Black sand beaches in Bali. Beaches with black volcanic sand in Bali using the example of Ketevel Beach. Black sand beaches in Bali: where to find

As many already know, the beaches of Bali are for the most part not places where you can swim, since the entire southern coast of Bali is the choppy Indian Ocean, which gives surfers coming here 364 days a year big and small waves.

But there are still several beaches suitable for swimming in Bali! So, if you come to Bali to swim, lie on the beach and sunbathe for two weeks, read carefully.

The beaches of Bali, mapped, are available in the application for iPhone and iPad, which can be downloaded from the app store or from. You can also find a map of beaches on foursquare using the link in the blog header.

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua is a resort area located in the very south of Bali, about 10 km from Kuta (30 minutes drive). Nusa Dua has several beaches and all of them are suitable for swimming, including with children. And although there are also waves in Nusa Dua, they break far in the ocean and don’t really reach the shore, so the water is calm near the shore. But don’t forget about the ebb and flow of the tides: at low tide it can become too shallow and make swimming uncomfortable.

(The tides change depending on the phases of the moon, and do not depend on the seasons, so do not listen to other tourists who say - it’s always shallow in the morning, you can swim only after lunch - this was the case on their visit, but on your visit everything can be absolutely the opposite, plus the time of ebb and flow shifts every day. There is such a thing as learning how to use it is not difficult: select the date and time you are interested in, look at the water height, everything less than 1 is low tide (and means shallow), everything more than 1.5 - this is average tide and full tide, in most cases this means it will be quite deep).

The entire beach line of Nusa Dua is built up with hotels, but the beaches are open, that is, you can come to any beach, however, you will not be allowed to use hotel sun loungers, you will have to use your own towel. Public beaches - such as Geger Beach and Mengiat Beach - have paid sunbeds and umbrellas. There are also cafes and restaurants on the beaches, in general, a real resort infrastructure. Another very beautiful beach in Nusa Dua is Nikko beach.

If you don’t plan to stay in Nusa Dua, you can always come here to the beach.

Season. Beach season in Nusa Dua all year round. Surfing season is from December to February.

Distance from Kuta/Seminyak: From Nusa Dua to Kuta it is about 15 km, and to Seminyak - about 20 km, that is, about 30-40 minutes drive; The airport is only 10 km away (20-30 minutes drive). It's about an hour's drive from Canggu.

Accommodation options: Nusa Dua is an area, and if you are looking for a villa in Nusa Dua, expect to stay at least 10-15 minutes drive to the beach (there are no walking distance options, otherwise opt for hotel accommodation).

Jimbaran

Season. The season on the Gili Islands lasts all year round.

Distance from Bali: The most comfortable way to get to the Gili Islands is by speedboat, which departs from Padang Bai port. A round-trip ticket including transfer will cost $55.

Accommodation options: there are many inexpensive private bungalows on Gili from $15 per room and more expensive hotels to suit every taste. You can book in advance, or you can find it right on the spot.

Lovina and northern Bali

Bali has a northern coastline, which is washed by the sea instead of the ocean. Therefore, the water there is calm and smooth, there are no waves at all. On this northern coast there are several small resort villages: Lovina and Pemuteran. Here you can find housing right on the first line or within walking distance from the beach. People often come here for a couple of days to relax from the noisy Balinese south.

Of the minuses: the beaches here are not the most picturesque, they are quite simple, plus the black volcanic sand. And although the water may be clear, the dark sand makes it not as beautiful as the turquoise water on Bukit. Another disadvantage: these are very small resorts, usually just one or two streets away, and there’s not much to do here. There is no nightlife and the number of restaurants is limited. But if you are looking for the most relaxing holiday in Bali, then these places are suitable. Plus, from here you can explore the island itself, since there are no traffic jams in this part of Bali.

On the plus side: there are opportunities for diving and snorkeling (Pemuteran and Menjangan).

Season. The season lasts all year round.

Distance from Kuta/Seminyak: to the north of Bali it takes about 2.5 hours from the south

Accommodation options: there are hotels and inexpensive guesthouses here, you can usually find something right on the spot upon arrival

What about Kuta, Seminyak and Canggu?

Some will be surprised why I still haven’t said a word about the two main resorts of Bali – Seminyak and Kuta. It’s not without reason that these two tourist centers of Bali are not particularly famous for their beaches. Therefore, many, having arrived for the first time in Bali and settled somewhere in Seminyak, remain disappointed that the sand on the beaches is not at all white, the water is not at all blue, and the breaking wave is sometimes so big that it is not only scary to go into the water, but It’s just not even safe, and during the rainy season the beaches become so dirty that one can only wonder why Bali is called the paradise island. And there is zero picturesqueness and nature in these areas; the areas are completely built up with hotels, cafes, villas and other things.

Kuta and Seminyak are places for those who value an active “party” life with restaurants, bars, cafes, beach clubs and more; these are places for those who came to learn surfing, and not lie on the beach; These are places for those who want to be in the center of everything and are willing to sacrifice the beach and scenic views. So make your choice :)

But on the plus side, Kuta and Seminyak have a central location, from here it is convenient to travel to Canggu and Sanur and Nusa Dua and Bukit.

