Sunsets, surf, and secret shores — our 5 favorite beaches after 5+ years of living here.
Bali’s coastline is as diverse as the island itself, offering everything from hidden black-sand coves to bustling golden beaches lined with vibrant beach clubs. After living here for over five years, we’ve explored countless stretches of sand — from the famous hotspots you’ve seen all over Instagram to quiet, secret beaches you’ll rarely find in other guides. In this guide, we’ll share our personal picks for the very best beaches in Bali, along with insider tips on when to visit, how to avoid the crowds, and nearby cafés, warungs, and unique experiences that will make your day unforgettable. Whether you’re chasing perfect waves, a romantic sunset, or a peaceful escape, there’s a Bali beach here waiting for you.
Best time to visit:
Come early in the morning (around 6:30–8:00 AM) for a peaceful walk before the beach clubs open and the crowds roll in. Evenings are beautiful but much busier, especially around sunset.
Avoiding the crowds:
If you want a quieter experience, head slightly north of Echo Beach. There are small, tucked-away stretches where you can still find some solitude.
Sunset spots we love:
The Lawn — ideal for cocktails with live music and a slightly upscale vibe.
La Brisa — a stunning, rustic-chic beach club built from reclaimed wood.
For a more local experience, grab a Bintang from a small warung directly on the sand.
Surfboard rentals & lessons:
Batu Bolong has plenty of local surf instructors offering lessons at reasonable rates. Look for instructors with ISA certification if you’re a beginner.
Hidden food gems nearby:
While Canggu is packed with trendy cafés, for something authentic try Warung Bu Mi for homestyle Indonesian food or Varuna Warung for tasty, budget-friendly local dishes.
Canggu isn’t just one beach, but a stretch of coastline made up of several interconnected beaches — Batu Bolong, Echo Beach, and Berawa being the most popular. It’s Bali’s bohemian heart, where laid-back surf culture meets vibrant cafés, yoga shalas, and buzzing nightlife. This area has grown rapidly over the past few years, attracting everyone from digital nomads and families to surfers chasing their next perfect wave.
What makes Canggu special is its black volcanic sand and consistent surf breaks. Batu Bolong is perfect for beginners and longboarders, while Echo Beach offers more challenging waves for experienced surfers. Even if you’re not hitting the waves, there’s plenty to enjoy. At low tide, the wide shoreline is ideal for long walks, and as the sun dips, the sky transforms into fiery hues — a spectacular backdrop for sunset drinks.
Why We Love It
Canggu Beach is less about pristine, picture-perfect sand and more about energy and atmosphere. It’s a place where you can spend the morning surfing, the afternoon café-hopping or shopping in boho boutiques, and the evening watching the sunset with friends. If you’re looking for Bali’s social and creative hub with a true community vibe, Canggu Beach is it.
How to get there: Park near the Padang Bai harbor and walk for about 10 minutes along a rocky path that winds down to the beach. It’s an easy walk, but wear sandals or shoes with a bit of grip.
Best time to visit: Mornings are the most peaceful, with calm water and soft golden light that’s perfect for photos. The beach can get busier after lunchtime, especially on weekends.
Snorkeling tip: Bring your own snorkel gear if you can. The best spots are near the rocks on the left-hand side of the beach, but be mindful of currents and avoid going too far out.
Finding quiet spots: If it’s busy, head to the far right side of the beach where there’s usually more space and some natural shade.
Local food recommendation: Try the grilled fish at Warung Bias Tugel. It’s incredibly fresh and best enjoyed with a cold Bintang or young coconut while you take in the ocean view.
Bias Tugel is the kind of beach that feels like a secret. It offers a glimpse of Bali’s quieter, more authentic past — a simple stretch of sand and sea that hasn’t been overdeveloped or commercialized. We often stop here on our way to East Bali or before catching a boat to the Gilis, and every time it reminds us why we first fell in love with this island. Whether you come for a quick dip, a lazy afternoon, or just to watch the sunlight sparkle on turquoise water, Bias Tugel is a small slice of paradise that’s absolutely worth the detour.
Bias Tugel Beach is one of Bali’s true hidden gems — a small, secluded stretch of golden sand tucked away just a short walk from the bustling port town of Padang Bai. While many visitors rush through this area to catch ferries to the Gili Islands or Lombok, few take the time to explore Bias Tugel, which makes it feel wonderfully untouched and special.
The name “Bias Tugel” translates to “cut sand” in Balinese, a nod to the beach’s unique shape — a small cove framed by rocky headlands on either side. The water here is exceptionally clear and a brilliant shade of turquoise, making it perfect for swimming and snorkeling. If you head to the rocky edges, you’ll often find colorful tropical fish and, if you’re lucky, a sea turtle gliding past. With its soft sand and relatively calm waves, this beach is also a great choice for families with children looking for a safe and relaxing spot to play.
