15 Best Bali Beaches to Visit in 2023

A tropical paradise with some of the nicest beaches on earth in Bali, Indonesia. Here is a list of the top Bali beaches to assist you in navigating this paradise.

Both an island and a province, Bali also has some neighboring smaller islands. The top tourist destinations are divided into the most well-known beaches, best-undiscovered treasures, and finest beaches on Bali's smaller islands in order to keep things organized.

Most Popular and Best Beaches in Bali

1. Balangan Beach

Located on the southern tip of Bali, Balangan Beach is a surfer’s paradise. It is an inspiration for surfers of all abilities. Pros will be able to take advantage of the high waves while beginners can enroll in one of the many surf schools along the beach. There are also a host of freelance instructors able to offer their services to sufferers of all abilities.

If surfing is not for you, don’t despair as Balangan Beach has pristine white sand perfect for lazing about in a hammock and watching the surfers ride the waves. The beach is great for young children as well, as the sand is itching to be turned into a sandcastle.

If you need a break from all of the activity or relaxation, Balangan Beach has numerous local cafes, called Warungs, to help you stay refreshed. These cafes serve plates of indo mee and local Bintangs beer to quench your thirst.

If you do venture into the water to explore, bring a pair of reef shoes as Balangan Beach is rocky and has a slippery green moss covering.

2. Geger Beach

Located in the southeast corner of Bali, next to the Bali National Golf Course, Geger Beach offers calm waters great for swimming. The water is a beautiful green-blue and has soft, rolling waves so that all family members can enjoy the ocean.

On land, the sand is soft yet thick and hard-packed so that when you play a game of volleyball or enjoy a beach run your feet will be supported. If you’re keen to sit and relax you can rent deck chairs relatively cheap.

Geger Beach also has a row of restaurants to keep you refreshed and the beach is making a name for itself with the brunch crowd, especially among local expatriates.

Tourists to Geger Beach wanting local souvenirs can engage in some bartering but don’t worry as they aren’t too aggressive. Geger Beach is one of the few beaches in Bali where topless sunbathing is allowed.

3. Ungasan Beach

Situated in the southern part of Bali, Ungasan Beach is one of the prettiest on the island. The catch, of course, is that you must pay to access the beach. The fee is 250,000 rupiah, or $20 US, but can be used towards food and beverages.

For many, however, the fee is worth it as the sand is fine and the water a vivid blue color. The current can be strong, so plan your swimming around a low tide.

4. Sanur Beach

On the southeast coast of Bali lies Sanur Beach, which stretches for several miles. The sand is a golden color and dotted with many shells. If you’re looking to add to your seashell collection, Sanur Beach is the place to go.

The water at Sanur Beach is customary crystal blue, and the current is fairly gentle, making it great for swimming.

5. Amed Beach

Along the east coast of Bali, you can find Amed Beach, which has black, volcanic sand, thanks to the volcanoes in the region. Amed Beach won’t have surfers but will have fishing boats, in particular traditional outriggers used by Balinese people.

The water of Amed Beach is meant for exploring. There are several wrecks nearby so the place is a real magnet for scuba divers. Snorkelers too will find a lot to see as the coral around Amed Beach is teeming with sea life.

6. Soka Beach

Soka Beach is a rare gem in Bali. It is well known, yet not too populated. Located along the west coast of Bali, north of the airport, the beach has black sands juxtaposed with green surroundings.

Within the water are huge coral reefs that lend themselves to Balinese myths. The coral rock formations even seem to have their pattern to them. As a bonus, there is a secret bat cave to be discovered.

7. Nusa Dua Beach

On the southeast coast of Bali sits Nusa Dua Beach, a bit of paradise for you to discover. Set amongst luxury hotels, Nusa Dua is known for its abundance of flowers and plants. There are palm trees, wild mangroves, and fragrant orchids. The sand is a beautiful golden color and the ocean is a clear blue.

The current at Nusa Dua Beach is calm and the waves are relatively low so swimming is the preferred activity. If you’re looking to partake in some surfing, north or south of Nusa Dua has stronger waves.