And clean ocean water, but there are also places here that are fundamentally different from the standard resort concept. The north of the island has beautiful volcanic black sand beaches and this amazing natural wonder makes them special. The blackness of the sand is achieved due to lava, which enters the water during volcanic eruptions. Bali is located in a zone of volcanic activity, since the island has two active volcanoes: Gunung Agung (3142 m) and Batur (1717 m).

They are currently hibernating, but the slightest seismic activity can awaken them. In 1963, a strong eruption of Agung occurred, which claimed the lives of several thousand local residents and made tens of hectares of land unsuitable for irrigation and use. In memory of this day and as a reminder that volcanoes can erupt at any moment, amazing black sand has formed on the nearby beaches - a favorite place for tourists. We will tell you more about the beaches with volcanic sand in Bali below.

Black sand beaches in Bali: where to find

Contrary to the stereotype that a paradise beach must be snow-white, 80% of the island’s coastline is covered by black volcanic sand beaches. Their length in the north is 11 km, taking into account the length of the main beach of Lovina, whose length is 8 km, and 14 km in the east. The coastline begins near Sanur and stretches to Padang Bai. The entire northeastern part is covered with a black, tar-like mass that vaguely resembles sand. The consistency still feels like something between crystalline salt and sand, but outwardly the resemblance to a paradise beach is barely noticeable.
There are many such beaches all over the island of Bali. Some of them are adapted for relaxation, others are more suitable for swimming. There are also wild beaches where you won’t find tourists at all. Conventionally, the entire coastline is divided into the northern part, where Lovina Beach is located, and the eastern part, where Tulamben, Candidasa, Amed, Padang Bai are located.

Black volcanic sand – is it safe?

Black sand in Bali will not surprise anyone. There is nothing hazardous to health in volcanic sand. It is formed from erupting lava that falls into water, cools and turns to stone. Over time, waves begin to crush these blocks, breaking them into small particles. These pebbles wash ashore, forming sand. You can touch it with your hands, it does not sting, there are no toxic components - simple, but at the same time unusual. And although white sand beaches are more common, you definitely need to see such a miracle of nature with your own eyes.

Each tourist will be able to choose for himself the place where he likes best, and we will help to tell you more about each of these beaches.

Lovina beach: history, infrastructure, features

The black sand beach is located in the north of Bali in the province of Buleleng, 9 km from Singaraja. The beach got its name in 1953, when Raja Anak Agung, after traveling to India, decided to create a special place for recreation on the island. The name "Lovina" comes from the English "Love" - ​​love, and the Indonesian "Ina" - mother. Literally, the combination is translated as love for mother (earth). But, according to some sources, it means the love of the Balinese for the island or love for each other.

It is the longest black volcanic sand beach and a popular destination among tourists. This includes swimming, snorkeling and quiet relaxation. There are 7 villages along the coastline: Kalibukbuk, Pemaron, Amturan, Kaliazem, Tukad Mugga, Bunualit and Temukus. , shops, restaurants of the area are concentrated in the village of Kalibukbuk. In terms of infrastructure, the resort is very similar to Kutu, only life here is calmer, so it is. The rest of the villages of Lovina are less developed, but all the necessary infrastructure for recreation is there.

The beaches of the Lovina resort are 8 km long. The coastline with gray-black sand of volcanic origin and clear water is very attractive to tourists. These beaches are a paradise for swimming. There are also many divers and scuba divers here. These beaches are not suitable for surfing, because there are almost no high waves here. This is due to the fact that the bay is surrounded by rocks on both sides. They protect from the wind. But this is an ideal beach for a family holiday with children.

Candidasa Beach: where it is, what’s interesting

Candidasa Beach is located in eastern Bali on the Bukit Peninsula. It is located 12 km from Karangasem. Candidasa became popular not so long ago. Traveling around the island of Bali, tourists increasingly sought solitude. The white sand of the coastline has been replaced by the rocky terrain of Candidasa, which is unlike other beaches in Bali.

It looks more like a pier and, although the sea is clear, you can only swim here when there are no waves. The beach consists of black sand, volcanic rocks reminiscent of granite and stones. But this does not stop amateurs. The coastline of Candidas is densely dotted with hotels and restaurants, and hotel rooms are as expensive as in Kuta.

The beach is located 60 km from Ngurah Rai and can be reached by public transport in the direction of Klungkung or Amlapura. Either or a car.

Black sand beaches in Bali are something every tourist should visit. This is a truly amazing sight and an interesting natural phenomenon. Each beach has its own shade of sand, its structure and peculiarity, so if possible, it is worth visiting them all.

The best beaches of Bali are an ideal place for relaxation, meditation, relaxing holidays and extreme entertainment. Hundreds of thousands of tourists from all over the world go to one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia to spend their holidays here. The beaches of Bali are pure sand or snow-white pebbles, picturesque landscapes, high cliffs and an amazingly beautiful ocean, the color of the water in which is amazing in the number of shades. Many of the island's beaches are unsuitable for swimming due to high waves and rip currents that can sweep swimmers out into the ocean, but there are also beautiful beaches where the sea is relatively calm and comfortable.

