Introduction
Bali is famous for its beaches.. If you want to spend a perfect day at a beach with crystal clear water, dramatic cliffs and not too many people around you will have to look for a beach that is not so well known.
The popular beaches in Bali, like Seminyak, Kuta and Legian are nice, but they are often crowded with people. The real magic of Bali's coastline is hidden in the accessible areas, down small paths and beyond the cliffs that most tourists do not bother to explore. These are the beaches that the locals know about. Experienced travellers keep a secret.
The team at OriVista has been managing luxury villas in Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu for years. They have gotten to know the hidden beaches of Bali very well. Here are five secret beaches that will make you fall in love with the island, away from the crowds.
1. Nyang Nyang Beach, Uluwatu
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BOOK →This beach is a reward for people who're willing to make an effort to get there. Most visitors to Uluwatu go to see the temple watch the Kecak fire dance at sunset and have a drink at the bars on the cliff. Not many people take the time to find Nyang Nyang Beach.
To get to the beach you have to walk down an sometimes slippery path through the jungle for about 20 minutes. The walk down is an adventure in itself.. When you finally see the long stretch of white sand with no cafes or umbrellas and often no other people it is all worth it.
Nyang Nyang Beach is at the base of limestone cliffs that turn amber in the afternoon light. The waves are strong. It is not a good beach for casual swimming.. The beauty of the place is unmatched. You should bring your water pack a picnic and plan to spend hours just sitting and listening to the sound of the waves.
The best time to visit
Nyang Nyang Beach is during the season from April to October. You should avoid the season because the path can be treacherous.
Getting there
To get to the beach, you should follow the signs from Pura Luhur Uluwatu. Park your car at the top of the cliff. Pro tip: It is an idea to go on a weekday morning because even this remote beach can get a few visitors by midday.
2. Green Bowl Beach, Ungasan
This beach is hidden beneath the cliffs of the Ungasan peninsula in South Bali. To get to the beach you have to walk about 300 steps cut into the cliff face, which takes around 10 minutes. The beach is a cove with very soft sand surrounded by rocky walls.
At tide, you can see sea caves and shallow pools along the cliff base, and the snorkeling is very good. The beach gets its name from the sea urchins that gather in the rock pools. You should be careful with your snacks because there are monkeys that live in the area.
The stairs to the beach keep the crowds away so you can have a sense of paradise. On weekdays, you will only see a few other people on the beach.
The best time to visit
Green Bowl Beach is at tide when you can see the sea caves and snorkel in the pools. You should check the tide tables before you go.
Getting there
To get to the beach you can look for the entrance near the Ayana Resort in Ungasan. Bring: You should bring water shoes, plenty of drinking water and sun protection because there is no shade on the beach.
3. Bias Tugel Beach, Padangbai
This beach is a gem on the east coast of Bali. While many travelers pass through Padangbai on their way to Lombok and the Gili Islands not many people know about this hidden cove.
Bias Tugel Beach is a crescent of white sand between two rocky headlands. The water is a turquoise color and it is calmer and clearer than the main beach in Padangbai. The snorkeling around the edges of the cove is very good with a healthy coral reef and many fish.
To get to the beach you have to walk along a path over the headland through a small neighborhood and past a Hindu shrine. The contrast between the ferry port and the tranquillity of the beach is like magic.
There is a food stall on the beach that sells cold drinks and grilled fish. You can stop for a beer and a plate of fish as the sun sets over the headland.
Best time to visit
Year-round, though the sea is calmest in the dry season. Mornings are quieter.
Getting there
From Padangbai harbour, walk east along the main beach and follow the path over the headland. Keep an eye out for the small sign — it's easy to miss.
Combine with
A visit to Blue Lagoon Beach, just around the next headland, for a full day of coastal exploration in East Bali.
4. Gunung Payung Beach, Kutuh
This beach is a gem near Uluwatu and it is not well known even among locals. The beach is in a cove surrounded by big limestone cliffs that rise 50 meters above the shore.
