Let’s just be real here—typing “most beautiful beaches in Bali” into Google gives you a long list of beaches that sound like paradise but feel kinda copy-pasted, right? I mean, if I had a coconut for every time I saw “Kuta Beach is perfect for sunsets” written on a blog, I’d have a coconut plantation by now.
So, here’s the deal: I live here. I’ve been driving travelers around Bali for over a decade, and I’ve seen how people light up when they step onto a beach that hits them right in the soul. And trust me, not every beach that pops up in your Google search actually delivers. Some are too crowded, some have strong currents, and others—let’s be honest—just aren’t that nice anymore.
But I’ve got you. Below, you’ll find a fully-packed beach guide written by someone who’s gotten sunburnt at all these places (yep), lost flip-flops in the sand (also yep), and has helped travelers like you find their favorite spot over and over again.
If you’re heading to Nusa Penida, don’t miss our post about Manta Point Nusa Penida — it’s where the real ocean magic happens.
White Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Putih) – East Bali’s Underrated Beauty
Look, if you want white sand without white crowds, this one’s gold. Locals call it “Pantai Pasir Putih” which literally means “White Sand Beach.” Creative, right?
It’s tucked between the villages of Candidasa and Amlapura on the east coast, and getting there’s a bit of a mission. You’ll drive down a bumpy dirt path that’ll make you wonder if you made the wrong turn. But once you see the ocean? Worth it.
The sand is actually white—none of that yellowish-beige stuff that gets passed off as white elsewhere. And the water’s got that turquoise glow, like someone turned the saturation all the way up. There are warungs (local beach huts) where you can chill with a plate of grilled fish and sambal matah while your toes dig into the sand. No traffic noise, no vendors yelling “massage-massage” every 3 minutes.
What to know:
- Best time? Morning till around 3 PM. After that, waves pick up.
- It’s not great for surfing, but swimming and snorkeling are on point.
- Bring cash—no ATMs nearby and the warungs don’t take cards.
Pantai Pasir Putih Location:
Bingin Beach – Cliff Vibes and Chill Surf Energy
Now, Bingin isn’t hidden anymore, but it still feels personal. It’s like the cool kid at school who’s somehow still humble.
You’ve got to walk down a steep set of stairs to get here—like, leg day-level stairs. But when you reach the bottom, you’ll see this perfect little cove framed by cliffs and laid-back warungs hanging off the rocks. It’s very “Bali Instagram” without being overrun.
If you’re into surfing, the waves here are solid. Not for total beginners, but doable if you’ve had a few lessons under your belt. And if you’re not surfing, the beach still works for relaxing. Just check the tide chart—at high tide, the beach kinda disappears.
Nyang Nyang Beach – Remote, Raw, and Ridiculously Beautiful
I’ll just say it straight: Nyang Nyang is one of the most beautiful beaches in Bali, hands down. And not just because of the color of the water (which is crazy blue) or the golden sand, but because there’s nothing there.
Like, actually—nothing.
You have to hike down around 500 steps (not joking), and there’s barely any facilities at the bottom. That’s kinda the point. It’s remote, it’s quiet, and you’re likely to share the beach with maybe three other people max.
There’s an old shipwreck that makes for great photos, and the waves here are powerful. Not really a swimming beach unless you’re confident. Most people just lay back, listen to the roar of the waves, and soak in the epic vibes.
Melasti Beach – Limestone Cliffs, Ceremonies, and Clean Shores
Melasti Beach used to be a bit of a local secret, but it’s gotten more popular the last few years—and for good reason.
Located near Ungasan in south Bali, this beach is known for its stunning limestone cliffs, wide sandy shoreline, and how clean it is. Like, surprisingly clean for a beach that’s open to everyone. There’s a little fee to enter (20K IDR or so), but it’s worth every rupiah.
If you time it right, you might catch a Balinese ceremony happening near the water. Locals in full temple outfits, offerings floating out to sea—it’s honestly beautiful. Just please be respectful and don’t treat it like a photoshoot.
The roads getting down here are smooth now (used to be sketchy), and there’s proper parking. Warungs have popped up, and they’re not overpriced like some places in Seminyak.
Melasti is also getting famous for pre-wedding shoots and drone videos. It’s easy to see why—those cliffs make every sunset feel like a movie.
Bias Tugel – A Secret Spot Just 5 Minutes from Padangbai
If you’re headed to Nusa Penida or Lombok by fast boat, chances are you’ll pass right by Padangbai Port. But just a short walk away is Bias Tugel, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve brought guests here who were shocked they’d never heard of it.
It’s a small beach—you won’t be jogging along it—but it’s got charm. Soft sand, clear water, and a few laid-back warungs. You can snorkel right off the beach and see some nice coral and colorful fish. Water’s generally calm but keep an eye on the currents.
It’s great for a beach break while waiting for your boat. Or if you’re staying in Candidasa or East Bali, this could be your go-to chill spot.
Suluban Beach (aka Blue Point) – The Surfer’s Cave
Suluban is wild. Not in a party way, but in a “wow, this doesn’t even feel like real life” kinda way.
