The best beaches in Bali

Quite possibly the most well-known beach in Bali, the first sandy spot on our list is Seminyak Beach. Located on the island’s south-west coast, this laid-back stretch is just half an hour from the airport and central Denpasar. But, make no mistake, this is still a great place to go if you want to escape the hustle and bustle. Sink back on the soft sand or go surfing before dropping by one of the aesthetically pleasing beach clubs in time to watch one of Seminyak’s famous sunsets.

If you’re travelling with family and looking for a patch of ocean well suited to little ones, Sanur Beach should be top of your list. Protected by a coral break, this beach welcomes gentle waves perfect for anyone wanting a leisurely dip. Sanur itself shares a similarly serene atmosphere, too, which is just the ticket if you’ve got travellers in your party that need their early nights. But, if you want a taste of Balinese nightlife, you’ve got plenty of buzzing areas to choose from that are only a short taxi drive away.

Speaking of buzzing places in Bali, Kuta Beach takes the nightlife crown. Popular with Australian holiday-goers, this is party central. It might not be to everyone’s taste, but this fun-loving beach spot undeniably has a lot going for it. For starters, it’s super close to the airport, meaning you can get stuck into your holiday immediately after touching down. And, because of its popularity, you’ll find a fantastic range of Bali hotels to suit every style and budget.

Looking for that quintessential golden-sand scenery and turquoise water that Bali is known for? In that case, a trip to Nusa Dua Beach might be the answer. One of the calmer beaches on the island, but a little less sleepy than the likes of Sanur, it’s home to a growing collection of atmospheric, five-star hotels. Whilst it’s still a good place to go with family, we’d recommend Nusa Dua for a couples’ holiday or honeymoon. Relax and unwind on the pristine beach, or set out on a glass-bottom boat tour or sunset cruise to explore more of Bali’s magical ocean.

Often described as a ‘hipster paradise’, Canggu Beach is one of the trendiest places you can go in Bali. Home to surf schools, yoga studios, clothing boutiques and art galleries galore, it’s kept its classic ‘Bali’ feel despite its rise in popularity. Spending time on the black-sand beach is a must, watching the pro surfers do their thing whilst soaking up some rays. Then, you can break things up with a stroll around one of the markets, followed by a drink or two at one of the bohemian beach clubs.

As you might imagine, you’re not short on options when it comes to good surf locations in Bali. And, while not entirely suited to beginners, the waves at Uluwatu Beach are some of the best. Located on the island’s Bukit Peninsula, it’s home to dramatic limestone cliffs and palm-adorned hills – making for some truly out-of-this-world scenery. Whether you plan to hire a surfboard and head out into the ocean or spend the day scooting between the area’s hidden coves and beaches, basing yourself in Uluwatu promises the perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.

Next on our list is the beautiful Jimbaran Beach – an under-the-radar destination that deserves a share of the spotlight. Conveniently close to the airport, in the opposite direction to Kuta, Jimbaran Beach serves up wide stretches of soft, white sand that’s ideal for a day spent topping up your tan. Despite this beach’s tranquil nature, here you’ll find all the amenities you need, in addition to some local markets and a selection of restaurants serving mouth-watering cuisine. Most noteworthy are the seafood restaurants that offer sunset dining on the beach.

If you want to push the boat out in terms of adventure during your Bali holiday, visiting Nusa Penida will do just the trick. Sitting just a short ferry ride from the mainland, this pint-sized island is a tropical haven. Aside from the pristine ocean views and calm atmosphere, this is the place to enjoy next-level snorkelling and diving. In particular, Crystal Bay is a go-to spot, with most boat trips and excursions setting off from around here. Book your spot and prepare to be amazed as you swim beside turtles, manta rays, and an abundance of colourful fish.