Bali's best beaches for sun, surf, and serenity

Bali isn’t just a travel destination — it’s a vibe and a dream come true for beach lovers, surfers, and adventurers. Beaches in Bali range from hidden gems to lively coastal havens, each with its own things to do, unique spirit, incredible views, and opportunities to explore Bali’s marine life and cultural richness. Balinese people appreciate and honour the power and the beauty of the ocean. Meditating or praying at beaches to manifest positivity and protection is a common local custom. While the waters may appear calm, they can sometimes have strong currents beneath the surface.

Bali’s beaches are more than just picturesque – they’re gateways to unforgettable experiences. Whether you want to lounge under swaying palm trees, catch the perfect wave, or explore some of the best snorkelling spots, this Bali beach guide is for you.

Sanur Beach

Sanur Beach is where tradition and tranquillity meet. Known for its calm waters and stunning sunrise views, Sanur is perfect for families, beginner snorkellers, and travellers looking to immerse themselves in Balinese culture. Start your days with a traditional nasi goreng (fried rice) breakfast at a beachfront warung (local café) while listening to the gentle lapping of waves. The long beachfront promenade is ideal for cycling or strolling, with plenty of art galleries, shops, and temples to discover along the way, including the coral-built Pura Blanjong, home to the island’s foundation stone with 10th-century inscriptions. The clear, shallow waters make Sanur Beach one of the best snorkelling spots in Bali, so it’s a great place to admire coral reefs and the island’s colourful marine life.

Experience it for yourself on: Classic Bali & Lombok

Seseh Beach

If you’re looking for a quiet retreat, the black sands of Seseh Beach deliver raw beauty and serenity in equal measure. Located near Canggu, this black-sand beach feels a world away from Bali’s more bustling tourist spots, and it's a popular weekend choice for locals from the surrounding communities. Seseh Beach is a haven for surfers looking for uncrowded waves. Local fishers frequent the area, offering an opportunity to see Bali’s traditional way of life. Don’t miss an evening stroll, when the dramatic sunsets transform the beach into a canvas of fiery colours, while nearby villages hum with cultural rituals and ceremonies.

Menjangan Beach

Part of the protected Menjangan Island within the UNESCO-listed West Bali National Park, Menjangan Beach is a marine lover's utopia. Known as one of the best snorkelling spots in Bali, it offers white sands and crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs and schools of fish. For scuba diving enthusiasts, the underwater scenes are jaw-dropping, with colourful corals, reef sharks, and the occasional sea turtle. Above the water, the pristine surroundings of the national park provide a serene backdrop for relaxing and reconnecting with nature.

Experience it for yourself on: Indonesia: Java & Bali

Karma Beach

If you’re craving exclusivity and luxury, Karma Beach is the place to be. Tucked beneath steep cliffs, this private beach is accessible via either a cable car ride or — if you're feeling energetic — a long staircase. Once you arrive, powdery white sand and turquoise waters greet you. Karma Beach Club elevates the experience, offering delicious cocktails, gourmet food, and comfy daybeds. The calm waters make it ideal for paddleboarding or tranquil swims. The atmosphere becomes even more magical at sunset, with fire dances and live music completing the perfect Bali beach day.

Because the only way to reach Karma Beach is through Karam Kandara Resort, it has an entry fee, but it includes the use of sunbeds, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkelling equipment so that you can explore the lagoon at your leisure. Lifeguards are on duty, so Karma Beach is a great option if you’re not a confident swimmer.

Candidasa Beach

Located on Bali’s eastern coast, Candidasa Beach is a gateway to underwater adventures and cultural exploration. While the sandy beach itself is minimal, the area is a prime starting point for snorkelling and diving trips. Nearby spots like Blue Lagoon and Padang Bai are famous for their scuba diving experiences, with vibrant marine life, coral gardens, and shipwrecks to explore. Back on land, visit ancient Bali temples like Goa Lawah (the Bat Cave Temple) to immerse yourself in Bali’s spiritual heritage. Don’t leave without sampling local delicacies like lawar (spiced meat salad) or freshly caught fish grilled to perfection.

Experience it for yourself on: Classic Bali

Pemuteran Beach

Pemuteran Beach is nestled in northwest Bali, and it's not just about relaxation — it’s a hub for marine conservation, too. This lesser-known gem is part of the Biorock Project, which aims to restore coral reefs, making it a top snorkelling spot in Bali. Scuba divers can see even more than schools of tropical fish and colourful coral. Life-size underwater sculptures await in the depths at the Jemeluk Bay Underwater Gallery. You can even send an underwater postcard from this unique location. The beach is quiet and peaceful, perfect for sunset strolls, with local restaurants serving up delicious Balinese and Indonesian fare.

Experience it for yourself on: Indonesia: Java & Bali

Kelingking Beach

Kelingking Beach is Instagram famous for a reason. Located on Nusa Penida, a short speedboat ride from Bali, this beach offers jaw-dropping views of its T. rex-shaped cliff formation and impossibly blue waters. The adventurous can hike down a steep path to reach the secluded white-sand beach below, where the wild waves are perfect for surfing. For the less daring, the panoramic viewpoints are worth the trip alone. Combine your visit with a snorkelling excursion to nearby spots like Crystal Bay or Manta Point, where you can swim with majestic manta rays.

Experience it for yourself on: Solo-ish Bali

Medewi Beach

Medewi Beach is a surfer’s dream come true. It boasts Bali’s longest left-hand waves, which curve from 1m (3ft) to 3m (10 ft) and can keep their shape for up to 300m (984 ft). Located on the west coast, Medewi is perfect for those seeking a laid-back, surf-focused adventure. This beach village is rustic and charming, with simple beachside accommodations and local eateries serving fresh seafood and traditional Balinese dishes. The best way to surf Medewi is to stay here for a few days so that you can support the local community directly, rather than joining an out-of-town surf school that shuttles in for day trips.

When you're not chasing waves, take a short trek into the lush rice terraces and surrounding hills. Medewi offers a welcome opportunity to connect with Bali's natural beauty and local community.

Lovina Beach

Located in northern Bali, Lovina Beach is famous for its black volcanic sands and laid-back vibes, but what truly sets it apart is the chance to witness dolphins at sunrise. Hop on a traditional jukung (outrigger boat) and set sail as the first light of day paints the sky. At this magical hour, the sight of playful dolphins leaping through the waves is unforgettable. The calm waters of Lovina are ideal for snorkelling, and the Banjar Hot Spring, Singsing Waterfall, and the Brahmavihara-Arama Buddhist monastery all await inland, too. After a day of adventure, relax at a beachside café with a plate of bebek betutu (slow-cooked duck) and soak in the serene atmosphere.

Amed Beach

Located on Bali’s east coast, Amed’s waters are dotted with incredible dive sites, from Pyramids Reef to the famous USS Liberty wreck nearby. Above water, rent a traditional jukung boat to cruise the coast, catching the spectacular sunset that bathes the bay in fiery orange and gaining a watery perspective of the mighty Mount Agung volcano, Bali’s highest mountain peak and one of the world’s eight chakra points. Back on shore, Amed invites you to slow down. Wander through local markets, where artisans sell handwoven ikat (dyed fabric) and intricate jewellery. Or take a cooking class to learn the secrets of Balinese cuisine, grinding fresh spices for a mouthwatering sambal matah (Balinese salsa).

As night falls, the stars shine bright. Find a chilled-out beachside café, sip on a refreshing young coconut, and swap stories with friendly locals. In Amed, adventure and connection flow as naturally as the tides.