There are countless wonderful, tropical beaches in Bali, so many that it’s difficult to choose. We’ve spent the last three weeks in the south and partly in the west of the island. Here, however, we’ve discovered and tested out many spots. Whether it’s a quiet beach for relaxing and sunbathing or a wild coast for surfing – Bali has it all. Today, we’re introducing you to our most beautiful beaches in Bali.
- 1. Echo Beach
- 2. Double Six Beach
- 3. Legian Beach
- 4. Kuta Beach, Kuta
- 5. Balangan Beach
- 6. Dreamland Beach
- 7. Bingin Beach
- 8. Padang Padang
- 9. Uluwatu Beach
1. Echo Beach
All the beaches here in Bali are somehow completely different. In Canggu, at Echo Beach (Bali’s west coast), you can lie partly on black/grey sand, and the sea is a bit wilder but very clear. This surfing spot is one of the best in Bali – the waves are sometimes very big and strong – perfect for surfing (more for advanced surfers). This highly sought-after surfers’ beach is just 35 minutes from the airport.
But Berawa Beach, Batu Balong Beach, and Pererenan Beach are also nearby. During the dry season, the water is the perfect temperature, making for a refreshing yet pleasant dip. Visit Old Man’s at Echo Beach – delicious burgers, cool drinks, and good internet await you there.
2. Double Six Beach
Double Six Beach in Seminyak is more touristy but still quieter and more relaxed than many other beaches. Here, you can learn to surf on every corner; the waves are perfect for beginners and advanced surfers. Or you can simply lie down on one of the many loungers, grab a book, and enjoy the great weather.
Here you’ll also find a large selection of restaurants, bars, and cafés where you can enjoy delicious food. In the evening, many locals and tourists come to enjoy the sunset, combined with good music and a fresh cocktail.
3. Legian Beach
The three-kilometer-long stretch of beach seamlessly connects to other beaches. Before Double Six Beach in Seminyak, you’ll find Legian Beach and Kuta Beach. Legian Beach is quieter; there aren’t quite as many bars and restaurants, but it does have cool art galleries. The standard here is a bit more upscale, with more design and style. The entire area is also somewhat more expensive than the tourist hotspot of Kuta.
4. Kuta Beach, Kuta
Kuta Beach is arguably the liveliest area of all. This is the tourist hotspot, so to speak; resorts are lined up one after the other, and there are bars, restaurants, and shops everywhere. The beach is light and sandy, with plenty of loungers and umbrellas available. If you fancy the lively hustle and bustle, this is the place to be. Whether Legian or Kuta, both beaches are very similar.
A multitude of small bars and restaurants with loud music create a Caribbean atmosphere, while countless vendors try to sell their wares to tourists. When the sun sets on the beach in the evening, it’s time for contemplative hours in the holiday hotels, which are seamlessly lined up along some of the beach areas. Only in the early morning does true peace and quiet return to Legian and Kuta Beach.
Are you looking for peace and quiet, want to surf and simply enjoy the day, or take a relaxing scooter tour? Then the rocky and hot Bukit Peninsula is the perfect place for you. With Jimbaran, Bingin, and Uluwatu, there are some great spots to explore here. You’ll also find some of the world’s best surfing spots, such as Balangan, Dreamland, Impossibles, Padang Padang, and Ulu Watu.
5. Balangan Beach
First up is Balangan Beach. It’s about a 25-minute drive from the airport. Here you can play volleyball, surf, or enjoy a cold beer in one of the cool bars. Rocky cliffs and hills stretch out around you, from where you can watch a fantastic sunset. The bars are a bit more rustic, but exude a great surf vibe and a cool flair.
6. Dreamland Beach
Dreamland Beach on the Bukit Peninsula is arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Turquoise sea, white sand, and a whole lot of holiday feeling await you. Just a few years ago, the area was difficult to reach – today, roads and paths lead to this wonderful bay. Unfortunately, the changing times are noticeable here too.
Once a relatively unknown hotspot, more and more is now being built for tourists. Simple accommodations are giving way to new hotel complexes for vacationers. Nevertheless, the beach is perfect for relaxing, sunbathing, snorkeling, and surfing—and it’s not particularly big! If you continue south, you’ll come to Bingin Beach and Padang Padang Beach, which we haven’t seen or “tested” yet (the list will be updated).
7. Bingin Beach
Next to Dreamland Beach is Bingin Beach. The path to the beach leads you through narrow paths and small alleys. Here you’ll find several warungs and small restaurants. Once you arrive, you’ll immediately notice the serenity, peace, and cozy atmosphere. If you just want to chill without too many tours, this is the place for you. Eating, hanging out, sunbathing, swimming, and lazing around – that’s how we would describe the beach. The sand is soft and light, the water crystal clear.
You can’t really “splash around” here, as it’s quite rocky. However, you’ll always find open spots in the water where you can just jump in. At “The Sun and Surf Stay,” you can treat yourself to a drink, something to eat, and relax with a view of the beach and the sea. If you take a short walk along the beach, you’ll pass some rocks and small caves – a great location for sure.
8. Padang Padang
Continue a few meters further on the scooter. Now you’ll reach Padang Padang Beach. You have to go down a steep, rocky staircase and past some rocks – so be careful and keep your head down! Once you get to the bottom, there’s a small bay with beautiful sand and crystal-clear water. This beach is ideal for swimming, as it’s hardly rocky.
Only towards the cliffs and rocks does the water get a bit bumpy. What we immediately noticed: more tourists than at any other beach. But the beach is perfect for hanging out with friends, making music, and admiring the sunset. Food and drinks are also sold here and there—so no one will go hungry or thirsty.
9. Uluwatu Beach
Further south is Uluwatu Beach, also known as Blue Point Beach. There isn’t really a real beach here, but rather hidden little coves and lagoons beneath the rocky cliffs (the Pura Luhur Uluwatu temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Bali, is located here).
The restaurants and bars are built into the slopes of the cliffs and invite you to enjoy a delicious dinner with a sea view. For us, it was one of the must-see spots in Bali. If you descend the steep, rocky stairs, you’ll find small, hidden coves for swimming and relaxing—but be careful: duck your head when winding your way through the small passages between the rocks.
A well-known restaurant is the Single Fin, right at the top of the hill—but it’s cheaper at the many other small bars and restaurants/warungs. This location is particularly popular in the evening, as you can enjoy the magnificent sunset here. Live music from the DJ, the setting sun, and a cool drink make this a great place to hang out.
The food wasn’t anything special, but the spot is pretty cool. Also because there are many other people there in the evening, with whom you can quickly strike up a conversation. But the other smaller restaurants on the slopes are also great for a relaxed evening.