White Sand

The beach got its name thanks to the white sand that was brought here specifically to beautify the area and attract travelers. Over time, the sand was washed away and currently the shore has a more grayish tint, and sometimes there are completely black areas.

White Sand cannot be called an equipped beach, although sun loungers and umbrellas are installed on its territory. Rather, it is wild, and no one particularly monitors the cleanliness of the coastline. In different parts of the coastline you can see algae washed ashore by the waves, as well as cacti lying on the ground, falling from a steep cliff.

On the right side of White Sand there is a coral reef that attracts lovers of scuba diving and observing the underwater world. The sea is calmer than on other beaches, but there are still waves. You can have lunch or just a snack in several cafes right on the beach, which belong to the residents of Candidasa. There is a highway leading from Sanur to the beach, from which, turning towards Candidasa, you will have to drive several kilometers off-road.

“Fabulous beach! Very beautiful coast! The sand is not white, but it is still more pleasant to relax here than on other beaches in Bali. Local residents are very sociable and try to play with the children of vacationers. Everything in the cafe is very expensive.”

Jemeluk Bay

The beach is located next to the village of the same name in a picturesque bay. This is one of the best diving spots in Bali. There are many coral reefs here that attract scuba divers with their beauty and unusualness.

The entire Jemeluk Bay beach is covered with small white pebbles. Its territory is not too large, but allows you to comfortably sleep on a sunbed or mattress, which are rented by local residents. The ocean in this part of the coast is quite quiet. Strong waves are quite rare.

Near the beach there are the necessary tourist and resort infrastructure: rental equipment for water activities, hotels, cafes, shops, car parking. Due to the fact that the sea in this place is calm and there are almost no significant low tides, the coastline is not littered with algae and other debris. The calm water is very clear, and swimming in it is a pleasure.

“We really enjoyed relaxing on this beach. The pebbles are small, you can walk without shoes, there were no strong waves, the sea was calm and clean. Standing in the water, you can see your feet and the bottom. Excellent service in cafes located nearby. We tried all sorts of seafood delicacies. I recommend this small but very cozy beach.”

Dreamland


Local residents say that once upon a time a traveler from Italy, a professional surfer, vacationed on this beach. He was so amazed by the tall emerald-colored waves approaching the sandy shore that he decided to call it “Dreamland.”

Dreamland is a fairly popular beach among tourists. Pleasant sand for walking and a rapidly developing infrastructure allow you to relax comfortably while enjoying the picturesque view of the ocean. The beach is equipped with sun loungers and umbrellas that can be rented. Near the beach and on its territory, vacationers can eat in a cafe and restaurant, and order drinks in several bars.

It is quite rare to see people swimming here. The wave is too high to be in the water safely. But the beach traditionally attracts surfers. There is a large hotel near Dreamland where you can stay, as well as several bungalows and villas for rent. You can get to the beach by road following the signs from the city of Kuta.
The journey will take about half an hour.

“A great beach to spend time in nature, sunbathe and relax. The sun loungers are comfortable, the umbrellas are large. Swimming here is incredibly difficult, as the wave covers you headlong. They say that during low tides the sea is calmer, but we were unable to catch this phenomenon.”

Green Bowl

An incredibly beautiful beach of dark golden sand on the Bukit Peninsula. The narrow coastal strip is located under a high cliff, and several hundred steep steps lead to the beach. This beach is considered very dangerous for swimming. It's all about the break wave, which often occurs in the coastal zone of the ocean. Its peculiarity is that a person is drawn into a wide channel by a strong current and can be carried into the open ocean.

Green Bowl is a wild beach, not without some resort charms, which are located on the top of a cliff. Here tourists are greeted by enterprising Balinese people selling souvenirs and selling various drinks and food. This beach is preferred by those who like to relax away from civilization, as well as by surfers who use the rip current to get on the line up.

During high tide, the shore is completely covered by ocean waters and you cannot rest here at this time. But the golden sand dries quickly at low tide and is again ready to receive tourists. The best way to get to the beach is by car or even by bike. From Kuta the journey by road will take 35–40 minutes.

“We came to this beach out of curiosity. We were told that there are monkeys walking around here, there are a lot of surfers and the ocean is incredibly beautiful. The information was confirmed. While we were going down the cliff along a huge number of steps, we saw enough wild monkeys. There are, however, a lot of surfers. You can only admire the ocean; swimming here is impossible because of the high waves, and even prohibited.”

Bias Tegul


Bias Tegul Beach is located near Padangbai Port. To find it you need to go through a small forest grove. The secluded beach is perfect for swimming and relaxing. It is also called secret because of its location hidden from human eyes.

The shore is covered with soft, pleasant-to-touch sand. Despite the proximity to the port, where ships constantly arrive, the water here is crystal clear. Every now and then a snow-white line of foam, created by a soft wave, slowly rolls up to the shore.

There are several warungs on the beach - thatched cafes where locals cook and sell food. The beach has an interesting feature. The rocks located on the shore have small caves into which water regularly flows. Squeezed out by the accumulated air, it crumbles into a fountain of spray, rising several meters in height - an incredible sight.

Even during the peak season there are not many tourists here. The beach is quite difficult to find, making your way from the port along a narrow mountain path.

