Best Beaches in Bali

Escape to Paradise

Boasting stunning tropical landscapes, crystal clear water and soft white sands, there's no wonder why Bali is hailed as the 'Island of the Gods'. Beckoning travellers from all around the world, Bali promises an idyllic escape that invites you to let go everyday stresses and surrender to its tropical beauty.

Famous for their world-class surf breaks, breathtaking sunsets, quintessential culture and atmosphere like no other, Bali beaches are a must-visit. So whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or simply yearning for a mimosa on the beach at sunset, the beaches of Bali beckon you to unwind, relax and escape from the routine of everyday life.

Best Bali Beaches

With its tropical location right above the Indian Ocean, it is no surprise that Bali's coastline is blessed with countless beautiful beaches. From bustling stretches of sand packed with beach bars to secluded coves with pristine waters ideal for snorkelling, Bali offers an array of coastal treasures waiting to be explored. Starting off by heading south in an anti-clockwise direction, we'll explore some of the best beaches Bali's coastline has to offer.

Canggu (Echo) Beach

Best Beach for Surfing & Beachfront Dining

Nestled along the vibrant southwest coast of Bali, Canggu Beach beckons visitors from across the globe with its magnetic charm and dynamic surf scene. Possibly the prettiest black sand beach in Bali, Canggu's rolling waves and 180-degree seascape create a mesmerising backdrop for wave-riders and beachgoers. With an abundance of surf schools, cafe, and bars with accompanying sun lounges, Canggu Beach offers a captivating playground for those seeking adventure or a relaxing day by the water.

Stay, play and dine in Bali's newest seaside hotspot with TravelOnline's Canggu Beach accommodation options.

Location: Canggu, North Kuta District

Seminyak Beach

Best Beach for Sunsets & Trendy Holidays

Renowned for its vibrant atmosphere and upscale amenities, Seminyak Beach is a lively and popular haven for beach lovers seeking a mix of luxury and style. The upscale beach clubs, trendy bars and luxurious resorts that dot the coast of Seminyak offer a cosmopolitan beach experience like no other. The sunsets in Seminyak, which paint the sky in hues of orange and pink, provide the perfect backdrop for romantic evenings or a leisurely evening swim.

If you plan on escaping to Seminyak Beach, our range of accommodation options are the perfect place to get started.

Location: North of Legian & Kuta Beach, in Kuta Village

Legian Beach

Best Beach for Relaxing

Located adjacent to Kuta Beach, Legian is the much more peaceful and less crowded little sister, offering a more relaxed alternative to its bustling neighbours. With its quieter ambience and gentle waves, it's a favourite spot for families and couples seeking a peaceful retreat while still being close to the action. Legian is also a great spot for surfing (both seasoned pros and beginner surfers are welcome here), swimming, lounging and enjoying romantic strolls at sunset.

Check out our range of Legian accommodation to start planning your next trip to Bali.

Location: In between Kuta & Seminyak Beach, in Kuta Village

Kuta Beach

Best Beach for Nightlife & Tourism-Related Activities

The busiest beach in Bali, these sandy shores were once a popular surfing and swimming destination, providing a playground for pro-surfers and sunseekers. Now, Kuta Beach is best known for its party atmosphere, with plenty of accommodation, bars, restaurants and nightclubs lining the beach. Kuta Beach, however, still retains its classic charm with world-class surf breaks, golden sunsets and a range of water-based activities, making it a popular holiday destination for surfers, sunseekers and cocktail sippers.

For the ultimate Balinese holiday, have a look at our Kuta accommodation options.

Location: South of Denpasar, in Kuta Village

Jimbaran Beach

Best Beach for Seafood & Sunsets

Famed for its barbecued seafood dinners served on the sand, visitors of Jimbaran Beach can enjoy freshly caught seafood as the sun sets over the water. The 4 km stretch of beach features soft sands and calm waters, perfect for swimming and enjoying romantic strolls along the shore. With the sound of gentle waves as your soundtrack and the scent of grilled seafood in the air, Jimbaran Beach offers an enchanting setting for a laid-back getaway.