To reach the beach, you walk through narrow paths, down stairs carved into cliffs, and suddenly you’re standing in a cave. Literally. The beach is hidden in a rocky alcove, and you’ve got to walk through it to get to the open ocean.
It’s super popular with surfers heading to the Uluwatu breaks, and you’ll see them paddling out with their boards under their arms like they’re walking into battle. The beach itself is small, and at high tide it can vanish, but low tide exposes crazy rock formations and little tide pools.
There are bars and cafés up above (Blue Point), so if the tide’s not in your favor, just grab a cold drink and enjoy the view from the top.
Padang Padang – Eat, Pray, Love Made It Famous, But Locals Always Loved It
Yeah yeah, it’s the “Julia Roberts beach.” But Padang Padang has been a local fave long before the movies showed up.
It’s small, yeah. And during peak hours it can feel like the whole world showed up. But early mornings or weekdays? It’s calm, pretty, and feels like a natural beachy hug.
You enter through a temple gate and walk down narrow stairs between limestone walls—it kinda feels like entering a different world. Once you’re there, the water is clear, the sand is soft, and the little monkeys occasionally swing by (don’t feed them, though—they get aggressive).
Great for a swim, fun for a short surf if the tide’s right, and easy to access if you’re staying in Uluwatu.
Amed – Black Sand Beaches and Chill Snorkeling Vibes
Let’s switch it up a bit. Most folks chasing “the most beautiful beaches in Bali” are thinking white sand. But hear me out—black sand can be beautiful too, especially in Amed.
Amed is in northeast Bali, and it’s got this sleepy coastal vibe. Think: fishing boats lining the shore, sunrise walks with Mount Agung in the background, and no beach clubs blaring techno. Just peace.
The beaches here have black volcanic sand, which can get hot during midday but looks crazy cool in the early morning light. But the real magic is under the water. The snorkeling here is some of the best in Bali—you don’t even need a boat. Just wade in, and boom, coral and fish everywhere.
There’s a Japanese shipwreck you can snorkel over near Banyuning, and Jemeluk Bay is a great place for beginners. Just grab a mask, and you’re good to go.
Nusa Dua Beach – Family Friendly and Clean Like a Resort Pool
Okay, some people turn their nose up at Nusa Dua because it’s “too resort-y.” But let me say this: if you’ve got kids, elderly parents, or just want a beach with no surprises, this is your zone.
Nusa Dua Beach is like the Disneyland of beaches. Wide, flat sand, super gentle waves, lifeguards, and clean facilities. Plus, the water is usually calm, which makes it great for stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking, or just floating on your back with zero stress.
There’s a pathway that goes along the entire beachfront—great for morning walks or jogs. And if you’re staying in one of the resorts, you basically have front-row seats to paradise.
This is where I send families or travelers who just want to relax without worrying about tides, rocks, or warungs that may or may not have ice.
Dreamland Beach – Not as Dreamy as Before, But Still Worth a Stop
So, real talk—Dreamland Beach has changed. A lot. It used to be super raw, kind of hidden, and totally magical. These days, the area’s more developed, and it can get crowded with tour groups and traffic jams.
That said, the beach itself still slaps. Golden sand, dramatic waves, and that classic wide-open coastline that makes you feel tiny in the best way.
Waves here can get intense, so swimming is risky unless it’s super calm. But for sunbathing or bodyboarding? Still awesome.
It’s one of those spots where the scenery does a lot of the talking. Even with the crowds, that ocean horizon is still a stunner.
Karma Beach – Fancy, Pricey, But Daaang It’s Pretty
So Karma Beach is kind of like that friend who always wears designer stuff but still manages to be fun at parties. It’s a private beach—well, semi-private. It sits at the bottom of a cliff in Ungasan, and it’s owned by Karma Kandara Resort. But anyone can visit… if you pay the entrance fee (around 600k IDR per person, including food & drinks credit).
You take a little cable car (yep, a real one) down the side of a cliff, and suddenly you’re on this pristine little stretch of white sand with loungers, umbrellas, and DJ music playing softly in the background.
It’s bougie, no doubt. But the water is crystal clear, perfect for swimming or snorkeling when it’s calm, and the cocktails hit better when you’re sipping them with your feet in the sand.
Green Bowl Beach – Small But Mighty (and a Bit of a Workout)
Green Bowl Beach always feels like one of those “if you know, you know” kinda places. It’s not super famous, but the people who go there? They rave about it.
It’s located in the southern Bukit area and yeah, it involves going down a bunch of steep stairs (around 300+). Not quite as evil as Nyang Nyang but still, bring a water bottle and take your time.
When you get to the bottom, you’ll find a small crescent of white sand, a couple of caves for shade, and often a handful of surfers trying to catch the strong reef breaks just offshore. There’s no vendors, no beach clubs, no music—just you, the cliffs, the waves, and maybe a few monkeys eyeing your snacks.
Best time to go is low tide. During high tide, the beach disappears almost completely and you’ll have to wait it out in the caves (which is kinda cool, but also a bit claustrophobic).
What I love about Green Bowl is how raw it feels. You really feel like you’ve earned your beach time by climbing down (and later, back up). Not everyone’s up for the challenge, so it stays pretty quiet.
