Bali Has More Beaches Than You Think

Most visitors to Bali head straight for Kuta, Seminyak, or Legian — and while these beaches have their appeal, they only scratch the surface of what Bali's coastline has to offer. Venture beyond the tourist trail and you'll find dramatic sea cliffs, hidden coves accessible only by steep staircases, and remote black-sand shores where the only footprints are your own.

Nyang Nyang Beach

Located on the Bukit Peninsula near Uluwatu, Nyang Nyang is one of Bali's most rewarding hidden beaches — but you have to earn it. The descent involves a steep walk down roughly 500 steps, followed by a long walk across the sand. What awaits is a sweeping, largely deserted stretch of white sand and powerful surf, with dramatic limestone cliffs as a backdrop. There are no facilities here, so bring water and food.

Green Bowl Beach

Another Bukit gem, Green Bowl is named for the green algae that clings to the rocks at low tide. The beach sits at the bottom of a very steep staircase, which keeps the crowds away. It's a small, sheltered cove perfect for swimming when the tide is right, and the caves at the beach's edge are inhabited by bats — an eerie but memorable sight.

Bias Tugel Beach, East Bali

Near the town of Padangbai, Bias Tugel (also called White Sandy Beach) is a gorgeous little cove flanked by lush green hills. It's a short walk through the forest from the nearest road, making it far quieter than Padangbai's main beach. The water here is calm and crystal-clear — ideal for snorkeling.

Amed's Black Sand Beaches

In far east Bali, the Amed coastline offers a very different beach experience. The shores are lined with black volcanic sand, traditional fishing boats called jukung, and some of the best snorkeling in Bali — including the famous USAT Liberty shipwreck just offshore at Tulamben. The pace here is slow, the scenery is dramatic, and tourist crowds are minimal.

Pasir Putih (White Sand Beach), East Bali

Pasir Putih near Candidasa is often called Bali's best-kept secret. A bumpy road through a coconut plantation leads to a small bay with powder-white sand — rare in eastern Bali — and calm, swimmable waters. A handful of small warungs serve fresh fish on the beach. It's the kind of place that feels genuinely undiscovered.