The 5 Most Breathtaking Beaches in Bali: From Surfing Paradise to Family-Friendly Fun

The people of Bali hold the ocean in high regard. Despite their coastline being lined with some of the world's most beautiful (and well-known) beaches, their close proximity to the sea means they acknowledge both its beauty and the potential dangers. It's common for locals to meditate and offer prayers at the beach to foster positive energy and ensure safety.

Every traveler dreams of lounging on a perfect stretch of sand before grabbing a surfboard or snorkel to explore the depths. If you’re eager for both water sports and relaxation, it’s wise to heed the advice of those who know the island best. Hidden strong currents can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly tranquil waters, particularly at Canggu, Seminyak, and along the western coastline.

However, countless shores are entirely safe for swimming, surfing, and sipping a drink as you soak in the breathtaking sunset. Here are five stunning beaches in Bali that you simply can't miss.

1. Seseh Beach

Perfect for Evening Walks at Sunset

Seseh, the most remote beach in Canggu, has largely escaped the extensive development that has transformed Bali's southwestern coast. The only establishment here is Warung Pantai, a charming palm-thatch eatery offering a handful of bean bags, sun loungers, and umbrellas.

With crashing shore waves, Seseh isn't suited for swimming or surfing, but at low tide, small rock pools appear at the beach's northern end. Regularly, elaborate Hindu ceremonies take place at the pavilion near the parking lot, where devotees in white gather, while locals stroll with their dogs and enjoy the stunning colors of the sunset sky.

2. Medewi Beach

Ideal for Surfing

A two-hour drive from Seseh, the Muslim village of Medewi on the far west coast feels like a glimpse into Bali's past, featuring bamboo huts where you can enjoy a meal for just a few dollars and expansive black sand beaches scattered with coconut husks and palm fronds. Medewi boasts the longest left-hand waves in Bali—smooth, curving walls of water that range from one to three meters high, maintaining their shape for up to 300 meters under perfect conditions.

Local Insight: Surf schools in Canggu often arrange day trips to Medewi, cramming up to 10 surfers into a van to maximize profits. However, Mukli, a professional surfer from Medewi who, like many Indonesians, is known by just one name, suggests a better approach. “The surfers who come for just a day with these schools aren't the crowd we want on our waves. Instead, come and stay at a local guesthouse for a few days. It benefits the community and helps us support our children's education.”

3. Menjangan Beach

Perfect for Snorkeling

While much of Bali’s coral has suffered from bleaching and unsustainable fishing, the house reef at NusaBay Menjangan—the sole hotel on the Prapat Agung Peninsula, part of West Bali National Park—is exceptional. The waters around the jetty boast vibrant coral gardens alive with tropical fish, including schools of angelfish, some as big as dinner plates, that seem completely at ease with human presence.

The sand at Menjangan and throughout West Bali National Park is not black but a striking bone white, framed by mangroves and inhabited by a herd of Javan rusa, a large deer species native to Indonesia that can stand up to 185 cm (6 ft) tall. Since this beach is only accessible by boat, you’ll find it rarely crowded, with only a few small groups around.

Local Insight: You don't need to stay at NusaBay Menjangan resort to enjoy beachcombing at Prapat Agung Peninsula. Head to Pantai (Beach) Karang Sewu on the mainland, where you can rent a boat, driver, and snorkeling gear for half a day for about 760,000 Rp.

4. Amed

Ideal for Boating

Amed, named after its largest village, features a stunning 10km (6.2 miles) stretch of scalloped sandy bays along Bali's beautiful reef-fringed east coast, making it the island's hub for scuba diving. A small underwater wreck lies halfway down the coast, while the more notable USAT Liberty wreck, sunk by the Japanese during WWII, is just a 30-minute drive north to Tulamben. However, the rich marine life of West Bali National Park and the absence of large-scale development on this stretch solidify Amed as Bali's premier beach destination.

Another highlight: every dawn, hundreds of traditional wooden outrigger canoes, known as 'jukungs,' return to shore after a night spent at sea. Your guesthouse or hotel can arrange for a jukung and driver to take you out on the water at sunrise to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Agung, Bali's highest and holiest peak, recognized as one of eight global 'chakra' points.

5. Karma Beach

Ideal for Families and Activities Beyond Surfing

While I'm not a fan of Bali's large commercial beach clubs, there's one I consistently return to. Located 150m (492ft) below a towering sea cliff on the Bukit Peninsula on Bali’s south coast, Karma Beach is surrounded by a stunning turquoise lagoon. Accessing the beach requires going through Karma Kandara Resort, which provides a shuttle service from the cliff top for 750,000 Rp, two-thirds of which can be used at the Mediterranean restaurant on the beach. The entry fee includes access to sunbeds, stand-up paddle boards, kayaks, and snorkeling equipment to explore the lagoon, which is calm and reflective at high tide. Additionally, trained lifeguards are present, making it a fantastic choice for families with kids.

Local Insight: If Karma Beach Club is out of your price range, you can park or take a taxi to nearby Melasti Beach, which offers the same stunning white sand and serene turquoise waters. It tends to get quite crowded on weekends and during Australian school holidays.