Bali’s beaches? Yeah, they’re stunning—but let’s be real, some of them are packed. You’ve seen the photos: rows of umbrellas, endless crowds, overpriced coconut stands. That’s not the Bali experience you came for. You want secluded, untouched shores, the kind where you can hear the waves instead of a DJ blasting house music. Well, good news—I’ve done the legwork, gotten lost on a scooter (more than once), and found some hidden beach spots in Bali you must visit before the influencers take over.
And trust me, finding these places ain’t always easy. Some require hiking, others demand a nerve-wracking ride down steep paths, but every single one is 100% worth it.
Green Bowl Beach – The Hidden Cave Beach You’ll Have to Work For
Let’s start strong. Green Bowl Beach is not for the lazy. You gotta walk down 300+ steep steps (which is fine on the way down but an absolute thigh killer going back up). But what’s waiting at the bottom? A tiny, stunning beach, soft white sand, and turquoise water so clear you’d think it was photoshopped.
The real kicker? There are caves—actual sea caves—where you can chill in the shade while watching the waves roll in. At low tide, you can explore more of the coastline, but at high tide, the water creeps up fast, so keep an eye on it unless you want an unexpected swim.
Getting there: Rent a scooter and follow Google Maps—just be ready for a bit of off-roading near the entrance. The parking fee is about 5,000 IDR ($0.30), and you won’t find food stalls, so bring your own snacks and water.
Nyang Nyang Beach – A Stretch of Sand With Almost No One on It
This one feels like your own private paradise. Nyang Nyang Beach is one of the longest stretches of empty beach in Bali, and the crazy part? Almost no one goes here. Probably because getting there involves a 20-minute trek down a steep trail—Bali’s way of testing your commitment to peace and quiet.
The waves here are powerful, making it a hotspot for experienced surfers. Not into surfing? No worries. The shipwrecked boat covered in graffiti near the shore makes for some cool photos, and if you pack a picnic, you’ll have an insane lunch view.
Heads up: There are zero facilities, no shade, and no warungs (local eateries), so load up on sunscreen and bring your own water unless you enjoy dehydration.
Gunung Payung Beach – Like Pandawa, But Without the Chaos
Ever heard of Pandawa Beach? It’s beautiful but way too popular. Gunung Payung Beach, though, is its chill, underrated sibling. The sand is just as soft, the water just as clear, but with a fraction of the crowd.
There’s a temple nearby, so sometimes you’ll see locals doing traditional ceremonies—which honestly just adds to the magic. If you’re into snorkeling, bring your own gear because the water here is full of marine life, and since it’s so quiet, you’ll probably have the reef all to yourself.
Check also: Bali Temple Dress Code and Etiquette
How to get there: Drive past Pandawa Beach and keep following the road until you reach Gunung Payung. The parking fee is about 5,000 IDR ($0.30), and entry is free.
Bias Tugel Beach – The ‘Secret’ Beach Near Padang Bai
Okay, so Bias Tugel Beach isn’t exactly a secret, but compared to most Bali beaches, it’s still pretty under the radar. Tucked away near Padang Bai, this little slice of paradise is perfect for swimming—which, if you know Bali, is kind of rare (so many beaches are all about waves, not swimming).
The sand is ridiculously soft, the water is crystal-clear, and the vibe? Chill. You’ll find a couple of warungs selling fresh coconuts and mie goreng (fried noodles), and there’s even a small coral reef nearby for snorkeling.
The entrance is a bit hidden, so ask a local if you’re lost. Parking is about 10,000 IDR ($0.65), but it’s worth it.
Tegal Wangi Beach – The Sunset Spot Most Tourists Miss
If you’re hunting for a beach with killer sunset views and a bit of an adventurous edge, Tegal Wangi Beach is it. Unlike most Bali beaches where you just walk onto the sand, this one requires a little climbing down a rocky path. But once you’re there? You get dramatic cliffs, natural tide pools, and one of the best sunset spots in Bali without the crazy crowds.
Photographers love this place, so don’t be surprised if you see wedding photoshoots happening in the golden light. If you wanna take a dip in the tide pools, come at low tide—otherwise, they disappear under the waves.
Best time to visit: Sunset. Hands down. But get there at least 30 minutes before golden hour so you can claim a good spot.
Tips for Finding Hidden Beaches in Bali (Without Wasting Your Time)
- Use offline maps – Some of these spots have weak signals, so download Google Maps offline before heading out.
- Check the tides – Some beaches almost disappear at high tide, so plan accordingly.
- Rent a scooter – It’s the easiest (and cheapest) way to explore. Just drive slow on rough roads.
- Pack light but smart – Sunscreen, water, snacks, and a sarong (doubles as a towel).
- Respect nature – Don’t leave trash behind. Bali’s beauty depends on it.
Suluban Beach – The Secret Cave Beach That Feels Like Another World
You know those beaches that make you feel like you’ve stumbled into a pirate’s hideout? That’s Suluban Beach. Tucked beneath towering cliffs, this hidden treasure (yeah, I said it) is only accessible through a maze of rock formations and narrow cave-like paths. Getting here is like stepping into a different world.
