When people picture Bali, they imagine long stretches of white sand, palm trees, and turquoise waters. Actually, there are more black sand beaches in Bali, something which many don’t realise until they arrive.
That said, there are plenty of white sand beaches on the island, ranging from your classic, open stretches to small coves tucked away where people often miss them.
Whether you’re after a quiet escape, that perfect photo, surfing, or just a typical day lazing on the sand, there’s something for everyone in Bali.
In this guide, we’ll run through some of the best white sand beaches, from the well-known tourist spots to a few more off the beaten track.
TL;DR, Editors Picks
- Virgin Beach – One of the best spots in East Bali for proper white sand. With clear water, fewer crowds, and a more laid-back feel compared to the south.
- Nusa Dua Beach – Clean, well-maintained, and easy to access, with calm water and plenty of facilities, making it a solid choice for a straightforward beach day.
- Diamond Beach – One of the most dramatic beaches around, with cliffs, bright sand, and views that make the trip out to Nusa Penida worth the effort.
- Berawa Beach – Not white sand, but if you fancy something different, it’s one of the best spots for atmosphere, beach clubs, and sunsets on Bali’s west coast.
18 Of The Best White Sand Beaches In Bali:
Seminyak Beach
Seminyak Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bali, known for its long stretch of sand and easy access from some of the island’s busiest areas.
It’s a good all-rounder, whether you’re looking for a relaxed beach day, a surf, or somewhere to watch the sunset. Plenty is going on nearby, with beach clubs, restaurants, and bars all within walking distance.
Where Is It? Jl. Kayu Aya No.9, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach is a quieter spot on the Bukit Peninsula, tucked away below the cliffs near Uluwatu. It takes a short walk down a set of steps to reach, but that’s part of what keeps the crowds down.
You’ll find a sandy stretch with clear water, a few simple warungs, and a more relaxed feel compared to some of the busier beaches nearby.
Where Is It? Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Nusa Dua Beach
Nusa Dua Beach is one of the most well-maintained and cleanest beaches in Bali, known for its light sand and calm, swimmable water. It’s surrounded by high-end resorts, which keep everything well-maintained and easy to access.
You’ll also find plenty of water sports here, from jet skis to parasailing, making it a good option if you want more than just a quiet beach day.
Where Is It? Kawasan Pariwisata, Jl. Nusa Dua Lot N2, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80363, Indonesia
Blue Lagoon Beach
Blue Lagoon Beach is a small, sheltered cove just around from the larger Padangbai, known for its bright blue water and relaxed feel.
The bay helps keep the sea relatively calm, making it a popular spot for snorkelling, with plenty of marine life just offshore.
It’s not a huge beach, far from it, but that’s part of the appeal, with a more tucked-away feel compared to some of the larger stretches nearby.
Where Is It? Jl. Bloo Lagoon, Padangbai, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80871, Indonesia
Kelingking Beach – Nusa Penida
Kelingking Beach is better known as T-Rex Beach, thanks to the huge cliff formation that looks like a dinosaur head.
It’s one of the most famous beaches on Nusa Penida, although most people only see it from the viewpoint above. Getting down to the sand is a serious climb, with steep, narrow paths and rough steps, so it’s only for the physically fit.
Some people visit Kelingking as part of a small boat tour out of Crystal Bay, which is a good way to see it without the travel overland and the climb down.
Where Is It? Bunga Mekar, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Virgin Beach
Virgin Beach, also known as White Sand Beach or Bias Putih, is one of the best beaches in East Bali. With a long stretch of light sand and clear turquoise water, it has that real tropical paradise feel to it.
The sand sticks out compared to most of the nearby volcanic beaches, but you’ll still see a bit of a darker mix in places. There are a few rustic warungs right on the sand serving fresh seafood, coconut water, and even beachside massages, along with sun loungers for the day.
It’s easy enough to reach by road, although the final stretch can be a bit rough, and the whole place has a laid-back, tucked-away feel with palms and rocky cliffs around it.
Where Is It? Jl. Raya Bukit Asah No.Desa, Adat Bugbug, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80851, Indonesia
Pandawa Beach
Pandawa Beach stands out for the road leading down to it, cut straight through towering limestone cliffs, with large carved statues set into the rock along the way. It used to be a bit more of a hidden gem, tucked away behind the cliffs, but it is now much easier to reach.
At the bottom, it opens up into a long stretch of sand with relatively calm water. There are also a few beachside warungs selling grilled seafood, and places where you can rent kayaks along the shoreline.
Fairly quiet, nice sand, some grilled fish and a kayak, what more do you need for a chilled out beach day?
