If you’re heading to the island of the gods, then you’ll probably want some beach time. So here’s a guide to the best beaches in Bali.
Uluwatu Beaches
1. Melasti Beach
We’ll start with the best beach in Bali in our opnion, Melasti Beach.
It was like a snippet of the Philippines within Indonesia!
This picturesque spot was a little out of the way but well worth the trip down south for.
A beautiful beach located below a high cliff with unspoiled blue sea. The long coastal strip gives you plenty of space to perch yourself in and switch off for the day.
Before you head down to our favourite of the best beaches in Bali, don’t forget to capture a scenic photo from above.
2. Green Bowl Beach
Second on the list, again this is one of the best beaches in Bali!
Definitely a hidden gem amongst the south coast. After walking down many steps we made it to the plush spot that is Green Bowl Beach.
There’s also a naturally formed cave where you can catch some shade if the sun gets too much. Definitely one of the best white sand beaches in Bali.
3. Pandawa Beach
Hidden behind huge limestone cliffs, Pandawa Beach was once known as secret beach.
It used to be super difficult to access because it was located within a deep valley and surrounded by all the white stone cliffs.
It’s a great addition to all the beautiful white sand beaches in the south. The water is aqua blue and the sand is soft and powdery. It’s no wonder the word got out about this beach!
4. Jimbaran Beach
We headed over to Jimbaran Beach and experienced a beautiful pink, fluffy sunset.
All whilst watching the locals play football and families messing around. A definite hotspot for the Balinese.
If you’re heading down to Jimbaran there’s also a famous fish market to check out and plenty of fancy hotels in the area.
More of a locals beach Jimbaran makes for a great sunset spot!
5. Suluban Beach (Uluwatu Beach)
Although Uluwatu is more popular for its surf, this is one of the small hidden best beaches in Bali and makes for the perfect place to chill out.
A large set of stairs, lead down into a large hidden cave, that follows out into an absolute gem of a beach!
Suluban Beach, commonly referred to as Uluwatu Beach, is the most popular spot for surfers and makes a great place to hang out for the day. You can even enjoy if from above at one of the many cliff top bars!
6. Nyang Nyang Beach
After a short forest trek down, you’ll end up at yet another long stretch of sand known as Nyang Nyang Beach.
This is where the famous graffiti’d vessel lays. A popular spot for tourists. There’s even a little hidden swing making for an awesome photo opportunity using the ocean as a stunning backdrop.
7. Balangan Beach
One of the best beaches in Bali for sunset!
You can sit right on top of the cliff at Balangan Beach and watch the sun go down over the horizon. Such a beautiful place and so much so that we even spotted a wedding shoot taking place whilst visiting.
8. Tegal Wangi Beach
Naturally formed rock pools make for an awesome ‘private jacuzzi’ at Tegal Wangi Beach, one of our other favourite sunset spots.
The caves and the rock formations definitely make this beach unique and another easy spot to spend an evening.
Not necessarily one of the best beaches in Bali but definitely one of the most unique!
9. Bingin Beach
Bingin Beach made it to the best beaches in Bali blog, more so for its photo opportunities than its stunning sands.
We headed to the popular Bali Instagram spot, to see the huge boulder and tiny tree for ourselves.
Although there was a lot of rubbish washed up on the beach when we visited. If you do plan to check it out, be sure to make it there early before the tide comes in.
10. Padang Padang Beach
At the bottom of the jungle walk lies a small bay, making for the perfect beach to enjoy a day out with friends and play around in the water.
Watch out for the monkeys on the way down though!
Padang Padang is well known in the Uluwatu beaches area, although could be classed as one of the hidden beaches in Bali.
East Bali Beaches
11. Blue Lagoon Beach
Just around the corner from the Padangbai, where ferries by the dozen charter tourists over to the Gili Islands, lies this secluded corner of paradise.
The Blue Lagoon Beach is known for being a great spot for snorkelling and diving. Plus it’s rarely crowded day to day!
A few metres out from shore there are beautiful coral reef and tropical fish that will swim around your feet.
So if you’re heading out East definitely pack a snorkel. Otherwise all equipment is rentable from the locals at Blue Lagoon Beach Bali.
Nusa Penida Beaches
12. Kelingking Beach
Kelingking beach is the most beautiful of all the Nusa Penida beaches.
The T-Rex shaped cliff side at Kelingking Beach has rocketed tourism into the sky with it’s natural beauty.
Thanks to social media, Instagram especially, this view point is now top of most people’s list of attractions when heading over to the Nusa Islands.
Kelingking Beach itself is a secluded, white sandy haven surrounded by turquoise waters. It’s certainly known as one of the most beautiful Nusa Penida beaches amongst anyone that visits Bali.
To get down to Kelingking Beach takes around an hour and you must go at your own risk. The bamboo railings are not greatly maintained and you shouldn’t put 100% of your weight on them.
It’s definitely the hardest of all the Nusa Penida beaches to get to. Having said that, Kelingking Beach is a spot that cannot be missed when ticking off the best beaches in Nusa Penida.
If you’re looking for an easy way to see Nusa Penida we recommend booking a Best of Nusa Penida Full-Day Tour.
13. Crystal Bay Beach
Palm tree heaven, that’s all you need to know.
If you want to relax, swim or snorkel on Penida, Crystal Bay is your place!
Out of all the Nusa Penida beaches, none of them have palm trees like Crystal Bay Beach.
It’s a secluded beach blocked off by a whole jungle of palm trees and the perfect spot for sunset. It’s impossible to not stop and take a photo.
Of all Nusa Penida beaches, Crystal Bay Beach is the perfect spot to finish in! So save some time at the end of your trip for soaking up the sun or catching a sunset to remember.
14. Atuh Beach
Rated one of the best Nusa Penida beaches, a trip out East to visit Atuh Beach should definitely be one of the top things you do on the island.
We visited Atuh Beach twice on separate Nusa Penida tours. Once getting caught in a thunder storm midday and another when visiting for sunrise.
The later of the two journey, we jumped on our scooters and headed out East to catch sunrise. It was a 4am start and we drove for over an hour to catch an awesome morning over over Atuh Beach.
One of the most important parts to planning your Atuh Beach visit though is watching for weather and choosing high or low tide!
15. Suwehan Beach
The final stop of our Nusa Penida beaches was Suwehan Beach, and it was like revisiting the Philippines.
The water from above at the lookout point at Suwehan Beach was blue beyond belief, and we couldn’t wait to get down the 342 steps to cool off.
If you plan on visiting one of the best beaches in Nusa Penida though, make sure to check the tides first.
Where To Stay In Bali
For pre-booking accommodation when travelling, we always recommend Booking.com!
From 5 star hotels, to budget backpacker hostels, it’s got everything and the site is super easy to use.
We’ve also written a full where to stay in Bali guide, which covers a break down of each individual area on the island.
Otherwise you can pre book all of your Bali accommodation and check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Bali Blogs
Bali Itinerary – Backpacking Bali + Where To Go
Best Waterfalls In Bali – The Ultimate List
Best Bali Instagram Spots – Ultimate Guide
Nusa Penida Tour – An Easy To Follow Itinerary
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