If this sounds like your kind of holiday, check out TravelOnline's Jimbaran Beach accommodation options.

Location: Jimbaran, South Kuta District

Balangan Beach

Best Beach for Surfing, Swimming, Sunbathing & Sightseeing

Boasting panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, Balangan Beach is one of Bali's top surf spots with consistent left-handers that cater to beginners and seasoned pros. Its rugged beauty and secluded atmosphere also make it a favourite amongst sunbathers and sightseers, whilst its turquoise waters mean it's one of the best beaches in Bali for swimming. Nestled between two cliffs, Balangan is almost always uncrowded and is usually only populated by surfers enjoying the waves out back.

Enjoy many accommodation options at Uluwatu or Jimbaran, each just a short drive from Balangan.

Location: Just off the coast of Cengiling on the Bukit Peninsula

Dreamland (New Kuta) Beach

Best Beach for Sunbathing & Surfing

True to its name, Dreamland Beach is a picturesque stretch of coastline boasting aquamarine waters lapping against the shore, creating a dream-like scene framed by towering limestone cliffs. With whiskey-tinted sands and world-class surf breaks, Dreamland is one of the best beaches in Bali for a range of activities such as surfing, sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and more. Lately, Dreamland has seen rapid development with resorts, beach clubs and more cropping up, attracting both adventure seekers and those craving a laid-back atmosphere.

Located nowhere near the actual town of Kuta, Dreamland is officially known as 'New Kuta Beach' but is frequently referred to by Aussies as Dreamland Beach, thanks to its idyllic setting. Book your stay at Dreamland with our range of accommodation options near Uluwatu or Jimbaran Bay.

Location: Approx 6km north of Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula

Padang Padang Beach

Best Beach for Surfing

Possibly the most famous Bali beach, Padang Padang Beach, served as the romantic backdrop for the filming of the blockbuster 'Eat Pray Love' featuring Julia Roberts. However beyond this, Padang Padang is also a top surfing destination renowned for its consistent waves and pipe-like barrels that attract pro surfers and international surf competitions. A genuine slice of paradise, Padang Padang offers a unique kind of unspoiled beauty, boasting brilliant blue waters, dramatic cliffs and silky white sands surrounded by a carpet of lush greenery.

If you're booking a surfing trip, Padang Padang Beach should almost certainly be on your list. To make things easier for yourself, check out our range of accommodation in this area and get ready to indulge in the stunning natural beauty of this coastal region of Bali.

Location: Approx 5km north of Uluwatu on the Bukit Peninsula

Nusa Dua Beach

Best Beach for Surfing & Family Activities

Located in the resort area of Nusa Dua, this stunning stretch of beach is renowned for its soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. It's one of the best beaches in Bali for swimming, snorkelling, sunbathing and a range of other slower-paced activities. The northern end of Nusa Dua is also home to Blackstone, a reef break famous amongst surfers of all skill levels. For all these reasons and more, it's one of the most versatile, breathtaking beaches in Bali.

If this sounds like the place for you, check out the range of resort-style accommodation options available at Nusa Dua.

Location: Nusa Dua, Bukit Peninsula

Sanur Beach

Best Beach for Slow Strolls & Family Vacations

Quite literally the opposite of Kuta, Sanur Beach boasts 5 km of pristine white sands and palm-fringed shores. Embracing a laid-back charm, Sanur is ideal for those seeking a relaxing, peaceful escape away from the hustle and bustle of busier tourist areas. Its shallow waters and calm currents make it popular for swimming and water sports, while its beachfront promenade offers a serene setting for leisurely strolls and dining with ocean views.

For those seeking a rejuvenating escape from the crowds, head south and explore TravelOnline's range of upmarket accommodation options near Sanur Beach.

