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The Best Hidden Beach In Bali. Don’t tell everyone…

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Updated: 24th October 2016

I’ve written before about the good and the bad of Bali, which I discovered whilst living there. But today, I’m finally giving away my biggest secret: the hidden beaches, which I think are the best in Bali.

Driving on dirt tracks, climbing down steep stairs and dashing through trees of monkeys – I’ve done all the hard work to hunt down the prime ‘beach estate’, which usually I only shared with my dogs, a few local fishermen and perhaps one or two other regular beach addicts.

I’ll start by saying that if you don’t have a scooter or the inclination to climb down tonnes of steps to get to the perfect sands, then you should still stick to the Nusa Dua area for your beach escape.

With postcard-style beaches and crystal clear waters, it’s the best Bali location for your beach vacation. It is far superior to the stretch between Kuta and Seminyak that so many people think is the be-all and end-all of this island’s golden sands.

Even when I was living up in the village, I would regularly head down to the BTDC complex with its luxury resort for a sundowner cocktail or two. My favourite early evening boozing spot was the Grand Hyatt Bali, with two awesome bars overlooking its perfect beach. One is around the pool (no one seems to mind if you take a cheeky dip), as well as the rooftop/garden vibe of Salsa Verde. Check the website for more details or to see if they currently have one of their regular sales on room rates.

If you don’t fancy a hotel in this part of the island, it is also home to some of the best Bali private villas with swimming pools, which means more privacy when you retire from the beautiful beaches that the Bukit is known for. 

The Best beach in Bali

For anyone who does have access to a scooter and the inclination to find the perfect place to spend a day lounging on the sand and taking a dip, here it is.

Be sure to pack a few coconuts and your own towels; there are no vendors to be found here – but look at those waters…

My favourites: Blues + Dog Walks!

You want to leave the main BTDC and Nusa Dua complex and drive towards my old village of Sawangan. Once on the main road, drive up the hill past The Mulia (check out the views from the top) and continue until you get past The Ritz-Carlton. My favourite beach used to be nestled down the cliff here, but there have been two new hotels built here now, which have taken it from empty beauty to luxury crowds.

Keep driving along Jalan Nusa Dua South until you hit Gunmung Payung, turn left here and keep going until you hit the stairs of Pantai Beach (Google Maps Location here). This is by far my favourite beach in Bali, if the tide is low you can walk around the coves either side and find your own hideaway, the perfect coral break keeps the water perfectly still but remember, there is no one around you so keep safe with your swimming!

There are a few other beaches along this road down dirt tracks and stairs, which are similarly deserted and picturesque, so drive along and find your favourite. Hotels or beach clubs have taken over many and try to charge a crazy cover for you to enjoy the crystal clear waters, so do as we locals do and find your own! If you want to find true remote paradise, though, then jump on a flight or boat to discover the best of Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park: one the most stunning places you will ever see.

One other beach that is worth a photo-shot stop is Melasti Beach, with its towering white cliff it looks mighty impressive if you swim out and look back on it.

Are you a surfer? Geger Beach, nearby, is a great place to catch some surf.

Bali Best Hidden Beach

Other Nearby Beaches & Islands to Check Out

The Gili Island Beaches, although famed for their turtles, clear sands and crystal waters, in my opinion, are only slightly superior to some of these incredible hidden beaches around the Bukit area. Lombok also has some peaceful beach spots ad the added bonus of impressive waterfalls in the north of Lombok island.

The Island of Nusa Penida, however, which is only 30/40 minutes by boat from Bali, is a day trip you should certainly take for the beaches, even if you are staying in Nusa Dua.

Whatever you do – don’t head to Kuta and then leave complaining about the Bali beaches. You will be missing out…

6 replies
  1. Sal says:

    I visited Bali..which has amazing beaches. But never thought about the beaches you have mentioned. Will plan my trip to Bali again to see these beaches.

  2. saliha says:

    Just read page and have added you on inst. my husband and i are going on a 6 month delayed honeymoon to Bali next week, reading your information was just what i needed so thanks!

  3. Robert says:

    Looks absolutely beautiful. Love discovering new out of the way places. Hope to visit Bali very soon! Thanks for the travel inspiration and great photos! Glad I found this on Pinterest :)

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