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Beaches of Bali

68 beaches across Bali, the Nusa islands, Lombok and the Gili Islands, by region and area: where each one is, what the sand and the water are like, how it rates for children, swimming and surfing, and the area to stay in for it. Temples, waterfalls and the other sights are on the sightseeing page.

South Bali

Seminyak

Seminyak Beach

Beach in Seminyak. Seminyak Beach is the wide sandy shore in front of Seminyak, part of the long beach on Bali's west coast that runs from Kuta north past Petitenget, backed by beach clubs, bars and hotels. People come in the late afternoon to surf, walk and watch the sunset. The waves and rip currents can be strong, so swim only between the red-and-yellow lifeguard flags.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Schweigeblick, CC BY-SA 4.0

Canggu

Batu Bolong Beach

Beach in Canggu. Batu Bolong Beach is Canggu's main surf beach, a stretch of dark volcanic sand that shares its name, meaning 'holed rock', with the Pura Batu Bolong sea temple beside it. Its soft, rolling waves suit beginners and longboarders, and surf schools and board rentals line the sand. It is busiest at sunset, and strong currents and a heavy shore break on bigger days make it better for surfing than for swimming.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Very good (4/5).

Photo: Mx. Granger, CC0

Berawa Beach

Beach in Tibubeneng (the area to stay in: Canggu). Berawa Beach is a stretch of dark gray volcanic sand in Tibubeneng, at the southern end of the Canggu coast, a short walk southeast of Nelayan and Batu Bolong beaches. Waves breaking over reef and sand draw surfers, and cafes and beach clubs such as Finns and Atlas line the shore, where people gather for the sunset. Rip currents and a heavy shore break make it a poor place to swim.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Kars Alfrink, CC BY 2.0

Uluwatu

Padang Padang Beach

Beach in Uluwatu. Padang Padang is a small white-sand cove below the cliffs of Pecatu, reached by a steep stairway that squeezes through a narrow gap in the rock. Its reef break is a famous wave for experienced surfers, while the sheltered shore allows a swim on calm days. It gets crowded from late morning, and monkeys on the stairs grab loose bags and snacks.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Excellent (5/5).

Photo: TMFalkner, CC BY-SA 4.0

Suluban Beach

Beach in Uluwatu. Suluban Beach, also called Blue Point, is a small sandy cove among limestone rocks and sea caves at the foot of the Uluwatu cliffs. Stairs lead down past cliffside cafes to a narrow passage through the rocks, and surfers paddle out from here to the Uluwatu reef break. Go at low tide: when the water is high the sand almost disappears and the passage is unsafe.

For children: Poor (1/5). Surfing: Excellent (5/5).

Photo: Arthamade, CC BY-SA 4.0

Melasti Beach

Beach in Ungasan (the area to stay in: Uluwatu). Melasti Beach is a white-sand beach on the south coast of the Bukit Peninsula in Ungasan, reached by a road cut down through tall limestone cliffs. At low tide the reef flats are exposed and the shallow water inside them is good for wading, and beach clubs line the back of the sand. A Kecak dance is performed at an open-air amphitheater at the eastern end of the beach.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: Dare2Leap, CC BY-SA 4.0

Nyang Nyang Beach

Beach in Uluwatu. Nyang Nyang is a long, largely undeveloped white-sand beach below the cliffs southeast of Uluwatu Temple. A steep road winds down from the clifftop car park, 15 to 20 minutes on foot, and scooters can ride it to a lower parking area; a stairway of about 500 steps descends further east. Warungs with loungers sit on the western half, reef and strong currents make swimming risky, and at low tide you can walk past the rocks at the east end to the graffiti-covered wreck on neighboring Nunggalan.

For children: Poor (1/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: User:(WT-shared) Burmesedays, CC BY-SA 4.0

Balangan Beach

Beach in Uluwatu. Balangan Beach is a strip of white sand about 500 m long on the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula, backed by limestone cliffs and a row of simple warungs. Its long left-hand reef break draws surfers, and at low tide the reef in front of the beach is exposed. The water is shallow over sharp coral, and swimming can be hazardous when the surf is up; the cliff at the northern end is a popular spot to watch the sunset.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Very good (4/5).

