10 Best Beaches in Bali 2023 You Must Visit!

Illustration of Best Beaches in Bali, photo by Sebastian Voortman on Pexels

Bali is well-known for its vibrant culture, lush jungles, and spectacular volcanic highlands, but it also has a plethora of lovely beaches. The ‘Island of the Gods’ has something for everyone: kilometer-long, sweeping bays, black volcanic sand, or a backdrop of towering limestone cliffs.

Beach life doesn’t get much better than salty hair, sun-kissed skin, and that book you’ve been itching to read for months, does it? That’s just the beginning of the list of best beaches in Bali. Add some swanky sunset cocktails, world-class surfing, and an endless array of water activities to keep the kids entertained – not to mention a couple of palm-studded bays straight out of a postcard.

So, let’s pack your stuff and prepare all of your summer playlists, because here are the lists of the best beaches in Bali you must visit!

1. Kelingking Beach – Instagrammable Beach

Kelingking Beach, photo by Aleksandar Pasaric on Pexels

Kelingking Beach is one of the most iconic and considered the best beaches in Bali that’s really worth a visit. 

We’ve all seen the iconic photo of the emerald green cliff-line rising from the blue waters below. This Instagram-famous location lies on Nusa Penida, a neighboring island to Nusa Lembongan  and about an hour’s boat journey from mainland Bali.

Expect winding roads, secret harbors, local cafés, and unspoiled scenery in their natural state. Visit Kelingking Beach for those Instagrammable spots, but make sure to spend time exploring the remainder of the island, including Crystal Bay, Atuh Beach, Diamond Beach, Broken Beach, and, of course, Angel’s Billabong – a naturally-formed infinity pool hidden in the cliffs.

2. Melasti Beach – The Most Breathtaking Beach in Bali

Melasti Beach, photo by Jonny Melon

Melasti Beach Bali (Pantai Melasti) is rightfully described as one of the best beaches in Uluwatu, Bali. 

The journey down to Melasti Beach is almost as spectacular as the moment you step onto its pristine white sands. A road has been constructed out of the limestone cliff, winding down the rock’s steep face. 

As you make your way down to the beachfront, you’ll be treated to a panoramic view of Bali’s southernmost point: white sand, tranquil waters, and the soft backdrop from a handful of beach clubs smack dab in the middle of the activity. Additionally, make sure to visit here at low tide when the seas are calmer as there is much more for you to see.

3. Batu Barak Beach – Bali’s Newest Beach

Batu Barak Beach, photo by The Bali Sun

Batu Barak Beach is located on the Bali Bukit peninsula, not far from Nusa Dua and technically not far from Uluwatu. The road distance (at the moment) brings it much closer to Nusa Dua. 

The incredible drive and visually stunning spectacle is the first thing you should expect after paying your entrance fee. This immediately takes you into a deep, man-made gorge cut through the cliffs on either side of you. Expect to see a lot of influencers posing for photos in the middle of the road wearing brightly colored dresses and sun hats  the size of umbrellas. 

The road winds slightly through the gorge before emerging into the sunlight and revealing the breathtaking view in front of you. The water that stretches to the horizon is a beautiful, light blue bordering on turquoise – a shade found only in tropical locations such as Bali.

4. Virgin Beach – Best Secluded Beach

Virgin Beach, photo by TripAdvisor

Pasir Putih Beach, also known as White Sand Beach or Virgin Beach, is a remote, off-the-beaten-track beach that rewards the most daring road trippers. It’s near the village of Candidasa on Bali’s east coast, and with its pristine soft white sands that starkly contrast with its volcanic black sand neighbors, it really stands out. Follow the dirt track until you reach the car park when you see the “white sand beach” sign.

Virgin Beach is known as the best-secluded beach in Bali. Because it’s located in the eastern part of Bali, the sun will be shining the most in the morning and early afternoon. Around 4 p.m., the sun sets behind the mountains, leaving the beach in the shade. So, to make the most of your beach day at Virgin Beach, we recommend arriving early in the morning or early in the afternoon.

