Skip to content

Top Navigation

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Trip Inspiration
  • Plan Your Trip
  • World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises
  • Travel Tips
  • News
  • Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Explore

    Explore

    • World's Best

      World's Best

      The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Read More
    • The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

      The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

      Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2021. Read More
    • Let's Go Together Podcast

      Let's Go Together Podcast

      Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Read More
  • Trip Inspiration

    Trip Inspiration

    • Trip Ideas
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Spring Travel
    • Summer Travel
    • Fall Travel
    • Winter Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Luxury Travel
    • Beach Vacations
    • Adventure Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Family Travel
    • National Parks
    • Holiday Travel
    • Travel Photography
    • Photo of the Day
    • Culture and Design
  • Plan Your Trip

    Plan Your Trip

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line Will Require Vaccinations for All Passengers and Crew

    Norwegian Cruise Line hopes to resume sailing out of the U.S. on or around July 4.
    • Travel Deals
    • Attractions
    • BookTandL.com
    • Amusement Parks
    • Festivals and Events
    • Bus and Trains
    • Flight Deals
    • Budget Travel
    • Hotels and Resorts
    • Disney Vacations
    • Airlines and Airports
    • Ground Transportation
    • Travel Guides
  • World's Best

    World's Best

    • Top Hotels
    • Top Cities
    • Top Islands
    • Domestic Airlines
    • International Airlines
    • Tours
    • Safaris
    • See All World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises

    Cruises

    • Find A Cruise
    • Caribbean Cruises
    • River Cruises
    • European Cruises
    • All-Inclusive Cruises
    • Family Cruises
    • Alaskan Cruises
    • Disney Cruises
    • See All Cruise Vacations
  • Travel Tips

    Travel Tips

    • Travel Trends
    • Packing Tips
    • Points + Miles
    • Budgeting + Currency
    • Customs + Immigration
    • Responsible Travel
    • Travel Etiquette
    • Travel Warnings
    • Weather
    • Mobile Apps
    • See All Travel Tips
  • News

    News

    • Wellness
    • Celebrity Travel
    • Animals
    • Jobs
    • Offbeat
    • See All News
  • Food + Drink

    Food + Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Cocktails + Spirits
    • Bars + Clubs
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Cooking + Entertaining
    • Food Fairs + Festivals
    • World's Best Restaurants
    • See All Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories

    Travel Accessories

    • Travel Bags
    • Shoes
    • Travel Tech
    • Shopping
    • Style
    • Gift Guides
    • See All Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
My Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

LIVE
  1. Home
  2. Trip Ideas
  3. Beach Vacations
  4. Best Beaches in Bali

Best Beaches in Bali

By John Scarpinato
March 08, 2016
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Getty Images
Americans have been flocking to Bali for years. Its reputation for being ultra-luxurious while also offering a total escape (as well as the Eat, Pray, Love­­­ effect) has travelers heading to the gorgeous island in droves. For many, the idea of a Bali vacation seems out of reach. Fortunately, that’s not necessarily the case. Backpackers find themselves trekking through the jungle and napping on the many beautiful beaches every day. There really are opportunities for any budget, not to mention the most popular activity (lounging on a beach) won’t cost you a thing. Let’s face it, who wouldn’t want to spend their days lounging on a beach in southeast Asia?

The white and black sand that line each beach is as iconic as the waves that crash into them. Each beach has its own perks, and visitors of all types can find one to fall in love with.

Surfers travel from all over the world to get in on the action while challenging their skills. For die-hards, Balangan Beach's waters can get so rough that non-surfers are often advised to stay near the shore. The nearby cliffs offer a breathtaking view.

Adventurers will be happy to know that there are plenty of hidden beaches waiting to be found. Both Karma Beach and Nyang Nyang require hefty treks on rough terrain, but the outcome is worth the effort. Both are largely isolated and left unattended throughout the year, so it's almost like having your own private beach.

Romantics will love beaches like Jimbaran and Karma Beach, where restaurants serve sunset dinners on the sand and nighttime films are shown under the stars. Additionally, Padang Padang Beach may prove to be a good luck charm, as it’s widely known as the beach where Julia Roberts’ character falls in love in the Eat, Pray, Love movie.

No matter your preference, Bali is stocked with wonderful beaches. Their sheer beauty will give anyone reason to add the island to the ultimate bucket list. 
Start Slideshow

1 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Amed Beach

An panoramic view of Amed coastal area in Bali
Credit: © Calvin Chan

Lining the island’s eastern shore, this beach is a hit with divers due to its thriving underwater scene. The surrounding area is filled with coral and multiple shipwrecks, and unlike some of Bali’s busier beaches, Amed provides a more authentic view of local life, where salt mining and fishing are still incredibly prevalent—as proven by the many outrigger boats lining the black sand.

1 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Balangan Beach

Balangan beach, Bali
Credit: Getty Images

The waves can get quite high at this beach, making it popular with surfers. Swimmers, on the other hand, should take caution. Rough water and a sharp ocean floor mean that most beach-goers prefer to munch on snacks from a local warung and admire the view. Those who choose to sit back on the cliffs can snag some breathtaking photos.

2 of 14

3 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Balian Beach

Indonesia, Bali, Coast, View of Balian beach
Credit: Westend61 / Konstantin Trubavin

Balian’s black sand fills the beach’s dunes and provides an escape from Bali’s more bustling areas. Those looking to surf can easily rent a board or use their bodies to rides the waves to shore. At dusk, grab a beer and enjoy the sunset view.