Photo: Magul, CC BY-SA 4.0

Dreamland Beach

Beach in Uluwatu. Dreamland Beach, now officially New Kuta Beach, is a stretch of pale sand below high cliffs on the Bukit Peninsula's west coast in Pecatu, between Balangan and Bingin, with a golf course and resorts on the clifftops above. Its left and right waves, best around low tide, often suit surfers of all levels. The beach gets busy and has restaurants, but the waves near shore can be powerful and the currents strong, so swim only when the sea is calm.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Arisdp, CC BY 3.0

Bingin Beach

Beach in Pecatu (the area to stay in: Uluwatu). Bingin Beach is a small white-sand beach at the foot of steep cliffs on the west coast of the Bukit Peninsula, reached by a steep walk down from the clifftop. Its left-hand reef break is one of the Bukit's classic surf spots, and the bottom is reef and rock, so water shoes help. In July 2025 the authorities demolished dozens of unlicensed cliffside cafes and guesthouses; the beach stays open, but rubble and rough access remain while the area is redeveloped.

For children: Poor (1/5). Surfing: Very good (4/5).

Photo: Gsarwa, CC BY-SA 3.0

Green Bowl Beach

Beach in Ungasan (the area to stay in: Uluwatu). Green Bowl is a small cove of white sand on the south coast of the Bukit Peninsula in Ungasan, below the Pura Batu Pageh temple, reached by a steep stairway of about 300 concrete steps down a forested cliff. Limestone caves at the back of the beach hold small Hindu shrines and roosting bats, and monkeys are often seen on the walk down. The reef offshore is a right-hand surf break for experienced surfers, and currents are strong when there is swell.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Vladimir E from Rostov-na-Donu, Russia, CC BY 2.0

Thomas Beach

Beach in Uluwatu. Thomas Beach is a strip of white sand below the cliffs of Pecatu, between Padang Padang and Suluban, reached by a steep flight of more than a hundred steps from the parking area. Large boulders rise from the shore, small warungs sell drinks and snacks, sunbeds and umbrellas are for rent, and surfers ride its reef break at mid to high tide. Swim at mid to high tide as well, because low tide exposes rocks and coral along the shoreline.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: Dan O'Cker from Adelaide, Australia, CC BY 2.0

Nusa Dua

Nusa Dua Beach

Beach in Nusa Dua. Nusa Dua Beach is the long run of pale sand in front of the big hotels of the gated resort area, sheltered by an offshore reef that keeps the water calm. A paved beach walk follows the shore past small stone breakwaters with pavilions. At low tide the lagoon drains to shallow sea-grass flats, so swimming is best around high water.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: FBilula, CC BY 4.0

Pandawa Beach

Beach in Kutuh (the area to stay in: Nusa Dua). Pandawa Beach is a long white-sand beach on the south coast of the Bukit peninsula, about 20 minutes' drive from Nusa Dua. The road down to it is cut through tall limestone cliffs, where statues of Kunti and the five Pandawa brothers from the Mahabharata stand in niches carved into the rock. A reef offshore breaks the swell, so the water is usually calm enough for swimming and kayaking.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Schweigeblick, CC BY-SA 4.0

Geger Beach

Beach in Sawangan (the area to stay in: Nusa Dua). Geger Beach is a public white-sand beach at the southern edge of Nusa Dua, with the Pura Geger temple on a clifftop headland at its south end. Warungs and sunbeds on the sand are run by a local cooperative. A reef far offshore keeps the east-facing water calm and shallow, good for swimming and canoeing, and surfers take boats from the beach out to the powerful breaks on the reef.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Taka M, CC BY-SA 3.0

Gunung Payung Beach

Beach in Kutuh (the area to stay in: Nusa Dua). Gunung Payung Beach is a strip of white sand at the foot of tall cliffs in Kutuh, on the south coast of the Bukit Peninsula below the Gunung Payung temple, and it is quieter than nearby Pandawa. It is reached by about 300 steps or by a shuttle bus down a steep road cut into the cliff. The reef breaks the swell well offshore, so the clear water by the sand is usually calm; kayaks can be rented and there are caves to explore, but the shallows are coral at low tide.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: Rhani Lilianti Kata, CC BY-SA 4.0

Jimbaran

Jimbaran Beach

Beach in Jimbaran. Jimbaran Beach curves for several kilometers around Jimbaran Bay, a sheltered arc of soft sand with calmer water than the open surf beaches of Kuta and Seminyak. Brightly painted fishing boats rest near the north end, and in the evening restaurants set tables on the sand to grill the day's catch. Sunset is the busiest time, when the beach restaurants fill up.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: Jorge Franganillo, CC BY 2.0

