Bali beaches are indeed decked with heaps of beauty. Unfortunately, most of the beaches are very crowded due to the number of visitors seems to go up every year. This can be a bit disheartening for those who always prefer having an elbow room whenever they are out for vacation. However, we can always look a bit harder and a little off-the-beaten-path to discover under-the-radar beach destinations.
Tegal Wangi Beach, Jimbaran
This beach is very popular for pre-wedding and after-wedding photo shoots. A cliff is on the beach, wherefrom the top, one can appreciate the clear blue water as the curling waves hit the beach below. Most of those who have visited this beach have magnetically been drawn back to the beautiful waters that appear painted in blue as well as the coral reef undertones. And with some two ‘ocean Jacuzzis’ that directly face to the ocean mimicking gestures of welcoming the glorious waves, it is a fantastic place that you can’t escape the pull it exerts. The beach is reachable through a paved road just next to the Ayana Resort & Spa. Advisable to come before 4PM as these are the times when the beach looks simple and more pristine.
Nyang Nyang Beach, Uluwatu
Do you like a white and clean beach? One that you see on photos and postcards? Then you should visit this beach! Nyang Nyang Beach is located in the Bukit Peninsula, which is in the southern region of Bali. From Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu it is approximately a one to one-and-a-half hour journey by bike to the nearest parking lot at Nyang Nyang Beach. The parking lot is near an accommodation called Villa Sol y Mar. From there it’s a 30-minute hike through a sandy, steep, and rugged terrain to the beach. It’s worth it because, after that, you will be rewarded by a white sand beach with few or no people, and also breathtaking views of the pristine coastline. So take a whole day off, and visit this beautiful white beach.
Green Bowl Beach
Going 15 minutes north from Jimbaran, not far from the famous Pandawa Beach, you will discover Green Bowl Beach. The beach can easily be accessed from Ungasan as there are signboards all over this town directing people to the beach. The only reason why Green Bowl Beach doesn’t attract large crowds is because of the relatively long and arduous path that leads down to the beach. Not many people would want to have a long walk these days. But for the ardent off-the-beaten-path-beach enthusiasts, walking is by no doubt a worthy course. Upon conquering the hundreds of steps that lead down to the beach, the experience down there will be rewarding. Expect to enjoy some of the cleanest beach experiences, albeit the rockiness of the beach. Green Bowl Beach is best enjoyed when there are no tides or even at times when the tides are going down. At such times when the tides are going down, the waves recede like a curtain that uncovers the magical surface sand of the beach. Braving the dark to have a night view of the beach will not disappoint you.
Gunung Payung Beach, Ungasan
This beach located near Nusa Dua is quite hidden and unknown. Gunung Payung beach takes its name from a Balinese Hindu temple complex of the same name Pura Dhang Kahyangan Gunung Payung on the clifftop. Only a few tourists discover this beach, although it’s so perfect. The only thing you can do here is hanging out in the sand and swim because there are no further activities, restaurants or bars here. Therefore, it’s good to bring your drinking water and perhaps some snacks with you once you get down here. From Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu it is approximately a half-hour journey by bike.
Bingin Beach, Pecatu
This is one of those beaches that you will need to make an extra effort to get to. To reach the beach, from the parking area you still have to walk 15 minutes down the stairs in a narrow alley surrounded by trees. Many visitors find it difficult to trace the exact location even on their second and third visits. Probably this is the primary reason behind the less number of people visits the beach. Bingin Beach is famously known for its ever-evolving scenes. Around the beach are some unconventionally stylish lodgings offering you the antique experience you probably are seeking for.
Virgin beach, Karangasem
Not only can you find the perfect beaches in the south. Take this beautiful beach in the east for example. This beach gives your holiday that little bit extra. Although it’s not a white beach, this beach is worth a visit. From Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu it’s approximately a two-hour journey by bike to Virgin Beach. It’s a perfect not crowded beach to hang out with friends. Best things to do at Virgin beach Bali is playing with the sand, swimming, and snorkelling, you can hire snorkel equipment here. You must be aware of the natural environment here. The sea sometimes can get rough. So in the sea, you need to be careful. Sunbeds and umbrellas are rented out here by a few cafes.
Blue Lagoon Beach
Travelling a bit further to the east of Bali, Close to Padangbai harbour, Blue Lagoon Beach can also be described as a hidden paradise. Ensure you are prepared to pass a short steep hill before reaching at the destination. Blue Lagoon Beach is characterised with cleanliness, with its water being quite sheer thus making it easy for one to see whatever is underneath. The water is warm with the marine life being abundant for you to appreciate. Be ready to see shoals of black fish having tails that resemble spanner heads and you can also be lucky enough to see leopard-print coat fish or some cleverly camouflaged creatures that do hide in the reef crevices. The Blue Lagoon Beach’s coastline does border a coral garden, where visitor have the opportunity to snorkel among the beautiful psychedelic fish.
Bias Tugel Beach
While you are at Padangbai harbour, you may also want to stop by at Bias Tugel Beach. Same as Blue Lagoon Beach with its crystal blue water, this off-the-grid beach remains unseen because the location is somewhat concealed, hidden by big cliffs. To reach the site, be prepared to walk about 10 minutes via a steep and rocky path from the parking lot. The stretch of white sandy beach from a distance will pay all your efforts straight away. The natural life under the water is still very unspoiled, making it perfect for snorkelling or diving. Swimming is allowed, but make sure you are aware of the strong current. For that reason, kids must not be left out of sight. The beach is so clean that you can comfortably bask in the sun without the eyesore of litter cluttering your view. The blue water and the verdant green of the trees on the cliffs separated by the warm yellow hue of the sands is a sight to behold. The wind mixed with the smell of the ocean and the scent of the trees creates an intoxicating perfume.
Balian Beach, Tabanan
Another undiscovered gem, this time in the west, is this black beach. If you are looking for a nice, quiet and relaxing day, then you’ve come to the right place. This is also the perfect place for surfers who don’t want to be interrupted by a dozen other surfers while trying to catch the perfect wave without causing accidents. Are you still a beginner? No worries, you can take surfing lessons here at Balian Surf Camp – a community-owned and operated bungalow and restaurant, with a bar situated right on the beach on the north side of the Balian River. From Kuta, Seminyak or Canggu it’s approximately a one to one-and-a-half hour journey by bike to Balain Beach.
Crystal Bay Beach
On the neighbouring island of Nusa Penida, you can escape to Crystal Bay Beach. Of course, the first thing you need to do is to cross the island via fast boat from Padangbai harbour or Sanur Beach. From the port of Nusa Penida, it takes you about 30 minutes’ drive to the west to reach at the beach. Named because of its crystal-clear waters, visitors are guaranteed of enjoying beautiful views of this rocky and bay island. The beach is a diver’s paradise and much visited by professional divers across the world, thus expect to see many dive boats on the waters with others being anchored all over. If you don’t dive, you can still have the opportunity to snorkel some of Indonesia’s best coral reefs teaming with tropical marine life.
No matter which corner of the island you look at, there are still plenty of secluded beaches just waiting to be explored. However, you may find these lesser-known beaches mentioned above useful for your next trip. At the end of the day, whichever beach you would finally end up, a little sand between your toes always takes away your woes.
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