The tropical paradise of Bali is the perfect destination for beach lovers: volcanic sand, white sand beaches, and hidden beaches are all over the island.
Unfortunately, some beaches in Bali suffer from plastic and trash being washed onshore during the rainy season, like Jimbaran Beach, as well as some nasty things present in the waters, like Echo Beach.
To know where to go and avoid such beaches while vacationing in Bali, follow our ultimate Bali beach guide.
The beaches in Bali that made it to this list have certain standards of beach cleanliness: clean waters, clean sand, clean beach areas, and the marine life is taken care of.
For your convenience, we also grouped them by popular areas: South Bali (where Canggu is), Uluwatu, East Bali, North Bali, and smaller islands close to Bali.
Cleanest Beaches In South Bali
Berawa Beach (Canggu Beach)
Home to the world’s best beach club – FINNS, Berawa Beach is diligently kept clean with daily beach cleaning organized by the beach club team.
In addition, anyone can join community beach clean-ups every Friday morning. All of that contributes to the fact that Berawa Beach is probably the cleanest beach on the South coast between Kuta Beach and West Bali beaches, and also the prime spot to drink cocktails and watch the sunset on the comfiest sun loungers.
The long strip of soft sand is perfect for walking, jogging, and relaxing.
Pasut Beach
Black sand beach with towering palm trees and fewer crowds, a hidden gem of the West Coast.
The beach is wide and the shore is still green and preserved with much less development compared to touristy beaches in Bali.
It is a perfect spot for a photoshoot too so bring your nice dress to take pictures during sunset. No entrance fees.
Cleanest Beaches In East Bali
Amed Beach
One of the best beaches in Bali for snorkelling to see tropical fish and marine life right from the shore. There are technically many beaches in Amed: Jemeluk Bay Beach and Lipah Beach are quite famous, but anywhere in Amed is good for enjoying clean waters.
it is a long coastal strip lined with fishing boats, cliffs, hills, villas and simple eateries.
Many of them will offer snorkelling gear for just 50,000 IDR (5 AUD). All the beaches in Amed are free.
Pasir Putih Beach (Virgin Beach)
A clean beach near Candidasa fishermen village on the East coast where you can relax on a sun lounger without crowds completely surrounded by old palm trees.
It is one of the nicest white beaches of all the beaches in Bali where you can enjoy snorkelling or swimming in turquoise waters from the shore. After the swim, you can enjoy a simple lunch at an oceanfront cafe.
There is an entrance fee of 10,000 IDR (0.9 AUD).
Nusa Dua Beach
Nusa Dua Beach’s cleanliness benefits from being lined with 5-star resorts and luxury hotels. They all make sure that the white sand beach stays pristine and well-maintained.
It is a family-friendly beach with calm waves and shallow waters by the shore.
But, Nusa Dua Beach is actually a collective name for a few beaches in the area, not are equally nice to swim. Pura Geger beach would be the best destination for a beach day, while Serangan beach is not great for swimming.
Pura Geger Beach
Geger Beach, part of the Nusa Dua beach strip, is probably one of the cleanest beaches in Bali with transparent blue waters that are great for swimming, even for kids. During low tide, the waters expose rocks and sand, and the water level is perfect for dipping your toes.
It is located in between St Regis and Mulia resorts and if you’re staying in one of these, you will be lucky to enjoy food and drinks in one of the beachfront restaurants.
Despite the location being in the luxe resort area, the sun loungers with umbrellas are still around 50,000 IDR (5 AUD). Don’t forget to save an extra 5,000 IDR (0.5 AUD) for the entrance fee.
Sanur Beach
A 5 km paved beachfront walking path alongside golden sands with a touch of sea breeze – this is Sanur! A bit busier and much simpler beach experience than Nusa Dua, but still, very enjoyable.
Lots of kids, dogs, families, and tourists. You can chill, jog, come early to see the sunrise (which is unique for East Coast beaches) or come in the afternoon to hit the night food market after the beach.
Although Sanur Beach is on the East Coast, sometimes the waters are a bit choppy for snorkelling or swimming.
Bias Tugel Beach
Bias Tugel is one of the nicest beaches in Bali that is still sort of hidden from the crowds. It is one of the smallest beaches in Bali too – only a 130-meter sandy stretch along the blue ocean waters. The soft golden sand is mixed up with huge volcanic rocks and turquoise waters that add to the scene.
There is also a 10,000 IDR (0.9 AUD) entrance fee and a little 5-minute walk to get to the beach.
