8 Bali Best Swimming Beaches Around The Island

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Some of us live in cities and crave the constant ocean air. Or maybe you do have a beach close by, but you reside in a cold country, so frolicking about in icy waters is not always ideal. Some of us hail from beach towns and are constantly searching for the next best wave to surf. Whatever your reasoning, Bali is a beachside HOT SPOT. 

Even when I have lived in tropical countries in Southeast Asia, Bali’s beachy appeal never faded. And I go back again and again, as often as I can.

The island is really big, and its beaches are widespread. Plus, it is a renowned surfer’s mecca. Whilst some of the MASSIVE waves aren’t daunting for those who surf, not all of the beaches around town (not even the surfing ones) are suitable for swimming. 

That being said, there are a lot of beach options. So, how do you decide which one to check out or spend the day at–especially if you’re not around for very long? Over the years, Bali’s popularity has grown tenfold. Certain beaches once considered “hidden gems” are overrun by tourists. In my opinion, they have lost some of their original appeal/charm. So, for this list of my Bali best swimming beaches, it’s a mixture of off-the-beaten track with favorite hotspots around the island. 

P.S. The Indonesian word for beach is “pantai.” If you see a place called Pantai Balang, for example, it refers to Balang Beach. 

1. Padang Padang Beach: An Uluwatu classic  

Whilst I do enjoy a beach with loads of convenient amenities around, I absolutely hate a beach that is jam-packed to the brim with people if I am seeking a more relaxing day. And that’s usually the type of vibe I’m after when I am on holiday. 

For me, Padang Padang Beach ticks off my beach vacation bliss boxes. It’s not manic busy (but it is a popular beach, so don’t go thinking there’s no people around), and has retained a more rugged and wild feel–think turquoise waters and rocky cliffside makeup. However, it’s not completely deserted with nothing around you, so you can still grab a fresh coconut. 

Surfers constantly line the waters, and this is also where you can learn to surf. I’m a strong swimmer (and grew up in a beach town), so these kinds of waters don’t intimidate me. But if you’re not the best swimmer, there are lifeguards on site.  

P.S. There is a small entrance fee here. 

2. Pandawa Beach: Swim, chill, and play 

If about ten years ago you did an in-depth search of Bali best swimming beaches that were considered hidden gems, Pandawa Beach would pop up. It may not be so much of a secret anymore, but it’s definitely not a super touristy beach either. 

Located in the South Kuta side (officially part of the Bukit Peninsula), the natural scenery is stunning, and very much the Balinese setting you might have pictured before landing on the island…White sandy shores and rocks covered in tropical greens acting as the backdrop. 

It’s great for swimming or joining water activities, like kayaking, and the beach is clean–which means so is the water! Lining the strip behind the shoreline are some local restaurants and shops, if you’re feeling peckish or need to rehydrate. Roosterfish Beach Club is also a cool option to spend the day or even for Sunday brunch vibes, and is just slightly down from the main part of Pandawa Beach. 

Insighter tip: If you’re looking for the Bali best swimming beaches for an hour or two of swim-time, but are also keen to partake in a bunch of activities, consider exploring Pandawa Beach as part of a day tour. 

3. Karma Beach: The private beach experience  

Fun fact: Bali doesn’t allow for any ownership of private beaches. If you happen to stumble upon a spot, like Karma Beach, offering the whole “private beach” vibe, this means it’s usually a beach club (most times part of a resort), with day passes available to outside guests or day visitors. 

With multiple bars (including its Tiki and Phoenix Bars), different DJs playing every day, fabulous food options – its Samudra Ganesha restaurant is inspired by the types of spots you find in Goa, India – live music on the beach, like saxophone sessions, and, and, and…The time flies by here. Before you even know it, it’s sunset! 

Lounge about on day beds across the shore. Then stick around until evening, when there’s usually a different event or themed night happening, from beach BBQs to movie nights. Oh, and the beach itself is ideal for swimming! Plus, there are loads of activities to enjoy, from beach volleyball to SUPing. 

