Bali is famous for its picturesque beaches, and in this article we will introduce you to the best beaches in Bali, which should definitely be visited.
Many tourists imagine the island of Bali as some absolutely fabulous place with paradisiacal beaches, azure sea, lonely bungalows standing right on the shore and beautiful, photogenic palm trees. This image of Bali is actively supported by travel agencies, but I want to immediately point out that this is far from it.
Having come to Bali with such expectations and not seeing the scenery from the postcard, some are disappointed and talk about what a boring/noisy/dirty place it is (depending on where they settled).
In fact, Bali is a stunning island, if you are under no illusions about the paradisiacal beaches.
In general, good bathing beaches in Bali is not so much, conditionally, all the beaches can be divided into several categories:
- Good beach, but big waves;
- Good beach, but shallow;
- Good sea, but mediocre beach;
- Good sea and beach, but crowded;
- Good sea and beach, not crowded, but uncomfortable location.
Bali Beaches
Initially, before coming to Bali, we planned to settle somewhere closer to the sea, we studied the issue, read various reviews on the beaches of Bali and chose the best place to live on the island. We could not find a good review of the beaches, so we decided to write our own, as detailed as possible.
We lived in Bali for several years. During this time we have visited countless times at the most different beaches on the island and made our own opinion about each of them. Here is a list of the main beaches of Bali.
Southern Bali: Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Changu, Echo Beach, Sanur
Bukit Peninsula: Uluwatu/Suluban Beach, Padang Padang, Balangan, Dreamland, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Geger, Mengiat, Grand Nikko, Tanjung Benoa, Pandawa, Nyang Nyang, Bingin
Southeast coast: Chandidas, Padang Bai, Secret Beach, Blue Lagoon, Kusamba
East Coast: White Sand Beach, Amed, Bunutan, Tulamben
North Coast: Lovina
Neighboring Islands (25-90 minutes by boat): Gili Trawangan, Gili Eyre, Gili Meno, Nusa Lembongan, Cheningan, Nusa Penida, Lombok
If you don't have the time and/or opportunity to tour the beaches yourself, you can book an organized tour of Bali's best beaches.
The Best Beaches in South Bali
Kuta beach
Kuta is one of the most famous and popular beaches of Bali, which offers excellent opportunities for sports and recreation.
Kuta is all about surfing, bars, clubs and nightlife. It's relatively inexpensive housing, and there are budget options, so the area caught the eye and the backpackers. On the beaches of Kuta come mostly young people for the day to surf,
and at night to have a great time. Many Australians also come here just for the weekend surfing, it's also the closest beach to the airport. Traffic jams on the roads in Kut do not stop even at night
In the water, you can easily get hit in the head by a board from a novice surfer,
But if you came with the goal of arming yourself with a board - this is the place for you, you can rent a surfboard here for $5 (for 2-3 hours)
Also in Kuta is the majority of surf schools, some of them Russian.
We can understand people who don't surf but stay in Kuta it's very difficult =) Unless you really like nightlife, noisy crowded restaurants, and just walking on a long, not always clean beach and not liking to swim
We lived in Kuta twice for 1-2 weeks when we were just learning to surf
- Surfing in Bali - how we learned to surf or why a Russian instructor is better than a local one
- Surfing again or our love of the ocean
In the evening, the beach in Kuta is a place where both locals and tourists gather, sometimes there is no place to fall.
because everyone wants to watch the sunset, and someone continues to ride at sunset as well.
We stayed in the following hotels, all of them economy class and very decent:
The Kana, Holiday Inn Express Bali Raya Kuta and Holiday Inn Express Bali Kuta Square.
Also in Kuta is an interesting and very stylish hotel Hard Rock Hotel
.
Conclusion: Kuta is great for those for whom Bali and surfing - inseparable concepts. Kuta is especially good for beginners in surfing - there is excellent foam, small waves, sandy bottom. Boards can be rented for as little as $5, and there are plenty of surf schools. Well, if partying and shopping is your main goal, you'll love it here too!
Recommended hotels in Kuta
- Green Garden Hotel
- Al Isha Hotel
- The Pavilion Hotel Kuta
- Pondok Krishna
- Grand Istana Rama Hotel
- Grand Inna Kuta
- Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort
- Pullman Bali
- Novotel Bali
- Alaya Resort Kuta
- The Stones Hotel
- The Sandi Phala Resort
Legian beach
This is actually a continuation of Kuta, but a little more respectable.
It's also full of surfers, but still, there are fewer of them than Coote.
Anyone can rent a deckchair and an umbrella, they do not belong to a particular hotel.
The beach is long and wide at low tide, pleasant for walking/running.
There are fewer tourists and more expensive accommodation, but the sea is also more suitable for surfing than swimming - most of the day the waves are pretty strong, and those who dare to get into the water without surfing, driven to shore by loud whistling beach lifeguards, overseeing the safety of tourists vacationing on the island of Bali
Conclusion: a good place to stay if your goals are to learn how to surf, travel around the island, a few peeks at parties, shopping, while not living in the noisy enclave of Kuta, and in the neighborhood.
We stayed at the nice Sun Island Legian Hotel,
and the year before at the Cipaganti Legian Hotel, both of which we can safely recommend. Also, when my parents came to visit, we all stayed together at Beautiful Bali Villas with 3 bedrooms (they have 1 and 2 bedrooms as well).
Recommended hotels near Legian Beach
- Si Doi Hotel Legian
- Mercure Bali Legian
- The Sun Hotel & Spa Legian
- The Lokha Legian Resort
- Bali Mandira Beach Resort
- Pullman Bali Legian Nirwana
- Legian Beach Hotel
- Bali Niksoma Boutique
- Padma Resort Legian
- Hidden Garden Villas
- Abia Villas
- The Bandha Hotel & Suites
Seminyak beach
Seminyak is an area of Bali Island and the beach immediately after Legian, a place even quieter and more prestigious,
where 4 and 5-star hotels, as well as villas are located on the shore
Housing here is quite expensive, it is a favorite place to live among European expats. Seminyak beach is wide and spacious, on the shore there is also a rental of sun loungers with umbrellas.
Red flags are an integral part of the landscape here, and waves are frequent guests
Surfers are also not uncommon,
Surfboard can be rented right on the beach, though the price is a little higher than in Kuta
In Seminyak there is a very nice hotel on the beach - Anantara Seminyak Resort and Spa. Even if you don't stay there, you should at least check out the restaurant-bar with a terrace,
For example, to watch the sunset
We also lived in Seminyak in 2 villas: Villa Coco - walking distance to the ocean, but the decor of villas in the Balinese style with a hint of antiquity, quite for unpretentious tourists, but the stunning villas Villa Seminyak Estate & Spa Bali I can safely recommend, and they have different types of villas, so it is a great option for families, groups of friends and honeymoon or romantic weekend
Another couple of expensive but very cool hotels in Seminyak are W Reatreat
и Amadea resort
.
Recommended hotels in Seminyak
- Grandmas Plus Hotel Seminyak
- Primera Hotel Seminyak
- Sleepwell Seminyak
- Kubu Cempaka Seminyak
- Pelangi Hotel & Spa
- Furama Ocean Beach
- Puri Naga Sea Side Cottages
- Alam Kulkul Boutique Resort
- Double Six Hotel
- Anantara Resort
- Luna2 studiotel
- The Oberoi, Bali
Changgu beach
In this area of Bali you can find fairly affordable accommodation with significantly fewer tourists on Changu Beach than in Kuta, in the morning - just a couple of runners, surfers and local expats with their dogs
The beach is decent enough, quite wide, though pleasant only for walking and jogging, and maybe sunbathing.
