Beach Guide: Bali, Indonesia

No matter what you look for in a beach, Bali has something to get your heart racing: wild parties, tranquil coves, stylish resorts, laid-back surf-spots, and a fascinating local culture. As you look out over the sweeping stretch of ivory sand at Kuta, it’s hard to believe that Bali has been the scene of tragic terrorist attacks. Before you make any travel plans, seek advice from your local consulate for the latest warnings and recommendations.

Several international carriers fly direct to Bali, and many of the best beaches are just a short taxi-ride from Ngurah Rai International Airport. Backpackers tend to head straight to Kuta Beach, famous for its excellent hostels and non-stop party scene. Unlike the rest of Indonesia, alcohol is readily available in Bali, so the beach-front is crammed full of bars and clubs. With its hordes of tourists and relentless street-hawkers, Kuta can feel a little trashy after a while – many travelers escape up the coast to Seminyak. Although it belongs to the same stretch of shore as Kuta, Seminyak is full of trendy cocktail bars and high-end beach resorts – the perfect place for a serious splurge.

Surfing and Diving in Bali

Uluwatu beach has slowly changed from a hidden surfers’ retreat to an up-market resort area. These days there are fewer old-school beach-hut cafes and more luxury spas, but the waves are still great. Just hire a board from any of the little surf-shops dotted across the sand, and try out Uluwatu’s legendary breaks for yourself. If surfing’s not your thing, then hire scuba gear or snorkels and check out the teeming coral rock-pools.

If you want to escape the standard Bali beach-trail, then head to Lovina, with its dark volcanic sand and calm water for swimming. Lovina is not Bali’s most beautiful beach, but experienced divers will be enthralled by the off-shore coral reefs. Hotel dive operators can bring you on a boat to the best dive-spots. It’s also a great place for dolphin-spotting. For good diving, along with a laid-back island vibe, Nusa Lembongan is well worth a visit. It can be easily reached by boat from Sanur, and strikes the right balance between isolated tranquility and a good tourist infrastructure.