Sanur

Sanur Beach

Beach in Sanur. Sanur Beach runs for several kilometers down the east coast of south Bali, with a reef offshore that keeps the water calm and shallow. A paved beach path, busy with walkers and cyclists, links hotels, cafes and the harbor where boats leave for the Nusa islands. The beach faces east, so early morning is the time for the sunrise.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: Aspere, CC0

Mertasari Beach

Beach in Sanur. Mertasari Beach is a wide stretch of pale sand at the southern end of Sanur, on the paved beachfront path that walkers and cyclists follow north along the coast. The offshore reef keeps the water calm and shallow, and in the windy dry season it is a popular kitesurfing spot, with kite schools on the beach. In July and August, kite festivals here fill the sky with giant traditional Balinese kites.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: Magul, CC BY-SA 4.0

Kuta

Kuta Beach

Beach in Kuta. Kuta Beach is a long, wide stretch of sand on the west coast and one of the first places in Bali to draw surfers and backpackers. Its sandy-bottomed breaks suit beginners, and surf schools along the shore rent boards and give lessons. It is busiest in the late afternoon, when crowds gather for the sunset; rip currents are common, so swim between the lifeguard flags.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0

Legian

Legian Beach

Beach in Legian. Legian Beach is the stretch of sand between Kuta and Double Six, wide and flat, with a paved beachfront path and beach bars that set out umbrellas and beanbags on the sand. It is a little quieter than Kuta and good for long walks, and its consistent beach breaks are more powerful than Kuta's, with surf schools giving beginner lessons. Currents can be strong, so swim only where the lifeguard flags show it is safe.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Flickr user: Max Grabert https://www.flickr.com/people/maxgrabert/, CC BY-SA 2.0

Double Six Beach

Beach in Legian. Double Six Beach, named after the Double Six nightclub that once stood on its shore, is the stretch of sand where Legian Beach meets Seminyak Beach, at the end of Jalan Arjuna, better known as Jalan Double Six. In the late afternoon beach bars fill the sand with colored beanbags and umbrellas, and people stay on to watch the sun set over the surf. Its beach break draws surfers, but currents can be strong, so take care when swimming.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Peridone, CC BY-SA 4.0

Pererenan

Echo Beach

Beach in Pererenan. Echo Beach, or Pantai Batu Mejan, is the stretch of black sand where Canggu meets Pererenan, next to Pererenan Beach, with rocks and reef that show along part of the shore at low tide. Its reef break draws experienced surfers, and the sharp reef and strong currents make it a poor place to swim. Cafes line the shore, and late afternoon, when the surfers are out and the sun sets over the sea, is the busiest time.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Very good (4/5).

Photo: Annie Mole, CC BY 2.0

Pererenan Beach

Beach in Pererenan. Pererenan Beach is a stretch of dark volcanic sand in Pererenan village, a few hundred meters west of Echo Beach, watched over by a 12-meter statue of the sea god Baruna riding Gajah Mina, an elephant-headed fish, on a rock outcrop. Its consistent lefts and rights suit intermediate and experienced surfers, beach bars and vendors renting loungers and surfboards back the sand, and sunset draws the biggest crowd. Strong currents and rocks make the sea here a poor place to swim.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: I Gede Sujana, S. Kom., CC BY-SA 4.0

Tanjung Benoa

Tanjung Benoa Beach

Beach in Tanjung Benoa. Tanjung Benoa Beach lines the east side of the narrow peninsula north of Nusa Dua, facing a shallow lagoon sheltered by a reef. It is the base for Bali's water sports, with parasailing, jet skis, banana boats and glass-bottom boat trips leaving from the sand. Jet skis and speedboats share the water, so swimmers do best to stay clear of the activity zones.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: Simon_sees from Australia, CC BY 2.0

Kerobokan

Petitenget Beach

Beach in Kerobokan. Petitenget Beach is the northern continuation of Seminyak Beach, a wide stretch of sand in front of the Pura Petitenget sea temple, large hotels and beach clubs. It is a little less crowded than the beaches farther south, with room for long walks north toward Batu Belig. Waves and rip currents can be strong and lifeguards are not always on duty, so swim between the flags where they are set and stay out when the sea is rough; temple ceremonies sometimes bring processions down to the sand.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: User: (WT-shared) Jpatokal at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0