Some hotels have their own area with sun loungers,
But more often we saw them empty... vacationers who want to swim, are forced to go to the neighboring beaches or splash in the pool,
After all, the problem with the sea is the same - to swim you need to catch the time when there are no waves. Due to the structure of the bottom, the waves here are more powerful and higher than in Kuta/Legian/Seminyak
Changa is very popular with surfers,
There are a couple of great spots for beginners and pros, we also surfed here a couple of times at Batu Bolong 🙂
Next to this spot is an unusual hotel with a stunning aristocratic style - Hotel Tugu, and the hotel is owned by the largest collector of antiques in Indonesia.
Well, when we wanted to go to the sea, but the waves were not suitable for surfing, we also came to the shore just to "poke" at the ocean))
Recommended hotels near Changu Beach
- Nyoman Guest House
- Wave Hunters Surf Camp
- Koming Guest House
- Regali Villa Canggu
- Anginsepoi
- Puri Beji Bed & Breakfast
- Echo Beach Villa
- Lautan Kupu - Kupu Villas
- Theanna Eco Villa
- Villa Bliss
- THE HAVEN SUITES
- The Santai
Conclusion: A great option for those who care about surfing and just want to live by the sea, but not to swim, but just to walk on the beach, listening to the sound of the waves, in the morning to run, in the evenings watching sunsets. Changu is also full of cool vegetarian and raw food cafes, and there's a yoga school.
Changgu has an abundance of affordable accommodations, both on the coast and a little inland, among the rice terraces, once we even spent a weekend in a lovely villa lost in the rice paddies , Villa Mathis - Secret Retreats.
It's quite possible that on our next visit to Bali we will settle in Changu 🙂
Echo beach
Echo is a beach adjacent to Changu, which can be reached on foot, the beach itself is about the same, more suitable for surfers
Echo beach has some sun loungers and a cafe bar.
People mostly gather in the evenings
Almost nobody in the morning or afternoon,
There is a temple on the shore, as if acting as a boundary between Echo Beach and Changu
Conclusion: Echo beach and in general this area will appeal to those who want to live in a villa in peace and quiet, who need the sea and the beach, but not necessarily heavenly, while sometimes surfing and if you want to always be able to go to restaurants and bars Seminyak and Kuta in the neighborhood.
For villas here it seems to be quite adequate prices.
Recommended hotels near Echo Beach
- The Kayuri
- Pande Homestay
- Terracotta Guest House Bali
- Nudel Room & Cafe
- Pantai Indah Villas
- Villa Melissa
- Beach Club Villa
- Arnalaya Beach House
- Hotel Tugu Bali
- Ametis Villa
- Villa Kedidi - an elite haven
- Villa Kaira Estate
Sanur beach
This resort is more respectable and relaxed than Kuta, but less pompous and sterilized than Nusa-Dua.
The bulk of holidaymakers in Sanur are older tourists who came to Bali from Europe and the United States, and the Russian language is heard here less often than in other places. On the coast are a string of cafes / restaurants and mostly expensive hotels, and more budget accommodation can be found in the village.
The beaches here are long and wide, the sea is quite calm, but the shore is shallow, and to get to the depths, you need to go knee-deep in water for more than a dozen meters.
Because of this feature, the beach Sanur often choose families with small children, they splash in shallow water just right 🙂
Even those who settle near other beaches, be sure at least once come to Sanur, if not to swim, just to have lunch / dinner on the beach, visit the nearby waterfall and a safari park, or swim posnorkelit / dive, there are several dive schools. There are also boats to the islands from Sanur. Gili
и Lembongan
We once lived next to this beach for a month, and almost every day we came here for a run; there's a long asphalted hiking and biking trail along the sea here, so it's nice to run in the mornings and walk in the evenings. And along the coast on the breakwaters there are romantic pavilions (favorite places for photo sessions)
In the morning at dawn you can see Volcano Agung from this beach
Conclusion: Sanur is geographically the best place, there is some sea and from there you can quickly get to Bukit, Ubud, volcanoes, and other attractions of Bali or sail to the Gili Islands, the beach is quite suitable for holidays with children.
Recommended hotels in Sanur
- Asoka Hotel & Suite
- Tari Bed & Breakfast
- Bumi Ayu Villa
- Kayu Sugih Guest House
- Inna Sindhu Beach
- Prama Sanur Beach Bali
- Respati Beach Hotel
- Mercure Resort Sanur
- Maya Sanur Resort & Spa
- Fairmont Sanur Beach Bali
- Mahagiri Villas Sanur
- Bali Emerald Villas
The best beaches on the Bukit Peninsula
Jimbaran beach
This is a long beach, which stretches along the village of Jimbaran for several kilometers. There are hotels and restaurants all along the beach
It's shallow by the shore, the depths don't begin immediately
At high tide, the beach of Jimbaran is a narrow strip,
in some places only a few meters wide
But at low tide, the water recedes by tens of meters
But the bottom is good, on it quietly walk and locals and vacationers
On the coast, 4 and 5-star hotels, such as Ayana Resort
, or InterContinental Bali Resort
The beach is also famous for its fish market and fish restaurants, which in the evening, at low tide, set up tables on the sand and offer visitors fresh seafood, almost for every taste.
Near Jimbaran there is a secret place with an untouched natural beach,
which can be accessed by walking down a cliff trail, read more about the beach here:
Recommended hotels in Jimbaran
- New Asta Graha
- Ratu Guest House
- Jimbaran Lestari Hotel
- Ramantika Bali House
- The Open House Jimbaran
- Keraton Beach Resort
- Pramapada Hotel Jimbaran
- Jimbaran Bay Beach Resort
- AYANA Resort and Spa
- Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran
- Mövenpick Resort & Spa
- Belmond Jimbaran Puri
Dreamland beach
The beach is located on the territory of the village Dreamland of the same name. This is another small and incredibly beautiful beach with white sand and turquoise sea,
which, however, is rarely peaceful
That's why most tourists who come to Dreamland Beach stand on the shore and hesitate to take a dip.
For the big waves, this place is loved by surfers who come to the island of Bali
You can come here if you want to surf, and just spend time on the beach and sunbathing, and only if very lucky, get into the water for a swim. By the way, we never swam here.
On the shore you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas, drink coconut or have lunch at the cafe
Conclusion: Do you want to sunbathe on a deck chair or a nice sand and always have in front of your eyes a stunning picture of the sea, while in relative silence (except for the noise of the waves) and quiet? Then you will love this beach!
Recommended hotels near Dreamland Beach
- Lexington Klapa Resort
- The Rich Prada Hotel
- Water Edge Villa by soscomma
- New Kuta Hotel
- Lexington Klapa Resort
- Taman Asih Homestay
- Lorin New Kuta Hotel
- RedDoorz Near Dreamland Beach Uluwatu
- The Beverly Hills Bali a Luxury Villas & Spa
- Villa Dedaren
- Dreamland Luxury Villas
- Hidden Hills Villas
Balangan beach
Balangan beach is quite long and wide, the sand here is yellow and fine, which can not fail to please,
This beach is famous for its scenic view from the cliff
and the "Martian" landscape along the coast
Cafes with sun loungers are located almost all along the beach, but vacationers are few.
All along Balangan Beach, the shore is covered with rocky volcanic rock,
covered with soft green moss,
which looks beautiful and attracts photographers, but does not allow you to enter the water without shoes
Despite the fact that there are several hotels nearby, and on the beach a lot of sun loungers, bathing holidaymakers here is very difficult. Only surfers enter the water to swim away from the shore in pursuit of a good wave - that's what Bali has no problem with =)
There is a long, winding and scenic road leading to Balangan Beach, which is a pleasure to ride a bike on. On this beach and on the cliff next to it weddings are often organized - I have seen more than once pictures against the familiar landscape of Bali
Conclusion: Do you like the ocean, walks, unusual scenery? Are you looking for peace and tranquility, or on the contrary, your goal is to conquer waves in the surf? Then you will love Balangan, you can safely choose a hotel here.