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Pandawa, Kutuh, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran Beach is a long, open stretch of sand on Bali’s south coast, sitting on the “throat” between the Bukit Peninsula and the main part of the island. It’s lined with hotels and resorts, and it’s a popular spot for both visitors and locals.
At the northern end, you’ll find the fish market, where the day’s catch comes in fresh, and along the beach itself, there are plenty of places to sit down for seafood right by the water.
Where Is It? Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Bingin Beach
Bingin Beach is one of our favourite beaches on the Bukit and a classic surfers’ haven.
At the time of writing, it’s in the middle of a huge revamp and feels more like a building site right now, but it’s all part of a bigger overhaul.
What was once overrun with old shacks and bits of rubbish is being completely cleared out, with plans for a much cleaner, more natural-looking beach and a new boutique hotel overlooking it.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Bingin, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Green Bowl Beach
Green Bowl Beach is a bit of a hidden spot, partly because of the 300+ steep steps you have to get down first!
It’s a bit of a workout, but that’s what keeps it quiet. At the bottom, you’ll find a small stretch of white sand, clear water, and a few limestone caves built into the cliffs, which are a good spot to relax in the shade.
At low tide, the rocks take on a green tint, which is where the name comes from. It’s also a known surf spot, but better suited to more experienced surfers.
Where Is It? Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Diamond Beach – Nusa Penida
Diamond Beach is one of the standout spots on Nusa Penida, known for its bright white sand, clear water, and those sharp limestone rock formations rising out of the sea.
The staircase carved into the cliff is a bit of a climb, but well-maintained and part of the experience. At the bottom, it opens up into a proper beach with space to relax, although conditions can depend on the tide and swell.
If you can’t manage the stairs, the viewpoint at the top offers some amazing views, and the nearby Atuh Beach, another white sand beach reached from the same carparking area, is a bit more easily accessible.
This is about as far as you can go in Bali, the furthest frontier on the far eastern side of Nusa Penida. So it’s not a beach you just wake up one morning and decide to go to, but if you fancy a day trip or you’re already on the Nusa Islands, then it’s well worth the visit.
Where Is It? Pejukutan, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia
Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach is a long, easygoing stretch on Bali’s east coast, known for its calm water and relaxed feel. It’s backed by a paved beachfront boardwalk that runs for several kilometres, making it a good spot for a walk or a cycle along the coast.
The water is generally pretty calm thanks to the reef, so it’s a popular choice for swimming, especially compared to some of the rougher beaches elsewhere. Sanur itself is also a nice area to stay, with plenty of hotels, restaurants, and even a shopping mall, but with a more chilled feel than places like Seminyak or Legian.
Where Is It? Jl. Setapak, Sanur, Denpasar Selatan, Bali, Indonesia
Dreamland Beach
Dreamland Beach is a wide, open stretch of sand with a more classic beach feel, backed by cliffs and open views along the coastline.
It’s one of the more accessible spots in the area, with a decent parking area and an easy walk down. The waves here can be strong, so it’s popular with surfers, but there’s still plenty of space to sit back and take it all in, especially around the southern end.
Where Is It? Jl. Pantai Cemongkak, Pecatu, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Geger Beach
Geger Beach sits at the southern end of Nusa Dua, with a quieter feel compared to the main stretch further up. There are a few higher-end beachfront hotels nearby, but it still manages to feel fairly low-key.
One of the standout features is the point you can walk out to at low tide, along with Pura Geger Temple overlooking the sea right at the far southern end, which gives the whole area a bit more character.
Where Is It? Benoa, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Melasti Beach
Melasti Beach is a long beach with a wide stretch of sand that’s become one of the most popular spots in the south, with plenty going on throughout the day.
This place is no secret, far from it, but it’s well set up. There’s everything you need on site, including places to eat, parking, and lots of space to spread out.
There’s even an amphitheatre down by the beach, where Kecak fire dances are sometimes performed in the evenings, which gives it a bit more going on than just your usual beach day.
It’s not the most stunning beach in Bali, but with its powdery white sand, crystal clear waters, and classic beach vibe, it’s a favourite among travellers.
Where Is It? Jl. Melasti Ungasan, Ungasan, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Bias Tugel Beach
Bias Tugel Beach, often called “Secret Beach”, is a small white sand cove near Padang Bai in east Bali that still feels a bit tucked away. It takes a 10–15 minute walk down a rocky path to reach, which helps keep the crowds down.
At the bottom, you’ve got clear turquoise water, good snorkelling, and a relaxed setup with a few local warungs serving fresh fish and cold drinks. It’s an amazing spot, just keep an eye on the waves, as swimming can get rough.
