Typically for Bali are the hashtags ‘islandlife’, ‘beachlife’ and ‘paradise’. These are all words that definitely describe Bali. Being a small tropical island means there are beaches all around. This is one of the reasons that Bali is so popular amongst tourists. Surfing, sunbathing, beach clubs and the most amazing sunsets, it can all be found here in Bali.
When you are volunteering with us at Volunteer Programs Bali you will stay in Ubud. Ubud is located in central Bali, so it isn’t near the beach. That said, Bali isn’t that big, and you won’t have to look far to find a nice spot at the beach to enjoy your coconut.
As said before, being an island, Bali has beaches all around. So where to go on your weekends off? Well, that depends what you are looking for, how far you want to travel and what kind of beach activity you prefer. We’ve made a small list for you to make it a bit easier for you to choose where to go. These beaches are of course based on our personal experience and the experiences of our volunteers. One thing we know for sure, all beaches are worth visiting and all beaches are worth the hashtags ‘beachlife’ and ‘islandlife’.
- Sanur Beach
Sanur beach is an all-time favorite. One of the first areas in Bali to attract tourism and it is home for the first big beach resort on the island. Sanur beach is quiet, calm and serene. You can’t enjoy a sunset here, but the sunrises are magical. The beach is suitable for kitesurfing, canoeing and it is great for strolls and walks along the beach as it is the only beach town in Bali that has a walking path all along the beach. Great for cycling as well! On afternoons during the weekends the beach is very popular for local Balinese as well!
- Canggu Beach
Canggu beach has become very (and we mean VERY) popular of the last few years. It used to be a small beach town with not much excitement. Nowadays we can say it is the most popular beach area of Bali. Canggu actually has a few beaches; Batu Bolong, Batu Belig, Echo Beach and Berawa Beach. All beaches are popular for surfing (beginners can take lessons here), sunsets (WOW), beach clubs and family days in the sand. Yes, we all love Canggu beach!
- Padang Bai – Blue Lagoon
This hidden gem is not as well-known as the beaches above. And it is also not very easy to find. And it is not as busy and excited as the others. Why is it on our list? Well, because of that! Blue Lagoon beach is a dream. It is the definition of paradise. White soft sand, crystal blue sea, only a small hut to buy coconuts and some fried noodles. It is located close to the harbor of Padang Bali and you’ll need to hike down a bit to get there, but trust us… it’s worth it!
- Keramas Beach
Keramas beach is actually the closest beach from Ubud. It is about a 25 minutes’ drive to get there. It has black lava sand and it is not as pretty as the beaches on the West side of the island. It is actually very popular for local Balinese to go here. It does deserve a spot on our list, for a few reasons. Firstly, because it is such a nice local beach. It is great to see how the locals spend their time at the beach and it is nice to not be around other tourists. Secondly, this beach is super popular for surfers. It is one of the best swells on the island, and there are often surf competitions here. And that’s very excited to watch!
- Beaches on the Bukit
Bukit is the Indonesian word for ‘hill’. All the way in the South of Bali you can find the Bukit, the hill, the area South of the airport which is located, obviously, on a hill. The area has lots of cliffs, curvy roads and… secluded hidden beaches. You have to look very well, you have to hike down a lot and you probably need a motorbike to go around to find all these secrets, but oh my, they are worth it. Just to name a few; Bingin Beach, Thomas Beach, Padang Padang Beach, Dreamland Beach and Balangan beach. Most beaches are popular for surfers (advances ones as the swells are high and difficult) and not all the beaches are easy to get to but they are all one by one the reason we call Bali ‘paradise’!
