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Bali is known for being a paradise island, thanks to its warm temperatures, beautiful architecture and, of course, its beaches. From golden sands and turquoise waters to dramatic cliffside coves and world-class surf breaks, the island of Bali offers some of the best beach locations for every kind of traveller – you just need to know where to look.
As Bali has grown in popularity, some once-tranquil spots have become busier and, for want of a better word, more tourist-focused. Nevertheless, Bali still boasts some of the most breathtaking beaches in Asia, from lively beach club hubs to hidden stretches of coastline that feel worlds away.
At a glance: Bali’s best beaches
- Best beaches in Bali: Nusa Dua, Uluwatu, Nusa Penida
- Best beaches in Bali for swimming: Nusa Dua, Sanur
- Best beaches in Bali for snorkelling: Amed, Nusa Lembongan
- Best beach locations in Bali: Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu
- Where to stay in Bali for the best beaches: Nusa Dua (luxury), Seminyak (beach clubs), Uluwatu (views)
Why Bali has some of the world’s best beaches
Bali’s coastline is incredibly varied, which is what makes it so special.
- The west coast is known for surf beaches, sunsets and beach clubs such as Seminyak and Canggu
- Uluwatu on the south coast boasts dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves
- The east coast, in places like Sanur and Amed, offers calmer waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling
- On offshore islands, such as Nusa Penida and Lembongan, you can experience crystal-clear waters and marine life
Whether you’re looking for peaceful swimming spots, lively beachfront bars, or untouched snorkelling locations, Bali delivers.
Nusa Dua
Best for: Swimming, luxury resorts
Perfect for: Families, couples, luxury travellers
Where to stay: Beachfront resorts and some of the best beach hotels in Bali
Top tip: Visit early morning for the quietest experience
While surrounded by resort hotels, Nusa Dua hasn’t lost its charm, which is why it remains such a favourite. Just 30 minutes southeast of Kuta, it offers pristine beaches set among lush greenery.
The area is split into Geger Beach and Mengiat Beach, both known for their cleanliness and excellent facilities. If you’re after a relaxed, polished beach holiday with everything on hand, Nusa Dua is one of the best beach locations in Bali.
Seminyak Beach
Best for: Beach clubs, sunsets
Perfect for: Groups, couples, nightlife lovers
Where to stay: Stylish villas and beachfront hotels
Top tip: Head to a beach club at sunset – it’s what Seminyak does best
Seminyak is one of Bali’s most popular beach areas, and for good reason. The beach itself stretches for miles, with golden sands and rolling waves.
It’s also home to some of the best beach clubs in Bali, including famous spots where you can spend the day lounging by the pool before watching the sun dip into the ocean.
Canggu
Best for: Surf, laid-back vibes
Perfect for: Digital nomads, surfers, younger travellers
Where to stay: Boutique hotels and villas near Echo Beach or Batu Bolong
Just north of Seminyak, Canggu is a little more relaxed but still lively. The beaches here are darker in colour due to volcanic sand, but the atmosphere more than makes up for it.
Expect surf breaks, beach bars and a slightly more bohemian feel. It’s one of the best beach locations in Bali for those wanting a mix of relaxation and social energy.
Bingin
Best for: Surf, views, laid-back beach days
Perfect for: Surfers, couples, photographers
Where to stay: Cliffside guesthouses and boutique stays above the beach
Top tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the steep descent and check tides before visiting
If you’re after a beach with a view, then you can’t go far wrong with Bingin, but be warned: the descent is steep. Bingin Beach sits beneath rocky, sylvan cliffs dotted with small lodgings, giving it a secluded feel despite its growing popularity.
An elderly resident often waits at the T-junction near the car park and will guide you down the trail to the beach for around 5,000Rp (roughly 24p), which is well worth it if you’re unsure of the route.
At the bottom, a row of relaxed cafés sit right on the sand, and thanks to the consistent breaking waves, they’re usually filled with surfers. The beach itself is scattered with rocky boulders, so take care when walking, especially at low tide.
Padang-Padang
Best for: Surfing, iconic beach scenery
Perfect for: Experienced surfers, day-trippers, beach lovers
Where to stay: Boutique hotels and villas in Uluwatu
Top tip: Rent a sarong from beach vendors rather than bringing bulky towels
This famous surf spot has a distinct energy, and you can really feel it as soon as you arrive. Padang-Padang’s 100-metre stretch of sand sits between towering cliffs along the Indian Ocean, giving it a slightly hidden, almost cinematic feel.
The beach is backed by quaint cafés and vendors, adding to its relaxed charm. Rather than bringing your own towel, it’s common to pick up a colourful tie-dye sarong from the beach stalls and use that instead.
If you’re here to surf, head towards the main break near the white stone hill. Just be aware, the waves can be powerful, so it’s best suited to more experienced surfers rather than beginners.
Amed
Best for: Snorkelling, tranquillity, coastal exploration
Perfect for: Couples, divers, those looking to unwind
Where to stay: Small beachfront resorts and guesthouses
Top tip: Hire a boat to explore the coastline and hidden snorkelling spots
Amed is one of Bali’s more recently developed tourist areas, which means it still feels relatively untouched compared to the south. Stretching along the northeast coast from Culik through to Aas, it encompasses a series of small villages, each with its own quiet charm.
The overall vibe here is one of complete tranquillity, making it an ideal final stop on your trip if you want to slow things down.
The beaches are darker in colour due to volcanic sand, but the contrast with the clear blue water and dramatic mountain backdrop makes the scenery just as striking. The sea is calm, too, making it one of the best beaches in Bali for snorkelling or hiring a boat to explore the coastline at your own pace.
Gunung Payung Beach
Best for: Seclusion, unspoilt scenery
Perfect for: Adventurers, couples, off-the-beaten-track explorers
Where to stay: Stay in nearby Nusa Dua resorts and travel in for the day
Top tip: Bring everything you need as there are no facilities
Gunung Payung is well off the beaten track but still reasonably accessible with a bit of planning. Located around an hour from Denpasar City and close to Nusa Dua, it’s best reached by car or motorbike.
While the journey may feel like a bit of a trek, the payoff is worth it. You’ll be greeted with sweeping views, clear blue waters and soft golden sand – all without the crowds found at many of Bali’s more popular beaches.
There are no amenities here, so you’ll need to come prepared for the day. But if you’re looking for a quieter, more untouched beach experience, Gunung Payung is hard to beat.
Common Questions
Which part of Bali has the best beaches?
The south coast is home to some of the best beach locations in Bali, including Seminyak for beach clubs, Uluwatu for cliffs and surf, and Nusa Dua for calm waters. The Nusa Islands are also among the best beaches in Bali for scenery and snorkelling.
Which beach in Bali is best for swimming?
Nusa Dua is widely considered one of the best beaches in Bali for swimming thanks to its calm, clear waters and well-maintained shoreline. Sanur and Jimbaran Bay are also excellent choices, offering gentle waves and safe conditions ideal for relaxed beach days.
Why not see more of Bali on a Multi Centre Holiday…
When visiting Bali, there’s so much to see and do, so why just stay in just one beach resort? When deciding where to stay in Bali for the best beaches, it’s worth considering a multi-centre holiday so you can experience different coastal areas in one trip.
Explore Ubud, the cultural hub of Bali, before heading to the beach. You can also combine city stopovers with your Bali beach stay. The possibilities are endless, but check out our most popular Bali multi-centre holidays for inspiration.