Central Bali

Tabanan

Balian Beach

Beach in Lalanglinggah (the area to stay in: Tabanan). Balian is a black-sand beach on Bali's west coast in Tabanan, running from a rocky headland to the mouth of the Balian River, with guesthouses and cafes on the bluff above. Surfers come for the river-mouth break, which runs left and right over a rocky bottom; others come for yoga and the sunset. Strong currents make it a poor place to swim, and it is safest to stay out of the water when the river turns the sea brown after heavy rain.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Kars Alfrink, CC BY 2.0

Soka Beach

Beach in Antap (the area to stay in: Tabanan). Soka Beach is a quiet black-sand beach in Antap village on Bali's southwest coast, just off the main road between Denpasar and Gilimanuk, where travelers often stop. At its western end a river meets the Indian Ocean beside a small rocky islet, and Pura Luhur Srijong temple, with a bat cave beneath it, stands on the rocky point across the river mouth. Big rocks flank the sand, people come for the sunset, and local fishermen work this coast.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: jennifer gergen, CC BY 2.0

Gianyar

Keramas Beach

Beach in Gianyar. Black-sand beach on the Gianyar coast of east Bali, in Keramas village, with Komune Resort & Beach Club on the shore. Just offshore breaks a fast, powerful right-hand reef wave that has hosted World Surf League Championship Tour events, and floodlights let surfers ride it at night. A shallow reef and a strong current make it a spot for experienced surfers, so take care in the water.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Excellent (5/5).

Photo: Arthamade, CC BY-SA 4.0

North Bali

Lovina

Lovina Beach

Beach in Lovina. Lovina Beach is the long strip of narrow, dark volcanic sand west of Singaraja, centered on Kalibukbuk and its dolphin statue, with outrigger boats pulled up on the shore. Boats leave at dawn to look for the dolphins offshore, though the boats often outnumber the dolphins. The sea is usually calm, better for swimming and snorkeling than for surfing.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: None (0/5).

Photo: Ken Eckert, CC BY-SA 4.0

Pemuteran

Pemuteran Beach

Beach in Pemuteran. Pemuteran Beach is the curve of dark gray-brown sand in front of Pemuteran, a fishing village on Bali's northwest coast. The sea is shallow and usually calm, so you can snorkel straight from the beach to the Biorock coral-restoration structures, set a short swim offshore since 2000. Dive shops along the beach run trips to the bay's reefs and to Menjangan Island, and one of them, Reef Seen, runs a turtle hatchery with the villagers.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: None (0/5).

Photo: Lamacchiacosta, CC BY-SA 4.0

Buleleng

Bungkulan Beach

Beach in Bungkulan (the area to stay in: Buleleng). Bungkulan Beach is the shore of Bungkulan, a fishing and farming village in Sawan district east of Singaraja on Bali's north coast. It is a quiet strip of black sand backed by rice fields, where local fishermen pull up their outrigger boats. Sea turtles nest along it, and the village has held festivals and celebrations on the stretch it calls Pantai Segara.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: None (0/5).

East Bali

Karangasem

Amed Beach

Beach in Karangasem. Amed is a string of fishing villages along Bali's dry northeast coast, with black-sand and pebble bays lined with outrigger boats. At Jemeluk Bay the reef begins a short swim from the beach, so snorkelers and divers can go straight in from the shore, and a small Japanese wreck lies just offshore at Banyuning, further east. The sea is usually calmest in the morning; the drive from Ubud takes about two and a half hours.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: None (0/5).

Photo: Marklchaves, CC BY-SA 4.0

Jasri Beach

Beach in Subagan (the area to stay in: Karangasem). Jasri Beach is a stretch of black sand and pebbles at Subagan, a few kilometers south of Amlapura, backed in places by a rock seawall, with fishing boats drawn up on part of the shore. Local and foreign surfers ride its right-hand break, which is best left to experienced surfers, and the waves, currents and rocks make swimming risky in many spots. Local families come to relax on the shore in the late afternoon, and food stalls are found along the beach.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: Slleong, CC0

Candidasa

Virgin Beach

Beach in Candidasa. Virgin Beach, also called Pasir Putih or Pantai Perasi, is a bay of white sand about 600 m long between the hills of Bukit Asah and Bukit Perasi, 20 minutes' drive east of Candidasa, reached by lanes from Bugbug and from Perasi village. Warungs and small cafes line the sand and rent sun loungers, and outrigger boats take visitors out to Pulau Paus, a whale-shaped rock. The sea is often calm enough for swimming and for snorkeling over coral a few meters out, though the waves can build quickly.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: Tisa0603, CC0

