Best beaches in Bali you have to visit

Whether you’re after calming beachside bliss or raucous fun in the sun, here are some of the best beaches you’ll find in Bali — those you know, plus some you don’t.

For an island so relatively small, Bali packs a mighty punch when it comes to its beaches. It’s part of the reason we love it so much.

Bali’s many perfect stretches of coast are regularly counted among the world’s best, and lucky for us, they’re just a short trip from home.

Whether you’re after quiet beachside bliss or raucous fun in the sun, here are some of the best beaches you’ll find in Bali — those you know, plus some you don’t.

KUTA BEACH

Where: Kuta

Kuta Beach. Picture: iStock

It’s Bali’s most famous beach — and also a little infamous — but that’s for a reason.

Everything’s here. You can swim, sunbath, surf, sail, drink, party, eat, people watch, all within minutes of arriving at Denpasar airport. And for all its popularity, Kuta Beach is still a spectacular sight — it’s hard to beat the pristine water and sun-soaked golden sand.

MUSHROOM BAY

Where: Nusa Lembongan

Mushroom Bay. Picture: iStock

If Kuta is crowded, touristy and loud, Nusa Lembongan is its opposite. The lesser-known oasis is southeast of Bali and accessible by a 30-minute speedboat ride from Sanur on the mainland. It’s got it all — minus the crowds. One of its best beaches is Mushroom Bay, a sheltered bay of white sands and gentle waters great for swimming and snorkelling.

KELINGKING BEACH

Where: Bunga Mekar

Kelingking Beach. Picture: iStock

For something really unique, head to Kelingking Beach, also known as “Hidden Beach”, which is one of the most popular spots in Bali right now. Part of the beach’s appeal is the stunning landscape’s resemblance to a T-rex, which has made it a huge hit with Instagrammers. That means it can get fairly crowded, so head out early to check out this wonder.

KARMA KANDARA BEACH

Where: Uluwatu

Karma Kandara Beach.

This pretty beach is an A-lister paradise — it’s not nicknamed Billionaire’s Row for nothing. This stretch of the Bekit Peninsula is where you’ll find the up-market Karma Kandara resort — a favourite spot for visiting celebrities. If you’re not staying there, buy a day pass to the beach club and soak up the luxury for as long as you can afford it.

KERAMAS BEACH

Where: Gianyar

Keramas Beach. Picture: TripAdvisor traveller

There are a number of black sand beaches in Bali, thanks to the ash from the mighty volcano Mount Agung, and they provide an unusual and dazzling sight. One of the best is Keramas, a remote southern beach virtually devoid of tourist trappings and surrounded by coastal villages — but a massive hit with surfers, thanks to its big and fast waves.

GEGER BEACH

Where: Nusa Dua

Geger Beach. Picture: iStock

Geger Beach is another spot dubbed as a “Hidden Paradise”. This kilometre of golden sand is secluded, quiet and calming — ideal for people who want a pleasant swim and a relaxing sunbathing session. The clifftop temple provides a stunning backdrop for the beach, and there are plenty of great seafood restaurants nearby to really embrace that seaside vibe.

DOUBLE SIX BEACH

Where: Seminyak

Double Six Beach. Picture: Adam Taylor

If you want to escape the rabble watching the sunset in Kuta, head to more upscale Seminyak and take in the breathtaking view at sundown at Double Six Beach. Afterwards, you can keep the night going at the many dining and party venues near the beach. For something a bit different, go for a horse ride — there’s a horse stable nearby.

GREEN BOWL BEACH

Where: Ungasan

Green Bown Beach. Picture: iStock

Popular with surfers, this 30-metre beach is off the beaten track, making it less crowded with tourists than others. It’s surrounded by dramatic cliffs and caves — great for exploring in between dips in the water. It’s a fairly long climb down hundreds of steps to get down to the water, but that just makes a visit to this charming beach even more worth it.

What Bali beaches have we missed? Tell us in the comments below.