Gunung Payung Beach – The Beach Locals Don’t Talk Much About (On Purpose)
Gunung Payung is what I like to call a “low key local favorite.” It’s close to Pandawa Beach but way less crowded. You drive past a temple, down a quiet road, and then there’s a staircase that winds its way down to this long stretch of sand with barely anyone there.
It’s got the same cliff-side backdrop as many south Bali beaches, but feels more secluded. The waves aren’t too wild, so you can usually swim safely near the shore, and the sand is soft and golden.
Sometimes you’ll see local fishermen casting lines or a couple of yoga folks meditating under a shady tree. It’s that kind of vibe—super mellow.
No bars or shops on the beach itself, so bring what you need (especially water), and take your trash with you. Locals are really proud of this beach and try to keep it clean. Respect that and you’ll be welcome anytime.
Pemuteran – Coral Reefs and Serenity Up North
Alright, let’s change gears and head north. Way north. Pemuteran is up in Buleleng, near the Bali Barat National Park. Most people never make it up here unless they’re heading to Menjangan Island (which is an absolute snorkeling/snuba heaven, btw).
But here’s the thing: the beaches in Pemuteran are underrated. The sand’s not postcard-perfect white—it’s more brownish-grey—but the water is calm, super clear, and absolutely packed with marine life just offshore.
This place is huge for sustainable reef restoration. There’s an actual underwater coral garden made with steel structures that help rebuild coral life, and you can snorkel right above it.
No party scene, no scooters buzzing around—just quiet villages, diving schools, and peaceful stretches of beach. If you’re after tranquility and nature, Pemuteran’s a gem.
Lovina Beach – Dolphins, Black Sand, and Chill Vibes
Lovina’s famous for one thing: dolphins. You’ve probably seen the pics—local boats heading out at sunrise with pods of dolphins dancing in the waves. But there’s more to it than just early morning dolphin tours.
The beach itself? Black sand again (this is the north coast, after all), calm waters, and a slow, relaxed vibe that’s a total contrast to the south.
Lovina town is dotted with warungs, little beach cafés, and some budget-friendly stays. You can swim here, paddleboard, or just sip a coffee while staring out at the flat horizon. It’s not the flashiest beach on this list, but it’s peaceful.
Heads up though: some of the dolphin tours can get a bit hectic, with too many boats chasing the poor dolphins around. So if you go, pick an operator that does it responsibly.
Thomas Beach – A Slice of Uluwatu That’s Not Always Packed
Thomas Beach is like the shy cousin of Padang Padang and Bingin. It’s right there in Uluwatu, but it somehow escapes the big crowds most of the time.
You park up top, then walk down a fairly long set of stairs. Once you hit the beach, you’re met with this wide-open stretch of sand, cute little huts renting out umbrellas, and surfers chilling with their boards between sets.
The beach is big enough that even if it gets a little busy, you can still find your own space. The waves break a bit further out, so swimming near the shore is usually chill.
It’s the kind of place where you can just spend the whole day doing absolutely nothing… and somehow that feels like the best use of your time.
Secret Point Beach – Nusa Ceningan’s Tiny Treasure
Let’s hop off the mainland for a sec. Over on Nusa Ceningan (a small island connected to Nusa Lembongan by that narrow yellow bridge), there’s a little beach called Secret Point. It’s just around the corner from the popular Blue Lagoon cliff jump spot.
Not a lot of people make it here unless they’re staying on the island, but it’s crazy beautiful. Tiny, yes. But that just makes it feel more personal.
You can watch the surf crashing against the cliffs, or lay back in the soft sand with a Bintang and just zone out. It’s got that slow-island-vibe thing going on, where you lose track of time and don’t even care.
Getting there’s easy if you’re already on Lembongan or Ceningan. Just rent a scooter (be careful on the bridge) and cruise around.
Crystal Bay – Nusa Penida’s Most Popular Beach (and Deservedly So)
Last but definitely not least—Crystal Bay on Nusa Penida. I’ve taken so many guests here over the years, and it never disappoints.
It’s probably the most accessible beach on the island (which matters, because a lot of Penida’s beaches involve full-on hiking missions). You can drive right up to it, park your bike, and boom—turquoise water, soft sand, and coconut vendors waiting for you.
The bay is calm, which makes it great for swimming. And if you snorkel just off the shore, you’ve got a good shot at seeing tropical fish and coral. People say it’s a bit overhyped, but I disagree—it’s beautiful, chill, and easy to enjoy.
One heads-up: late afternoons can get busy with tourists coming back from island tours. Mornings are quieter if you want that peaceful moment.
Want more? Trust me, Bali’s got way more beaches than I could ever fit into one post. But if you’re planning a trip and not sure which of these spots matches your vibe—hit me up. I’ll help you map it out based on what you’re into, how long you’ve got, and whether you wanna surf, tan, snorkel, or just sip a coconut in peace.
And hey—don’t forget sunscreen. Bali’s sun is no joke.
Planning to visit these beaches? Check out our reliable Bali car rental with driver service to make your trip easy and stress-free.