Balangan and Dreamland - beautiful beaches in Bukit
Recommended hotels near Balangan Beach
- Devata Giri Home Stay
- Brothers Bungalows Balangan
- Le Yanandra
- Milo's Home
- La Joya II Biu-Biu
- Balangan Paradise Hostel
- Front Villa Nakar
- Balangan Sea View Bungalow
- New Kuta Golf / Ocean Villa
- Balangan Beach Villa
- Coconuts Villa Balangan
- Adinda Balangan Beach Villa
Padang Padang beach
A small but nice beach Padang Padang, for a while we even considered it one of the best beaches in Bukit
There is a good shore, clean, clear water, and almost never big waves near the shore, which is rare for the island of Bali
You can surf here, but the waves need to swim farther away, and vacationers on the shore can not be afraid of surf board on the head, as in Kuta
Riding here mostly are not beginners, and they do it away from the shore on the waves, not on the foam at the shore, quite often there are competitions in surfing.
Padang Padang beach is quite small and cozy, besides it is located next to the road (down the cliff on a small stone staircase between the rocks), so the beach is very popular with tourists, so if you come to the island of Bali in high season, it will be quite crowded, and this is its main drawback.
Once, the beach Padang Padang was considered a "secret" and only locals knew about it, but after the movie "Eat, Pray, Love", which was partly filmed here, its popularity has grown dramatically.
On the beach you can rent umbrellas, but there are no sun loungers, there is a small cafe with drinks, snacks and simple food, tents with bathing and beach accessories.
In addition, it is quite picturesque and if you are not impressed with the crowds of tourists, you can walk away to the rocks and enjoy the beauty of the coast.
Up on the cliff next to this beach is a nice hotel/restaurant Blue Heaven with an infinity pool (running off the edge)
Conclusion: If you like natural beauty, want to swim without waves, relax with children, and you are not afraid of the crowd of Chinese and other tourists, and maybe you are not a beginner in surfing and already surfing well enough, then this beach is definitely for you!
For more pictures of Padang Padang Beach and the stunning Uluwatu Temple on the edge of the cliff, see a separate article:
- Uluwatu Temple on the edge of a precipice and a favorite place for surfers in Bali
- Ketut Liyer - visiting the famous healer or following in the footsteps of "Eat, Pray, Love
- In the footsteps of "Eat, Pray, Love" - the house where Elizabeth Gilbert lived, or a mystery shrouded in darkness
Recommended hotels near Padang Padang Beach
- Devata Giri Home Stay
- Belong Bunter Homestay
- Guna Mandala
- Kubu Container
- PinkCoco Bali
- The Brothers Villa
- The Island Houses Bingin
- Lullaby Bungalows
- Suarga Padang Padang
- Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort
- C151 Luxury Villas
- Suluban Cliff Bali Villa
Bingin beach
Another stunning beach for surfers and nature lovers
White, soft sand, long shore with untouched nature,
super place for photo shoots
And for swimming - hardly, you can splash, but even near the shore foam and waves
Here are great long waves and good bottom for surfers
They come here and families with children, but 90% of the time the head of the family in the sea with a board, and my mother with children on the beach, for children the beach is good.
There are hotels on the shore and on the cliff above Bingin Beach, mostly quite simple with no frills, there are a couple of hotels with luxury infinity pools
Conclusion: If you have a good surfboard - you're here! Just mastering the board? - You can also try your luck and catch your wave, there are board rentals and Indonesian teachers on the beach.
Recommended hotels near Bingin Beach
- The Inn Possible
- Romeo Bungalow
- Alamanda Villas
- The Bingin Beach Villas
- Deeksha Beach House
- The Island Houses
- Bale @ Bingin
- Morabito Art Cliff
- Villa Bingin
- Nomina Villas Pecatu
- Villa Dedaren
- Aloha beach house Bingin
Suluban beach (blue point beach)
This small beach is hidden between the rocks, and at high tide it is completely flooded with water.
Entrance to Uluwatu beach, also called Suluban or Blue point beach, through an unusual cave
Because of the big waves this beach is popular mainly among advanced surfers,
For which the infrastructure is well developed - there are many stores where you can buy or rent everything you need for surfing - from the board to special clothes
And those whose plans don't include getting up on the surf and catching waves can sit in cafes on the cliff,
and watch the surfers while drinking coconut 🙂
You can even sunbathe, there is a small area with paid sun loungers
And, of course, endlessly admire the views of the turquoise ocean, the rocks and waves crashing against them.
Conclusion: Are you an advanced surfer? Or maybe you're crazy about the ocean and would spend hours looking at the waves/rock? Dreaming of meeting a surfer groom or making Australian friends? In this case, Uluwatu Beach is definitely for you!
Uluwatu has luxury villas with stunning views - Sun Island Suites
Recommended hotels near Uluwatu Beach
- Ayodhya Uluwatu
- Bali Bule Homestay
- Ashana Hotel
- Mamo Hotel Uluwatu
- Puri Uluwatu Villas
- Yoga Searcher Bali
- Anantara Uluwatu Bali Resort
- Tregge Surf Camp Uluwatu
- The Sanctus Uluwatu
- Villa Bayu
- Karma Kandara
- Villa Kaaiti
Nyang Nyang beach
Cool beach for lovers of solitude. To sunbathe, and to walk only to the sound of the ocean waves - it is unforgettable
But the swim is unlikely to succeed, despite the transparency of the water, the beach Nyang Nyang is more suitable for surfers, but they are few, they ride a hundred meters from the shore
No infrastructure here either - you can find natural shade from small trees and in some places from rocks
Nyang Nyang Beach is long and deserted, perfect for long walks, meditation and relaxation on the beach
In some places, the beach beach consists of sand with an admixture of coral and shells, so that you can collect a marine collection as a memento
Above the beach on the cliff there is a hotel, a coffee shop and a great pool.
Conclusion: this beach is for surfers and connoisseurs of peace, quiet and solitude with nature, almost a wild beach.
Recommended hotels near Niang Niang Beach
- Homestay D'Kasim
- Uluwatu Made Guesthouse
- Pecatu Guest House
- Delali Guest House
- Chateau de Bali
- Padang-Padang Inn
- Bulgari Resort Bali
- The Ungasan Clifftop Resort
- The Edge Bali
- Banyan Tree Ungasan
- Prasana
- D' Sky Villa
Pandawa beach
Pandawa Beach is one of our favorite beaches in Bukit Peninsula and Bali in general, I fell in love with it at first sight. Even the approach to it is unusual, through a limestone canyon.
Pandava beach is long enough, with white sand and clean sea!
Sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as kayaks, can be rented
Along the beach there is a footpath with cafes
And the sea here is stunning color and completely transparent, there are also waves, so you can surf, though not near the shore.
Pandava beach is great for relaxing with children and active tourists, so many kanoe I have not seen in any Balinese beach, though more of them on the shore than in the sea 🙂
On the edge of Pandava Beach there are a couple of caves and a nice gazebo for photo shoots.
When my parents came on vacation, we brought them here in the first place and spent here, with pleasure a few hours in "seal mode")), all were delighted with the sea and the beach. Alas, no hotels on the beach, on the one hand this is a plus (it's not crowded), on the other hand and minus - if you settle somewhere nearby, then every time you have to pay and rent a deckchair and to enter the beach with parking.
Conclusion: Pandava is a great option for a day trip to the beach, for a vacation with the family, with children. There are plenty of opportunities for active sports (canoeing and surfing), and terrific places for photo enthusiasts!
