Boasting stunning tropical landscapes, surfing hotspots and soft white sands, Bali is a spectacular beachside holiday destination. Most popular for surfing, swimming, water sports and working on your golden holiday glow, Bali beaches are a holiday highlight. Bali beaches on the mainland are generally good quality although this can be affected by the seasonal weather.
Bali beaches offer the most beautiful conditions during the Dry Season from April to October with west coast areas including Seminyak, Kuta, Legian and Jimbaran providing gorgeous clean beaches and calm waters with little offshore wind and minimal erosion. However, during the Wet Season, flotsam and rubbish can sometimes wash up onto these western facing beaches and the heavy rain can deposit run off, making the beaches a less than ideal place to swim.
The beaches in Sanur and Nusa Dua aren't as affected by the seasons although some erosion still occurs in winter. Kuta Beach can experience rough surf conditions that produce a strong undertow and potentially dangerous rip currents, but safe swimming areas are designated by flags and lifeguards patrolling areas of the beach. Legian and Seminyak beaches can also experience some rough surf conditions, however, Nusa Dua and Sanur are much nicer thanks to the offshore reef that protects the beach from heavy surf. Below we have compiled a list of the Top 10 Bali Beaches to visit on your next tropical holiday.
Kuta Beach: The most popular beach in Bali, these sandy shores were once a surfing destination but are more popular for the party atmosphere with plenty of accommodation, bars, restaurants and nightclubs lining the beach.
Legian Beach: Located adjacent to Kuta Beach, Legian is much more peaceful and less crowded with little of the commercialisation seen at some of the other more energetic Bali beaches.
Seminyak Beach: Located north of Legian Beach, Seminyak is known as a more upmarket beach that is much quieter than the others and has developed a trendy following.
Nusa Dua Beach: Protected by a stunning lagoon, Nusa Dua beach offers soft white sand that is perfect for sunbathing and sandcastle building.
Sanur Beach: Another of Bali's more popular beaches, Sanur is located on the south east coast and enjoys pristine white sands and blue tropical waters. .
Jimbaran Beach: A leisurely beach with a long tropical stretch of white sand that is the perfect spot for watching the famous Bali sunset.
Lovina Beach: Located on Bali's northern tip, Lovina is a unique beach known for its black sand, dolphin spotting opportunities, excellent snorkelling and fantastic water activities.
Padang Padang Beach: Located south of Jimbaran Beach, Padang Padang is the ultimate Bali beach offering fantastic swimming, snorkelling and surfing.
Dreamland Beach: Just 25 minutes from Kuta, Dreamland is surrounded by limestone cliffs and is renowned for its stunning sunsets and a popular spot to watch the surfers.
Padang Bai Beach: Actually a group of beaches, Padang Bai is made up of a number of private beaches and blue lagoons.