Bias Tugel has a wonderfully laid-back, natural vibe. There are no big beach clubs or luxury resorts here — just a few simple warungs serving cold drinks, mie goreng, and freshly grilled fish. You can rent a sun lounger for a small fee or simply lay a towel under one of the shady trees. It’s the kind of beach where time slows down and you can truly unwind.
Best time to visit: Mornings are our favorite. The light is beautiful, the water is calm, and you might even have the beach almost to yourself. Afternoons are busier, especially on weekends.
Swimming conditions: Always check the tide. At low tide, the water can be shallow and rocky, but mid to high tide is perfect for swimming.
Where to sit: We usually grab a lounger from one of the local warungs for a small fee — it’s worth it for the shade and friendly service.
Snacks and drinks: Try the grilled fish or nasi campur from Warung Thomas; it’s nothing fancy, but the food is fresh and the view makes it taste even better.
Parking tip: There’s a small parking area near the top of the stairs. It fills up quickly, so come early if you’re on a scooter or driving.
Thomas Beach feels like stepping back to a simpler Bali. It doesn’t try too hard, and that’s exactly what makes it special. When we’re feeling overwhelmed by the busy energy of Canggu or Seminyak, a day at Thomas Beach is our reset button. It’s where we go to relax, recharge, and remember why we fell in love with this island in the first place. Watching the sun sink into the ocean here, with just a few other people scattered along the sand, is one of those perfect Bali moments we never get tired of
Thomas Beach is one of those places that still feels like a secret, even though it’s not exactly hidden anymore. Tucked between the busier stretches of Padang Padang and Suluban, this quiet little bay has a special charm that keeps us coming back whenever we need to slow down and escape the chaos of South Bali.
Getting to the beach takes a little bit of effort. You’ll need to walk down a long set of stairs — not too bad going down, but you’ll definitely feel it coming back up, especially in the midday heat. It’s worth it though. As you descend, the view opens up to a wide sweep of golden sand framed by limestone cliffs, with turquoise water gently lapping at the shore. It’s one of those classic Bali moments where you can’t help but stop for a photo before continuing down to the sand.
What we love about Thomas Beach is its laid-back, unpretentious vibe. You won’t find massive beach clubs here or huge crowds, just a few simple warungs renting sun loungers and serving cold coconuts, Bintangs, and grilled seafood. The waves are usually mellow, making it perfect for swimming when the tide is right, and at low tide you can wander along the sand and explore the tide pools. It’s a beach where you can spend hours doing absolutely nothing — reading a book, watching the surfers further out, or just soaking up the sun.
Best time to visit: We love coming early in the morning before the crowds arrive. The light is soft, the water is calm, and it feels almost magical. Late afternoon is another great time, especially for sunset, but expect it to be busier.
Swimming advice: Stick to the shallow areas near the shore if you’re not a strong swimmer, as the waves further out can get powerful.
Avoiding the crowds: Walk a little further along the beach, away from the main parking area, and you’ll usually find quieter spots.
Food and drinks: There are a few small warungs along the beach serving coconuts, grilled seafood, and snacks. They’re simple but perfect for a casual beach day.
Photography tip: The road leading down to Melasti is one of the most photogenic spots in Bali — stop at one of the bends for an incredible panoramic shot.
Melasti Beach combines everything we love about Bali — dramatic scenery, a connection to local culture, and a place to simply relax and enjoy nature. It’s where we take friends when we want to show them a beach that feels both grand and peaceful at the same time. For us, a day at Melasti always feels like a little escape from the busier parts of the island, a chance to slow down and just take in the raw beauty of Bali’s southern coastline.
Melasti Beach is one of those places that never fails to impress us, no matter how many times we visit. It sits at the very southern tip of Bali, near Ungasan, and the first time you see it is truly unforgettable. The road winds dramatically down through towering limestone cliffs, opening up to breathtaking views of turquoise water and bright white sand below. Even after living in Bali for years, we still get that “wow” moment every time we drive down.
This beach has become much more popular in recent years, and for good reason. The sand here is soft and clean, the water is clear, and the natural beauty of the surrounding cliffs is incredible. It’s one of the best places in Bali for swimming when the tide is right — the lagoon-like shallows are calm and perfect for a refreshing dip. At low tide, you can wander along the beach and explore the tidal pools, which are full of tiny fish and other sea creatures.
Melasti is also a sacred place for the local community. If you’re lucky, you might witness a traditional Balinese ceremony taking place on the sand, with villagers dressed in white and colorful offerings laid out to the sea. It’s a beautiful reminder that beaches in Bali aren’t just tourist attractions — they hold deep cultural and spiritual meaning for the local people.
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