Bali (the Island of Gods) is renowned as one of the top tourist destinations in the world. Featuring as one of the best places to visit in South East Asia, Bali has an ongoing upturn in tourists visiting each year. The island has something for everyone, whether you’re travelling solo, as a backpacker, with a small group of friends, as part of a group tour, with your family, on a romantic getaway or a luxury trip. I don’t think it will take much convincing, but just in case, here are 10 reasons to visit Bali once in your life.
One of the many reasons people travel to Bali are the beautiful beaches. Bali has a breathtaking coastline covered with dramatic cliffs that roll into lush rice paddies, cascades that trickle down the rock formations, white sandy beaches, and of course those stunning turquoise waters. If you want a taste of what Bali has to offer, book onto the Bali Island Hopping trip for the best sunset views, water sports and local cooking class.
As a tropical getaway destination, there are a lot of popular beaches around Bali. Depending on how you like to spend your time, will narrow down on the island you should spend most of your time. I have put together a quick guide to help you navigate your way around the 10 best beaches in Bali you need to explore. Whether you are scoping out the best surf spots in Bali, or to be a glorious sun lounger who needs the best beaches for swimming, or maybe you’re looking for an underwater adventure and searching for the best beaches in Bali for snorkelling.
Which side of Bali has the best beaches?
My top pick for Bali beaches is the southern pocket of the island. The southwestern side of the island will enchant you with its beautiful beaches. Once you visit some of these spots, you’ll understand why people come back again and again.
The best beaches in Bali offer their own unique combination of standout features; incredible views of water temples, picturesque sunrises, turquoise waters, surf breaks, and breathtaking sunsets. Kedungu, Uluwatu, Melasti and Bingin Beach are some of my favourites around this area. Suitable for surfing, fishing, swimming and lounging around watching the incredible sunsets.
1. Kelingking Beach (Nusa Penida)
Mesmerising coastal views making it one of the most Instagrammable locations not only in Bali, but around the world. A quick Instagram search and you will recognise this backdrop of incredible cliff faces and limestone karsts islets. Access to this beach is challenging and not for everyone, it involves a 40-minute hike down the cliffs on a steep set of stairs.
It’s a scenic path the whole way down, but don’t forget the real challenge is walking back up. White sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and the limestone formations are said to look like a T-Rex protecting the bay. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, and go early to avoid the crowds. Not recommended for swimming but close by are other swimming beaches and waterfalls.

Image source:Nattu Adnan / unsplash
2. Nusa Dua (Swimming)
Known for its soft white sand and crystal-clear calm waters. It is a pristine beach that is family friendly with shaded areas, ideal for swimming and relaxing. Nusa Dua is easily accessible from Denpasar. Along this coastline you can find many luxurious high-end resorts. Nusa Dua translates to “two islands” which are situated in the bay where the beach is located. This iconic view makes it one of the most famous beaches in Bali.
3. Seminyak Beach (Sunsets and nightlife)
Seminyak is located on Bali’s west coast, north of Kuta and Legian Beach. As Kuta and Legian became touristic hotspots, Seminyak over the years has steadily developed into one of the best places in Bali. Renowned for its upscale atmosphere, vibrant dining, shopping scene and beach bars with cosy bean bags and colourful umbrellas that line the beach.
This is one of the best places to chill and watch the sunset. One of the best venues in Seminyak is Potato Head Beach Club. On Contiki’s Indonesia Island Hopping tour, we have welcome drinks at Potato Head which doubles as a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience. Sunset drinks with a sustainable purpose, sign me up!

Image source:Ern Gan / unsplash
4. Menjangen Beach (Snorkelling)
If you love the underwater world, or are looking to try snorkelling for the first time, I have to recommend Menjangen Beach. It is one of the best beaches in Bali for snorkelling. Most of Bali’s coral has been degraded by unsustainable fishing practices and bleaching. Hidden in Nusa Bay, is Menjangen Beach. It’s part of the West Bali National Park. The area around here is full of colourful corals overflowing with colourful tropical fish.
5. Jimbaran Beach (Romantic settings)
If you need a romantic spot that overlooks the beach with an amazing sunset view whilst eating delicious fresh seafood, this is the place for you. Jimbaran Beach is renowned for calm turquoise waters, with spectacular sunset views, and pristine white sandy beaches. The calm waters make it an ideal place for swimming, snorkelling and water activities. During the evening it’s a very popular spot for dinner with lots of beachside restaurants lining the shoreline with fresh seafood and local cuisines. Around here are secluded coves, coral reefs and easy access to Bukit Peninsula.