Bias Tugel Beach

Beach in Padangbai (the area to stay in: Candidasa). Bias Tugel is a short cove of white sand between rocky, wooded headlands just south of the ferry port at Padangbai, on the open coast outside the bay, with clear water, coral close to shore and a few simple warungs. From the car park on the hill road above, it is about a 10-minute walk down steps and a steep, rocky path, and a track over the hill from the harbor entrance also leads there. Waves get bigger at high tide and currents can be strong, so swim and snorkel at low or mid tide.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: Alexey Komarov, CC BY-SA 4.0

Blue Lagoon Beach

Beach in Padangbai (the area to stay in: Candidasa). Blue Lagoon is a small sandy cove on the far side of the headland at the east end of Padangbai's main bay, a short walk from the village. The water is usually calm and clear, with coral reef right off the shore: people snorkel straight from the beach, wading in through a sandy, coral-free channel, and local dive centers bring divers to its reef. A couple of warungs serve simple meals, and snorkel gear can be rented on the beach.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: Toni Birrer, CC BY-SA 2.0

Padangbai Beach

Beach in Padangbai (the area to stay in: Candidasa). Padangbai Beach is the main beach of the small port town of Padangbai, a narrow curve of sand around the bay just east of the harbor, where ferries leave for Lombok and Nusa Penida. Colorful outrigger fishing boats line the shore and fill the bay, and the beach road, Jalan Silayukti, is busy with dive shops, cafes and guesthouses. Boats leave from the sand for snorkeling and diving trips to the reefs nearby.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: None (0/5).

Photo: Lasthib, CC0

Pengalon Beach

Beach in Antiga Kelod (the area to stay in: Candidasa). Pengalon Beach is the black-sand fishing beach of Banjar Pengalon in Antiga Kelod, on the coast between Goa Lawah and Padangbai, about 2 kilometers southwest of the Padangbai ferry harbor. Dozens of jukung, the local outrigger fishing canoes, are drawn up in rows on the sand below the village houses and a Pura Segara sea temple. It is a quiet working beach open to the swell: in August 2022 high waves damaged several boats and swept some out to sea.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

West Bali

Jembrana

Medewi Beach

Beach in Jembrana. Medewi is a long beach of smooth stones and dark sand on Bali's southwest coast, known for a left-hand point wave that runs a long way over a boulder bottom. The wave is gentler than most Bali reef breaks, so it suits longboarders and improving surfers. Surf it early, before the onshore wind; the quiet fishing village has homestays and surf camps near the beach.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Very good (4/5).

Photo: ahmad yudi, CC BY-SA 3.0

Yeh Kuning Beach

Beach in Yeh Kuning (the area to stay in: Jembrana). Yeh Kuning Beach is a long, wide shore of black sand in Yeh Kuning village, a few kilometers southeast of the town of Negara on Bali's southwest coast. It is a village beach rather than a tourist one: fishermen work from it, the sea temple Pura Segara Yeh Kuning stands beside the sand, and villages of the Jembrana district hold their melasti purification rites here before Nyepi. Waves can run high, so take care in the water.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Kelapa Beach

Beach in Pekutatan (the area to stay in: Jembrana). Kelapa Beach is the stretch of dark volcanic sand in front of the Kelapa Retreat hotel at Pekutatan in west Bali, backed by coconut palms and about 3 kilometers southeast of the Medewi surf point. It is part of a long, mostly deserted beach that runs east from Pekutatan for more than 10 kilometers, good for long walks and quiet sunsets. Waves pound the shore and currents can be strong, so swim only when the sea is calm.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Islands

Nusa Penida

Kelingking Beach

Beach in Nusa Penida. Kelingking Beach is a white-sand cove on the southwest coast of Nusa Penida, seen from a clifftop viewpoint above a narrow headland often compared to the head of a T. rex. A steep, rough trail with steps and handrails drops down the cliff to the sand, taking roughly half an hour to an hour down and longer back up. Waves and currents at the bottom are strong and swimming has been banned since 2023; come early to avoid the heat and the crowds.

