The Bali Tour

If you’re Googling the best beaches in Bali, let me save you the scroll hole and tell you—it really depends on what kind of beach day you’re after. Are you into mellow vibes and coconut-sipping? Or chasing surf breaks? Or just wanna snap that perfect shot for the ‘Gram without sweating through a crowd of sunburned tourists? Been there. Lived that. Bali’s beach scene is like ordering at a warung—plenty of options, each with its own flavor.

I’ve been based in Bali for a few years now, working in travel, and lemme tell you, not all beaches here are created equal. You could end up on a trash-strewn stretch wondering where all those “paradise” pics were taken. Or—if you know where to go—you could be floating in crystal-clear water while a beach dog naps under your lounger. Big difference. So I’m laying it all out for you, with details folks usually leave out.

Canggu: Beach with a Side of Buzz

Look, if you wanna feel like you accidentally walked into a fashion shoot but you’re still wearing flip-flops, Canggu is your scene. Technically, it’s a series of connected beaches—Batu Bolong, Echo Beach, and Berawa being the main ones.

Read also: Where to Stay in Ubud

Canggu’s beaches aren’t postcard white, but the vibe makes up for it. You’ll find surfboards for rent every 50 meters, and folks queuing up to sip overpriced coconuts while watching the sun do its dramatic descent. The waves here are more for intermediate surfers—beginners usually stick to Batu Bolong since it’s got that mellow, rolling break.

Heads-up: the sand’s blackish (volcanic, not dirty), and yes, it gets HOT. Like, “I-just-fried-my-sole” hot. Bring sandals you don’t mind melting.

Personally, I usually duck into Old Man’s for a post-beach beer or The Lawn if I’m feeling fancy. Berawa’s a bit quieter and more family-friendly, especially near Finns Beach Club, which honestly feels more like Miami with incense.

Padang Padang: Tiny But Mighty

Padang Padang is kinda like that cool indie band your surfer friend won’t shut up about. It’s small, a bit hidden (you gotta walk down a stone staircase through a temple), and packed by midday. But it’s beautiful. The water’s this deep turquoise, the sand’s soft enough to nap on, and the cliffs framing it feel almost dramatic, like something outta a pirate movie.

It’s on the Bukit Peninsula, which generally has the island’s cleanest, bluest water. Padang Padang is super popular with surfers (shortboarders mainly), but you’ll also find people just lounging, swimming, and occasionally feeding the cheeky monkeys who patrol the rocks. Don’t bring snacks unless you’re down to share.

I’ve hit Padang Padang early—like 7:30am—and had the whole beach to myself. Best swim I’ve ever had. But by 10am, it turns into a full-on photo-op circus. Not ideal if you’re hoping for peace and quiet.

Grab a bite at Bukit Cafe or Drifter Surf after. The smoothie bowls are solid and the crowd’s chill.

Nusa Dua: For That Resort Life Feeling

So here’s the thing—Nusa Dua is like the opposite of wild-nature-Bali. It’s groomed. Polished. Super family-friendly. We’re talking soft white sand, shallow water, and security guards watching the hotel entrances. Not my everyday scene, but honestly? When my cousin brought her two toddlers and asked for a beach that wasn’t “sketchy” or “too salty,” this is where I took her.

Geger Beach is the best part of Nusa Dua in my opinion. It’s got public access, gentle waves, and little warungs that serve grilled corn and Bintangs. Not much surf action here, but it’s perfect for snorkeling near the reef—just go when the tide’s in. At low tide, it’s mostly ankle-deep puddles.

There’s also a waterblow attraction nearby—basically a spot where waves slam into a cliff and spray up like a geyser. It’s loud, wet, and fun for about 10 minutes. Worth a walk.

No party scene. So if you’re trying to sleep before midnight or read a book in peace, this is probably one of the best beaches in Bali for families or chill vacations.

Amed: Snorkel City and Chill Vibes

Okay, Amed isn’t your typical beach. It’s on the northeast coast, and the sand is mostly black and pebbly. BUT—and this is a big but—the underwater scene is wild. Like, you can snorkel 10 feet from the shore and see coral gardens, electric blue fish, and even bits of shipwrecks. I took my GoPro out once and got better footage than on some paid dives.

