What is the best beach destination in Bali? With so many choices, it can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together the options for you. From trendy beach destinations to sleepy surf villages and hidden gems, Bali has it all. We’re happy to help you figure out which beach destination suits you best! Here are the most beautiful beaches of Bali.
Sanur Beach
Sanur is a fairly quiet seaside resort. Many couples come to Sanur, and to be honest, it also attracts an older crowd. Bars like Lingalonga and Casablanca liven things up. Sanur is also becoming increasingly popular with surfers because it’s not a busy surf spot, so there’s plenty of space to catch waves. Especially from November to March, surfers head to Sanur (and Serangan) because the beaches on the west coast are too polluted. Due to the strong winds from May to September, Sanur is also a popular spot for wind and kite surfers during these months. You can find the most beautiful sunrises on this side of the island. If you’re an early bird, you’re in luck! Oh, and Sanur also has the most beautiful yoga school on the island: Oasis the Power of Now, located on Mertesari Beach (next to the Mercure Hotel).
Partying in Kuta, Tuban, and Legian
Want to go all out, party until the wee hours, and relax on the beach during the day? Kuta, Tuban, and Legian, the most touristy areas of Bali, are the answer. Sky Garden attracts many people every night with their cool parties. During the day, you can recover on the beautiful but crowded sandy beach. Towards sunset, or earlier, grab another Bintang beer and watch the sun sink into the sea. There are many surf schools in Kuta, so if you want to ride the waves, this is a great place to stay. Are you a sushi lover? Japanese restaurant Take, located in Kuta, is the best Japanese restaurant on the island! Shoppers can indulge at the Beachwalk shopping center, which also features a large cinema with comfortable seating where you can watch the latest movies. The authentic Bali is a bit hard to find here, but if you’re looking to party, this is the place to be.
See and Be Seen in Seminyak
Hip and happening, that’s Seminyak. The more expensive boutique shops can be found on Jalan Oberoi, Jalan Petitenget, and Jalan Kayu Aya. After an afternoon of shopping, it’s great to relax on the beach at places like La Plancha for a sundowner. Seminyak is known for the best restaurants. Personal favorites are Sarong and Mama San. The nightlife in Seminyak is also not to be missed. Beach bars like Potato Head and KuDeTa will create the best memories. Clubbing until the early hours can be done at La Favela, Red Carpet Champagne Bar, or one of the many other venues. Do you love a delicious Sunday brunch? La Luciola is highly recommended. Reservations are advisable.
Hipsters in Canggu
We’ve written extensively about Canggu already. In the ultimate travel tips from a local, you’ll read exactly where to be. Canggu is booming! A hipster town with the coolest and tastiest cafes. Over the years, developments haven’t stood still, and today, Canggu is also quite crowded. Large hotel chains like Aston have found their way to the formerly charming little seaside town. Nevertheless, it’s a great place for surfers, yogis, and beach lovers who appreciate a clean lifestyle. Digital Nomads also find their way to Canggu.
Island Fun on Nusa Lembongan
From Sanur, you can take a fast boat to Lembongan, which will get you across in about 30 minutes. Nusa Lembongan is perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle of Bali’s beaches. If you’re in a hurry, you can drive around the island in less than an hour. But no one ever seems to be in a hurry on Lembongan—it’s island life at its best! At Mushroom Beach, you can chill all day and, of course, have lunch at one of the little restaurants. For the sunset, head to Sandy Bay Beach Club. And perhaps the most beautiful beach is on the small island connected to Nusa Lembongan by a bridge: Secret Beach on Nusa Ceningan.
If you’re a diving enthusiast, Nusa Lembongan is also a paradise. Around Lembongan and the neighboring island of Nusa Penida, you can make wonderful dives where manta rays swim. In August and September, there’s a good chance you’ll see Mola Mola during your dives.
The East Coast of Bali: Candidasa
Candidasa has volcanic black sand beaches as well as beautiful white beaches. Compared to the beach destinations in the south, it’s super peaceful on the east coast of Bali. Candidasa is a perfect base for exploring the eastern side of Bali. You can easily take a day trip to the mother temple Besakih, for example. But also the market of Amplapura or diving in Padang Bai should be on your to-do list.
Definitely set aside a day for Virgin Beach, also known as Pantai Putih or White Sand Beach. It’s not the easiest beach to get to, but it’s perhaps one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali. Virgin Beach is just north of Candidasa. Compared to a few years ago, the beach is now fairly well signposted from the main road. The (dirt) road to the beach has also been improved and even paved in some sections. In short, it’s getting easier to visit Pantai Putih (which means white beach in Indonesian). Along the coastline, you’ll find a row of simple restaurants where you can eat delicious fresh fish, sip on a Bintang, and relax on a rented lounge chair for the rest of the day. The waves are quite high, the current strong, but the view is stunning.
Amed for Divers
If you head further north, you’ll reach Amed, about a 2.5-hour drive from Sanur. The black beaches of Amed may not give a tropical feel in photos, but in reality, it’s a great place to be. Especially diving enthusiasts love Amed. Wreck diving to the Japanese airplane is perhaps the most popular dive in Bali. The plane lies at a depth of about 25 meters. Due to the good visibility, you can see the plane quite quickly as you descend. Because the plane is overgrown, you can no longer swim through it. However, you can see many small fish around the wreck. Nearby, there are sloping reefs where you can spot various unusual fish such as sweetlips and boxfish.
Bali Beaches in the Far North: Lovina and Pemuteran
The beaches in the far north are mostly limited to the two villages of Lovina and Pemuteran. Although Lovina has the image of an old people’s village, it is becoming more and more enjoyable to stay there. The main attraction is the dolphin tour. However, in our opinion, this is an attraction you can skip as it is quite crowded. It is, however, fun to make hikes into the interior from Lovina. In the north, you can find many waterfalls that you can hike to. The Bratan and Tamblingan lakes are also great to combine with a stay in Lovina.
Pemuteran
The west of Bali is perfect to explore from the beach destination of Pemuteran. For many, Pemuteran is the first introduction to Bali after a tour of Java, or the last point in Bali before they take the boat trip to East Java. From the Gilimanuk harbor, it’s about a 45-minute boat ride to Pemuteran. From Pemuteran to, for example, Sanur, it’s about a four-hour drive. Pemuteran, due to its proximity to the island of Menjangan, is also a good stop for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. You can easily book a tour here. At the Menjangan reef, you can see many colorful fish. Snorkeling here is very pleasant because it is a so-called wall. This means that the sea next to the reef is very deep, so you don’t have to worry about your flippers and can simply swim along the reef while watching the fish.
Whether you’re seeking serene island vibes or thrilling underwater adventures, Bali offers a diverse range of beach destinations to suit every traveler’s taste. From the laid-back charm of Nusa Lembongan to the tranquil shores of Candidasa and the bustling beaches of Kuta, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So, pack your sunscreen, grab your snorkel or dive gear, and embark on a journey to explore the beauty and magic of Bali’s stunning coastline. With its pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and breathtaking sunsets, Bali truly is a paradise waiting to be discovered.