For children: None (0/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: Chainwit., CC BY 4.0

Diamond Beach

Beach in Nusa Penida. Diamond Beach is a small white-sand cove below the cliffs of Nusa Penida's east coast, with pointed limestone pinnacles rising from the shallows. It is reached by a steep stairway cut into the cliff face in 2018, with a rope to hold on the lowest section. Morning light falls on the cove; the waves and currents are strong, and swimming has been banned here since January 2023.

For children: Poor (1/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: Stryn, CC BY-SA 4.0

Crystal Bay

Beach in Sakti (the area to stay in: Nusa Penida). Crystal Bay is a short curve of white sand at Sakti on Nusa Penida's west coast, with very clear water and a small rocky islet in the bay. It is one of the island's main snorkeling and dive sites, often visited by dive boats from Nusa Lembongan, and a popular place to watch the sunset; warungs along the beach sell food and drinks. Currents in the bay can be strong, so ask locally before swimming out.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: Magul, CC BY-SA 4.0

Atuh Beach

Beach in Pejukutan (the area to stay in: Nusa Penida). Atuh Beach is a crescent of white sand at Pejukutan on Nusa Penida's east coast, set in a bay between high limestone cliffs, with rock islets and a natural arch just offshore. Steps lead down from the clifftop, and Diamond Beach lies just around the headland to the southwest; warungs on the sand sell drinks and simple meals. The bay catches the sunrise, offers snorkeling, and looks its best at high tide.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: Haryanti, CC BY-SA 4.0

Lombok

Kuta Mandalika Beach

Beach in Lombok. Kuta Mandalika Beach is the main beach of Kuta on Lombok's south coast, a wide crescent bay framed by green hills, with pale, coarse sand of round grains like peppercorns. Waves at the shore are usually small, and boatmen take surfers out to a break on the outer reef. A beachfront park and promenade, part of the Mandalika development, line much of the shore, and its motor racing circuit lies just east of the town; Lombok International Airport is 20 to 30 minutes' drive away.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: Alexey Komarov, CC BY 3.0

Tanjung Aan Beach

Beach in Lombok. Tanjung Aan, about 15 minutes' drive east of Kuta Lombok, is a pair of curved bays split by a small rocky headland: one has fine white sand, the other coarse, round grains likened to peppercorns. The water is clear, shallow and mostly calm, with reef showing at low tide, and boats take surfers out to a reef break in the middle of the bay. Bukit Merese, the grassy hill at the western end, is a short climb for the sunset view.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Suryanata budi, CC BY-SA 4.0

Pandanan Beach

Beach in Malaka (the area to stay in: Lombok). Pandanan Beach is a curving bay of pale sand at Malaka, on the coast road north of Senggigi in North Lombok, looking out across the water to the Gili Islands. The sea is usually calm and clear, good for swimming and snorkeling, and canoes can be rented to paddle around the bay. The beach stays fairly quiet; simple warungs along the sand grill fresh fish, and there are gazebos to rest in.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: None (0/5).

Photo: Muanseey, CC BY-SA 4.0

Senggigi Beach

Beach in Lombok. Senggigi Beach, a bay of mixed pale and dark sand, lies in the center of Senggigi, the resort strip on Lombok's west coast about half an hour's drive north of Mataram. Its clear water over a gently sloping shore is good for swimming and for snorkeling over nearby coral while the sea is calm, as the waves can pick up, and boards and instructors are on hand for beginners on its small surf. It faces west toward Bali's Mount Agung, a backdrop for the sunset.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: Midori, CC BY 3.0

Selong Belanak Beach

Beach in Lombok. Selong Belanak is a long crescent of fine white sand on Lombok's south coast, west of Kuta, in a sheltered bay framed by green hills and rocky headlands. Its small, slow waves over a sandy bottom make it a popular place to learn to surf, and the warungs along the shore rent boards, give lessons and set out sun loungers; the calm water also suits swimming. In the late afternoon, farmers often walk their water buffalo along the sand.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Afifahdpl, CC BY-SA 4.0

Mawun Beach

Beach in Tumpak (the area to stay in: Lombok). Mawun is a horseshoe-shaped bay on Lombok's south coast, about 8 km west of Kuta, framed by two high green headlands, with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. The middle of the bay is usually calm enough for swimming and snorkeling, and reef breaks near either end draw surfers. A few simple cafes and shade trees back the sand, and the beach is seldom crowded.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: (WT-shared) Whatsinaname at wts wikivoyage, Public domain