Recommended hotels near Pandava Beach
- M.A Home Stay
- Timbis Homestay Bali
- Villa Anjing 2
- Umahode
- The Asmara Nusa Dua
- Ulu Segara
- Samabe Bali Suites & Villas
- The Ritz-Carlton Bali
- Pandawa Cliff Estate
- Banyu Biru Villa
- Indigo Dream Villa
- Villa 6 Karang Kembar
Nikko beach
Great beach, snow-white sand, clear turquoise water
The coast is long and not crowded at all
There is only one hotel on this beach Grand Nikko
(but there are others in the area, see below)
But since the beaches in Bali can not belong to the hotel, so the beach is available to all,
At the top of the cliff there is a parking lot, with stone steps leading down which you come straight to this house, there are toilets with showers and sun loungers and umbrellas for rent, they do massage and sell drinks
And next to it are hotel loungers for guests
If you don't like this hotel and you're staying somewhere else, it's still worth coming to Nikko Beach at least once, it's wonderful.
In the morning you can even see the volcano, and the shore here is simply stunning with soft sand and a photogenic tree-horn
Conclusion: you want to spend a relaxing vacation in a relaxing atmosphere, with stunning views of the sea and the volcano? Every day to swim in the turquoise water and walk on a clean deserted beach, while you do not need bars and parties (although if you want, you can get a cab / bike, Kuta is not far), then the beach and the Nikko Hotel for you!
Recommended hotels near Nikko Beach
- Rantun's Place
- Sekar Nusa Villas
- Litus Mesten
- Villa Anjing
- The Villas at Grand Nikko
- The Ritz-Carlton Bali
- Samabe Bali Villas
- Ulu Segara Luxury Suites
- The Shanti Residence
- The Asmara Nusa Dua
- Vinila Villas
- Agata Resort
Geger beach and Mengiat Beach
Geger is a stunning beach, one of the best in Bukit, with nice fine sand and clear transparent sea. If you move from north to south, first comes the beach of Nusa Dua, then Mengiat, and then Geger. Sometimes they are all together called just the beach of Nusa-Dua, but Geger is often singled out separately.
There are rent chairs, umbrellas, a couple of cafes and water activities - windsurfing, boards, canoeing, snorkeling masks.
Many hotels nearby have free shuttle service to Geger beach, so you can settle in a hotel not on the beach and still be able to come here to the beach all the time.
If one half of Geger beach is city beach with sunbeds for everyone, then the other half is conventionally for everyone, on the shore stands the chic hotel Mulia
,
If you want to live in a luxurious room overlooking the sea, every day to relax on a nice quiet beach and swim in the clean sea, this is one of the best options in Nusa Dua
Near the beach is a stony breakwater Geger, and under the water and coral reef, so that the beach is almost never waves, the sea is calm, all along the coast, the shoreline between the hotel and town beach is not
Conclusion: An excellent beach - bathing, pleasant, not crowded!
Recommended hotels near Geger Beach
- 21 Lodge
- White Rock Lodge
- Allia Residence
- Ellies Hotel
- INAYA Putri Bali
- Grand Hyatt Bali
- The St. Regis Resort
- The Mulia
- Amarterra Villas
- Courtyard by Marriott
- The Bale
- Bali National Golf Villas
Nusa Dua beach
Nusa Dua is the area with the highest concentration of 5-star hotels on the Bali coast.
Here come mostly vacationers, half of whom, before the crisis, were from Russia.
The beaches of Nusa Dua are well suited for a quiet, relaxed holiday, away from the hustle and bustle.
Nusa Dua area is a little isolated from the rest of Bali, the entrance to the area to the beaches through the gate and the barrier, but you can drive there freely. The guards sometimes asked us which hotel we were going to, sometimes they didn't ask anything.
It is from tourists who stayed here and did not go anywhere else, most often you hear feedback that the island of Bali - though nice, but pretty boring place
Beaches Nusa-Dua good - wide and clean, but the shore is also quite shallow, which in principle does not prevent swim or teachschuetsch windsurfing, for example,
Surfing is also done here, but very rarely, mostly the beaches of Nusa Dua is just for swimming
Most beaches are located near the hotel, alas, not everywhere you can safely settle, not being a hotel guest, without the risk of meeting with a polite but persistent security guard
True, there is a town beach in Nusa-Dua, but it is less well-kept, there is also an interesting place near the "Devil's Bridge", where the waves crashing on the rocks.
Also in Nusa Dua, there are "private beaches" are those that can only be accessed through the hotel. The photo below shows the luxurious, soulless white beach, which can be accessed from the Samabe resort hotel.
Amazing white sand and stunning turquoise sea
Also note the following not bad hotels:
- Melia Bali Indonesia
- Novotel Bali Nusa Dua Hotel & Residences
- Grand Hyatt Bali
- The St Regis Resort Bali
- Courtyard by Marriott Bali Nusa Dua
- Ayodya Resort
- Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
In the past, a big drawback of the Bukit Peninsula resorts was the transportation problem. It was separated from the main part of the island by a thin cofferdam with a single, two-lane highway, the traffic on which was permanent. But in 2013 they opened a toll road (4,500 rupees for a motorcycle) that connects Sanur, Bukit and the airport, so now the situation has improved.
Conclusion: The beaches in Nusa Dua with a huge selection of hotels are suitable for a relaxing holiday on the beach, if the priority is swimming in the sea and a good sandy beach. They are ideal for both romantic couples and families with children.
Read more about Nusa Dua Beach in a separate article: Nusa Dua Beach, Bali is a five-star resort on a tropical island.
Recommended hotels in Nusa Dua
- D' Kubu Pratama Homestay
- Amaris Hotel Pratama
- ZenRooms By Pass
- The Studio Inn
- The Westin Resort
- Sofitel Bali
- Melia Bali
- Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
- Bali Nusa Dua Hotel
- Suites & Villas at Sofitel
- Awarta Luxury Villas & Spa
- Kayumanis Villa & Spa
Tanjung Benoa beach
Tanjung Benoa is a spit, less than a kilometer wide, on which there used to be a fishing village, but now it is built up with hotels
And because the hotels are mostly 4 and 5 stars, although not as big-name and posh as in Nusa Dua, the beaches around them are kept clean, the sand is not snow-white, but nice, for example, the beach next to the hotel Grand Mirage - wide and clean
The northernmost point of the spit is a center of water entertainment for all tastes,
which offers everything from snorkeling to underwater walks in a spacesuit and even an "underwater scooter".
Tanjung Benoa beach is long, but because of the strong tides is less suitable for swimming than in Nusa Dua.
In addition, the fishermen's heredity makes itself felt - there are an incredible number of fishing boats on the shore and at sea
Well, where there are no boats, due to the breakwaters there are lagoons, in arbors which is nice not only to meet the dawn,
but to swim even at low tide, even in shallow water, which is a significant "plus" for holidaymakers with children. As a rule, there are buoys near such lagoons, so jet skis and boats in these places to the shore do not swim, so you can safely swim and do not fear for their children 🙂
Such a lagoon is next to the hotel Sol Beach House Benoa, by the way, this hotel is all-inclusive.
The hotel has a beach club and haute cuisine restaurant, The Chedi Sakala, for all comers (you don't have to be a hotel guest).
Conclusion: a great place to relax by the sea with or without children, if you want to find a little more budget than the beach at Nusa Dua.
Recommended hotels in Tanjung Benoa
- Frangipani Homestay
- Puri Clinton Bali
- RedDoorz
- Alam Bali Hotel
- The Royal Santrian
- Holiday Inn Resort
- Sol Beach House
- Grand Aston
- The Royal Santrian
- Novotel Bali
- Grand Mirage Resort
- Conrad Bali
The best beaches in southeastern Bali
Padang Bay beach
Padang Bay is the port from which you can sail to the nearest islands of Bali - Lombok, Gili, Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan
But not everyone knows that near the village there is a wonderful beach Bias Tugal beach, hidden from prying eyes, it is sometimes called - "Secret beach".
with stunning snow-white sand
To get to Bias Tugal beach, you have to turn right just before the port and follow the path to the end. It ends at the top of the hill - you can't go any further and that's where the bikes/cars are parked. Then you need to go down the trail to the beach lost in the cliffs, very comfortable, neat, clean, white sand.
