There’s a postcard-perfect picture of a palm-fringed, long, white sandy beach drifting around in your head. You know the one: lapped by warm, sparkling azure waters under a pale blue sky. Yes, that’s the one. For generations of travelers, a summer holiday has been synonymous with one thing – beaches and, boy, does Bali’s impossibly sun-splashed coastline dazzle.
* Best All-Round Beach
Bali’s longest, liveliest, certainly least traditional, but possibly most beautiful, beach is Kuta in the south. Discovered in the sixties by Aussie surfers, swarmed by backpackers in the seventies, and a major international destination for package tourists before, and perhaps a year after, the October 2002 bombing, the gentle curve of golden sand stretches from the airport in Tuban over main Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Kerobokan all the way to Canggu. The great breaks make Kuta a real draw card for surfers, but rather less of one for swimmers, who are faced with a strong undertow. Nevertheless, the main Kuta beach is as srowded as it gets in Bali, especially at sunset. Seminyak and Legian offer a welcome respite from the crowds, while Tuban, home to Bali’s popular waterpark, Waterbom, is perfect for the family.
* Best Beach for Seafood
On the other side of the airport to the south, the beach is just as fine and white as Kuta but the tranquil water at Jimbaran, a sleepy cove where fleets of fishing boats dot the ocean, is perfect for swimming. Jimbaran is the narrow neck of the island and so boasts two remarkably different beaches. On the east, the beach faces the body of water sheltered by Benoa Harbor, one of Bali’s main ports, while on the west, Jimbaran beach faces Jimbaran Bay and luxury resorts such as The Four Seasons and Bali Intercontinental. Nearby, as night falls, candle-lit tables appear along the beach and the tang of the cool ocean breeze mixes with the aroma of grilled seafood that’s reasonably prices, absolutely fresh and just plain delicious.
* Best Wild Beach
Further south, on the Bukit Peninsula, the beaches give way to dramatic limestone cliffs and remote, wilder beaches. From Balungan to Uluwatu and, our pick, Dreamland, Bingin, Impossibles and Padang Padang in between, the waters are better left to experienced surfers since the sneaky riptides can take swimmers far out to sea.
* Best Surfing Beach
Most surfers would probably pick Uluwatu, but we’re fond of another Bukit wave, Padang Padang, often referred to as the ‘Balinese pipeline’ for its constant and perfect tubes that some say are reminiscent of Hawaii’s famous Banzai pipeline. It’s an intense left-hand break that wraps around the headland like an unfurled Oriental fan that produces a forever barreling surfing wave.
* Best Family Beach
The coastline changes dramatically back to white sane beaches and towering coconut trees at Nusa Dua, Bali’s most exclusive enclave. It’s home to many of the island’s most luxurious resorts and just the place to unwind with the family. The private beaches of the resorts dominate and there is only limited access for non-staying guests, but if you can afford it, the protected lagoon is perfect for families, offering ideal swimming conditions for the kids, while you peacefully soak in the sun. Better yet, all of the resorts cater to the kids in a big way, so they’ll be entertained with plenty of activities all day, on and off the beach.
* Best Beach for Water Sports
North above Nusa Dua, five kilometer-long Tanjung Benoa, home to deluxe Conrad Bali Resort & Spa, offers unimpeded views of the Nusa Penida cliffs across the Badung Strait. It’s another gorgeous Bali beach with golden sand, towering coconut trees; the whole nine yards. But for those who feel the need for a little speed, this is place. Water sports rule with jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and glass bottom boats bringing up the rear.
* Best Walking Beach
Further north, a reef just off the coast ensures calm water along Sanur’s golden mile of beachside resorts. Great for swimming, snorkeling, water sports and our choice for just strolling along the beach. The area between Grand Bali Beach hotel and Bali Hyatt is accessible via a beach path. Non-guests can rent sun-loungers for a small fee.
* Best All-Round BeachBali’s longest, liveliest, certainly least traditional, but possibly most beautiful, beach is Kuta in the south. Discovered in the sixties by Aussie surfers, swarmed by backpackers in the seventies, and a major international destination for package tourists before, and perhaps a year after, the October 2002 bombing, the gentle curve of golden sand stretches from the airport in Tuban over main Kuta, Legian, Seminyak, Kerobokan all the way to Canggu. The great breaks make Kuta a real draw card for surfers, but rather less of one for swimmers, who are faced with a strong undertow. Nevertheless, the main Kuta beach is as srowded as it gets in Bali, especially at sunset. Seminyak and Legian offer a welcome respite from the crowds, while Tuban, home to Bali’s popular waterpark, Waterbom, is perfect for the family.
* Best Beach for Seafood
On the other side of the airport to the south, the beach is just as fine and white as Kuta but the tranquil water at Jimbaran, a sleepy cove where fleets of fishing boats dot the ocean, is perfect for swimming. Jimbaran is the narrow neck of the island and so boasts two remarkably different beaches. On the east, the beach faces the body of water sheltered by Benoa Harbor, one of Bali’s main ports, while on the west, Jimbaran beach faces Jimbaran Bay and luxury resorts such as The Four Seasons and Bali Intercontinental. Nearby, as night falls, candle-lit tables appear along the beach and the tang of the cool ocean breeze mixes with the aroma of grilled seafood that’s reasonably prices, absolutely fresh and just plain delicious.
* Best Wild BeachFurther south, on the Bukit Peninsula, the beaches give way to dramatic limestone cliffs and remote, wilder beaches. From Balungan to Uluwatu and, our pick, Dreamland, Bingin, Impossibles and Padang Padang in between, the waters are better left to experienced surfers since the sneaky riptides can take swimmers far out to sea.
* Best Surfing Beach
Most surfers would probably pick Uluwatu, but we’re fond of another Bukit wave, Padang Padang, often referred to as the ‘Balinese pipeline’ for its constant and perfect tubes that some say are reminiscent of Hawaii’s famous Banzai pipeline. It’s an intense left-hand break that wraps around the headland like an unfurled Oriental fan that produces a forever barreling surfing wave.* Best Family Beach
The coastline changes dramatically back to white sane beaches and towering coconut trees at Nusa Dua, Bali’s most exclusive enclave. It’s home to many of the island’s most luxurious resorts and just the place to unwind with the family. The private beaches of the resorts dominate and there is only limited access for non-staying guests, but if you can afford it, the protected lagoon is perfect for families, offering ideal swimming conditions for the kids, while you peacefully soak in the sun. Better yet, all of the resorts cater to the kids in a big way, so they’ll be entertained with plenty of activities all day, on and off the beach.* Best Beach for Water Sports
North above Nusa Dua, five kilometer-long Tanjung Benoa, home to deluxe Conrad Bali Resort & Spa, offers unimpeded views of the Nusa Penida cliffs across the Badung Strait. It’s another gorgeous Bali beach with golden sand, towering coconut trees; the whole nine yards. But for those who feel the need for a little speed, this is place. Water sports rule with jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and glass bottom boats bringing up the rear.* Best Walking Beach
Further north, a reef just off the coast ensures calm water along Sanur’s golden mile of beachside resorts. Great for swimming, snorkeling, water sports and our choice for just strolling along the beach. The area between Grand Bali Beach hotel and Bali Hyatt is accessible via a beach path. Non-guests can rent sun-loungers for a small fee.