As the beach is located right before Padang Bai port, you can visit it on your way to the boat trip or when coming back.
Even though the beach is harder to reach than some other beaches around, there will be lots of local vendors with sarongs and little things and sun loungers.
Blue Lagoon Beach
Another semi-secret beach near Padang Bai, after the port area. It is one of the most popular areas for snorkelling as it has beautiful underwater coral reefs and vibrant marine life.
The beach itself is down a little cliff, not hard to access, and there will be a relatively small white sand strip to relax. On both sides of the beach entrance, there are simple cafes to grab a snack or a cold coconut.
If you have time, go up the hill to see the temples and admire the panorama of the beach and clear ocean waters.
Keramas Beach
Lesser-known right-hand surf break on the East coast, just 40 minutes driving from Denpasar. It is a stunning 10-km black sand beach with pretty much no one except some locals and curious expats. Tourists very rarely even know about this beach!
It is conveniently located not far away from the fantastic Sababay Winery, where you can enjoy some wine tasting before or after soaking up some sun.
As it is a surf break, while the beach is amazingly clean, it is not good for swimming. The waters often change colour from blue to emerald green – a very scenic spot!
Cleanest Beaches in Uluwatu & Bukit Peninsula
Gunung Payung Beach
Pantai Gunung Payung or Gunung Payung Beach is a destination for water sports, kayaking, and parasliding. It is a small clean white beach with rocks and cliffs stepping right into the water.
You can rent a sunbed with an umbrella to chill. If you are into water sports, renting a kayak is fairly cheap – 50,000 IDR (5 AUD) per hour. There are people here but not a lot, and the atmosphere is really peaceful.
To reach it you need to walk around 500 m of stairs down from the parking lot or you can jump on a shuttle that will take you right to the beach. The entrance fee is around 11,000 IDR (1 AUD) and the shuttle service is paid as well – 25,000 IDR (2.5 AUD) per person one way.
Balangan Beach
One of the most sought-after surfing breaks in Uluwatu. Beautiful narrow white sand beach with clear water. Even though Balangan is so incredibly popular, it remains one of the cleanest beaches in Bali.
The beach is not good for swimming, but you can chill in one of the simple local eateries perched along the beach, or read a book on a rented sun lounger. The parking fee is around 10,000 IDR (0.9 AUD) and there is no additional entrance fee.
It is an extremely pretty beach, especially if you hike up the cliffs surrounding it to get a panoramic view. And the waters are always turquoise and clean.
Green Bowl Beach
Green Bowl is a secluded beach on the southern coast that is separated from the top of the cliff by some 300 stairs with sometimes missing railings. The beach itself is quite small, just sandwiched between the cliffs, but its white sand and waters are super clean and refreshing.
Not suitable for swimming due to very strong currents, ok, but not very popular for surfing, and best for just exploring the caves, taking pictures, and catching a colourful sunset. There are not many options for food and drinks here, though.
The beach is hard to access during high tide, so please check the tide level before coming. Another thing to consider is curious wild monkeys. Don’t leave valuable things on the bike or hanging from pockets.
There are small parking fees (2,000-7,000 IDR/0.2-0.7 AUD) and an entrance fee of 5,000 IDR (0.5 AUD) to get to the Green Bowl beach.
Bingin Beach
It is one of the most popular beaches, with towering cliffs and surrounded by greenery. Despite the fact that there are lots of people, the beach remains one of the cleanest beaches in Bali for surfing.
The cliff is sprinkled with all sorts of villas, small hotels, souvenir shops, and surfboard rentals and to get down to the beach you need to get through the maze (and stairs). The scenic Bingin Beach will be well worth it.
We really encourage you to go down before sunset time, find a good spot, enjoy the sun going down and go up the stairs before it is completely dark. It would be the best time to visit this beach.
There is no entrance fee but you will have to pay for parking (around 5,000 IDR/0.5 AUD).
Melasti Beach
1-km long stunning Melasti beach is well known for its white sand, limestone cliffs, Balinese temples and ceremonial processions and also as a photoshoot spot. Everything is clean and well-preserved.
Unlike many other beaches in Uluwatu, you don’t need to climb up or down the stairs – the parking is right by the beach.
Due to its popularity, though, this beach is much more developed and you will find many pricey beach bars with pools and music.
The entrance fee is 10,000 IDR (0.9 AUD) per person plus you will likely have to pay for parking. We do recommend coming on your own bike or car since getting the taxi back from the beach can be challenging and often priced 2-3 times more than the ride to the beach.