Despite the relative proximity of the port, the sea here is also clean and usually relatively calm, at least you can swim
Lodging can be rented in the village of Padang Bai, but there is almost no infrastructure.
Conclusion: The beach will appeal to keen divers and lovers of quiet natural relaxation, the beach is also suitable for families with children.
Recommended hotels near Padang Bai Beach
- Crystal Beach Bali
- Serangan Inn II
- Pondok Salacca
- Ari Home Stay
- OK Divers Resort & Spa
- Bamboo Paradise
- Zen Inn
- Pondok Mimba
- Villa Kelapa Candidasa
- The Nirwana Resort and Spa
- Alila Manggis
- Sea Breeze Candidasa
Blue Lagoon beach
This is another stunning beach for lovers of underwater life
You can snorkel right from the shore
But there are also boats on duty that know the special places with underwater life and are happy to take you there or to the neighboring beaches, and then return to the Blue Lagoon.
Blue Lagoon Beach - narrow, the shore is absolutely empty, at high tides it is completely flooded, but at a height of 2-3 meters there is a kind of ledge with a cafe, massage and deck chairs (they are, by the way, standing on the sand)
Nearby there is a wild beach Kusamba with shiny black volcanic sand,
For the very sophisticated or those who are looking for a twist on Bali 🙂
To snorkel in the Blue Lagoon, accommodation can be rented in the village of Padang Bai.
Conclusion: a beach for snorkeling and diving
Recommended hotels near the beach Blue Lagoon
- Harmony Guest House
- Puri Rai Hotel
- Bagus Homestay
- Kembar Inn Padangbai
- Topi inn
- Padang Bai Beach Resort
- Bloo Lagoon Village
- Beji Bay Resort
- Citakara Sari Villas
- Candi Beach Resort & Spa
- Candi Beach Villas
- Rama Candidasa Resort
Candidasa beach
Moving north from Padangbai, you can come to Chandidasu, in my opinion, this area is just a jewel of the east coast! Calm pleasant place, but there is one "but" - there is only one beach, and that is already outside Chandidasa, but about it later.
All the beaches within Chandidasa are black, rocky, little suitable for sunbathing and lounging on the beach, most tourists swim and sunbathe near the pools. However, do not rush to give up on this resort, now you see for yourself why, look at the photo below
This is a private villa, and there are a lot of them in Chandidas! They often have infinity pools and endless views of the turquoise sea.
A distinctive feature of the villas in Chandidas is that many of them here are "absolute beach front". There is such a thing as a "beach front" - this is when the villa or hotel is located directly on the beach, but the beach can rest on the other tourists, but in the option "absolute" in front of you only parts of the sea and your own personal exit to the water!
Spent 12 days on the breathtakingly beautiful beach at Chandidas
Parents went down to the ocean from the morning and swam, enjoying the underwater beauty, the coral reef 50 meters from the shore and the many tropical fish
All in all, it was unforgettable!
In the evenings we met sunsets without leaving the villa.
and continued to swim in the sea or the pool
Directly from the villa you can order a boat and raft to the neighboring beaches in Padangbai or White Sand Beach
Conclusion: Chandidasu is definitely worth going if your plans to swim in the sea, look at tropical fish, sunbathing, to live in a comfortable relaxing atmosphere in a villa. The option is great for large companies and families with children. The option of a hotel and the opportunity to travel to different beaches on the east coast is also good.
Recommended hotels in Chandidas
- Ari Home Stay
- Anom Beach Hotel
- Amarta Beach Cottages
- Ayu Taman Sari
- Puri Bagus Candidasa
- Sea Breeze Candidasa
- Bayshore Villa
- Bayside Bungalows
- Rumah Imbang Villas
- Anantya Candidasa
- Alila Manggis
- Candi Beach Villas
We have separate articles about Chandidasu, the lotus pond, the view-poit and trekking to it, and other attractions in the area:
- Chandidasa - the jewel in the east of Bali and White Sand Beach - the most pleasant white sand beach
- Cloud Volcano Agung or the unusual viewpoint in Chandidas, Bali
- Tirtha Ganga - Bali's water palace: flower garden, bridges, fountains, pools, carp ponds and statues of gods with demons, or where to go if you're tired of beaches
The best beaches in eastern Bali
White Sand beach
White Sand Beach is one of our favorite beaches in Bali, it is also called Virgin Beach, once we saw it completely white, but now you can see more often with these volcanic flecks
But in my opinion the beach itself does not suffer from this in any way, under the feet all the same gentle, fine and very pleasant sand
White Sand Beach is practically the only beach on the east coast of Bali (there is also Bias Tugal beach or "Secret Beach" in Padang Bai, but it is visited by tourists much less often, and there are no sunbeds there).
White Sand Beach is really great - wide, and due to its remoteness from the airport and tourist areas is not crowded,
Sun loungers are plentiful here, demand exceeds supply.
Quite often the sea here is calm, clear, without waves.
So White Sand Beach is suitable for holidays with children.
At the edges of the beach ends with picturesque rocks, a natural backdrop for beach photo shoots 🙂
There are a dozen cafes on the beach where you can eat or drink fresh coconut/beer/juice.
They provide sun loungers, umbrellas and towels to their customers at no extra charge.
In the sea there are corals and swim rare tropical fish, very often in the restaurant, on whose deck chairs you settle, you get a free mask and snorkel for the underwater world. Also on the spot you can arrange a boat that will take you further out into the sea, where the underwater beauty is even greater, or you can swim and then return to the Blue Lagoon and Padangbai
The disadvantage of White Sand Beach is that there is no accommodation in the immediate vicinity of the beach, but on the other hand, there are no annoying traders and crowds of tourists. People come here just for a day from other parts of Bali, or go here more often for those who choose to stay in Chandidas.
Conclusion: an excellent, pleasant and beautiful beach for swimming, sunbathing and snorkeling, suitable for holidays with children. For convenience, it is desirable to have your own transport (bike / car).
There is an unusual bamboo chocolate factory and an organic soap factory nearby:
Also read a separate article about this wonderful paradise beach:
- Chandidasa - the jewel in the east of Bali and White Sand Beach - the most pleasant white sand beach
Recommended hotels near White Sand Beach
- Villa Matanai
- Jepun Didulu Cottage
- Villa Katarina Bali
- Villa Mandala
- Villa Campuhan
- Turtle Bay Hideaway
Amed beach
Amed is the name of a village and an entire region on the east coast of Bali
The sea here is absolutely stunning almost everywhere - calm, clear and transparent.
Not far from the shore there are corals, among which swim wonderful colorful fish. In order to snorkel, no need to sail anywhere by boat, you can dive close to shore,
The beaches in Ameda are mostly rocky, or with coarse black volcanic sand, and there are a lot of fishing boats on the shore, so it's clearly not the right place if you want exactly "paradise beach" =)
Conclusion: if the main goal is the underwater world, i.e. Most of the time you plan to spend in the water, not on shore, it's a great option, the best underwater life in Bali is in Amed!
Recommended hotels in Ameda
- Jukung Dive Resort Bali
- Putra'Lebah Amed
- Tambun Sari Beach
- Bubu Racok
- Bamboo Bali
- Amed Sari Beach Guesthouse
- Rivera Beach
- Amed Sunset Beach
- The Griya Villas and Spa
- Double One Villas
- Villa Adi
- Aquaterrace Amed
Pondok Vienna beach/Lipah beach
On this coast we managed to find one, absolutely gorgeous place. Located south of Amed in Bunutan village, the beach is called Pondok Vienna Beach after the hotel of the same name, it is also often called Lipah Beach, in different parts of the beach there are signs with both names.
