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Written by Soma Dutta
Co-written by Nadia Crowe and Oceana Setaysha 

Edited by Beverley Lennon

Beaches are Bali’s best assets, apart from its gorgeous oceanfront resorts, scenic restaurants and cafes, trendy beach clubs and crazily unique hotels.

You might have visited Bali’s iconic and popular beaches in Seminyak, Kuta, Nusa Dua and Jimbaran / Uluwatu, and are looking for something less mainstream, where you can get away from the touristy crowd and enjoy pristine white sand beaches (or even volcanic black sand beaches) almost all to yourself.

Here’s where you will not be disappointed – Bali is full of hidden nooks and corners where you can find secluded beaches, some even with secret caves, if you don’t mind (or even love!) the adventure of getting there. Yes, we mean veering towards the path less trodden, which might require slight trekking or walking across rocky and sandy roads.

After all, what can be more rewarding than a refreshing dip in clear waters on your beach vacay without the summer crowd?

Also Read: 

76 Extraordinary Things To Do in Bali – Places to visit, eat and everything

21 Bali beach clubs with free entry and pool in Seminyak, Canggu, Uluwatu and more!

9 luxurious beach resorts in Nusa Dua for a glorious beach getaway

1. A volcanic masterpiece full of serenity: Balian Beach (Tabanan)

If black sand beaches are your thing, then Balian Beach is the place to be. A stark contrast between the bright blue waves and the dark volcanic sand welcomes you as you step onto the beach, and what a sight it is.

Photo Via Nika__larionova, Dana_think, Dayupuspadi

You’ll almost feel as if you’ve entered another planet! The beach stretches on for what seems like forever, and you’ll be left mostly to your own devices (that means, no pushy beach touts.) In fact, you’ll find you have this place all to yourself plus or minus a few surfers!

Photo Via Tanalymova, Uliana_bo
Photo Via Filimonich1, Kims.fashionable.life_
Photo Via Aleni_aleni

It’s much further north than most of the other famous beaches in Bali, hence why it’s so quiet, but it’s definitely worth it, and in time it wouldn’t be a surprise if it got busier! So head to this little slice of dark heaven while you can and before it gets ruined!

Balian Beach

Location: Lalanglinggah, West Selemadeg, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82162, Indonesia (Coordinates here)

2. Discover an isolated island that’s ever changing: Gili Putih (West Bali, near Pemuteran)

The best time to visit Gili Putih is early in the morning at sunrise or in the evening at sunset as you can relish beautiful sky colours and enjoy the change in tides! Best yet if you can stay from sunrise to sunset to fully contemplate on how different the scenery is throughout the whole day! From the island, you can even enjoy magical views of the nearby West Bali National Park.

Photo Via Leesaleesangeun, Hansburhanu_____
Photo Via Riskidarmawan_, Mor_tour
Photo Via Dekvinoe

Now, this is the ideal location if, just like me, you hate crowded beaches at golden hours! And if you’re wondering how to reach the island in time for Mother Nature’s show, do not worry as locals at Bangsal Harbour will be more than happy to help you out with a boat ride!

Gili Putih Sumberkima

Location: Sumberkima, Buleleng Regency, Bali 81155, Indonesia (Coordinates here)

Getting there: If you’re coming from South Bali, drive up northwest of the island to Bangsal Harbour. The drive will take approximately 4 hours and this is where you’ll be able to rent a boat for approximately Rp. 400,000 (per boat for 5 persons). Directions here (from Kuta to Bangsal Harbour)


3. Abandoned Utopia – Green Bowl Beach (Ungasan)

Greenbowl beach, Bali

Named because of its algae-covered rocks that are seen at low tide, Green Bowl Beach could have become the next big tourist destination.

But the demolishment of nearby Bali Cliff Resort left the beach as an abandoned paradise, which remains known to only a select few.

Although the beach is difficult to find due to tricky turns down a few tiny roads, it is a stunning example of Bali’s natural beauty.

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Photo via vaniachndrdw

To get to the beach, you have to descend hundreds of steep concrete steps, before you can sink your feet into the sand.

green bowl beach

Green Bowl Beach is also famed for its resident population of bats living in beachside caves – you can often see hundreds of sleeping bats at noon. If you are not scared of flying creatures, you can even snap a once-in-a-lifetime Green Bowl Beach photo from the inside.

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Green Bowl Beach

Parking fee: Rp. 10,000 (Approximately USD $0.70)
Location: Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia. Coordinates here.
Getting there: Head towards the south of Bali, and to the east of Pandawa Beach. From the carpark head towards the staircase and walk down to the beach.
Travel tip: The tide can be very high in the morning (it can reach all the way to the bottom of the stairs), hence it’s recommended to visit the beach around noon until 3pm when the tide is low.

4. Virgin Sands – Nyang Nyang Beach (Uluwatu)

Care for a beach all to yourself? That’s Nyang Nyang for you!

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Photo via nang_a_howm

The white pristine sands of the beach are lined by a towering green cliff, which keeps it away from prying eyes. If you are quite the explorer and looking for some solitude, this secluded beach in Southern Bali is perfect for a little adventure.

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Photo via rajusgalapus

To get to the beach, you need to follow a dirt track close to Uluwatu Temple and keep a lookout for a sign saying “Nyang Nyang Surfing Beach”.

Next, you cross a field where you will find a drinks stall (the only one in the area as the beach is devoid of all shops and stalls also) before alighting the 500 flights of steps that finally open up to the beach.

So yes, getting there might be an adventure in itself, but we’d say it’s definitely worth the effort.