Kubu Beach
Kubu Beach doesn’t get crowded as many people assume, by mistake, that it is a private beach of the AYANA resort. It is not the case, and while, of course, you can still check out the ROCK bar, you don’t have to stay at the resort to go to Kubu Beach.
It is one of these clean small white sand beaches with rocks sticking out of the turquoise waters. For guests of the resort, the sun loungers and beach towels are completely free. Plus, there are always lifeguards on duty, unlike many other Bali beaches.
You will have to either walk down the stairs or use the elevator (if you are staying at the resort and can provide a room number). There is no entrance fee.
Pandawa Beach
Similar to Melasti, Pandawa Beach is harboured by tall limestone cliffs, and is perfect for lounging, dipping toes into warm blue waters, and sunbathing on a rented lounger.
There are seafood restaurants, activities like canoeing or parasliding, and mischievous monkeys at Pandawa Beach.
The most iconic attractions though are the entrance to the beach, between two towering cliffs, and the Mahabharata statues – Pandawa is the name of the heroes from the Hindu epic and it gave the name to the beach.
The entrance fee is 10,000-15,000 IDR (0.9-1.5 AUD) but if you also want to access the cliffs, there is an additional charge of 25,000 IDR (2.5 AUD).
Nyang-Nyang Beach (Nunggalan Beach)
One of the most scenic beaches and cliffs in Bali but only true beach lovers go here since the trek down the cliff is rather challenging and is not always well-maintained.
The large white sand beach stretches along the cliffs and during low tide, hundreds of rocks and tiny tide pools are exposed to explore algae, rock formation and some marine life.
There are sunbeds available for only 50,000 IDR (5 AUD), as well as public showers and toilets (also paid). Sometimes you can be charged a 5,000 IDR (0.5 AUD) entrance fee.
And if you don’t want to walk down the cliff, you may use the services of some local drivers who will get you down for 25,000 IDR (2.5 AUD) or more, the price is up to negotiation.
Padang Padang
Padang Padang is a popular clean semi-hidden beach for surfing into crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean that became popular after the Eat, Pray, Love movie released in 2010.
Stunning scenery worth a couple of pictures but you won’t be able to fully relax at Padang Padang – it is busy with surfers, surf schools, rentals, curious tourists, and wild monkeys.
There is an entrance fee of 15,000 IDR (1,5 AUD). To reach the beach you need to walk down the stairs between the cliffs.
Dreamland Beach (New Kuta Beach)
Bingin Beach’s neighbour with impeccable beach cleanliness despite crowds, Dreamland Beach, also called New Kuta Beach, is a very popular destination for any beach lover who visited Bali at least once.
The beach has a well-known surf break, cafes, and lots of sun loungers available. Avoid visiting the beach after a big storm, as the water will wash onshore debris, tree trunks, and fishing nets – not to worry though, it gets cleaned up pretty quickly.
A small entrance fee of 5,000-10,000 (less than 1 AUD) is necessary to get to the Dreamland beach.
Suluban Beach
Hidden gem in the Bukit peninsula with a stunning cave entrance that you can explore during low tide. It has recently been on many beach guides and it is becoming more and more popular, without sacrificing its cleanliness though.
There are several ways you can access the beach but not much to do once you’re down on the sand besides exploring while the tide allows.
Not suitable for swimming, and we wouldn’t recommend bringing small children, however, there are always quite a few surfers catching waves.
Cleanest Beaches in North Bali
Lovina Beach
The ultimate destination for swimming with dolphins, Lovina Beach is a quiet, clean beach up north.
It may not be the prettiest as it has brownish soft sand and a less scenic background, but it is still a cool spot to walk, grab local lunch, snorkel, watch the sunset or sunbathe. The water on the northern coast is often calm, so you can go for a swim as well.
Pemuteran Beach
If you’re into snorkelling, kayaking, and scuba diving, Pemuteran Beach in Bali is probably one of the best beaches to go to – it is less crowded, with amazing marine life, coral reefs, and hot springs resorts nearby.
North-West Bali has its own charm and you can also swing by the only National Park in Bali if you decide to visit this beach.
The calm waters are light to dark blue and the sand is light brown, which can be why this beach doesn’t often make the list of the best beaches, but the beach cleanliness is definitely one of the best on the island.