“Great beach with fine light sand and very beautiful scenery. Surrounded by mountains, it seems to be hiding from prying eyes so that tourists do not find it and disturb such beauty. The water here seemed a little colder than on other beaches, but once we got used to it, we splashed around a lot!”

Kuta


One of the best beaches in Kuta. It is famous for its long coastline of golden sand. There are always a lot of tourists relaxing here who want to soak up the hot Indonesian sun and enjoy the clean, warm water.

Kuta Beach stretches along the coast for 8 km. Its strip is wide enough to accommodate many sun loungers with umbrellas, which are arranged in several rows. Excellent infrastructure attracts not only foreigners holidaying in Kuta, but also its residents.

You can surf on the beach. Experienced instructors teach the art of controlling a board on the waves. For a small fee you can go to a massage parlor, of which there are several dozen on the beach, or order drinks in bars.

The city embankment runs along the shore - a favorite place for tourists to walk. There is everything that vacationers might need - cafes, restaurants, shops, souvenir shops. Kuta Beach is famous for its magnificent sunsets, which tourists especially come to see.

“We were on holiday in Kuta and visited this beach several times. It is very large, but there are a lot of tourists, so to find a free sunbed, you need to arrive early. The traders are very annoying, they don’t care that you lie and sunbathe with your eyes closed, they bother you and offer their products. But the beach itself is very beautiful, clean and comfortable.”

Mengiat

The beach is located on the southern coast of Bali. A wide strip of sand stretching along the coast attracts many tourists. You can come here from Kuta by bus or by renting a car or bike.

Mengiat is a clean, equipped beach with excellent infrastructure. Despite its popularity among foreign holidaymakers, it is not as crowded as the beaches of Kuta. You can always find a free sunbed and sit on it by paying a small rent.

The sea on this beach is calm and comfortable for swimming throughout the high tourist season. It is protected from strong waves by a large number of coral reefs. From the shore, the sea has an unusually beautiful color - a mixture of azure and emerald. Rubbish and algae are carefully removed by staff. At Mengiat you can engage in active water activities, have lunch or a light snack in a cafe, and use the services of massage parlors.

“A wonderful place to relax peacefully on the shore, sunbathe and swim without experiencing discomfort. The sea is very beautiful, the entrance is not too steep, and in some parts of the beach it is quite flat, which allows children to splash around.”

Jimbaran Beach


One of the best beaches in southern Bali. It is located in a beautiful bay with picturesque views, modern hotels and villas. A fairly wide coastline allows a large number of tourists and vacationers to stay comfortably. The length of the beach is more than 5 km.

The entrance to the sea along the entire beach is very gentle, and the depth near the shore is shallow, which allows not only adults, but also children to enjoy water activities. The bottom is very clean and sandy. Cleanliness and order on the beach itself are carefully monitored. There is no garbage here.

Jimbaran Beach and its holidaymakers are served by several restaurants and cafes located on the shore. You can sit in the shade of the awnings or order food directly to your sun lounger. Mostly seafood dishes are prepared here, which are delivered to restaurants by fishermen. Early in the morning you can see them returning with their catch. Fans of sea walks can take advantage of the services of local residents, who will arrange an excursion on the flat surface of the sea on their own boats.

“Great place for a family holiday. We stayed in a hotel next to the beach and enjoyed this beauty every day. The sea is calm, clean, the beach is spacious and equipped. Admission for hotel guests was free. I liked that if you wish, they will immediately bring you drinks or food from local cafes.”

Balangan


The beach is located on the Bukit Peninsula near the town of Jimbaran. It is a narrow strip of sand along the coast 700 meters long. In the northern part of the beach, a high cliff extends into the ocean, where wedding photo sessions often take place. Balangan is a popular surf slot.

Even during peak season there are not too many vacationers on the beach. Mostly local hotel guests sunbathe here, less often visitors. Along the coast you can see many warungs where seafood is prepared. Having climbed the mountain along stone steps, vacationers find themselves in a picturesque area where there are several hotels and villas.

Swimming in Balangan is not very convenient due to the high waves. On rare days when the water is calmer, tourists splash around the shore, but such entertainment is considered quite dangerous, especially since there are no lifeguards on the beach. The most comfortable place for swimming is the northern part of the beach near the cliff. The sand on the coastline is fine and clean. There are sun loungers and umbrellas for the convenience of vacationers.

“Take your time on the road and be sure to visit this beach. Even while descending from the mountain, you can examine the entire coastline - long, with yellow sand, it arches, as if hugging the ocean. There are many inexpensive warungs on the beach where you can have a hearty lunch. Swimming is difficult, but it’s very interesting to watch the surfers.”

Padangbai Beach

A small cozy beach surrounded by rocks with lush green vegetation. The entire coastline is snow-white clean sand. Padangbai Beach is rightfully considered one of the best beaches in Bali, where it is pleasant to relax and spend time. In addition, this is a popular surf slot for both experienced surfers and beginners.

On the coastline there are several warungs where they prepare and sell dishes made from fresh seafood caught in the ocean in the morning. You can also order drinks here. Rescuers are closely watching the vacationers.

The water in the ocean is often calm, with long waves slowly rolling onto the shore. It is better to swim on the left side of the bank. There are no umbrellas or sunbeds on the beach. Vacationers sit right on the sand, on the rugs and towels they brought with them.

