⭐ Top 5 Bali Beaches + 🗺️ Ideal 3-Day Beach Hopping Itinerary
⭐ Top 5 Bali Beaches
| Beach Name | Location | Vibe & Key Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Kelingking Beach | Nusa Penida Island (off the SE coast of Bali) | Iconic T-Rex shaped cliff viewpoint; incredibly photogenic but difficult hike down. |
| Diamond Beach | Nusa Penida Island (off the SE coast of Bali) | Stunning white sand, turquoise water, and dramatic limestone cliffs; less crowded than Kelingking. |
| Melasti Beach | Ungasan, South Bali (near Uluwatu) | Clean, beautiful white-sand beach with dramatic cliff backdrops and good facilities/beach clubs. |
| Sanur Beach | Sanur, South Bali (East Coast) | Calm, shallow waters ideal for swimming and families, plus a paved boardwalk for walking or cycling at sunrise. |
| Pandawa Beach | Kutuh, South Bali (near Nusa Dua) | A “hidden” white-sand beach revealed after passing through carved cliffs, with calm water perfect for swimming. |
🗺️ Ideal 3-Day Beach Hopping Itinerary
This itinerary is optimized for experiencing both the stunning cliff-backed beaches of the south and the dramatic landscapes of Nusa Penida.
Day 1: Southern Bali Cliffs and Calm Waters
Focus on the accessible, family-friendly beaches and a dramatic sunset view in Southern Bali.
- Morning (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Start at Sanur Beach. Enjoy a relaxing morning walk or bike ride along the 5km boardwalk and a calm swim in the protected waters. This area is great for sunrise views.
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:30 PM): Grab lunch at one of the many local “warungs” (cafes) or restaurants along the Sanur strip.
- Afternoon (2:00 PM – 5:00 PM): Head to Pandawa Beach. Take in the unique cliff views on the drive down to the beach, then relax on the soft white sand and swim in the clear, calm water.
- Evening (5:30 PM onwards): Drive to the nearby Melasti Beach. This spot is known for its beautiful cliff-side setting and beach clubs; stay for a scenic sunset and dinner at one of the restaurants.
Day 2: Nusa Penida Island Adventure
Take a day trip to the iconic, rugged beaches of Nusa Penida. This requires an early start and a fast boat ride from Sanur Harbor (approx. 45-60 minutes).
- Morning (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Arrive on Nusa Penida and head to the famous viewpoint at Kelingking Beach (T-Rex Bay) for photos. Note: The hike down to the beach is very steep and challenging; many visitors just enjoy the view from the top.
- Lunch (12:00 PM – 1:00 PM): Have lunch at a local spot near Kelingking.
- Afternoon (1:30 PM – 4:00 PM): Visit Diamond Beach and Atuh Beach, which are near each other. Diamond Beach offers breathtaking white sand and turquoise water with a more accessible staircase down the cliff face.
- Evening: Take a late afternoon or evening fast boat back to Bali. You can opt to stay overnight on Nusa Penida for a more relaxed pace.
Day 3: Uluwatu Surfing Vibes and Hidden Coves
Explore the dramatic cliff coastlines and surf-centric atmosphere of Bali’s southwest.
- Morning (10:00 AM – 1:00 PM): Visit Padang Padang Beach, made famous by “Eat Pray Love”. It’s a beautiful, small cove with clear water for swimming and surfing.
- Lunch (1:00 PM – 2:00 PM): Have lunch at a cafe near Padang Padang or Bingin Beach.
- Afternoon (2:30 PM – 5:00 PM): Head to Bingin Beach or Suluban Beach (Blue Point Beach). These offer dramatic views from cliff-side cafes and are world-class surf spots.
- Evening (5:30 PM onwards): End your day at the iconic Uluwatu Temple to watch the stunning sunset and a traditional Kecak fire dance.