature is its private terraces for relaxation, making it a favorite of couples.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *

Budget (below 50 USD)

Nick’s Pension, Ubud
For those seeking a mixture of peace and action in the heart of Bali – Ubud. The rooms come with traditional Indonesian architecture and air-conditioning. A swimming pool, restaurant, Wifi, and parking are also provided.
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *

Linda Villa, Sanur
For the budget conscious, this guesthouse in Sanur is a steal, featuring swimming pools, clean, air-conditioned rooms, and a simple breakfast. It is located at a quiet place with only 15 minutes easy walk to the beach. Prices start from only 24 USD!
Check out the latest prices on Booking.com *
Check out the latest prices on Agoda.com *


Travel Tips:
1. Book the best accommodations – Booking.com* or Agoda.com *
2. Find the cheapest flight options that suit you – Skyscanner * or 12Go.asia *
3. Rent a car in advance and make your trip more convenient – Rentalcars *
4. Make the most of the time that you have! Exciting excursions, professional guides, and more – Klook *
5. Book your train tickets online easily – Tiket.com * or bus tickets at Easybook.com *
6. Order ahead Indonesian Rupiah with the best exchange rate – Wise Travel Card *

Versi Bahasa Indonesia: Pantai Bali yang Terindah

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