4. Geger Beach: Great for families  

Calmer waters and soft sands are what lie in store for any beach-goers heading down to Geger Beach – another one of my Bali best swimming beaches on this list that is a little bit out of the crazy hustle and bustle (in Nusa Dua side). 

The waters are almost always flat, which makes it ideal for families or anyone who enjoys wallowing in the waves as opposed to full-on ducking and diving under them. 

Seemingly to go on forever, the shoreline is a wonderful spot to work on your tan (umbrellas and loungers are available to rent if you need shade), read a book for hours, journal, and relax. 

5. Seminyak Beach: One of the most popular

Yes, yes, you’ve finally landed on that beach; the one with the famous image of a rainbow of beach umbrellas and colorful beanbags to match. Welcome to Seminyak Beach. It’s ALWAYS packed, especially with the young, typical Bali-hunting backpacking crowds. But if you’re after a super vibey, fun day at the beach, meeting new friends, and staying until sunset for drinks, this is THE place to be! 

Discover a whole slew of beach clubs down the Seminyak shoreline, not only just at the main beach area. Top spots include Potato Head Beach Club, Ku De Ta, and Alila Beach Club. 

Stretching on for roughly three kilometers, you can take part in all sorts of activities on the sands, from horseback rides to beach walks to yoga. In the water, go surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, on a boat ride, and more. You can learn to surf on Seminyak Beach, too. 

Discover all my favorite things to do on the beach and around the Seminyak area here. 

6. Pasir Putih: Off the beaten path 

Who’s up for an adventure? Often, when my partner and I are travelling, one of my favorite things in the world to do is go on a little day adventuring–especially if it means hopping on a scooter and driving around the island to get there, whether it’s Thailand, Indonesia, or Sri Lanka you’re talking about! 

Pasir Putih isn’t smack bang in the middle of Bali (it’s about 1.5 to two hours from Kuta side), but that’s half of the excitement for me, anyway. It’s 30 minutes from Candidasa in East Bali. Or, if you’re in Ubud, catch a local bus to Candidasa (the ride is 1.5 hours). 

The beach has garnered the nicknames ‘Virgin’ and ‘White Sand Beach’ due to just how glistening white its sands are. The moment you arrive, you feel like you’re on a tropical island far away from the world, oozing traditional Indonesian vibes. Although not much is in sight, there are local restaurants where you can feast on delicious seafood! 

7. Thomas Beach: Chilled vibes 

Another Uluwatu option, Thomas Beach, is not far down from Padang Padang Beach, and is another well-visited beach in the area. Like most of the Uluwatu beaches, it requires walking down some stairs to reach, and the beach isn’t overly massive either. 

Sun loungers and umbrellas line the small stretch, and there are some local eateries on the shore, too. 

I have to say, though, in the last year or so, many visitors have complained about the state of Thomas Beach, specifically, the amount of plastic taking over its shoreline, which is floating into the water. I am not 100% of the current state, but please, ALWAYS be mindful, and throw your trash away! 

8. Jimbaran Beach: Excellent seafood restaurants 

Jimbaran Beach in Kuta is always packed, and of all the Bali best swimming beaches, it is home to the most seafood restaurants (many of which serve beach BBQs). This reason alone is why many swarm to this beach, and it’s especially popular with locals, or other travelers from around Southeast Asian countries like Singapore and Malaysia, as well as with families. 

You’ll notice that the sand is a darker, more “golden” color in comparison to other white sand beaches, and the calm waters are excellent for swimming. 

Bars, restaurants, cafes, umbrella and lounger rentals, surf schools, and places for watersport activities are propped up along the sands. 

I know, for me, swimming, surfing, and getting involved in all sorts of fun beach activities always works up an appetite. Tuck into my list of the 9 Best Restaurants in Canggu. Then, head out for drinks afterwards. Check out the 7 Best Bars In Canggu. Or, if you’re looking for a spot to eat before your beach day begins, here are the 8 Best Cafes In Canggu.

Haven’t booked your stay yet in Bali? Treat yourself to something extra special at these 10 Unique Places, including Treehouses, Bamboo Villas, Jungle Stays & More!

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