Gerupuk Beach

Beach in Lombok. Gerupuk Beach is the sandy shore of a fishing and seaweed-farming village on Gerupuk Bay, a 10- to 15-minute drive east of Kuta Lombok. It is the launch point for the bay's surf: local boatmen ferry surfers to several reef breaks, from Inside Gerupuk, a soft reef break popular with beginners and busy with surf schools, to bigger waves for experienced surfers in larger swells. Simple cafes, guesthouses and surf camps sit nearby.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: 伊賀上野ニンニン, CC BY-SA 4.0

Seger Beach

Beach in Kuta (the area to stay in: Lombok). Seger Beach lies about 2 km east of Kuta Lombok, at the foot of Seger Hill (Bukit Seger), a group of small green hills next to the Mandalika racing circuit. Its white sand faces a coral reef that is partly exposed at low tide, with a surf break offshore, and the hills are a short climb for views that are popular at sunset. It is a main site of the Bau Nyale festival, when crowds gather each February or March to catch sea worms linked to the legend of Princess Mandalika.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Good (3/5).

Photo: Tuderna, CC BY 3.0

Pink Beach

Beach in Sekaroh (the area to stay in: Lombok). Pink Beach, also called Pantai Tangsi, lies in Sekaroh on Lombok's remote southeastern tip, near Tanjung Ringgit, and owes its color to fragments of red coral mixed into white sand. The clear, calm water suits swimming and snorkeling, and a grassy hill beside the beach gives a wide view. The last stretch of road is rough, and many visitors come instead by boat from Tanjung Luar, stopping on the way at small islands such as Gili Petelu and Pulau Pasir.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: None (0/5).

Photo: Schristia, CC BY-SA 2.0

Mawi Beach

Beach in Selong Belanak (the area to stay in: Lombok). Mawi Beach is a bay of white sand framed by green hills on Lombok's south coast, between Selong Belanak and Mawun, a 30- to 45-minute drive west of Kuta; the last 3 km is a rough side road. It is known for its surf: an exposed reef break with an A-frame peak that breaks left and right and can barrel, suited to intermediate and advanced surfers, over a reef that is sharp and shallow at low tide. Strong rip currents make swimming risky, and a few snack shacks and parking sit behind the beach.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Very good (4/5).

Photo: David Hunt, CC BY 2.0

Nipah Beach

Beach in Malaka (the area to stay in: Lombok). Nipah Beach is a quiet bay of white sand backed by coconut palms, a short drive up the coast road north of Senggigi in Malaka village, North Lombok. Fishing boats are pulled up on the shore, and warungs along the beach serve fresh grilled fish and seafood. The water is usually calm and clear for swimming and snorkeling, and the bay is a good place to watch the sunset.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: None (0/5).

Photo: stanley patty, CC BY 3.0

Mangsit Beach

Beach in Senggigi (the area to stay in: Lombok). Mangsit Beach is a long, quiet stretch of sand a few kilometers north of central Senggigi on Lombok's west coast, lined with resort hotels and villas, with fishermen's outrigger boats pulled up on the shore. Its modest waves suit beginner surfers, with boards and lessons offered on the beach, and boats can be hired to snorkel the reef offshore. On clear evenings, the sunset view takes in Bali's Mount Agung across the Lombok Strait.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: yeowatzup, CC BY 2.0

Semeti Beach

Beach in Selong Belanak (the area to stay in: Lombok). Semeti Beach is a short, curved strip of white sand next to Mawi Beach on Lombok's south coast, about a 45-minute drive west of Kuta; the last stretch is a rough, rocky road. The main draw lies past the rocky hill at its southern end: volcanic rock split into columns and crystal-like blocks, nicknamed Kryptonite, with rock pools and blowholes that draw photographers. Big waves break over these rocks, and visitors taking photos on the cliffs have been swept into the sea and killed.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: Suryanata budi, CC BY-SA 4.0

Sira Beach

Beach in Sigar Penjalin (the area to stay in: Lombok). Sira Beach, also spelled Sire, is a strip of soft white sand several kilometers long that wraps around a cape on Lombok's northwest coast near Tanjung, facing the Gili Islands across the strait, with Mount Rinjani rising inland. The sea is usually calm and the clear water is rich in marine life, good for swimming and snorkeling. An 18-hole golf course, resort hotels and villas share the cape, and local warungs along the beach grill fresh fish.

For children: Very good (4/5). Surfing: None (0/5).