Most tourists skip Amed because it’s kinda far—about 3 hours from Canggu or Ubud. But if you’re into diving, snorkeling, or just want a quiet, authentic village vibe with fewer beach clubs and more warungs, this place delivers.

I stayed in a beachfront bungalow for like $25/night, ate grilled mahi-mahi every evening, and woke up to the sound of waves. Can’t beat that.

Balangan Beach: Cliff Views and Surf Culture

Balangan is straight-up underrated. It’s not “hidden” by any means, but it doesn’t get the Canggu madness either. You park up on a cliff (5k IDR), walk down a little path, and boom—gorgeous golden sand framed by a massive headland. The surf’s solid here, mostly left-handers, so there’s usually a crew of longboarders out carving it up.

I like Balangan for a slow day. You can grab a fresh young coconut for a couple bucks, kick back under a rented umbrella, and just zone out for hours. There’s usually a guy selling grilled satay from a pushcart too—do yourself a favor and grab a stick or three.

Swimming can be tricky when the tide’s in—those reef shelves are no joke. Not great for kids or folks with mobility issues. But for sunsets, it’s insane. Especially if you climb back up the cliff and post up at Balangan Paradise for a Bintang as the sky lights up.

It’s also a low-key fave for engagement shoots, so don’t be shocked if a couple in full wedding attire suddenly shows up for golden hour.

Virgin Beach (Pasir Putih): Real Off-the-Radar Vibes

Over on the east coast near Candidasa, you’ve got Virgin Beach, which lives up to the name. Super clean, white sand, calm-ish waves, and none of the overbuilt chaos of Seminyak or Jimbaran. Most locals call it Pasir Putih, and it’s one of the rare places where you’ll find locals and tourists actually mingling on the same stretch of beach.

To get there, you’ll likely need a scooter and a bit of patience—the road’s rough, with potholes big enough to swallow a wheel. But it’s worth it. Last time I went, I paid like 10k to park, got a beach chair for another 50k, and just posted up all day.

It’s one of the best beaches in Bali for swimming, hands down. Clear, no current, and you can rent a little wooden canoe if you’re feeling adventurous. Plus, the grilled seafood warungs there are chef’s kiss—I had grilled snapper with sambal matah that still haunts my dreams.

Thomas Beach: The Bukit’s Best Kept Kinda-Secret

If you’re into smaller, more peaceful spots without sacrificing beauty, Thomas Beach hits the mark. It’s just north of Padang Padang, but way less crowded. You gotta walk down a steep staircase (Bali loves those), but it’s shaded by palms and has a couple warungs with bean bags and fresh juices.

The sand’s soft, the water’s usually calm, and the vibe is very “take a nap in the sun and maybe read half a book.” Not a party beach. No loud music. Just the occasional vendor selling sarongs or pineapples.

I once spent five hours there without checking my phone once. That’s saying something.

Blue Lagoon: Tiny Cove, Big Snorkel Energy

This one’s near Padangbai, and it’s not big—but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in underwater life. Think clownfish, moray eels, pufferfish, and sometimes sea turtles if you’re lucky. You don’t need a boat—just rent a snorkel set on the beach (50k IDR), and wade right in.

Beware the sea urchins near the rocks, though. I learned that the hard way (let’s just say I walked funny for two days). Water shoes aren’t a bad idea.

There’s also a few cafes nearby that serve decent nasi campur, but the real draw is the snorkeling. If you’ve got time and wheels, combine this with a quick ferry ride to Nusa Lembongan and make it a full adventure day.

Jimbaran: Seafood and Soft Sand

Jimbaran gets overlooked ’cause it’s mostly known for its seafood dinners on the beach. But the beach itself? Solid. Soft golden sand, calm water, and barely a ripple most days. It’s perfect for a swim, especially at sunset.

You can watch the planes land over the bay (Ngurah Rai Airport’s just to the north), which is oddly satisfying. And if you stay late, those famous seafood BBQ dinners light up the shoreline. Yeah, it’s a little touristy, but the grilled clams in butter and garlic are worth it.