Padangbai Beach is famous for the fact that several episodes of the famous film “Pray More Love” with Julia Roberts were filmed there. After the release of the movie, Padangbai Beach became even more popular. For those who do not like a lot of people on the beach, it is best to come here in the morning and before lunch.

“The water is warm, the waves are low, the sand is fine and pleasant. A wonderful beach in a cozy cove with a beautiful landscape. It’s not always possible to swim, but we managed to thoroughly enjoy the clear water of an unusually beautiful color. Only pleasant impressions!”

Bali welcomes tourists all year round. There are no four seasons familiar to Europeans here. In the winter months the weather is as comfortable as in the summer months, but this is the rainy season. Showers are short-lived and most often occur in the evening and at night. The most popular period for travelers is from May to October. The air temperature at this time remains at +33 degrees, and the water warms up to +26. These are the best months to not only spend time on the picturesque beaches, but also get to know the local culture.

The beaches of Bali are not exactly what tourists usually expect from them 😎 This is not the Maldives... and there are not many Bounty-style beaches, you still need to look for them! More often people fly to the paradise island for surfing, nature and authenticity, rather than for a beach holiday. Therefore, before buying plane tickets, enter the coordinates best beaches in Bali on the map maps.me and rent a bike or car

For pioneers of beach Bali, I advise you to take an individual excursion with a Russian guide -

I will show you photos of Bali beaches from two vacations - December 2016 and 2017. The recommendations are my subjective ones, there are more good beaches there, but I didn’t go there for a tan, I spent most of my time in the jungle, rice fields and simple relaxation. MY BEACH MAP

WHITE SAND BEACHES IN SOUTH BALI

Jimbaran Beach

It is located near Denpasar airport, the sand is white, fine, the bottom is flat, no big waves were noticed. The temperature of the water in the ocean feels + 28. I advise you to choose the left side of the beach for swimming, in Google Maps it is Pantai Muaya , we parked the car for free next to the temple (-8.782889, 115.161914). By the way, enter all coordinates with a minus sign, since Bali is located below the equator. Sunbeds are available for money, but we didn't take them. We sat down on the chairs of a grandmother selling coconuts and beer. In the distance in the photo you can see luxury bungalows. My photo with a coconut was taken on Jimbaran beach

Jimbaran Beach is also known for its fish restaurants; they are located closer to its center; choose any one, looking into the aquariums with the catch indoors. People arrive at 17:00 to take their trump seats and enjoy the sunset (in winter it is at 18:30). The price tag for seafood and fish is average, but closer to European, but keep in mind the + 15% tax on top and + for service.


To the right of the fish restaurants, the runway of Denpasar Airport is clearly visible, and planes land here every 5 minutes. They also sell corn here and musicians entertain guests with songs in all languages ​​of the world. For some reason, the Balinese chose “A glass of vodka on the table” for us. I paid them 50 thousand rupees (3 euros)

Pantai Tegal Wangi Jimbaran
There is a secluded wild cove very close by ( -8.781397, 115.141482)🌊 Besides us, there were also several romantic couples hiding behind the rocks from the sun and spectators🌴☀ Andrey frolicked in the ocean, looked like a child, it was his first swim in the Indian Ocean 🏊


The shore there is rocky, I couldn’t find a place to sunbathe and there were big waves, but the place is damn beautiful and wild. Maybe it's quieter there at low tide


Balangan Beach
Balangan beach-one of the most photogenic beaches, so there are a lot of wedding photographers hanging out on the cape (-8.790441, 115.125056). The ceremonies are symbolic, with a wedding arch, a white dress - obviously just for the sake of a photo shoot.


If you go down to the beach from the opposite edge (-8.793569, 115.122900), you will find yourself in a simple eatery where you can rent a board right there. But the entrance to the sea here is unpleasant, even if the photo with white sand fascinates you... but there are a lot of boulders in the water, and the waves knock you off your feet. This place is more for surfing


I’ve been here twice, and I can’t say that it’s pleasant to swim. On the other side of the beach we found a place where we could swim close to the shore.


Beach in Canggu
We lived in this town for 5 days, booking a hotel room Sunset Villa Bali, which was deserted due to a recent volcanic eruption. For 800 rubles per day for 2 people we got complete privacy, comfort and a swimming pool with a kitchen. In the morning we had breakfast at Hungry Bird Coffee, what a gorgeous cappuccino! By the way, using this link you will receive 20 euros as a gift for your first booking on Arnbnb.


We lived 7 minutes walk from Finns Beach Club, the beach there is long, there are many small bars where you can lie down in exchange for juice and beer. The sand here is no longer white, but gray, but pleasant for walking. Swimming in Canggu is difficult because of the big waves, but it is an excellent place for surfing.


Andrey rented a board - 50 thousand rupees (3 euros) for 2 hours for Batu Balong Beach


A short video review of these beaches

Gala's Beach or Nikko Beach
These beaches are very close ( on the map), respectable hotels are located along the road. And it was the best beach in Bali, moreover, deserted, there were no waves near the ocean, white sand of coral origin was under our feet 🏜 We parked the car at the temple (-8.833364, 115.213052) and went down the steep steps.