Where Is It? Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80871, Indonesia
Suluban Beach
Suluban Beach, also known as Blue Point Beach, is one of the more unusual beaches in Bali, reached by weaving your way down through narrow paths, steps, and gaps in the rock beneath the cliffs.
It’s not a wide, open stretch of sand, but a mix of smaller sandy patches and caves that shift depending on the tide.
It’s popular with surfers, with waves breaking just offshore, and has a bit more character than your typical beach, especially at low tide.
Where Is It? Pantai Blue Point, PPadangpadang, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80362, Indonesia
Dream Beach – Nusa Lembongan
Dream Beach on Nusa Lembongan, the westernmost of Nusa Penida’s three islands, is a small, sheltered cove with bright sand and clear water, framed by cliffs on both sides.
It’s one of the more popular spots on the island, but it still has a slightly more laid-back feel compared to mainland Bali. The waves can be strong, so it’s not always ideal for swimming, but it’s a great place to stop off and take it all in.
Where Is It? Lembongan island, Jungutbatu, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia
Other Beaches Worth Visiting
As mentioned earlier, Bali has more black sand beaches than white ones, and it’s not always what people expect. Here are a handful worth checking out.
Berawa Beach
Berawa Beach is one of our favourite spots on Bali’s west coast, and a big part of that is the atmosphere.
It’s home to FINNS Beach Club, which brings a steady buzz throughout the day and into the evening, and even has floodlights for nighttime surfing, which you don’t see too often. The beach itself is a long stretch of dark sand with plenty going on, from surfers in the water to people just hanging out along the shoreline.
Being west-facing, it’s also a great place to catch the sunset, with the sky lighting up over the ocean at the end of the day.
Where Is It? Jl. Pemelisan Agung, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Amed Beach
Amed Beach sits on the east side of Bali and has a completely different feel from the south, with a laid-back fishing village vibe and views out towards Mount Agung.
It’s one of the most well-known black sand beaches on the island, and a popular spot for diving and snorkelling, with coral reefs and marine life just offshore.
It’s not really about beach clubs or big crowds here, more slow days by the water and early morning fishing boats heading out. Fewer tourists can bring with it a more peaceful experience, even if it’s just for a few days.
Where Is It? Amed St, Purwakerti, Karangasem, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852, Indonesia
Lovina Beach
Lovina Beach up in north Bali has a much quieter, more local feel, with black sand, calmer conditions, and a slower pace overall. It’s known for early morning dolphin spotting trips, along with fishing and a few water sports during the day.
In the evening, things shift a bit, with beachfront restaurants filling up and a small bar street nearby if you’re after something a bit more lively, but it never gets as hectic as the south.
Where Is It? Lovina, Kalibukbuk, Kecamatan Banjar, Anturan, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81151, Indonesia
FAQs
Do The Gili Islands Have Black Or White Sand?
The Gili Islands are known for their white sand beaches, which are generally lighter and softer than what you’ll find across most of Bali.
Places like Gili Air and Gili Meno in particular have that classic white sand and clear water combination, which is why they’re often compared to more traditional tropical destinations.
They’re a popular add-on to a Bali trip if you’re specifically looking for that kind of beach.
Why Are There More White Sand Beaches On The Bukit Peninsula?
The Bukit has more white sand beaches because of its limestone base, which comes from coral and marine deposits over time.
This is different from much of the rest of Bali, where volcanic activity has created darker sand along the coastline.
That’s why areas around Uluwatu and the Bukit Peninsula tend to have lighter sand and clearer water, especially compared to the East Coast of Bali.
Where Are The Best Bali Beaches?
The best beaches in Bali really depend on what you’re looking for.
For white sand and calmer conditions, areas like Nusa Dua and Sanur are easy options. If you’re after something more scenic, places like Diamond Beach stand out for their cliffs and views.
If you prefer a bit more atmosphere, beaches like Seminyak, Jimbaran, and Berawa are some of the most popular on the island. Of course, every place that we’ve listed is a great beach; we wouldn’t list them otherwise!
It’s worth trying a few different areas rather than sticking to just one, as each part of the island has a slightly different feel.
Final Thoughts On White Sand Beaches In Bali
There are plenty of white sandy beaches to choose from across Bali, whether you’re sticking to the main areas or heading a bit further out.
Some are busy, some are quieter, and some take a bit more effort to reach, but there’s something to suit every traveller, whether you’re the trepid explorer or just the chilled out beach bum.
If you’re spending some time in Bali and want to look around, hopefully this guide has helped you find a few places that tickle your fancy.