Hotel Pondok Vienna Beach
is right on the beach, right out of the room you can go in a bathing suit and after 10-15 steps already to be in the sea, the hotel is quite simple, but the price tag is higher than the anologues rooms across the street. Well, we lived in a very good value for money villas with a pool Double One Villa II
, literally 5 minutes walk from the sea (rented 2 houses at once for a month for themselves and parents)
In the center of the beach, as everywhere else in Ameda, there are fishing boats during the day, they go into the sea at night, and in the morning they return.
And on the edges of the beach - small areas for tourists, the beach next to the bungalow Pondok Vienna Beach is quite good - a mixture of white and black fine sand and a good entrance to the water
Nearby there are more budget and more expensive hotels, some on a hill with excellent sea views, and for a longer stay will suit small houses with a kitchen, also located within walking distance - we are just in such and lived, were very pleased.
This is just an extension of the beach,
There's a nice hotel right on the beach Bali Bhuana Beach
with different types of rooms from rooms to individual houses, and even with a pool
While motoring around the island we also stayed in brand new, nice cottages near the beach at the Alung Shop & Bungalow
In addition to the excellent sea, Ameda and the surrounding area is simply stunning nature - mountain slopes, overgrown with greenery, and views of the volcanoes
Conclusion: Bunutan is one of the best places in Bali for a relaxing beach holiday with children, if you do not need developed infrastructure, shopping, nightlife and cafes / restaurants with high cuisine, as well as no big complaints about the quality of the beach
Recommended hotels in Bunutan
- Puri Wirata Dive Resort
- Sunshine Bungalows
- Di Abian Resort
- Kadek Homestay
- Double One Villas
- Onlyou Villas
- Villa Bukit Segara
- Bintang Beach Villa
- The Griya Villas and Spa
Tulamben beach
This village, a few kilometers north of Amed is not particularly remarkable - there are the same stone beaches as,
But in Tulamben there is one local landmark, because of which we singled out this beach separately - the Liberty shipwreck. It lies just 30 meters from the shore and is a favorite destination for beginner divers
Even if you do not plan to scuba dive, you can view it just with a mask - the top of the ship, overgrown with seaweed, barnacles and corals, is literally a few meters from the surface of the water
Conclusion: Tulamben - a place for inveterate "submariners", explorers of the sea depths, in addition to Liberty, there are other locations. Also vacationing here, you can take a course on freediving or get a diving certificate.
Recommended hotels near Tulamben Beach
- Ocean Villa & Homestay
- Tulamben Wreck
- Pondok Mimpi Tulamben
- Ocean Sun Dive Resort
- Tulamben Backpacker
- Safety Stop Bungalows
- Ocean View Dive Resort
- Toyabali Resort
- Tauch Terminal Resort
- Relax Bali
- Bali Umah Tinjung
- Matahari Villa
Beaches in the north of Bali
Lovina beach
Lovina is the common name of several beaches (Temukus, Kaliasem, Kalibukbuk, Tukad Mugga, Amturan and Peramon) on the north coast of Bali.
There are wide beaches with an admixture of volcanic sand, in some places the beach is yellow,
gray and even black in places,
But there is no snow-white beach and a picture of paradise, alas, palm trees on the shore in Lovina almost do not grow, but there are a couple of sprawling huge trees, creating natural shade
In Lovina calm sea and reasonable prices for accommodation - the resort is well suited for a quiet family vacation with children.
Cafes and restaurants without frills in the design, but with fresh fish and seafood, as evidenced by the fishing boats near the shore.
The main attraction in Lovina is the walk to the dolphins, many boats go out to sea every morning to look at them, and that is why most tourists come here. Departure on these boats from the main pier in Lovina
We found this resort too boring, even though it is a unique place where you can meet both sunrises and sunsets on the same beach
Conclusion: Lovina - for unpretentious to the food/beach/hotels tourist vacation will be calm and measured, with children may even enjoy.
Recommended hotels near Lovina Beach
- Padmasari Resort Lovina
- Astina Hotel
- Mandhara Chico Bungalow
- Hotel Dupa
- Banyualit Spa 'n Resort
- 1000 Dream Bungalow
- Padmasari Resort Lovina
- Lilin Lovina Beach Hotel
- Villas at The Lovina Resort
- Sea View Villa Bloom Bali
- Villa Teman
- The Lovina
On the way from Ubud to Lovina Beach, you can stop here:
- Borobudur in Bali - a mini-copy of a Javanese temple or a Buddhist meditation retreat Brahmavihara Aram
- Bali Botanical Garden - hundreds of cacti and orchids or 157 hectares for unforgettable walks with birdsong
- Jatiluwih Rice Terraces - Bali's Natural Kaleidoscope
- Mountain lakes Bratan, Buyan, Tamblingan and cool Bedugul - a completely different Bali
- The island's main water temple, Pura Ulun Danu, as well as the Git Git waterfall and Bratan Lake
- Abandoned Hotel in Bali - on the trail of "Heads & Tails"
- Strawberry farms in Bali and strawberry pizza for dessert
- Munduk is a mountain resort and spice village in Bali
Beaches on Bali’s neighboring islands
Gili Air, Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan Islands
If we're talking about vacationing on "paradise" islands near Bali, it's definitely Gili. It takes 1.5-2 hours to get there by boat from Bali (from the ports at Sanur and Padangbai). Gili is definitely worth sailing for a couple of days or even a week, it has a completely different atmosphere than Bali.
The Gili Islands are quite small, there is no transportation, as a cab - horses and carts, you can also explore on foot (around the perimeter in an hour) or by bicycle. All three islands are very different, as if for three different categories of tourists, we have been to each and not once, they all have something to remember and like.
Because these are islands, and even without transport or any industrial production, the air is always the freshest and the water is cleanest, under the water you can see turtles and tropical fish.
The largest island is Gili Trawangan, it attracts mainly young people, it is full of cafes, bars with hookahs, developed nightlife, parties every day. The beach and resort area is only in one part of the island, everything here is very compact
Recommended hotels in Gili Trawangan
- Wombat's B&B
- Meisya Cottage
- Little MG
- Gili Nyepi
- PinkCoco Gili Trawangan
- Pondok Santi Estate
- Gili Teak Resort
- Villa Gili Bali Beach
- Coral Flora Villa Beach Front
- Villa Terra
- Gili Pearl Villa
- Villa Hari Puri
Gili Air is the second largest island, with beaches all around. Near the coast here is quite shallow, and at low tide, swimming is possible only in one place where there is a small depression in the seabed.
The island is quite distinctive, with a rustic way of life, but there are many small hotels, nice cafes and beach cafes clubs, one of them in the evenings movie screenings in the open air. It has its own inexplicably pleasant atmosphere.
We stayed in a bungalow with a pool (at low tide, in the heat it was very helpful).
Recommended hotels in Gili Air
- Mangga Homestay
- Oasi Bungalows
- WP Bungalow
- Rumah Amira
- Sunrise Resort
- Mowies on the Beach
- Mola2 Resort Gili Air
- Kaluku Gili Resort
- Slow Gili Air
- Villas Samalama Gili Air
- Gili Air Lagoon Resort
- Akasia Villas
Gili Meno is the most pleasant, in terms of beach vacation island. Beaches here with fine white sand, and the depth of the sea is deep enough to swim at low tide. But alas, the island with no palm trees on the shore, as well as the other islands of Gili.
Yes, yes, there are small spruces or bushes growing on the shore, but not palm trees. Gili Meno - the quietest, there are no parties, and at night life completely slows down, this island is the choice of families with children, honeymooners and couples for a romantic quiet holiday
Among the three islands, there is the most beautiful underwater life, it is here, to Meno bring tourists in boats from Eira and Trawangan snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles.