Nusa Lembongan

Dream Beach

Beach in Nusa Lembongan. Dream Beach is a small cove of white sand framed by limestone cliffs on the southwest coast of Nusa Lembongan. Waves break hard on the shore and the currents can be strong, so swimming is risky even for experienced swimmers. Devil's Tear is a few minutes' walk away, and visitors come along the island's narrow, hilly lanes by scooter or hired pick-up truck.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: Aurelia Teslaru, CC BY-SA 4.0

Jungutbatu Beach

Beach in Nusa Lembongan. Jungutbatu Beach is an arc of white sand on Nusa Lembongan's northwest coast, backed by the guesthouses and restaurants of Jungutbatu village and looking across the strait to Mount Agung on Bali. Fast boats from Sanur land here, and wooden boats sit moored in the clear water offshore. It is a popular place to watch the sunset, and surfers paddle or ride a boat out to the reef breaks of Playgrounds, Lacerations and Shipwrecks.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Very good (4/5).

Photo: Sho Horiuchi, CC0

Gili Islands

Gili Beach

Beach in Gili Trawangan (the area to stay in: Gili Islands). Gili Beach is the quiet stretch of sand along the south coast of Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three Gili Islands, with views across the strait to Lombok. The water is shallow over a wide coral reef, so swimming is awkward, especially at low tide, and reef shoes help for wading. When the swell is up, a fast right-hand wave breaks over sharp reef about 300 meters out; it suits experienced surfers, is best at higher tides, and boards can be rented nearby.

For children: Fair (2/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: macronix, CC BY 2.0

Gili Trawangan Beach

Beach in Gili Islands. Gili Trawangan Beach is the main beach of the largest of the Gili Islands, a strip of white sand along the east coast around the harbor, backed by hotels, cafes, bars and dive centers. Snorkelers rent masks and fins on the beach and wade straight in, and green sea turtles are often seen over the seagrass and coral close to shore, especially north of the harbor. A current often runs south along the shore, at times strongly, and at low tide the shallow reef makes reef shoes useful.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: None (0/5).

Photo: NFarras, CC BY-SA 4.0

Gili Trawangan Sunset Beach

Beach in Gili Islands. Sunset Beach runs the length of Gili Trawangan's west coast, a walk or bike ride across the island from the harbor. Bars put beanbags on the sand, swings stand in the shallows and horses are ridden along the shore, and in the late afternoon people gather to watch the sun go down, with Bali's Mount Agung on the horizon on clear evenings. A wide, shallow reef flat lies offshore, so swimming is best at high tide; low tide exposes coral rubble, and reef shoes help.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Fair (2/5).

Photo: Alexey Komarov, CC BY 3.0

Turtle Beach

Beach in Gili Trawangan (the area to stay in: Gili Islands). Turtle Beach is the sandy stretch at Turtle Point on Gili Trawangan's northeast coast, north of the harbor. Green sea turtles graze on seagrass a short swim out, so people snorkel straight off the sand with gear rented from beach shacks, often drifting south with the current, and the reef drops off into deep water farther out. The shallows near shore are sand and dead coral, so reef shoes help at low tide, and snorkelers should watch for passing boats.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: None (0/5).

Photo: Lasthib, CC BY-SA 4.0

Gili Air Sunset Beach

Beach in Gili Islands. Gili Air Sunset Beach is the white-sand shore along the northwest and west coast of Gili Air, the Gili island closest to Lombok, looking across to Gili Meno, Gili Trawangan and Bali's Mount Agung. Beach bars and cafes, several with swings, line the sand, and people gather there in the evening to watch the sunset. A shallow reef flat with seagrass lies just offshore, and the water is too shallow for swimming at low tide, so swim at high tide.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: Felix Dance, CC BY 2.0

Gili Meno Beach

Beach in Gili Islands. Gili Meno Beach runs south from the boat harbor along the southeast coast of Gili Meno, the quietest of the three Gili Islands. Its white sand is scattered with bits of coral, the clear water is good for swimming, and there are views across the strait to the mountains of Lombok. Cafes and places to stay line the shore, a turtle sanctuary on the beach cares for hatchlings until they are released, and swimmers should watch for boat traffic near the harbor.

For children: Good (3/5). Surfing: Poor (1/5).

Photo: Flickr user: yeowatzup https://www.flickr.com/photos/yeowatzup/, CC BY 2.0