Location: Sanjur Kaja, 9 km east of Denpasar

Blue Lagoon Beach

Best Beach for Swimming & Snorkelling

Tucked between two headlands, Blue Lagoon Beach is a hidden gem with such crystal-clear waters you'll truly believe you've found paradise. With sugary white sands and colourful reefs teeming with marine life, Blue Lagoon is one of the best beaches in Bali for swimming and snorkelling, offering an underwater experience like no other. We recommend bringing your snorkelling gear and heading a few metres out to catch a glimpse of the underwater wonders that call Blue Lagoon Beach home.

As Blue Lagoon is a relatively secluded location, many of the accommodation options are located in neighbouring towns. Check out our nearby accommodation options to find the perfect place to stay during your visit to Blue Lagoon Beach.

Location: Padangbai, Manggis

Lovina Beach

Best Beach for Dolphin Spotting

Escape the crowds and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature at Lovina Beach. Known for its black volcanic sand and dolphin sightings at sunrise, Lovina offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers seeking a more tranquil beach experience away from the crowds. Here, visitors can jump on a dolphin-watching tour and witness the beauty and playfulness of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. Other popular activities in this area include diving and snorkelling, where you can swim alongside dolphins and different marine life.

Located on Bali's northern coast, Lovina Beach offers a variety of accommodation, including luxury beachfront bungalows, mid-range resorts and upscale apartments.

Location: Lovina Beach, in the Buleleng Regency

Beach Season in Bali

When booking a trip to Bali, venturing out to its famed beaches is usually at the top of your list. However, it is important to consider the weather when you visit to ensure you make the most of your time there.

Dry Season - April to October: Bali beaches offer the most beautiful conditions during the dry season. West coast areas, including Seminyak, Kuta, Legian, Canggu, and Jimbaran, provide gorgeous, clean beaches and calm waters with little offshore wind and minimal erosion.

Wet Season - November to March: During the wet season, debris and rubbish can sometimes wash up onto western-facing beaches, and the heavy rain can deposit runoff, making these beaches a less-than-ideal place to swim.

It is also worth noting that the beaches on the east coast, such as those in Sanur and Nusa Dua, are less affected by the seasons, although some erosion still occurs in winter. Conditions on this side of the island remain pleasant due to the offshore reef that protects the beaches from heavy surf and turbulent conditions.

This is in contrast to Kuta Beach, which can experience rough surf conditions that produce a strong undertow and potentially dangerous rip currents. However, safe swimming areas are designated in this area by flags and lifeguards patrolling areas of the beach. Legian and Seminyak beaches can also experience rough surf, so checking the weather and conditions before heading out is recommended.

Popular Beach Activities

With much of the allure of Bali centred around its tropical location and warm weather, it's no surprise that the first thing many think of when you mention Bali is its beaches. The stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters and picturesque sunsets make Bali a dream destination for beach lovers. While lounging on the shore is a perfect way to unwind, there are also plenty of popular beach activities that can add a sense of adventure to your trip.

• Surfing & Surf Lessons: Bali beaches offer world-class surfing conditions that attract surfers from all around the world. With breaks suitable for all skill levels and an abundance of surf schools, Bali stands as the ultimate surfing destination.
• Scuba Diving: Bali is a haven for diving enthusiasts, with tours to renowned dive sites and coral reefs, as well as marine encounters with manta rays and sharks available island-wide.
• Snorkelling: For those who prefer to stay closer to the surface, snorkelling is a great way to witness Bali's vibrant underwater world. Hire a mask and fins or use your own to explore the beauty of Bali's reefs and diverse marine life.
• Boat Tours: Embark on a scenic boat trip to nearby islands or spend the morning dolphin spotting on a sunrise boat tour. Available at most popular tourist beaches these boat tours offer a way to see Bali's coastline like no other.
• Jet Skis & Water Sports: For those seeking more of an adrenaline-filled adventure, many of Bali's famous beach destinations offer visitors the chance to go jet-skiing, flyboarding, parasailing and tubing.

Stay, Play & Save with our Beachside Holiday Packages

Indulge yourself in the ultimate beachside getaway with TravelOnline's range of Bali holiday packages. Here you can stay, play and dine in your very own beachfront villa just steps from the sandy shores of Bali's stunning palm-fringed coastline.