3 of 14

Advertisement

4 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bias Tugal

Bias Tugal
Credit: Getty Images

Finding this beach is a real challenge—it’s tucked away and is only accessible through a rough and rocky path—but the effort is totally worth it. You’ll practically have the white sand, coconut trees, and turquoise water to yourself. Take advantage of the solitude.

4 of 14

5 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bingin Beach

Rainbow over ocean,Bingin beach,Bali,Indonesia.
Credit: Getty Images

The white limestone cliffs serve as a dramatic contrast to the blue waters at this small surfing beach on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. Visitors can choose to stay in everything from surfing camps to boutique resorts and private villas, making it a place for people from all walks of life. The isolated location is ideal for those looking to get away.

5 of 14

6 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Dreamland Beach

Asia, Indonesia, Bali, View of Dreamland Beach (Photo by: JTB Photo/UIG via Getty Images)
Credit: Getty Images

Many have been deterred by the major resorts popping up around Dreamland, but the beach itself is still worth a visit. The soft white sand serves as a comfortable place to sit back and watch as skilled surfers ride the waves.

6 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Geger Beach

Reefs off Geiger beach.
Credit: Getty Images

If you’re looking for a beach that has it all, this one is for you. The surrounding area is filled with five-star resorts like the St. Regis Bali and the Mulia, not to mention the 18-hole golf course across the street. The water is typically calm, which makes the many available kayaks, dinghies, and paddleboards hot commodities.

7 of 14

8 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Green Bowl Beach

ocean coast
Credit: Getty Images

This secluded beach stays consistently empty, as the hundreds of steps to reach it are enough to keep large crowds at bay. That means beautiful untouched gold sand and plenty of areas to swim in. The caves nearby provide welcome shade on a hot day and the shop at the top will serve as a reward after make your way back up.

8 of 14

9 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Jimbaran Beach

Jimbaran Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Credit: Getty Images

Jimbaran Beach sits on Bali’s southwestern coast, where the mainland connects to the Bukit Peninsula and plays host to many luxury resorts like the Four Seasons and the Intercontinental. Restaurants line the shore with tables on the sand, most offering some sort of seafood feast to accompany a beautiful sunset.

9 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Karma Beach

karma beach bali
Credit: Karma Group

Unlike Green Bowl, the descent to this exclusive beach is made in a funicular (for a small fee) rather than by stairs. Needless to say, visiting Karma is quite a treat. Services include everything from signature cocktails to shaded lounge chairs, as the area belongs to an exclusive club. Thankfully, members of the public can access it with a reservation or as walk-in guests.

10 of 14

11 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Kuta Beach

Kuta Beach, Legian and Seminyak, Bali, Indonesia
Credit: Getty Images

Conveniently located a few minutes from the Ngurah Rai International Airport, Kuta sits in a bustling resort town that was once a quiet fishing village. Now, surfers and surf wannabes from all over the world come to ride the long waves and take lessons from the many schools along the beach. Additionally, the loud club scene draws plenty of partiers year-round.

11 of 14

12 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Nyang Nyang

Surfer and waves
Credit: Getty Images

This is another hidden gem that requires some work to get to. Once you find the gate, you’ll walk down plenty of stairs before emerging at the deserted beach. There are no showers, no restrooms, and no vendors, so you may want to pack a sandwich and some water for the day. Its simplicity is what makes it great–no frills, just a beautiful beach.

12 of 14

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Padang Padang Beach

Padang padang beach | Bukit Peninsula
Credit: Xavier Hoenner

Surrounded by Bukit’s high cliffs, Eat, Pray, Love fans will instantly recognize this beach as the place where Julia Roberts’ character meets her love interest in the film. The water is safe to swim in and the surf is some of the most exciting in all of Indonesia. You’ll have to work a bit to enjoy it, though, as it’s a bit tricky to find—you'll have to squeeze your way down narrow pathways.

13 of 14

14 of 14

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sanur Beach

Sandy walking track, Sanur Beach
Credit: Getty Images

Sanur serves as the opposite of more touristy areas like Kuta, though there are still plenty of beachfront resorts to choose from. Here, you’ll find the small fishing village charm still intact, with local warungs holding their own against luxury hotels. The atmosphere is laid-back and the water is great for sailing and kite surfing.

14 of 14

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By John Scarpinato

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 14 Amed Beach
    2 of 14 Balangan Beach
    3 of 14 Balian Beach
    4 of 14 Bias Tugal
    5 of 14 Bingin Beach
    6 of 14 Dreamland Beach
    7 of 14 Geger Beach
    8 of 14 Green Bowl Beach
    9 of 14 Jimbaran Beach
    10 of 14 Karma Beach
    11 of 14 Kuta Beach
    12 of 14 Nyang Nyang
    13 of 14 Padang Padang Beach
    14 of 14 Sanur Beach

    Share options

    Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
    Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
    • Sitemap
    • Travel Guide Sitemap

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Travel + Leisure Group
    Other Meredith Sites

    Other Meredith Sites

    • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
    • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
    • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
    • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
    • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
    • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
    • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
    • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
    • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
    • Health this link opens in a new tab
    • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
    • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
    • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
    • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
    • More this link opens in a new tab
    • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
    • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
    • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
    • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
    • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
    • Parents this link opens in a new tab
    • People this link opens in a new tab
    • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
    • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
    • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
    • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
    • Shape this link opens in a new tab
    • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
    • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
    • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
    MeredithTravel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.travelandleisure.com

    View image

    Best Beaches in Bali
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.