5. Dreamland Beach – The “New Kuta Beach”

Dreamland Beach, photo by Jonny Melon

Despite its location in Uluwatu, far from the Kuta crowds, Dreamland Beach was aptly named by the Aussies and is now known as the new Kuta Beach. Dreamland was once a hidden gem, but now surfers from all over the world visit this white sandy bay because of its bright white beach and popular waves for surfers!

6. Gunung Payung Beach – Once Called as “Secret Beach”

Gunung Payung Beach, photo by Pinterest

Gunung Payung, formerly known as Secret Beach, is the definition of a paradise straight out of a postcard. Imagine a beach with fine, white sand, warm, tropical waters that are flat as a duck pond at low tide, and a lush, verdant background that gives you the impression that you are at the edge of the world. 

There is now a smooth road carved down the cliff and even a shuttle bus for easy access, replacing the once perilous 300-plus steps of climbing up and down! Additionally, there are a few sun loungers and umbrellas for shade, as well as a helpful local vendor selling drinks. This beach is definitely worth a visit if you’re looking for the best beaches in Bali.

7. Karma Beach – Perfect Beach for Holiday

Karma Beach, photo by TripAdvisor

This opulent and private beach spot, which is a part of the stunning Karma Kandara resort, attracts throngs of fashionable travelers looking for exclusivity in a totally chic setting, as well as the vibe of a swanky Mediterranean island. 

The sea itself is the ideal shade of azure blue, making it ideal for water sports like snorkeling. The Bay Bar & Grill, a restaurant at the resort, serves mouthwatering breakfasts and seafood feasts made with local, fresh ingredients.

8. Suluban Beach – Best Beaches in Bali for Swimming 

Suluban Beach, photo by Jonny Melon

Suluban Beach is one of the best beaches in Bali you must visit in 2023. This undiscovered gem in Uluwatu features picturesque turquoise waters with a backdrop of untouched limestone cliffs. Many of the images you see online are from the nearby Blue Point Beach, which although it looks nice, is terrible for swimming and actual sunbathing. Suluban Beach is a serene, undeveloped stretch of sand that receives few visitors.

You’ll need to descend long steps, make your way through some caves, and then make your way to the sand to reach this tiny slice of paradise. Remember that this swimming area is inaccessible during high tide, so be sure to check the tide times before your trip and pack your swimsuits.

The sand was fine, white and clean for a public beach. There was hardly any trash in the area. Occasionally, some welcoming locals would stop by to offer Canang Sari. However, please note that currently at Suluban Beach, there are absolutely no amenities or restrooms.

9. Balian Beach – Your Best Beaches in Bali for Surfing

Balian Beach, photo by Torn Tackies

In contrast to Seminyak, Balian Beach lacks beach clubs. It lacks the shopping that Kuta has. But there are a few things that this tiny, endearing village has that those other places don’t. Balian Beach is situated in the southwest of Tabanan, Bali. It’s around 60km west of Kuta and Ubud.

There isn’t much traffic, noise from loud music isn’t everywhere, and it’s not crowded. If you’ve been to Bali, you can appreciate the desperation of seasoned travelers looking to get away from the bustle of the tourist areas in the southern part of the island. Most importantly, Balian Beach is your best beach for surfing. It has excellent waves for surfers of all skill levels.

You can take a lesson or rent a board from one of the few nearby surf camps, and there are both left and right breaks.

10. Padang Padang Beach – Popular Beach from a Movie

Padang Padang Beach, photo by Jonny Melon

Padang Padang Beach is located in an exotic environment and has a stunning 100-meter-long stretch of sand that can be reached by going down some stairs and through a special hollow rock entrance. 

Perhaps you are familiar with this lovely bay from the well-known “Eat, Pray, Love” film. You’re likely to fall in love here as well, not just with the tanned surfer crowds but also with the serene cove-like waters lapping off the bright white bay, framed by striking rock formations and surrounded by waves of exceptional quality. 

Even though Padang Padang is just a small beach located about 10 minutes north of Uluwatu, the scenery is absolutely breathtaking. The best time to go is just before sunrise so you can see Padang Padang in all its dazzling, unadulterated beauty.