The best beach for diving
Since most of the beaches on the island of Bali have such incredible swells and waves, this does not make them ideal for snorkelling. However, if you travel to the east of the island to Padangbai, you will find three paradisiacal white sand beaches and calm and transparent waters. This sleepy fishing village does not attract as many visitors, which means that the beaches are usually calm and peaceful. Bloo Lagoon Beach, located near the Bloo Lagoon eco-resort just over the hill to the left, has the best snorkeling, with calm, clear waters, scattered rocks, and coral. Among the marine life, you can expect to see Napoleon Wrasse, reef sharks, stonefish, moray eels, rays, squid, octopus, and blue ribbon eels. There is also a beautiful, secluded white-sand beach up the hill to the right of town, which is fringed with palm trees and is the closest thing to a tropical island paradise.
The best beach for people watching
If you are looking for a beautiful crowded beach, with lots of bars and restaurants and activities, then Seminyak is the beach for you. While the long, sandy beach isn’t as idyllic as some of the others on the island, it’s great for people-watching and attracts hundreds of tourists looking for fun in the sun. Seminyak Beach is an extension of Kuta Beach and is a long stretch of flat, packed sand with waves perfect for learning to surf or trying out a boogie board. You can stretch out on a sun lounger with a Bintang or, if you’re feeling a little more energetic, play a game of bat and ball. Seminyak beach has one of the best sunset views, so if you can afford the price, grab a cocktail and watch the sun go down from Ku De Ta, Bali’s world famous bar.
The best beach for maximum relaxation
Few backpackers have heard of this beach, but Balangan, in the south of the island, beyond Jimbaran, is one of the best to relax and forget about worries. This sandy beach is lined with palm trees and is also a great spot for experienced surfers, with crystal clear waves crashing over the coral reef. You can relax on a lounger in front of one of the beach cabanas with a banana smoothie and a view of the waves, or take a dip in one of the many natural rock pools. As the tide goes out, you can take a walk along the reef to get a closer look at the surfers in action. Balangan is a calm tropical beach that will make you feel like you are a million miles from reality.
The best beach for experienced surfers
Uluwatu, at the southern tip of Bali, is famous for its temple perched spectacularly on the cliffs. Tourists flock to Uluwatu to see the band of monkeys that run around the temple complex and to witness the traditional dance at sunset. But Uluwatu is also the most famous spot in Bali for experienced surfers and offers perfect waves during the high season when the swell is good. Pantai Suluban is protected by sheer cliffs, so on a windy day it’s perfect if you want to avoid getting sand in your eyes. Located on the cliffs, there are several warungs serving traditional Indonesian food like Nasi Goreng and banana pancakes, as well as a couple of ding repair shops and shops selling surf gear. Sit back and take in the incredible views with a spot for lunch or head down the steep steps to the pebble beach where you’ll find cool coves and rock pools.