The Balinese people hold the ocean in great reverence. Despite their coastline being adorned with some of the world's most breathtaking and popular beaches, living in such proximity to the water necessitates an awareness of the power and risks that accompany its beauty. It is common for locals to meditate and pray at the beaches, seeking positive energy and protection.
Visitors often arrive with dreams of relaxing on idyllic stretches of sand before picking up a surfboard or snorkel to explore the underwater world. For those eager to engage in water sports as well as enjoy the beach, it is crucial to heed the advice of those who know the island best. Strong currents can often lurk beneath seemingly calm waters, particularly at Canggu, Seminyak, and other beaches along the west coast.
However, hundreds of shores in Bali are perfectly safe for swimming, surfing, and enjoying a cold drink while watching a spectacular sunset. Here are five beautiful beaches that are truly unmissable.
Seseh Beach: A Hidden Gem
Seseh Beach, the most remote beach in Canggu, has managed to avoid the large-scale development that has dramatically transformed Bali’s southwest coast. The only establishment here is Warung Pantai, a charming palm-thatched restaurant featuring a handful of bean bags, sun loungers, and umbrellas.
While Seseh’s shore-breaking waves are not ideal for swimming or surfing, small rock pools form at the northern end of the beach during low tide. The pavilion near the parking area hosts elaborate Hindu ceremonies, where devotees dressed in white gather regularly. Locals also frequent the beach to walk their dogs and admire the stunning colors of the sky at dusk.
Medewi Beach: A Surfer's Paradise
Two hours' drive from Seseh, the Muslim village of Medewi on the far west coast offers a glimpse into the Bali of yesteryear, featuring bamboo shacks where meals can be purchased for just a few dollars and long black beaches scattered with coconut husks and palm fronds. Medewi is also known for having the longest left-hand waves in Bali—curved mirrors of water ranging from one to three meters high that can maintain their shape for up to 300 meters under ideal conditions.
Local tip: Surf schools in Canggu often organize day trips to Medewi, cramming up to ten surfers into a van to maximize profits. However, Mukli, a professional surfer from Medewi who, like many Indonesians, goes by a single name, advocates for a different approach. “Those who come just for the day with surf schools are not the crowd we want on our waves. Instead, come and stay in a local guesthouse for a few days. It’s better for the community and helps us support our children’s education
Menjangan Beach: A Hidden Paradise for Snorkelers and Nature Lovers!
Much of Bali’s coral has suffered from bleaching and unsustainable fishing practices. However, the house reef at NusaBay Menjangan—the only hotel on the Prapat Agung Peninsula, which is part of West Bali National Park—stands out as a vibrant exception. The waters surrounding the jetty are home to colorful coral gardens brimming with tropical fish, including schools of angelfish, some as large as dinner plates, that seem unbothered by human visitors.
The sand at Menjangan Beach and throughout West Bali National Park is not black but a pristine bone white, bordered by mangroves and inhabited by a herd of Javan rusa, a large deer species native to Indonesia that can reach heights of up to 185 cm (6 ft). Because this beach is accessible only by boat, it rarely sees more than a few groups of visitors.
Local tip: You don’t have to stay at the NusaBay Menjangan resort to enjoy the Prapat Agung Peninsula. Visitors can head to Pantai (Beach) Karang Sewu on the mainland, where they can hire a boat, driver, and snorkeling equipment for half a day for around 760,000 Rp.
Amed: Bali's Tranquil Haven for Divers and Sun Seekers!
Amed, named after its largest village, is a stunning 10 km (6.2 miles) stretch of scalloped sandy bays on Bali's reef-fringed east coast and serves as the island’s epicenter for scuba diving. Along this coastline, there is a small underwater wreck, as well as the more famous USAT Liberty wreck, which was sunk by the Japanese during World War II, located just a 30-minute drive north in Tulamben. However, marine life is more abundant in West Bali National Park, and the absence of large-scale development along Amed’s shoreline contributes to its status as a premier beach destination in Bali.
Another highlight of Amed is the daily sight of hundreds of "jukungs"—traditional wooden Indonesian outrigger canoes—returning to shore at dawn after a night spent at sea. Visitors can arrange for their guesthouse or hotel to book a jukung and driver, allowing them to venture out onto the water at sunrise to admire Mount Agung, Bali's highest and holiest mountain, recognized as one of the world’s eight "chakra" points.
Karma Beach: A Hidden Gem for Relaxation and Revelry!
While many beach clubs in Bali may not appeal to everyone, there’s one that consistently stands out: Karma Beach. Nestled 150 meters (492 feet) below a towering sea cliff on the Bukit Peninsula along Bali’s south coast, Karma Beach is bordered by a stunning turquoise lagoon. Accessing the beach requires passing through Karma Kandara Resort, which provides a shuttle service from the cliff top for 750,000 Rp, two-thirds of which can be redeemed at the Mediterranean restaurant on the beach. The entry fee grants access to sunbeds, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and snorkeling gear to explore the lagoon, which is flat and mirror-like at high tide. Additionally, trained lifeguards are on duty, making it a safe choice for families visiting with children.
Local tip: For those on a budget, an alternative is to park or take a taxi to the nearby Melasti Beach, which features the same brilliant white sand and tranquil turquoise waters. However, it can get quite busy on weekends and during Australian school holidays.
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