We found a deserted cave to relax in the shade, where there were sun loungers from a luxury hotel 🏖 and brazenly took advantage of them! We swam with a mask, collected shells, listened to the sound of the ocean waves 🌊🐚🐳 I never stopped thanking Agung volcano for deserted Bali in December 😘If you compare my vacation in 2016 and 2017, the island then and now is heaven and earth! 👏 If you are afraid to drive a bike or car on the island, I advise you to take an individual excursion. Inexpensive accommodation near Nikko Beach - or the luxurious hotel The Ritz-Carlton Bali


I made a slow motion video about the best beach in Bali, in our opinion.

And I would like to say a few more words about The worst white sand beaches in Bali are:

  1. Sanur Beach! I didn’t even take a photo, there is a swamp there, not a sea, swimming in shallow water with algae is still a pleasure. Don't waste your vacation at a retirement resort...
  2. Padang Padang Beach, where the movie “Eat, Pray, Love” was filmed (report about it here). In the photo it looks like a paradise, but there were so many people that we didn’t get a buzz. Muddy water, although the entrance is pleasantly shallow. Entrance fee is 10 thousand rupees (70 euro cents), parking is paid, the cafe on the beach is lame and dirty. After visiting the crowded, hyped tourist places in Bali, Andrey and I decided to travel only to little-known and natural beauties


In the video you will see a real picture from Padang Padang beach

Black sand beaches in Bali

Lipach Beach in Amed area
We went to northern Bali not for the beaches, but for the silence and low prices. It's funny, but this region is underdeveloped; asphalt was laid only in the early 2000s. But we really liked the calm sea, although it is a little colder than the Indian Ocean (maybe +26). We booked a room in Bayu Cottages Hotel for 12 euros for two with breakfast, and again we were alone! Of course, in season and not with an erupting volcano, it costs more 😜 The Bali Sea is ideal for swimming, fishing, snorkeling and diving. We relaxed on Lipakh Beach, a secluded cove with an incredible underwater world! The color of the sand is black, it is very fine, but at the entrance to the sea there is white sand, so the water is clear.

If this is your first time booking accommodation on Arnbnb, use $25 discount


The same Lipah beach on a sunny morning. Check out the transparency and calm!


From Ubud we got here for at least 2 hours along narrow roads and jungles, renting a car for 10 euros per day. I can also recommend taking an excursion to the north of the island of Bali to see Amed, swim on the beach, visit the water palaces and Lempuyang Temple overlooking. We saw him splashing in the hotel pool. From there you can see the sea, and it takes 15 seconds to go down to it.


The most interesting thing in Amed is snorkeling. We had our own mask and snorkel, but here every boy offers them for rent. So are the boats. Also, for 300 thousand rupees (18 euros) you can go fishing at dawn. Diving enthusiasts also come here to dive to sunken ships.


The big advantage of the north of Bali over the tourist south was cheap fish. Once we bought 3 pieces (3 euros) from a fisherman on a boat for 50 thousand. And then all the days we ate at Amed Resto, I ordered mackerel with rice and vegetables for only 2 euros


Beach at Les Village

In the Tejakul area we stayed in an amazing hotel with a diving center Sea Communities - Segara Lestari Villas, we came across it by chance thanks to Arnby's after reading the reviews. Everything is wonderful in Less Village - silence, absence of tourists and unspoiled locals, huge portions of food from the hostess for dinner, coconut, mango and rambutan plantations, the sound of the sea even in our room. But no beach, although the black sand mixed with huge stones did not frighten the local children; they swam. We lived in an eco-village for 5 days, and were still pleased with the “other Bali”



Lovina Beach in Bali
The beaches in the north of Bali are generally not pleasing; there are only a few civilized ones suitable for swimming. We read about Lovina in the north of Bali, we arrived, and there was a shallow, muddy and gray sea, the Sea of ​​Azov... Using the map we found a civilized beach for swimming - Spice Beach Club Bali Having paid as much as 3 euros for fresh watermelon, the sea here was also not pleasing, but we used the sun loungers and toilet.


Locals pestered us to rent boats to see dolphins, but in Montenegro I see them in the Tivat Bay, where our yacht is moored. We left Lovina to swim in the hot springs

Beaches for swimming in Bali in the east

Few package tourists realize that in the east of the island there are wonderful beaches with white sand and no waves. This is also the Bali Sea, not the ocean.


Blue Lagoon Beach in Bali- this is a “must see” place. The road from Ubud here is not difficult, there are few cars, the road is wide in places (-8.529756, 115.513304


This beach is located a 2-minute drive from the famous Padangbay pier, from where boats depart to the paradise Gili Islands. We never made it to them, but the beach holidays there are much more luxurious!

Secret Beach in Bali or Bias Tugel Beach
It is on the other side of Padangbay. Incredibly beautiful white sand beach, few people, silence and romantic atmosphere. Parking is free, then you need to make your way through the jungle along a path, it is better to wear shoes. I was there in 2016 - this is one of the best beaches in Bali without waves with a clear sea, which tourists know little about.