Cleanest Beaches on Islands Close To Bali
Nusa islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan) are just a short boat ride from Bali’s port and they do have some aces up their sleeves. The beaches are white sand beaches with bright blue waters, lots of stunning landscapes, surfing, and calm vibes.
Kelingking Beach, Nusa Penida
This beach is often known only for the T-Rex cliff and is explored just from the top. And for a good reason. Even though it is probably the cleanest beach on the island, to get down you need to use 400-m zig-zagging stairs with unreliable bamboo railings and it will take you more than 40 minutes to get down and more than 1.5 hr to return.
More to it, the currents are so strong if you get down during high tide, the waves can pull you in.
On the bright side, there is an elevator being built, so we will soon be able to safely enjoy this hidden beach! There is a parking and entrance fee, and a fair share of tourists here, so we highly recommend going early in the morning.
Crystal Bay, Nusa Penida
Crystal clear waters of the Crystal Bay are what gave the name to this beach. It is not only clean and beautiful, but a starting point for a few scuba diving spots where you can see eels, tropical fish, manta rays, and reefs.
The beach is rather small but there are sunbeds, umbrellas, and local eateries to grab a coconut. Another big plus is that the access to this beach is much easier than most beaches in Nusa Penida. There is no entrance fee, but a small parking fee (5,000 IDR/0.5 AUD).
Atuh Beach & Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida
A natural attraction on the far end of Nusa Penida with a huge offshore rock formation you can reach and long stairs leading to a pristine soft white sand beach. Much easier to reach than Kelinging Beach, yet still a challenging hike.
Once at the beach, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views, inviting sun loungers and cafes.
Right next to Atuh, there is another popular beach in Nusa Penida – Diamond Beach. We grouped them together as they have the same entrance and the fee (25,000-35,000 IDR/2.5-3 AUD) covers both beautiful beaches. The parking fee is paid separately (5,000 IDR/0.5 AUD)
Mushroom Bay Beach, Nusa Lembongan
A small beach in Nusa Lembongan, a bay, with Bali Hai bamboo huts on the shore, green hills on one side and fishing boats on the horizon on the other.
Very quiet and romantic beach, clean and well taken care of. The waters change from turquoise to emerald green but are often quite rough to swim.
Pantai Pasir Putih (White Sand Beach), Nusa Lembongan
This long white sand beach with palm trees is one of the best sunset views and loads of unique shells washed onshore. If you love collecting them you will be able to find rare and big items for your collection.
There are a few resorts and cafes around or you can stay right on the beach.
FAQs
Where Is The Bluest Water In Bali?
Virgin Beach, Bingin Beach, Geger Beach, Bias Tugel Beach, and Nyang Nyang have the clearest and bluest waters in Bali. To be honest, most beaches in Bali have nice blue waters, especially in the Uluwatu area.
Which Beach In Bali Has White Sand?
There are more than 25 white sand beaches in Bali that are worth visiting for sunbathing, surfing, or chilling. Among the most popular ones: are Nusa Dua Beach, Melasti, Padang Padang, Virgin Beach, and beaches on Nusa islands next to Bali.
Is Seminyak Beach Safe To Swim?
Seminyak beach in Bali is not a safe nor ideal beach for swimming, it is only good for beginners in surfing learning with surf schools to catch a few first waves.
Which Side Of Bali Has The Best Beaches?
If you’re looking for the best beaches with entertainment and a world-class beach club – the south coast has the best beaches. But if you like calm waters and black sand beaches, East Bali beaches will be better for you. Uluwatu side of Bali has the most beautiful beaches in Bali if you like cliffs and are a confident surfer.
Are Bali Beaches Swimmable?
The majority of beaches in Bali are not swimmable, especially on the South Coast. Beaches in East Bali, Nusa Dua Beach, and some beaches in North Bali are good beaches for swimming and snorkelling when the waters are calm.
Beaches in Bali like Amed Beach, Virgin Beach, Sanur Beach, and Nusa Dua Beach are good to swim year-round.
Final Thoughts On The Cleanest Beaches In Bali
Don’t trust anyone saying that all of Bali’s beaches are not nice or clean! There are dozens of amazing white sand beaches and volcanic black sand beaches that are clean, and well-maintained, with cozy beach bars and sun beds for rent.
Bali’s southern coast may be the most popular, but if you have time to explore the island you will find soft white sand, gentle waves, and pristine beaches up north, down in Uluwatu, or along the East coast.
Remember, that Bali doesn’t technically have private beaches, so the effort of the village, conscious tourists and expats combined is what makes the difference.