Bali Beaches

Think of Bali and almost immediately images of palm fringed beaches spring to mind.  In fact, Bali’s beaches are probably the biggest single reason for booking that trip to paradise…

While those palm fringed, picture-postcard beaches do exist, there is also the wild coastline of the west of Bali with black volcanic sand beaches as well as aquamarine lagoons of Lembongan Island and the sleepy coves in the north.  The island of Bali is truly blessed with the line of beaches surrounding it and they are all spectacular.

On the south eastern side of Bali, Sanur beach is easily reachable (about a five – ten minute drive) from Denpasar.  Sanur is an excellent site to watch the sun rise and set and is the archetypical palm lined white sandy beach of tropical dreams. Sanur is developed but also maintains its traditions. Only a stone’s thrown from the beach you’ll find ancient temples standing as solemn and proud today as they have been for centuries.

On the opposite side of Sanur, the beaches of Kuta and Legian stretch along the south western side of Bali, again only a short drive from Denpasar or the airport. Surfing is a major activity in these beaches.  Much livelier and far more “tourist” than Sanur, Kuta offers shops, pubs and bars and a host of other facilities.   If you like what Kuta offers, but would prefer something less crowded, then try Lovina Beach in the northern tip of the island.  It’s well known for spectacular sunsets, snorkelling, and diving as well as its night life and is the best place to see dolphin sporting and playing just off shore.

Jimbaran is directly south of the airport, on the way from Denpasar towards Nusa Dua. The village of Jimbaran is the narrow “neck” of the island of Bali and because of that it features two remarkably different beaches. On the west, Jimbaran Beach faces the Jimbaran Bay, lined by new luxurious resorts. On the east, the beach faces the body of water sheltered by Benoa Harbour.

Nusa Dua is a new luxurious resort area where the world’s most sumptuous hotels gracefully integrate into the beautiful white beaches. Crystal clear water provides excellent snorkelling and diving and the waves on the northern and the southern part of Nusa Dua make for great surfing.

If it’s solitude you are looking for, then on the way to Gilimanuk (the ferry port that connects Bali and Java) you’ll find the small, but exquisite, Soka Beach.  Continuing along the path towards Gilimanuk, near the village of Pulukan, Medewi is another beautiful beach.

Related posts:

• Introduction to Bali
• Bali Wildlife
• Bali Festivals
• Bali – A Water Wonderland
• Beaches and Ancient Majesty in Mexico