6. Melasti (Swimming)
Melasti Beach is situated on Bukit Peninsula in Uluwatu. Melasti is the southernmost point of Bali. The beach has crystal clear waters which are ideal for swimming during the low tide, a golden getaway and popular location for pre-wedding photo shoots. New developments in the area are increasing the access to Melasti Beach.
7. Padang Padang (Surfing and swimming)
An extremely scenic beach with unique rock formations, golden sands and turquoise waters. Padang Padang is one of the 10 best beaches in Bali because it’s ideal for swimming along the coral fringed coastline and has multiple surf breaks suitable for all levels. Access to Padang Padang Beach is down a steep flight of stairs that goes through a hollow rock formation – perfect for travellers who want that little bit of adventure sprinkled into their day.
Don’t forget to carry some small change for the entrance fees. If the conditions are in your favour, some people say this is one of the best surf breaks in the world, with a nickname of Bali pipeline. Hanging out in Padang Padang mean chances are high you’re going to meet like-minded travellers to kick back in the sun and surf with. If you’re a movie buff you may recognise this beach in Eat, Pray, Love.
8. Karma Beach (Water sports)
Karma Beach is a hidden gem. Life can be busy at home, the hustle and bustle of the real world can get a little overwhelming and this is the perfect place to just switch off. Karma Beach is quiet, it’s an isolated getaway and a beautiful spot to spend the day chilling if you’re wanting some down time. It’s the perfect escape from the high season crowds in Bali that you’ll find around Kuta and Legian area. Karma Beach is great for water sports (not including surfing).
Located on the Bukit Peninsula, access to Karma Beach is through Kandara Resort only. There is a shuttle service offered by the resort and a delicious Mediterranean restaurant serving yummy cocktails located on the beach. Get yourself set up for the day, rent some sunbeds and stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and/ or snorkelling gear and head out to explore the nearby turquoise lagoon. Karma Beach has trained lifeguards on duty, making it a safe spot to spend a day in the water.
9. Pandawa Beach (Secret beach)
Everybody loves a secret beach right? And this is the one for you. Limestone hills that line up and rise towards the beach creating a special attraction for tourists. Pandawa Beach has inspired Balinese Hindu social life that reflects the culture. The name Pandawa Beach is taken from the name of 5 big brothers at Mahabaratha epoch (Bharata dynasty). A top pick for water sports and photography, crystal clear waters and pristine white sandy beaches. A small entrance fee is needed to access, but worth it. Trust me!
10. Echo Beach (Surfing & beach bars)
Canggu is a very familiar destination that everybody has heard of when their friends talk about their time visiting Bali. One of the most popular beaches in Canggu is Echo Beach. The local name is Pantai Batu Mejan which translates to beach big rock. Echo Beach is a black sandy beach, with iconic rock formations along the coastline. This area is sacred to Balinese Hindus, and the rocks are used for traditional ceremonies and rituals.
Access to the rocks and temples is restricted to locals only. Echo Beach has a number of different surf schools to choose from with excellent conditions with all levels of surging, beginner, intermediate and advanced. Old Mans offers a great happy hour deal which happens at sunset daily. If you’re looking for a craft beer, head to Black Sands on Batu Balong (street name) and try one of their local brews.
Which beach in Bali has the clearest waters?
The waters of Sanur are protected by a long string of offshore reefs, creating large, warm lagoons with crystal clear waters, that are safe and ideal for swimming. Sanur is on the south east coast corner of Bali. Sanur is a short drive from Denpasar, making it easily accessible from the airport.
The area is developing into a small town with lots of amazing restaurants and accommodations. Sanur Beach promenade is a small paradise with turquoise shallow waters that drop off to the deep blue outside of the reefs. Start along Jalan Segara Ayu (street name) where you’ll find the best parts of the beach.
Exploring Bali’s hidden gems, scenic views, and tropical paradise escapes is just a few clicks away. Launching this year, we have three new trips in Indonesia; Indonesia Island Hopping, Komodo and Flores Sail and Bali Island Hopping.
And if you’re a beach lover, here’s our guide to some of the best beaches in the world.