I hope that my stories about Bali and photos of the beaches will help organize your trip to the paradise island correctly 😄 Whatever rumors there are about the beaches of Bali - that it is not possible to swim, that they are dirty or suitable only for surfers - remember that you always have a choice, the main thing is the maps.me map on the phone, and under the butt - the seat of a bike or car 🚙 since there is no public transport on the island

Where to buy insurance in Bali - which one is better?

Nobody forces you to spend extra money on insurance in Bali, whether to buy it or not is your own business, they don’t check you at the airport... But remember that Indonesia has a different climate, water and food, almost everyone in Bali gets an upset stomach from Indonesian kitchens. Here you can catch dengue fever from the bite of one type of mosquito and lie around with fever and vomiting for a week or two. And no one is safe from minor accidents or falling off the bike, given the left-hand traffic and terrible traffic on the island.

I would recommend buying insurance for Bali from a company. Their assistance in Russia is the company Mondial, which recently changed its name to Allianz Global Assistance. Believe me, this is the most reliable in the insurance industry, the main office is in Paris. This is the only assistance with an “AA” rating by Standard & Poor’s, and it is the one that will save you on the island in insurance cases, as well as pay for your treatment. You can check the price of insurance in Bali in this form by entering the flight dates and the country of Indonesia.

Rainy season in Bali 2018

Winter is the rainy season in Bali, although we didn’t see much of it, most of it comes at night. The temperature is comfortable all year round and does not rise above +31, but it is humid. In the north of the island in the Amed area there is much less rain than in the center in the Ubud area, where there is a jungle, due to the fact that volcanoes do not allow clouds to travel to the north. In the south of the island it also rains less often in winter than in Ubud, but near the ocean it is stuffy and hot.

It is better to fly to Bali in spring and early autumn, and summer is the peak tourist season, there is little rainfall, but there are a lot of tourists and high prices.

Tickets to Bali - how much does it cost to fly to the island

Please note that we flew not from Moscow, but from Montenegro, and this is an additional plane, so the flight was more expensive. For two people we spent 1,545 euros on Turkish Airlines for the route Podgorica - Istanbul - Jakarta. Thanks to two hotels during transit, I consider this a low price, although Qatar Airlines (from Belgrade) or Singapore Airlines (from Milan) were cheaper. And from the capital of Indonesia to Denpasar airport, another 200 euros went back and forth.

From Moscow, Kyiv, St. Petersburg and Belgrade you can fly to Bali with Qatar Airlines, Singapore Airlines or Emirates

In contact with

The closest beautiful beaches to Ubud are in the southeast, in Padang Bai - this and Blue Lagoon(Blue Lagoon) and beach Bias Tugal(aka secret beach, Secret Beach), and Kusamba beach with black volcanic sand (Kusamba Beach), I’ll tell you about them today :)

From Ubud, the journey to them takes the same amount of time as to (about 1 hour), but the main part of the road is much more pleasant - comfortable, smooth, wide and without traffic jams.

Undoubtedly, the favorite place on the east coast for both of us is this, but it takes 2 times longer to get there, so it’s better to go there by car and for several days at once. The summer before last we lived in Amed for a whole month, and this summer we also have plans to live there longer. The place is very picturesque, quiet and calm, on the one hand it helps to relax and put your thoughts in order, on the other hand, such a distance from civilization puts you in the mood for work, nothing around distracts you :)

There is a port in Padang Bai from which you can sail to the neighboring islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembogan, also to Lombok, and then to Gili


It would seem like a port town, where can you swim there? And indeed, in the port itself it’s nice, except perhaps to sit in a cafe on the shore, or in such a gazebo in the shade under the pine trees

and admire the boats

Although the most colorful ones are traditional narrow fishing boats with fins basking like tourists on the beach under palm trees))

I also really liked the view of the town from above.

There we saw an interesting either temple or house :)

Padang Bai is more reminiscent of a village than a port city; there are no large supermarkets here, there are only small shops and a local market is open in the mornings. Although during the holidays (now the main annual event is taking place on the island), even the streets of such a port town are transformed, you can meet such Balinese beauties with offerings

However, for those who do not need entertainment, culture, and want to relax their souls, moving away from society, this is the place))

Of course, with the exception of those who come here to dive, they are guaranteed a party here - the town and the coast are full of diving schools, this is where many tourists go who want to undergo diving training and receive PADI certificates. They start from here. But those who are not interested in the underwater world and do not plan to scuba dive, but just want to soak up the beach, will also find heavenly places for themselves here.

The most beautiful beaches of Padang Bai are a little hidden, at the end of the article there is a map on which all three beaches are marked, and now I will tell you more about each

Secret beach, also known as Bias Tugal beach, is an absolute favorite!

There are pure snow-white sand and blue transparent water here.

The beach is framed by rocks and hidden from the road - from above, from the cliff the harbor and rocks in the sea are slightly visible, but in fact there is a beach below. If you don’t know, you can drive by, that’s why they call it “secret”)

But as soon as you go down the cliff a couple of meters, you can already see the snow-white beach behind the tops of the palm trees.

