When you think of the best beaches in Bali there’s no doubt you’re picturing a tropical utopia, but it’s not easy deciding which one’s are the best. They’re all so unique and specialised in some way. It’s dumfounding how one island can offer such a medley of seascapes. For instance, some beaches are incredible for surfers, while others offer no waves at all. Some are covered in rocks and dark volcanic sand while others are flat and powder white.
One thing is for sure; all Bali’s beaches lead off into the most beautiful crystal clear water you’ve seen. For us, we had some of our best days on the harder-to-reach beaches. If you’re looking for a little adventure or peace in postcard paradise locations, make sure to check out these beaches below.
Suluban Beach, Uluwatu
There’s something about a hard-to-reach beach that makes it more enjoyable. What about a hard to find one? Suluban or Blue Point Beach not only has its own set of obstacles along its path, but its beauty hides behind limestone rock caves.
The first time we came to Suluban area, we almost missed this beach entirely. A local fisherman pointed out a spot of light coming from a series of rugged limestone caves in front of us. We followed the light and discovered a large opening onto the other side. We were stunned to find a large bay tucked away behind these rocks! Surrounding Suluban beach is dramatic high cliffs, powder-soft white sands and small waves lapping up onto the rocky shore. There’s a raw and untouched beauty in this spot, no crowds or warungs or beach beds — just a handful of smirky tourists lying on the sand taking in their newly discovered surroundings.
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Bingin Beach, Bukit Peninsula
As with plenty others spots in Bali, the path to Bingin beach leads you through alleyways and down flights of stairs. The beachfront stretches as far as the eyes can see with rows of restaurants and bars perched on stilts in front of the sea. The best part of Bingin beach is the dining experience. Most of the restaurants on this strip are as laid-back as the surfers visiting them. Picture sitting at candle-lit tables with your toes in the coarse sand, watching a fiery sunset over the ocean and listening to locals sing as they tend to BBQ fish. The fish and corn, grilled over wood charcoal, gives off a heavenly scent.
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Green Bowl Beach, Bukit Peninsula
“Green Bowl” beach is accessible after climbing down a few flights of steep stairs. Plenty of shallow caves line the bottom and offer some much-needed shade. Watch out for the cheeky monkeys hanging out in the parking lot area. The beach is a local hang out spot for surfers and some laid back couples.
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Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida
Kelingkings viewpoint is one of the top tourist attractions in the whole of Bali. Everyone flocks to this point and sets their eyes on the infamous T-Rex shaped rock. After capturing their Instagram worthy shots, tourists head back to restaurants and enjoy the magnificent sea views.
If you’re up to it, The hike (or rather rock climb) down to the beach takes around an hour but is well worth the mission. The beach, also known as Secret Point Beach, is our favourite beach in the whole of Bali.
A bamboo railing secures the path down. It has some very steep drops and occasional rope for when things get too vertical. The beach is frequented by the brave and fit, making it a whole lot quieter and our kind of paradise. It’s also one of the only beaches in Bali with big shore-breaking waves and absolutely no rocks leading into the sea. A few big trees offer shady spots on its soft white sand. If you’re up for a rock-climbing challenge, this venture will not disappoint.
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Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida
Diamond Beach is the epitome of unexploited paradise beaches. Tourists would admire Its beauty from afar, until December 2018 when they made the beach accessible with steep stairs leading down the side of a cliff. Besides the actual beach, this impressive set of stairs makes this location worth seeing.
Your reward at the bottom is breathtaking and well worth all the steps to get there. Dramatically high cliffs shelter the beach and surround its sea-shell decorated white sand. You’re able to sit in the shade cast from nearby shallow caves while starring out at crystal clear turquoise waters. Truly a beautiful spot and one of our favourite places on Nusa Penida.
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Atuh Beach, Nusa Penida
It’s not the hardest climb down to the beach, but it’s no stroll in the park either. Sandbags and giant dugout steps pave the way for you to climb down.
Like most others, we rate Atuh beach as one of the best beaches on Nusa Penida. It’s located on the quieter side of the island and visited by few tourists every day. Atuh has a long stretch of white sand and a few rock-free areas leading into the sea. If you swim past the breaking waves, you’ll enjoy calm and crystal clear waters with a magnificent view of the iconic arched rock resting in front of you.
The beachfront is littered with sunbeds and umbrellas and has local warungs selling cold drinks, beers, and simple meals.
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Tembeling Springs, Nusa Penida
The springs and its accompanying beach are the hardest places to get to on Nusa Penida island. You could mistake the bike road down as a sketchy walking path. We almost changed our minds and turned back a couple of times, but our inner adventure voices wouldn’t let us. We found out later that the locals drive you in and out of the area as passengers for a fee, we highly recommend doing this!
After the bike parking lot, the walk down is a relatively easy and short one. The spring, halfway down the trail, is a fantastic spot to swim in. If you carry on walking past the spring, the path opens up onto a small beachfront. Local ladies are selling cold drinks and freshly cut fruit. The beach is tiny, but considering how few people visit this spot, it won’t feel crowded. We spent the whole day at this secluded spot and would go back in a heartbeat, but maybe as passengers!
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Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida
After spending a couple of days hanging out on Penida’s cliffsides and punishing staircases, there’s no better reward than a trip to Crystal Beach. Precisely named for its crystal-clear waters, this quaint bay ticks all the boxes on a paradise checklist. It’s also home to one of the most spectacular lines of the towering palm tree. The beaches position on the island makes it a popular choice for day visitors. Those staying on the island get to enjoy it a bit longer and witness Bali’s most lavish tropical sunsets. It’s also the hub for snorkelling, swimming and lazing around while offering creature comforts like day beds and umbrellas.
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Secret Beach, Nusa Ceningan
This beach is only accessible through a small hotel on Nusa Ceningan. We were lucky enough to stay here at Villa Trevally and enjoyed this quaint beach daily. The sandy shoreline is tucked away in a small cove bordered by cliffs all around. Day visitors are more than welcome to access the beach, after making a short order at the bar or restaurant.
Covered with rocks leading into the sea means It’s not the best sea for swimming in. Couples lie on the white sand beaches, enjoying its calm and secluded atmosphere and swim in the hotels saltwater pool perfectly positioned a few metres from the ocean.
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Mahana Point, Nusa Ceningan
If you’re visiting Nusa Ceningn, Bali’s smallest island, it’s worth stopping past this location. The beach is accessible down a short staircase placed just before the entrance to a restaurant.
At low tide, the beachfront mainly consists of exposed coral reefs lined with green algae life and sea creatures. At sunset, farmers walk along the rocks gathering their daily helping of snails. It’s a popular spot for surfers and a great place to enjoy sundowners. At high tide, the tiny beachfront is an excellent spot for relaxing on and soaking up the sun on its soft white-sand.
Just above this beachfront is Mahana Jumping Point restaurant/bar. This famous surfers hangout stands on a small cliff overlooking the ocean. At high tide, this spot offers cliff jumping from 10m and 6m boards into the sea below it. If you’re not up for the jump, you could sit back and enjoy the view of the many surfers enjoying one of Bali’s famous surf breaks.
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