Published 29th Dec. 2025
Written by Emily Heeks
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If paradise had a postcode, it would be somewhere on Bali’s coastline. Embraced by the sea on all sides, this Indonesian island is home to a bounty of beautiful beaches. Whether your perfect day means unwinding on the sand with a cocktail and a good book, learning to ride your first wave, exploring Bali’s underwater world, or sampling its lively nightlife, the island offers something for every mood and pace. You’ll see the word pantai – Indonesian for ‘beach’ – appearing on signs all over the island. Look for it, and you’ll know you’re not far from the sea. Ready to seeks out your own slice of paradise? Read on for our roundup of the best beaches in Bali…
First up on our list of Balinese beaches is Amed, located on the island’s east coast and known for its striking black sand shaped by centuries of volcanic activity. While walking along the shore, enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Agung – Bali’s tallest and most sacred active volcano with a dramatic silhouette rising 9,944ft high.
The charm of this beach and neighbouring village is its authenticity, with brightly coloured jakung boats dotting the shoreline and drifting on the horizon. The catch of the day makes its way to the beachside restaurants, where you truly won’t find fish any fresher. As you wander, you might see locals casting nets or preparing their boats – moments like these really let you immerse yourself with the rhythm of everyday life in this peaceful Balinese community.
Beneath the waves, Amed reveals another world entirely, with thriving coral reefs and a famed Japanese shipwreck, now taken over by Bali’s marine residents. Stay for sunset and watch as the black sand and the towering Mount Agung contrast beautifully against the sky’s fiery colours.
Located in the southwest of the island, Uluwatu Beach is one of the best beaches in Bali for surfing, known for its world-class swell. The area first started attracting wave-seekers in the 1970s and continues to appeal to travellers with its hidden coves and jagged cliffs.
If you’re a beginner, join a surfing lesson with an expert instructor or, if you’re looking to take your skills to the next level, the surf camps lining the beach offer comprehensive courses.
Once you’ve worked up a sweat, unwind during a yoga class or treat yourself to a fresh coconut – nature’s energy drink – likely chopped straight from a palm on that very shoreline. Whether you’re chasing waves or inner calm, Uluwatu Beach is the place to come.
Image by Diego / Stock Adobe
Increasing popularity means many Balinese beaches buzz with visitors, but the island still hides serene stretches of sand where you can soak up the sun in peace. Head to the south of Bali to relax on Gayung Payung beach – a beautiful stretch of coastline where time seems to tick by a little slower. Tucked away from the island’s busier hotspots, it’s so quiet here that it almost feels like you’ve washed up on your own deserted island.
Sink into a sun lounger with a good book, sip a cold cocktail, and let the day unfold at its own lazy pace. The water here is calm and inviting, perfect for a refreshing dip when the midday heat kicks in. Then it’s back to your towel to dry off under the sun, only to repeat the whole blissful cycle again – heaven. If you’re seeking a restful escape, Gayung Payung is exactly the kind of beach you come to Bali hoping to find.
Image by Marie Champenois / Trueworld / Gallery Stock
Seminyak Beach is beautiful in the day, but it’s at night that it truly comes alive making this one of the best beaches in Bali for night owls. As the sun dips below the horizon on Bali’s southwest coast, Seminyak’s shoreline transforms into one of Bali’s most vibrant playgrounds, buzzing with movement and energy. Beach clubs play music that sets the mood for the night ahead, beginning with chilled-out sunset vibes and gradually lifting to a more energetic beat. From beachside games and night surfing to cocktail bars serving summery drinks, there’s always something happening along Seminyak’s shoreline. You might even spot Arak on the menu – Bali’s traditional spirit often mixed into local cocktails for a bold island kick. Whether you’re relaxing, taking in the atmosphere, or dancing beneath a canopy of stars, Seminyak delivers nightlife that feels both luxurious and free-spirited.
Image by Jokoleo / Getty Images
Bali has an abundance of nature and wildlife which spill all the way to its shores. The next Balinese pantai we are taking you to is Prapat Agung on Bali’s remote northwest coast. Framed by the dense coastal forest and the protected wilderness of West Bali National Park, stepping onto the sand here feels like wandering into a nature documentary.
Macaques scamper through the branches overhead while wild boars trot along the coast and monitor lizards laze on the sand as if sunbathing is their full-time job. Look to the sky and you may catch a flash of white – the endangered Bali Myna, one of the park’s most treasured residents. With so much wildlife moving between the forest and the shore, Prapat Agung feels less like a slice of untouched Bali.
Image by Kacper Rzepecki / Getty Images
Header Image by Vladimir Borzykin / Getty Images
While Indonesia is (quite rightly) a tourist magnet, you can explore a side of the islands that often goes unseen with our team’s insider knowledge and connections. That might come in the form of an eco-snorkelling tour in Lombok, guided by fishermen who previously worked in the shark-fishing industry. Our savvy in-country Concierges are just a WhatsApp away, eager to recommend their favourite tried-and-tested experiences. We’ll even take the admin out of travel by arranging e-visas and the Bali Tourist Tax before you go, so you can enjoy Indonesia’s rice terraces, temples and beaches in peace.
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