If you’re with someone and want a low-stress beach date, this is a good bet. Just maybe skip the fish market tour unless you’ve got a strong stomach—raw seafood + midday heat = not great combo.

Bias Tugel: Secret-ish Spot for Solitude

Okay, so Bias Tugel is near Padangbai too, and it’s another “down a sketchy path” situation, but when you hit the beach, it’s like… whoa. White sand, clean water, barely a soul in sight. You can snorkel, swim, or just crash under a palm and listen to the waves. Super peaceful.

The locals sometimes grill fresh fish right on the sand, and the vibe is very no-fuss. Bring your own towel, maybe some snacks, and you’re good. Not many facilities, which is probably why it stays quiet.

Green Bowl Beach: Stairs, Sweat, and Sweet Solitude

So Green Bowl isn’t really on the top of most tourists’ list, which is kinda wild ’cause it’s straight-up stunning. The reason? Well, you gotta earn this one. I’m talking like 300+ steps down the side of a cliff. And yeah, they feel worse on the way up, especially if you’ve overdone it on mie goreng the night before. But once you’re down there? Pure magic.

The beach itself is small, maybe a couple hundred meters wide, and nestled between steep limestone cliffs. White sand. Emerald water. Caves you can duck into when the sun gets aggressive. And the best part? You might only share it with a handful of other people, maybe a surfer or two if the swell’s working.

Bring water. Bring snacks. There’s usually just one local dude at the top selling coconuts, and once you’re down those stairs, you’ll wanna stay for a while.

Oh—and watch out for monkeys near the parking area. They’ve gotten bold. I saw one swipe a guy’s Red Bull last month and just stare him down while chugging it.

Dreamland Beach: Not Always a Dream, But Close

Okay, so Dreamland used to be this backpacker-secret-turned-surf-mecca, but it’s gone through some changes. Developers tried to turn it into a high-end resort area, then half-abandoned the project, so now it’s this weird mix of half-finished luxury and raw beach charm. But if you can look past that? It’s actually a really nice spot.

Big waves, wide sandy stretch, lots of room to spread out. Good for swimming when the tide’s low, though it can get a bit rough for kiddos. There’s sunbeds, cafes, and even a few massage ladies who’ll offer a foot rub for about 100k.

To me, Dreamland’s the kinda place you go when you don’t feel like trying too hard. You wanna be near the Bukit surf scene, but not packed in shoulder-to-shoulder on Padang Padang? This is your move.

Just know that on weekends, especially Sundays, local families roll deep. Think: kids with floaties, uncles blasting music, and a rice cooker in the back of someone’s car. Love that energy, honestly.

Melasti Beach: That Instagram Cliff, But It’s More Than a Selfie Spot

You’ve probably seen Melasti on Instagram even if you don’t recognize the name. It’s the one with the massive cliff road switchbacks and those turquoise waters that make you think someone turned up the saturation. But what a lot of people don’t realize is—it’s actually a decent beach to chill at, not just a photo-op pit stop.

The beach is wide and well-kept, and you can rent shaded loungers for like 50k. The water’s usually calm enough for swimming, especially in the dry season, and there’s even little tide pools where kiddos or, let’s be honest, you can poke around and spot tiny fish.

There’s a beach club now—Palmilla—which has fancy cocktails and decent music, but it doesn’t dominate the whole space like some places in Seminyak. So you can still do your own thing without feeling like you crashed a private party.

Extra bit I love: there’s often Balinese ceremonies here. I’ve seen full-on temple processions in the late afternoon, complete with gamelan music and ladies carrying offerings on their heads. Super peaceful vibe.

Suluban Beach (AKA Blue Point): Surf’s Up and So Are the Stairs

Alright, so Suluban isn’t your classic “lay on a towel and sunbathe” kind of beach. It’s wedged between dramatic rock formations and basically only exists at low tide. You get there by walking through a cave—seriously—below the Single Fin bar in Uluwatu. Which, by the way, is a killer spot for watching the surf at sunset. Cold beer, loud music, that kinda scene.

But back to Suluban—if you’re a surfer, this is holy ground. It’s one of the most consistent reef breaks on the island, and when it’s firing, it’s packed. For non-surfers, it’s worth visiting just for the whole vibe. The rock formations, the wild blue water, the salty air… it’s got that primal, ocean-power feeling.

