When planning a vacation in Bali, one of the things that many people look for is beautiful white sand beaches. And we can't blame them! There's something special about the soft, powdery sands and crystal clear waters that make these beaches such a draw. That's why we've compiled a list of 13 white sand beaches in Bali that you should definitely consider visiting. From secluded coves to bustling stretches of shoreline, these beaches offer something for everyone. So pack your sunscreen and your swimsuit, and get ready to enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches that the island has to offer.
1 Nyang-Nyang Beach
Being one of Bali’s least visited beaches, also known as Nunggalan Beach, expect a deserted ambiance once you’re at the end of trekking down flight of stairs. Yes, this pristine 1.5-kilometre stretch of coastline took some effort to luxuriate in. But trust us when we say it pays off. Even the journey is something to look for with the splendid views over the limestone hillside covered in lush greenery and flowering bushes, accompanied by the sounds of the waves hitting the shore.
Entrance Fees : Free
Best time to go : mid-morning
2 Tegal Wangi Beach
Named after the temple perched on top of the cliff that overlooks the coast, Tegal Wangi Beach is one of those ‘hidden’ beaches of the southern Bukit Peninsula that you would love to check out when you’re exploring around that area. It’ll be such a fond memory to have, watching the sun go down while sitting inside the naturally formed rock jacuzzi. Don’t do it during high tide, though.
Entrance Fees : Free
Best time to go : sunset time (4.30 pm - sunset time)
3 Kelingking Beach At Nusa Penida
Another hidden beach, but this time it’s somewhere outside the main island of Bali. Located on the southwestern coast of Nusa Penida island, you’ll need a boat ride from Sanur or Padang Bay. The spot itself isn’t unknown. You’ve probably seen the photo of a limestone headland covered in green against the open Indian ocean. Whoever went to Nusa Penida must’ve taken at least a dozen of pictures there. However, the beach itself is down a rugged 400m cliffside hike which eliminates those unfit and undetermined visitors. When the tide is low, and you’re sure you’re capable to trek down and up the hill, you’ll be rewarded with a beach all to yourself most of the time. Be extra careful, though. The beach is very secluded and there are no lifeguards around. Check out our day trip to this beautiful beach.
Entrance Fees : IDR 10,000
Best time to go : sunset time (4 pm - sunset time)
4 Balangan Beach
Balangan beach is the most effortless one on our list so far. With only a dozen steps down from the cliff, you’ll be pampered with a half-kilometer stretch of white sand flanked between limestone cliffs and scenic view of the horizon. Even more panoramic if you head for the hill before going to the beach to take a peek of the long stretch of white sand and the vast blue ocean from above.
Entrance Fees : Free
Best time to go : sunset time (4 pm - sunset time)
5 Green Bowl Beach
Similar to Nyang-Nyang, Green Bowl beach requires some physical effort to climb down well over 300 stairs. This secluded small white sand beach is a paradise not only for the surfers, but for the adventurous beach goers who just want to loosen-up and enjoy the beautiful serenity of a quiet shore. This place is very secluded that you won’t receive any reception by the time you reach the sand. Remember to bring your own supply of foods and drinks, and never left anything behind.
Entrance Fees : Free
Best time to go : during low tide, mid-morning
6 Diamond Beach At Nusa Penida
Located on the eastern tip of Nusa Penida, this untouched white sand and silky blue water bay is only recently accessible, thanks to the new stairs, carved into the side of the limestone cliff in the late 2018. The walk down will look something out of a postcard that you won’t even believe your own eyes. Since there’s no lifeguard around, always be careful and better not to brave the waves and strong current.
Entrance Fees : IDR 10,000
Best time to go : morning
7 Bingin Beach
Are you a surfer? If so, best chance this beach is already on your list. If not, it’s better be. The sensational reef breaks will stimulate the adrenaline of every surfer, even the experienced and professional ones. If you don’t feel like surfing, simply lay down and relax while taking in the exotic sunsets.
Entrance Fees : Free
Best time to go : late afternoon
8 Melasti Beach
Beautiful white sand, vast, crystal clear water, and easy access. Melasti beach is a killer spot if you’re looking for a relax day picnicking with friends and family. The drive heading to this beach is also fascinating with the twists and turns through windy roads and limestone cliffs.
Entrance Fees : IDR 5,000
Best time to go : early morning or late afternoon
9 Kubu Beach At Ayana Resort
Being a private property, Kubu Beach offers exclusivity like no other as it’s only accessible to in-house guests of Ayana resorts, Rimba Jimbaran, and the Villas. Well hidden by the limestone cliffs, you’ll need to walk down 197 steps or opt for a quick 35-seconds ride up and down Ayana’s newly installed inclinator.
Entrance Fees : Free for in-house guests only
Best time to go : late afternoon
10 Blue Point Beach
Originally named Suluban, the nickname ‘Blue Point’ comes from the Blue Point Bay Villas perched on top of the cliff. Just like most of the beaches along the Bukit Peninsula, it requires some physical effort. For Blue Point in particular, you’ll need to endure a 10-minute walk down a flight of concrete steps, passing rows of locally-run cafes, surfboard rentals and art shops. Canopied by a looming cliff face, this small beach may not be ideal for sunbathing. However, during low tide, you and your friends can have a pleasurable soak in.
Entrance Fees : Free
Best time to go : early morning for even more quiet vibe, or late afternoon for scenic sunset.
11 Dream Beach At Nusa Lembongan
Just 40 minutes boat ride away from Sanur Beach, there’s a small island called Nusa Lembongan. In it, there is Dream Beach; a secluded 115-metre stretch of white sand enclosed by cliffs on either side and the crystal-clear water exposes a nice reef below the surface. You can also enjoy the breathtaking seascapes with bird’s eye views from above nearby cliff edges. Due to its popularity, it might be crowded at times. However, the beauty of it is still worth visiting and most of the tourists don’t even go down to the beach so you can still enjoy the serenity.
Entrance Fees : Free
Best time to go : late afternoon
12 Gunung Payung
Another one of those hidden beaches on Bali’s southern coast. And as the rest of them, it requires quite an effort to reach. Some more than the other. To reach Gunung Payung beach, you’ll need to walk down approximately 400 flight of stairs. Only the fit and determined can enjoy the remoteness of this magnificent stretch of coarse white sand and (most of the time) calm waters. Remember to bring your own drinking water and some snacks, the beach is still untouched by vendors.
Entrance Fees : Free
Best time to go : mid-day
13 Virgin Beach
Last but not least. Hidden paradise of east Bali, Virgin beach lies about 5 km northeast of the famous Candidasa. It earned its name because compared to overcrowded, commercialized beaches of Kuta or Seminyak, Virgin beach is untouched and pristine. Getting more popular, several locally-run warung can been seen lining the eastern side of the beach and more tourists visiting. But worry not, it’s still considerably quiet with calm waves you can swim in.
Entrance Fees : IDR 15,000
Best time to go : sunrise