The beauty of the beach can be appreciated already at the entrance to it - green palm trees against the backdrop of the turquoise sea, they are visible from the road, these are the landscapes I most loved to photograph in the Philippines and Thailand

There is no access to the beach itself, to the sand and the sea, parking for cars and bikes is a little higher above it, perhaps this is one of the most picturesque parking lots in recent times

the road leads further

Since cars don’t drive close, there is silence on the beach, you can only hear the sound of the waves, and they come here quite often

Although we prefer to swim in the ocean rather than splash around and jump in the waves, we enjoyed splashing around in this place

And we even spent some time on the beach - lately we usually only come for a swim)

We have been to this beach several times and always found ourselves on a fairly calm sea, but friends told us that sometimes there are such waves here that you simply cannot get into the water.

Undoubtedly, the beach is excellent, during the entire time we spent here, there were no more than 10 people in the water at the same time, and on the beach, including those who had lunch in the cafe, in total, there were at most 25 people

And this despite the fact that we were on a day off, when local Indonesians from neighboring islands come to Bali, like these Muslim girls, most likely from Lombok

On weekdays there are even fewer people here and mostly Europeans.

Despite the fact that the beach is better known as “secret” - Secret Beach, it is marked on the map as Bias Tugal beach, and on the road to it a sign White Sand Beach was recently hung, either to simply attract attention, or to increase the influx from the popular neighbor of the same name.

The beach is like a lagoon, framed on both sides by rocks

Such is the volcanic placer both on the left and on the right off the coast

On the beach there are cafes with salads and hot food, as well as shakes, fruits, green coconuts

There is a toilet (for a fee of 5 thousand rupees, $0.5), a bench with beach accessories, a small canopy to hide from the sun, and that’s probably all..

There are no sun loungers here, like on the real White Sand Beach, which is beyond Candidasa, maybe it’s for the better, perhaps their presence would only spoil the picture, otherwise it’s a pure snow-white beach

There are also no hotels; the one on the cliff that can be seen from the beach has been under construction for several years now and it is unknown whether it will ever be completed :)

The nearest hotels are in Padang Bai, which is very close, if you walk, it’s about 15 minutes, and if you’re on a bike, it’s 5-7 minutes.

You can view prices here.

Black Sand Beach or Kusamba Beach


Kusamba beach is located next to Secret and is separated only by rocks

We didn’t meet a single soul on this beach - our new friends showed it to us

According to them, local people hang out here in the evenings, especially Balinese children frolicking in the sand.

During the day here: along its entire long length there is no one...

The only exception is the fishermen on the rocks

Brave brave guys, because the waves are sometimes higher than themselves. Just look, someone will be washed away by the wave

They are wet from head to toe, but continue to fish, perhaps it depends on the catch whether they will have lunch today or not

When we arrived here, the waves were strong, so we didn’t swim, but from the shore it was clear that the water here was clean

Black volcanic sand is very fine, as if selected,

It’s nice to wander around barefoot, which Paul immediately took advantage of))

By analogy with White Sand Beach (white sand beach), this beach is locally called Black Sand Beach (black sand beach).

One of the significant disadvantages of the beach is the lack of shade. Of course, it’s not worth going here specifically, but it’s quite possible to drop by half an hour after Secret or Laguna.

Well, isn't it beauty? On the horizon is the island of Nusa Penida

Seascape with waves crashing on rocks

with a deserted beach and turquoise sea stretching beyond the horizon,

and lonely ghost ships on the horizon, definitely deserves a photo or two

The identification sign at the entrance to the beach is a huge old police boat,

next to it, locals are repairing their fishing boats

Blue Lagoon beach


The bay is indeed blue, or even green-turquoise, which fully justifies its name))

This beach is loved by snorkelers; the underwater world in this lagoon has something to boast of; you can dive both from the shore and from a boat

The landscapes are quite picturesque, pieces of rocks in the foreground are clearly volcanic rock

Only in the afternoon there is mostly shade on the beach, so sunbathers should come in the morning

There is all the infrastructure here - a cafe with sun loungers, a toilet, a shower, masks and fins for rent

They actively and persistently offer massage, for me it is of very dubious quality, but on the other hand, if you have fatigue in your legs, then why not? 🙂 A half-hour foot massage is offered for 30 thousand rupees ($3).

The beach is located in a small lagoon, but the waves are still frequent guests here, although not as big as on Secret beach

The beach itself is 2, or even 3 times smaller than Secret, during strong tides it is completely flooded, and at low tides, the edge of the beach is still quite narrow, which is why all the sun loungers here are located higher, on concrete ledges next to the cafes,

The cafes here are located in 2 tiers, apparently they cook well, Europeans gobble it up on both cheeks))

This beach has a paid parking lot (for cars 5 thousand rupees, for bikes 2 thousand), from it stone steps lead to the beach itself,

which already offer a beautiful view of the bay

Padang Bai beaches on the map

View Bali Beaches on a larger map

conclusions

Summing up, I can say that you can safely spend a couple of days from a short vacation in these parts. It’s definitely worth seeing all three beaches, going to the neighboring ones in Candidasa, or sailing from the port to the nearby islands.

You can view hotels in Padang Bai here. You can also find interesting housing options through Airbnb (by the way, by registering using this link, you will receive a $20 coupon for your first booking).

Which beach of these three did you like the most? Where would you definitely visit when in Bali?