You can swim here, but only when the tide is right. Otherwise, it’s mostly about exploring the little caves and tide pools, and watching people wipe out from a safe distance. Bring reef shoes if your feet are sensitive—there’s lots of sharp coral around.

Also: don’t go alone at night. The tide comes in fast, and those rocks are unforgiving.

Pererenan Beach: Where Locals Chill and Dogs Run Free

Pererenan’s the quieter cousin of Echo Beach, just west of Canggu. It’s got that same dark sand, same surf culture, but way fewer tourists and way more space to breathe. I’ve come here to journal, to catch sunsets, even just to walk my neighbor’s Bali dog (yes, I borrow her dog sometimes—don’t judge).

If you’re into surf, it’s solid. More advanced than Batu Bolong, with fewer folks clogging the break. If you’re not, you can still enjoy the scene—think barefoot dads with kids, digital nomads on scooters, and the occasional dude playing didgeridoo by the beach.

There’s a couple cool cafes right by the shore. Honey is one of my go-tos for coffee, and La Brisa is a short walk away if you’re looking for a vibey late afternoon chill spot with bean bags and tapas.

This is one of those beaches that feels like it’s still for locals—which is getting rarer by the day. If you want a quieter version of the Canggu scene, Pererenan’s your beach.

Soka Beach: For When You Want to Feel Like You’re in a Movie Set

This one’s more out of the way—on the drive between Denpasar and the west coast (towards Medewi, if you’re surf-obsessed like some folks I know). It’s got black sand, big skies, and huge driftwood logs washed up on shore like props in a dramatic movie. The vibe is eerie, chill, and totally untouched.

Tourists don’t usually come here. There’s a handful of warungs, a shrine or two, and that’s about it. No loungers. No music. No beach clubs. Just crashing waves and lots of open space.

I’ve stopped here on long scooter trips just to stretch my legs and eat crackers while watching the water. Sometimes, that’s all you need. If you’re a content creator, this place photographs incredibly well—seriously moody vibes.

Pemuteran: Coral Reefs Without the Crowds

Way up north near the West Bali National Park, you’ve got Pemuteran Beach. And this spot? Crazy underrated. It’s got calm water, dark sand, and some of the most accessible coral reef I’ve ever seen. Great for families, couples, solo travelers—you name it.

The best part is, there’s an artificial reef project right off the shore. It’s called the Bio-Rock project, and it’s all about reef restoration. You can snorkel over these metal structures where corals are regrowing, and see fish darting around like it’s their own mini metropolis.

It’s quiet, clean, and the water’s usually bathtub-warm. Honestly, if you’re heading up this way (or doing a Java crossing), Pemuteran is worth a stop. It’s peaceful in a way the south just isn’t anymore.

Medewi: Left-Hand Heaven for Longboarders

Last one I’ll throw in—because I know some of y’all are here for the surf—is Medewi. This beach is out in West Bali, about 2.5–3 hours from the Canggu area, and it’s famous for its loooong left-hand wave. It breaks over cobblestones, not reef, so it’s a bit kinder on wipeouts (though you still want reef booties, trust me).

The town itself is super sleepy. Like, “everything closes at 9pm” sleepy. But that’s kinda the charm. You wake up, surf, eat nasi campur, nap, surf again, repeat. I’ve done weekends here with no phone signal and barely noticed.

Not much for swimmers, though. The beach isn’t the cleanest and the waves are constant, so you’ll want to just hang back or try your hand at a board.

Go Where the Vibe Feels Right

The truth is, there’s no single “best beach in Bali.” It all comes down to what you’re craving that day. Want mellow vibes and soft sand? Nusa Dua. Into surf and cold beer? Canggu or Medewi. Looking for a quiet spot that still feels like Bali-before-Instagram? Thomas Beach or Amed.

I always tell people: don’t plan to hit just one or two beaches while you’re here. Try a bunch. Wander a little. Talk to locals. Rent a scooter if you feel brave, and always—always—carry cash, water, and a dry sarong in your backpack. Trust me, they’ll come in handy.