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Best Beaches in Bali

The 19 places the travel guides we read name most, what they say about each, and fares from your city.

Padang Padang Beach

Nusa Dua and Geger Beach

Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan

Dreamland Beach

The places, most named first

From the 8 guides that rank for "best beaches in bali"

Named by 6 of 81. Padang Padang BeachBukit Peninsula, IndonesiaReached by walking down steps through a cave-like split in the rocks; it can get busy and has monkeys.A hike of about 10 minutes from the parking lot, with small nooks and caves on the beach.
Named by 6 of 82. Nusa Dua and Geger BeachSouth Bali, IndonesiaNusa Dua is a planned resort area with low currents and fairly clear water for swimming.Geger Beach is the most popular day-visit beach for people not staying in Nusa Dua.
Named by 5 of 83. Seminyak BeachWest Coast, IndonesiaThe most upscale beach in Bali, with luxury resorts, restaurants and boutiques nearby.Comes alive around sunset, but it is not a favorite for the beach itself.

Named by 5 of 84. UluwatuBukit Peninsula, IndonesiaA cliff-lined coast with small beaches below and surf breaks that draw surfers.Many beaches here suit surfers and viewers more than swimmers.

Named by 5 of 85. Nusa Penida and Nusa LembonganNusa Islands, IndonesiaA short boat ride off Bali's east coast; Penida has the most scenic coast but its beaches are harder to reach.Lembongan is described as more relaxed and less crowded.

Named by 4 of 86. Dreamland BeachBukit Peninsula, IndonesiaA half-kilometer stretch of white sand backed by limestone cliffs, reached by a free shuttle from the parking lot.Listed as good for sunsets and for families.

Named by 4 of 87. Kuta BeachWest Coast, IndonesiaBali's most popular and most crowded beach, with a five-kilometer stretch of white sand beside bars and shops.Waves are high and the current is strong; the beach is known for surfing lessons.

Named by 4 of 88. Balangan BeachBukit Peninsula, IndonesiaBest viewed from the cliff top, and popular at sunset for engagement photos.Strong currents make swimming unwise, but the soft sand and surf breaks draw visitors.

Named by 3 of 89. Bias Tugel (Padangbai)East Bali, IndonesiaA small beach reached by a 500 meter walk down a rocky path near Padang Bai.Currents can be strong, so swimming may not be advisable; the area suits snorkeling.

Named by 3 of 810. Sanur BeachEast Coast, IndonesiaA relaxed beach with a small coral reef for snorkeling, favored by older visitors.Listed as good for swimming and for families.

Named by 3 of 811. Bingin BeachBukit Peninsula, IndonesiaA popular surf spot with a quick left-hand wave and a tree growing on a rock.A small stretch of beach that two sources count among their favorites.

Named by 3 of 812. Jimbaran BeachSouth Bali, IndonesiaFamous for seafood restaurants on the sand at night; calm and uncrowded in the daytime.Sunset views and a romantic dinner setting.

Named by 3 of 813. Pandawa BeachBukit Peninsula, IndonesiaCan have some of the prettiest water on the island but gets very busy.Listed as one of the easiest beaches to reach.

Named by 3 of 814. Nyang Nyang BeachBukit Peninsula, IndonesiaNeeds an uphill and downhill hike, rewarded with white sand and clear water.Swim only at low tide.

Named by 2 of 815. Melasti BeachBukit Peninsula, IndonesiaA wide beach of over 2 km at Bali's southern tip with easy parking and beach clubs.A reef break calms the waves, so it suits families, though the shallow area is more paddling than swimming.

Named by 2 of 816. Thomas BeachBukit Peninsula, IndonesiaLocals call it the real Padang Padang, with a few places for snacks and a view of surfers.

Named by 2 of 817. Nunggalan BeachBukit Peninsula, IndonesiaQuiet white sand under limestone cliffs, with a graffiti-covered shipwreck; the walk down takes 20 to 30 minutes.

Named by 2 of 818. Gili IslandsLombok, IndonesiaKnown for turtles and clear water; one writer rates them only slightly above the Bukit beaches.

19. Lovina and AmedNorth Bali, IndonesiaLovina has black sand, calm seas and few tourists; Amed has black volcanic sand and wreck diving.

Fares to Bali from your city

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When to go

Travel guides most often name April to June and September to October as the best time to visit Bali.

Bali month by monthWeather, crowds and what's on

Questions people ask

Are there swimmable beaches in Bali?: Yes, but currents are strong at many. Sources point to Melasti, Sanur and Nusa Dua as calmer choices, while Kuta and Balangan have strong currents.
Where is the best place to stay in Bali for beach?: One source says the Bukit Peninsula in South Bali has the most beautiful beaches, with soft white sand and turquoise water.

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Best Beaches in Bali: 19 Places, Ranked by How Many Guides Name Them