The best part? It’s never really crowded—at least, not in the way that Kuta or Seminyak is. Most people come here to surf, so if you’re not riding the waves, you can just chill in the shade of the cliffs, dip in the clear water, or explore the little caves around the shore.
Heads up: This beach practically disappears at high tide, so check the tide charts before you go, or you might end up with wet shoes (or worse, no dry spot to sit).
Getting there: Park near Single Fin (yes, the famous beach bar), then walk down the narrow pathway through warungs and surf shops until you hit the caves. Entrance is free, but parking will set you back 5,000 IDR ($0.30).
Karma Beach – The Exclusive Beach You Can Actually Sneak Into
Alright, so Karma Beach is technically part of a luxury beach club, meaning they expect you to pay to access it (about 650,000 IDR, or $40 per person—ouch). But locals know a little hack: instead of paying, you can hike down the rocky path on the side of the resort. It’s steep, and it takes effort, but hey—free beach.
The beach itself is pristine, with soft white sand, crystal-clear water, and even beachside service (if you decide to splurge on a drink). Since most people don’t bother with the trek, it stays pretty quiet, and if you get lucky, you might just have it all to yourself.
Tip: If you do wanna experience the fancy side of things, come after 5 PM when the beach club sometimes waives the entry fee. Otherwise, bring your own drinks and enjoy the free version.
Melasti Beach – The Prettiest Cliffs in Bali
Some beaches are great for chilling, others for surfing, and then there’s Melasti Beach, which is just straight-up stunning. The drive down alone is breathtaking—winding roads carved through limestone cliffs, with views that could rival any tropical postcard.
The beach itself? Powdery white sand, calm turquoise water, and zero chaos. It’s way less crowded than nearby Pandawa Beach, and thanks to the cliffs, the wind stays light, making it perfect for sunbathing or just floating in the water.
Instagrammers, take note: If you want the best shots, visit in the early morning before the midday light washes everything out. Sunset is another great time, but it gets a little busier.
Getting there: The entrance fee is around 10,000 IDR ($0.65), and there’s plenty of parking. If you’re renting a scooter, drive slow—the road is steep and winding.
Pasir Putih (White Sand Beach) – The East Coast’s Best-Kept Secret
Most tourists stick to Bali’s southern beaches, but if you wanna escape the usual scene, head east to Pasir Putih (aka White Sand Beach). This little stretch of paradise near Candidasa is the definition of laid-back—no beach clubs, no crowds, just simple bamboo huts, soft white sand, and crystal-clear water perfect for swimming.
Since it’s on the east coast, the vibe is totally different—more relaxed, less party, more peaceful getaway. You’ll find a few local warungs serving fresh seafood, and if you’re up for an adventure, you can rent a traditional fishing boat for a quick tour around the area.
Local tip: If you’re driving, ignore Google Maps’ shortcut—it’ll lead you through some sketchy dirt roads. Instead, follow the main road through Candidasa, then take the signposted turnoff.
Thomas Beach – The Beach Nobody Talks About
For some reason, Thomas Beach doesn’t get the same hype as its neighbors like Uluwatu and Padang Padang—but that’s exactly why it’s perfect. It’s got soft white sand, clear water, and gentle waves that make it great for swimming.
Unlike some of the more intense surf beaches around Uluwatu, this spot is perfect for beginners or just lazy ocean floats. There are a few beach shacks selling cheap drinks and snacks, but no loud music, no massive crowds—just pure, chill Bali vibes.
Heads up: The entrance is a bit hidden, so if you don’t see any signs, ask a local. It’s a short walk down from the main road, and totally worth it.
Pemuteran Beach – The Underrated Northern Escape
If you really want to escape the crowds, head north to Pemuteran Beach. This spot is a hidden paradise for snorkeling and diving, with some of the best coral reefs in Bali. The water is calm, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers, and you won’t find the usual tourist mayhem that dominates the southern beaches.
This area is also home to Bali’s biggest artificial reef project, so if you’re into marine conservation, it’s an awesome place to check out. Unlike the busy beaches down south, Pemuteran still feels untouched, with only a handful of small hotels and beachfront cafes.
Getting there: It’s a 3-hour drive from Ubud or Canggu, so either rent a car or book a driver if you’re not comfortable riding a scooter that far.
How to Make the Most of These Hidden Beaches
Now that you’ve got a killer list of secluded beaches, here’s how to make the most of them:
- Go early – Even hidden beaches get visitors later in the day. If you want solitude, aim for morning hours.
- Check the tides – Some beaches disappear at high tide, so always look up tide charts before heading out.
- Pack light but smart – Water, snacks, sunscreen, and a sarong (it’s a towel, a blanket, a cover-up—all in one).
- Respect nature – Leave no trace. Bali’s beauty depends on us keeping it clean.
- Bring cash – Small warungs and parking attendants often don’t take cards.
Bali’s best beaches aren’t the ones you see in travel brochures—they’re the ones you have to work a little harder to find. Whether you’re down for a steep trek, a quiet swim, or a hidden surf break, these secret beaches are waiting.
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