If in the morning you can meet the sunrises overlooking the volcanoes, in the evening, crossing to the other side of the island, you can admire the sunsets
Recommended hotels in Gili Meno
- The This-Kon Gili Meno
- Kampung Meno Bungalows
- Meno Dream Resort
- Gilinta Meno Bungalows
- Gili Meno Mojo Beach Resort
- Kura Kura Resort
- Biru Meno Beach Bungalows
- Two Brothers Bungalows
- AVIA Villa Resort
- Karma Reef
- Seri Resort Gili Meno
- Kura Kura Resort
Conclusion: Gili islands - a great way to diversify your holiday in Bali, in one trip you can visit all three islands, between them there are boats (10-15 minutes). The Gili Islands are also visited by young people in large groups (Gili Trawangan), families with children (Eir and Meno), and romantic weekends for couples in love (Meno and Eir).
How to get to the Gili Islands
You can get to Gili by speedboat (speedboat). There are several companies that take you to the islands. The price of any option includes transfers and a speedboat ticket. It is better to buy a ticket both ways at once, it is more reliable and cheaper than separately.
1. The most budget-friendly option is Wahana and Semaya
They also include transfers, except in remote areas of Bali. Both cars and speedboats are often late, this option suits those who are not particularly in a hurry and want to save as much as possible. They only take you to Gili Air or Travangan, if you need to go to Meno, then you have to take a local boat or you can use other companies.
2. Eka Jaya offers modern speedboats to any of the three islands with amenities: air conditioning, comfortable seating, media entertainment.
The boats Wahana, Semaya and Eka Jaya depart from Padangbai.
3. The coolest company is Gili Getaway. Her boats sail to the Gili Islands from Serengan Port - if you live in the southern part of the island, this is the closest port to you. The company has high standards of quality control, Wi-Fi, media entertainment, free mineral water, motion sickness pills. This is the most comfortable and fastest option.
The Eka Jaya and Gili Getaway take you to all three Gili islands.
Book tickets for the boat to Gili
Nusa Lembongan Island
It takes only 25 minutes to sail from Sanur to Lembongan, a small island that has long been a popular alternative to Bali, with hotels to suit all tastes, from budget gestational houses to 5-star resorts. Hotels are located near the beach, and on a small cliff along the cliff, there are also in the interior of the island, almost in the middle of nowhere, but with stunning views. We stayed in a nice hotel - nice new bungalows with open-air showers and an amazing infinity pool (such pools are my weakness)
Lembongan is not a first-class resort. Yes, there are good hotels, but they stand practically side by side with the shacks of the locals, chickens and cows walk in the yards, barefoot kids run around, there are no normal stores, not to mention shopping malls.
And at the same time, you can have a nice rest here, sunbathe, swim. Lembongan has several beaches, we have visited them all, and some are not particularly paradise, somewhere just a pleasure to spend time on the beach, and somewhere the sea is clean, but the beach is not particularly suited for recreation.
Water activities are popular here - diving, underwater walks, snorkeling, boat/kayak/boat rides, there is of course also surfing.
The island is small, in one day it can be completely bypassed. In terms of natural beauty, there are mangrove forests, on which you can take a boat ride, and an amazing place where giant waves crash on the rocks, forming an explosive fireworks fountain of spray on the shore, the famous "Devil's Tear
Recommended hotels in Lembongan
- Kubu Sunset Guest House
- Darsan Lembongan Cottage
- Naradas Mushroom Beach
- Perdana Homestay
- Lotus Garden Huts
- Mushroom Beach Bungalows
- Seaside Huts Lembongan
- The Beach Shack
- Villa Bahagia
- Villa Voyage - an elite haven
- Villa Coral
- Villa Celagi
Conclusion: it makes sense to come here for a couple of days, but to spend your vacation here completely, I would not, many tourists spend half of the vacation in Bali, and the other half spend here, with less fuss and noise.
To get to the island of Nusa Lembongan you can buy separate tickets for the speedboat(here), or a one-day cruise(here), which in addition to the transfer from the hotel, will include a trip on a boat with a glass bottom, breakfast, lunch, visit the water park in the open ocean, unlimited banana riding, snorkeling and canoeing.
Nusa Penida Island
Nusa Penida - Lembongan's neighbor, it is an insanely beautiful island, and almost wild, there are a couple of beaches, but still consider it a beach resort, I would not, this island is for lovers of unique nature,
connoisseurs of pristine beauty and solitude, here you can become an explorer of "new lands", to feel like "Robinson Crusoe" you can rent a scooter and explore the island up and down
Tourists come here for the day from Lembongan, it is here the best dive spots, you can swim with the giant mantas, and those who are not interested in diving, spend the day on a nice beach. On the island, mostly simple hotels/bungalows, many without hot water, internet and air conditioning. There are a total of 2 hotels on the island with pool/air conditioning/wi-fi.
Nusa Penida can be reached by a large ferry from Padangbai, by speedboat from Sanur (you can buy boat tickets here), or as part of a two-day tour (see details here).
Conclusion: Nusa Penida - for sophisticated tourists who primarily want to see the unique nature, to visit the wild beaches and viewpoints, and do not confuse the "wild" island and the complete absence of infrastructure, as tourists are used to. If you are going to ride around the island on a bike - be careful, you can easily break a tire somewhere in the middle of nowhere =)
Lombok Island
The island of Lombok is not as touristy as Bali, but I think it's a matter of time, it is rapidly developing in terms of tourism, there is an international airport, but 15 years ago and Bali was not such as it is now. We've been to Lombok a couple of times, there are good white sand beaches and for swimming and surfing,
as well as amazing nature with waterfalls and volcanoes
I really like this island, but if you consider the demands of today's tourists, then Lombok, as an alternative to Bali, should consider only one resort in the north-west of the island - Sengigi, it is easiest to get to from Bali, you can combine your trip with the Gili Islands.
In the south of the island are also beautiful beaches, but wilder, with minimal infrastructure, however, there are great hotels, if you want to hide from the hustle and bustle away, but with a rest with comfort, then consider this option, for example you can stay at Novotel
Conclusion: Lombok is worth considering if you have repeatedly been to Bali, and this time you just want to diversify your vacation, to see new natural beauty, to visit the volcano Rinjani, and at the same time to spend a couple of days on the local beaches. Suitable for comfortable relaxation in privacy.
Ubud
Of course there is no sea in Ubud, but since it is one of our favorite places on the island, we couldn't help but mention it here. This small town, called the cultural capital of Bali, attracts many tourists, and even more expats, like a magnet - here is the largest concentration of yoga centers, cafes with different types of cuisine for every taste, including (but not limited to) vegetarian and raw food.
People come here to live among the rice fields, meditate, and the nearest beach/sea (in Sanur) from Ubud is about forty minutes by car.
There is a Forest of Monkeys, and in general, the neighborhood is full of other attractions, visited by tourists. Many come here literally for a day without an overnight stay, and those who are inspired, stay for a long time. We also spent most of our time in Bali, living just outside Ubud, in Penestanan
Conclusion: Ubud is chosen by those who come to Bali not for the sea and surfing. Ubud like those who are in love with yoga, want to walk among the rice paddies, eat organic food, join the culture and traditions of the island.
- The Forest of Monkeys in Ubud or watch out for jewelry!