8. Kuta Beach

Close to the city of Kuta and the Ngurah Rai International Airport is Kuta Beach, a haven for surfers. The currents are strong so while there isn’t much opportunity for swimming, there is plenty for surfing.

The beach itself can become crowded, with both locals and tourists, and there is a bit of a party atmosphere in the air. The beach is used both during the day and at night where parties from the local clubs often spill out onto the beach.

9. Bias Tugal

In the south of Bali, just north of Ngurah Rai International Airport is this lesser-known beach. If you want to escape some of the larger, more crowded beaches, then Bias Tugal is right for you. The beach is hidden, and can only be accessed from a rocky path that is 500 metres.

The hike is worth it, however, because the water is blue and turquoise and coconut trees sway in the breeze on the white sand. If you’re not an experienced swimmer, you might want to stick to the beach as the current can be strong at Bias Tugal.

10. Nyang Nyang Beach

On the south of Bali is Nyang Nyang Beach, hidden by a green cliff so that you might just have the beach all to yourself. To get to the beach you need to head towards Uluwatu Temple along a dirt track and keep your eyes open for a sign that will direct you to Nyang Nyang Beach. Cross a field and then climb down 500 steps to get to the beach, but don’t worry as it’s all worth it.

The beach has quintessential Bali white sands and as a bonus, some remnants of a shipwreck. There is also a lovely garden by Nyang Nyang Beach with bright yellow flowers.

Because the beach is secluded make sure you bring in anything you may need. The only place to stop for refreshments is at a little refreshments stall at the top of the cliff.

11. Gunung Payung Beach

Close to the more popular Pandawa Beach, Gunung Payung offers a closer look at how the locals live. While the sand is beautiful the beach is not wide instead a field of grass blows gently in the wind near the water.

While at Gunung Payung Beach you can swim, surf or snorkel, but also be aware that it is a beach that helps sustain the livelihoods of the Balinese. While at the beach you will most likely see seaweed farmers and sea urchin collectors in their daily work.

12. Green Bowl Beach

Another south Bali gem, Green Bowl Beach was poised to become a huge tourist attraction, but because a nearby resort was demolished, Green Bowl Beach has stayed off the beaten path.

Finding the beach can be hard as it is located at the end of some tiny, rural roads, and once you do find its location there are still hundreds of steep concrete steps to descend.

But once you arrive, it is worth it. The beach is beautiful but the rock formations are truly a sight to see. The small caves are home to many bats, but don’t worry as they are usually asleep during the day.

13. Yeh Leh Beach

Further up the west coast is Yeh Leh Beach, worth the trip if you’re tired of endless white sand beaches. Because, unlike typical Balinese beaches, Yeh Leh Beach is littered with thousands of small boulders. These rocks are part of an endless cycle: they are covered by algae only to be washed clean by the crashing waves.

The rocks have been on the beach for hundreds of years and as a result, have been made smooth by the water. It is one of the best beaches in Bali.

The rock pools on Yeh Leh Beach are incredibly neat to see; many small animals get trapped in low tide. Stay on Yeh Leh Beach until sunset when the sun reflects off the many shining rocks.

14. Crystal Bay

Located on the smaller Nusa Penida, Crystal Bay hosts a stretch of high-end beach resorts among a stretch of reclaimed mangrove swamps.

The sand at Crystal Bay is a beautiful pale gold color and during low tide, the coral reef is exposed.

15. Atuh Beach

On the very east coast of Nusa Penida, you can find Atuh Beach which offers just about everything you could ask for on a beach. The sands are pristine, the waters vivid blue, and the coral reef is any snorkeler’s fantasy.

Just up from the beach are small rock shelters and further up a picturesque cliff. This part of the island is mountainous so you can see soft peaks brush against the clouds as you lay peacefully on the beach.

Bali has no shortage of beaches to discover and trying to experience them all can be overwhelming. If possible, travel by region and try to experience different types of Bali beaches, whether it’s black volcanic sand, a hidden paradise, or a surfer’s delight. The best beaches in Bali all have something wonderful to offer.