Top Beaches to Visit in Bali

Bali, a wonderful vacation spot with some superb beaches of white silky sand here we will take a trip round some of the beaches that I think are worth making the effort to visit.

Pasir Putih

This beach is straight from a postcard, crescent in shape, fringed with coconut trees and boasting perfect white sand. In fact Pasir Putih means 'white sand'.

Pasir Putih has a row of thatched beach warung and cafes where you can get some delicious grilled fish for little money, and of course iced Bintang (Indonesia's national beer).

The surf here is often mellow so be sure to bring your own snorkeling gear.

You would think that this beach would be over crowded with all that it has to offer but that is not the case thanks to its difficult access.

To find Pasir Putih you need to look for signs that say either 'JL Pasir Putih' or 'Virgin Beach Club' these will be situated close to the village of Perasi.

From the signs turn off the main road and follow an attractive paved track that will lead to a temple.

Here locals will charge a fee of 5000 Rp. At this point you can park and walk down a gently sloping hill or drive a further 600m along road which really has no right to be called such.

You will now have reached the beach and can lay back and enjoy.

There are no worries that this beach will be further commercialized as all fees collected are spent on schools and medicine.

Kuta Beach

It is the waves that break on this beach that have put Kuta on the map. The Kuta beach is the scene for chilling, massaging, playing and surfing.

This wonderful stretch of sand that is wide and curving is a place that visitors and locals can both enjoy. If you find yourself here make a point of going to the beach at sunset for more fun and frolics.

Balangan Beach

Balangan Beach is the first of a string of beaches that run along the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula south to Ulu Watu.

This beach is a real gem. Set at the base of cliffs with palm trees for shade the sand here is almost white.

At the north end of Balangan beach you will find a small temple, the Pura Dalem Balangan and at the other end there are some surfer shacks that rent out loungers and serve drinks.

Nusa Lembongan

It is here that you will find white beaches and the kind of vibe that all travelers cherish. If you only make one excursion whilst in Bali then I would possibly say be sure to come here.

This is the Bali of the imagination with simple rooms on the beach, inexpensive beers, amazing sunsets and incredible diving and surfing.

Just as an aside it is the seaweed growers of Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida that are to be applauded for the thickening agent that is used in ice-cream and some cheeses. As well as a fat substitute in some diet foods.

Gili Island Beaches

Many an unsuspecting traveler has hopped over from Bali to the Gili Islands and have found it difficult to leave. Maybe it's because of the coral reefs that teem with rays, sharks and friendly turtles or it could be just to wallow in the warm turquoise waters.

Whatever the reason the Gili Islands will welcome you with open arms.

Take a few days and stay and relax in a stylish beach bungalow.

Tip - For a really quiet and chilled out break stay on Gili Meno, the middle, smallest and quietest of the Gili islands.

Source: Bali and Lombok - The lonely Planet