To get to the beach you have to walk down a concrete staircase that takes around 15 minutes. The sand is coarse and gold the waves are strong and the setting feels wild and remote. The cliffs have arches and overhangs that are great for photography, especially in the late afternoon.
Gunung Payung Beach is not a place for swimming because the waves can be strong and the current unpredictable.. It is a great place to sit and watch the Indian Ocean with a thermos of coffee and a sense of being at the edge of the world.
There are no facilities on the beach, a small parking area at the top of the cliff and sometimes a local selling coconuts. This is part of the beachs charm because you can bring what you need and leave nothing behind.
Best time to visit
Late afternoon for the golden light on the cliffs. Clear dry-season days offer the best visibility.
Getting there
Head towards Kutuh village from the Uluwatu area. Look for signs to 'Gunung Payung Cultural Beach.' The entrance is marked by a small car park.
Note
A small entrance fee (typically under $2 USD) is collected by the local village — this goes directly to maintaining the stairs and the surrounding area.
5. Yeh Leh Beach, Jembrana
This beach is a gem on the west coast of Bali far from the tourist areas. If you want to go that is not crowded with tourists you should drive west past Tabanan and the Tanah Lot temple and into the Jembrana Regency.
Yeh Leh Beach is a stretch of black volcanic sand backed by dense jungle and facing the Java Strait. The waves are strong and consistent making it a great place for surfers.. Even if you do not surf you will find the beach mesmerizing, with its raw energy and beautiful scenery.
The fishing village of Yeh Leh is behind the beach and the locals are welcoming and curious. You can stay in a homestay and experience Balinese village life.
Best time to visit
Dry season for easier road travel. Sunset on the black sand is spectacular year-round.
Getting there
From Seminyak, take the main road west through Mengwi and Tabanan, continuing along the coast through Negara towards Jembrana. Follow signs towards Yeh Leh village.
Stay overnight
The journey makes a day trip rushed. Several family-run homestays in the village offer simple, clean rooms and home-cooked Balinese food at very local prices.
Practical Tips for Visiting Bali’s Hidden Beaches
These beaches are secret for a reason. That is why we have to be responsible and keep them that way. Here are a few things to keep in mind when you visit Balis hidden beaches:
* Go early in the morning or go late in the afternoon. The people who do find these beaches usually arrive in the middle of the morning and leave by the middle of the afternoon. If you go early or late you will almost always be alone on the beach.
* Bring everything you need with you. Most of these beaches do not have any facilities like shops or restaurants. So pack everything you need before you leave your villa.
* Respect the path that takes you to the beach. Many of Balis hidden beaches are accessed via paths or staircases. Wear shoes that have grip and go slowly when you are walking down. Never try to go down when it's wet if you are not feeling confident.
* Leave no trash on the beach. The reason these beaches are so beautiful is because they have not been spoiled. Take all your trash with you when you leave. The people who live near these beaches will thank you. The beaches will still be beautiful for the next person who visits.
* Check the conditions of the sea before you go swimming. Bali's south and west coasts can have currents and big waves. Swim where it is safe and do not go in the water if you are not sure it is safe.
Stay in Balis Most Beautiful Locations with OriVista.
At OriVista, we have over 52 luxury villas in Seminyak, Canggu, Ubud and Uluwatu. Our villas are in the location to give you access to all of Balis famous places and its hidden beaches. Our villas are not just places to sleep they are bases from which you can explore the island with the help of people and genuine hospitality.
Whether you want a retreat in Uluwatu that is close to Nyang Nyang Beach, a villa in Canggu from which you can explore the west coast or a sanctuary in Ubud where you can balance your beach days with walks in the rice terraces and visits to temples, our team is here to help you plan your trip to Bali.
The beaches are the beginning. Bali has secret places, hidden temples and untouched landscapes that most visitors do not get to see. The difference between a holiday and an unforgettable experience is knowing where to look.