- Gunung Kawi - the royal tombs in the rocks or the most unusual cemetery in Bali with a view of Agung Volcano
- Chocolate Bamboo Factory in Bali
- Elephant Cave - magical Goa Gaja with phalluses and a walk through the tropical jungle
Recommended hotels in Ubud
- The Grand Sunti
- MaxOneHotels
- The Evitel Resort
- Kiskenda Ubud
- Sthala
- Beji Ubud Resort
- Sapu Lidi Resort
- Royal Casa Ganesha
- Maya Resort
- Plataran Hotel
- Arma Museum & Resort
- Kupu Kupu Barong
- Komaneka at Bisma
- Komaneka at Rasa_Sayang
- Komaneka at Tanggayuda
Not far from Ubud is the famous "Head & Tails" hotel. Hanging Gardens
.
General conclusions
The island of Bali has many incredibly beautiful, fabulous and wonderful places, including some great beaches, but in general, the combination: "a good beach, clean sea, no waves, infrastructure, lack of crowds and accommodation within walking distance" in Bali, perhaps, no.
If the purpose of the trip is just a beach vacation, then Thailand, Sri Lanka or the Philippines will do it better, but if the beaches are not the only thing that matters to you, read our other articles about Bali, and you can start with the following selections:
- Bali sights - our top 10 most interesting places on the island
- Nature in Bali - amazing places for which you should definitely come here
- The 5 most extraordinary temples in Bali, which you simply must visit!
- 15 Most Popular Bali Activities
- All waterfalls in Bali - marks on the map and our impressions
- Places of power and energy in Bali or our top 10 sacred places on the island of the gods
- Unusual places in Bali or where else to go for a sophisticated tourist
FAQ - the most frequently asked questions about Bali beaches
- Q: What is the best beach in Bali for a vacation?
A: The choice of beach depends on your preferences and interests. For partying and surfing we can recommend Kuta, for romantic holidays - Seminyak, and for family holidays - Nusa Dua or Sanur. - Q: Where can I go diving and snorkeling in Bali?
A: Chandidas, Amed and Tulamben are great places for diving and snorkeling with beautiful coral reefs and diverse marine life. - Q: Which beaches in Bali are suitable for surfing?
A: Kuta, Uluwatu and Changu are famous surfing beaches with international tournaments and many surfing schools. - Q: Are there beaches with black volcanic sand in Bali?
A: Yes, you should visit the beaches of Lovina and Amed, where you will find black volcanic sand, thanks to the action of local volcanoes. - Q: How do I get to the beaches in Bali?
A: In Bali, the best way to get around is by renting a motorcycle or car. You can also take a cab. - Q: Where can I find quiet and secluded beaches in Bali?
A: The beaches in the east and north of the island, such as Amed, Tulamben and Lovina, are usually less busy and ideal for a quiet and secluded holiday. - Q: Are there activities for children on Bali's beaches?
A: Not much, but some beaches, especially in the Nusa Dua area, offer a variety of activities for children, including water parks, clubs and playgrounds. - Q: Is it safe to swim in the sea on Bali's beaches?
A: In general, it is safe to swim on the beaches of Bali, but you have to be careful of currents and waves on some beaches, especially on surf beaches. It is important to take precautions and pay attention to the warning signs on the beach.
- Q: What kind of infrastructure is there on Bali's beaches?
A: Most of Bali's beaches have a variety of facilities, including cafes, restaurants, sun loungers and umbrellas, as well as water sports. However, on less well-known and secluded beaches, the infrastructure may be less developed. - Q: Do I have to pay to enter the beaches of Bali?
A: Most of the beaches in Bali are free. Also, some beaches in the Uluwatu area may require you to pay admission to adjacent temple complexes. If you bring your own vehicle, in some places you will have to pay a parking fee.
How to get from the airport to your destination in Bali
Unlike other popular resort areas, public transportation in Bali is virtually non-existent. In some areas there are very local "minibuses" - bemo, which run unknown how and when, so guided by them, we do not recommend. Also recently developed a tourist bus Kura Kura Bus, which can travel between tourist areas, but its routes are quite limited and it does not enter the airport.
So from the airport you can get to the desired point in Bali only by private transport or by cab.
1. Local cabs. Cab drivers in Bali airport (as well as everywhere else in Bali) are quite active and aggressive. As soon as you leave the airport building, they pounce from all sides and start attacking you with their "taxi-taxi, cheap price, where do you go? Their price tag is quite high, but you can bargain.
2. Grab/Go-Jek. These three companies represent online cabs in Bali. Their stated prices are very adequate, but there are a number of significant disadvantages:
- First, 80% of the time cab drivers will refuse to drive at the price listed in the app. This sounds crazy to those who are used to using such services in Russia, Europe and the United States, but here it is reality. As a rule, the scheme is as follows - you make an order, the driver takes it and writes / calls on whatsap. He asks where to go, says that for this price he will not go and offers his own - 2-4 times higher. You can either bargain or refuse and look for the next one. As a rule, almost always at the 10th attempt you can find an adequate cab driver, who will take you at the original price without unnecessary questions.
- Secondly, in Bali online cabs, although legally legal, are de facto illegal. More precisely, the local cab mafia believes so, which is fighting against them in every way, including physical methods. That's why cab drivers from Grab and his companions are always in code. They are unlikely to drive up to the boarding area in the arrival area, and will usually write to you to look for them somewhere in the parking lot, i.e. you'll have to play an extra quest. Along the way, local cab drivers will be looking at your phone to see if you're looking for Grab (say no, and that a friend or hotel transfer will meet you).
In general, it's a fairly working method that will suit anyone who wants to save the most money and has enough patience and time =)
In the future, to move around Bali, you can also use these companies, with the same reservations.
3. Pre-order a transfer. This is the best way, in our opinion - it is cheaper than the first option and more convenient than the second, such a golden mean. At the exit of the airport building you will be met by a driver with a sign and escorted to the car - no need to waste time and nerves on negotiations and bargaining. This option will suit those who are not interested in saving a few dollars and want to get to the hotel quickly. You can book a transfer here.
The easiest way to get around the island is by bike or car. Read more about rentals here. In a nutshell, you can look for transportation on the spot, but it's easier to worry about this issue in advance.
For example, Balihelper has a good fleet of new scooters, motorcycles and cars.
We liked the fact that firstly, they have insurance, secondly, the bike / car delivered anywhere on the island - even to the hotel, even at the airport, and thirdly, the equipment is in very good condition, we took a brand new NMax 150, with mileage 70 km!
Especially convenient to go to them if you need something a little more than a simple "stool," such as a maxi-scooter or motorcycle, they just so, "off the street" is a bit difficult to find. They also have cars, the prices are quite adequate, especially taking into account insurance and delivery to the right place. Another plus is the support in Russian. Contact, clarifying questions and book a bike on WhatsApp: +62(8123)99999-01 (Victor).
And also, you can get a discount on the price listed on the site, to do this, you need to specify a promo code ilovebali when booking.
Bali tours and excursions
If you want to include in your vacation, not only beaches, and cultural and entertainment program, and do not want to deal with planning a trip to the island, then choose a ready-made tour with professional guides - see a complete list and book a tour here.
Map of Bali with beaches
You can also download the coordinates of all the beaches in Bali as a kml-file. This file can be downloaded to most iPhone or Android navigation apps. We recommend the free MAPS.ME application.
Download coordinates of all beaches
Cheapest flights to Bali
You can find detailed reviews of interesting hotels in Bali here.
Reviews of beaches in different countries:
- Beaches of Cyprus- white sand, for partying, for holidays with children
- Beaches of TenrifeThe sights of the island or our impressions of the Canaries
- Beaches in Nha Trang - The most complete list of beaches in the city, suburbs and islands, beach map
- Samui Beaches - The fullest overview, map marks, photos, infrastructure
- Beaches of Rhodes - The most complete overview of the beaches of the island and markings on the map
- Beaches of Sri Lanka - Review of the best beaches on the island, personal experience, photos
- Beaches Boracay - The best beaches in the world on an island paradise
- Beaches of Goa - European food and Russian tourists
Leave a Reply