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Photo via solodkov_denis, nang_a_howm

Especially with the parts of an abandoned vessel laying around the beach – perfect for a photo-op, or even a quaint little exploration.

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Photo via Edededan.com
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Photo via Aryaazura, fery_gnwan

And if you’re looking for more photo-ops, you definitely have to check out the secret wild garden by the beach – it’s blooming with a plethora of sunshine flowers that’ll provide an amazing backdrop with a cheerful pop of yellow!

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Photo via edededan.com

Nyang Nyang Beach

Entrance fee: By donation
Location: Nyang Nyang Beach, Jl. Raya Uluwatu, Uluwatu, Bali (Coordinates here)
Getting there: Take a car or bike to Jalan Uluwatu, and look for a sign that reads “Nyang Nyang Surfing Beach”. Park, then make the rest of the journey by foot to the beach!

5. Panoramic Views – Gunung Payung Beach (Nusa Dua)

Gunung Payung is not only a hidden paradise, but is also (thankfully) quite accessible for being one.

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Photo via ddgltm
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Photo via hotaruhime89

Located at Nusa Dua, you can follow a marker road to reach here. Once here, get treated to panoramic views of the ocean right to the horizon!

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Photo via-nesiines

The beach is clean and perfect for trying out some yoga. You can also engage in various activities like surfing and snorkeling – or more culturally interesting ones like getting a glimpse of the local ways of life.

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Photo via-petahdang
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Photo via-anggayudatana

Watch the seaweed farmers and sea urchin collectors go about their daily chores, and strike up a conversation or two, just to learn more about what they do. Who knows, you might just be able to sample seaweed or sea urchin thanks to your new friendship. 😉

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Photo via pandawabeachkutuh

Gunung Payung Beach

Entrance fee: Rp. 8,000 (Approximately USD $0.60); Parking fee: Rp. 5,000 (Approximately USD $0.35)
Location: Kutuh, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia (Coordinates here)
Getting there: The beach is located to the east of the famous Pandawa Beach, so one can easily ask locals around the area how to get there. Alternatively, you can try looking for the Gunung Payung Temple. But be prepared for some serious stair climbing (300 steps)!

6. A luxurious slice of heaven in the form of white sands and blue seas: Sawangan Beach (Nusa Dua)

Nusa Dua is teeming with hidden enclaves of beaches, thanks to its luxury status and insane amount of high-end resorts, so most people who don’t fit the budget tend to stay away. But you now know better – here’s where you can find hidden gems the mainstream crowd doesn’t know.

Photo Via Damour221, Stephanie.ks_

Sawangan Beach is a perfect example of this, a public beach located in front of the Hilton Bali Resort, and the best part is that it’s almost empty (that is if you can keep the secret)! You’re in better luck if you visit early in the morning when you’ll likely feel like being on a deserted island.

Photo Via _katerina.davydova_, Jalan2bali
Photo Via Mary_veber, Alenushka_khomenko

While here, you’ll find a good mix of both high-end and affordable restaurants to settle down at too but probably one better option is to pack for a fun picnic at the beach! Just remember to clear after yourself to limit all possible environmental and pollution issues!

Sawangan Beach

Location: Jl. Gn. Payung I, Benoa, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia (Coordinates here)
Getting there: Head towards the Hilton Bali resort, there is a small street next to it (ask some of the guards/locals) which will take you straight onto the beach by foot.

7. Untouched, unspoiled, undiscovered: Virgin Beach (Karangasem)

There’s something special about Virgin Beach, more so than the fact that it’s incredibly quiet, amazingly picturesque, and super convenient thanks to a number of local eateries along the coastline.

Photo Via Marceldamen, Only.a.memory, Marine_hudson

It’s actually super special because snorkelling here may mean you get to see turtles in the wild! Swim out towards the rocks where the fish are plentiful and if you’re lucky you’ll come by some of the most majestic creatures in the world.

Once you’ve had your fill of swimming, head back onto the mix of black volcanic sand and pristine white sand, and order a cold one to watch the sunset with. Sounds like a perfect day, no?

Photo Via _ms.jenny_.fer_, Dhmustika1208, Leonaga59
Photo Via Petra_prosekova, Yulchik4ever, Joyeuginayong, Valeriia_lina

And further along the stretch lies yet another hidden beach known as Pasir Putih with equally little crowd and beautiful scenery! Looks like you could spend a whole day hopping from one secret beach to another!

Virgin Beach

Entrance fee: Rp. 10,000 (Approximately USD $0.70)
Location: Jl. Raya Bukit Asah No.Desa, Adat Bugbug, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80851, Indonesia (Coordinates here)

8. For pre-wedding photoshoots and…cliff jumpers! – Honeymoon Beach (Jimbaran)

Jump into the sunset… literally!

About 250 metres before Tegal Wangi Beach, you park in a thicket and walk through some brush and a dirt path before coming out onto the coolest little cliff. This spot is perfect for a thrilling cliff jump, barbeque and sunset get together.

Photo Via Riza_khadiqi

Take your friends, some coconut coals and get down on the best secret spot ever! Private and low key, you and your friends can set up a grill, bring the meats and coconuts for a full-on cliff party.

With a clifftop that juts above the water at about 4 metres high, the most adventurous can take the plunge into the ocean below, and take an easy swim back to land.

Photo Via Bebiecolin

If you’re not up for such a huge adrenaline rush, simply sit back and relax as nature demonstrates its beauty in the form of a magnificent water blow.

Photo Via Misstikokdotkom-,-rousanfikri
Photo Via Angelineshuu

This place is also getting popular among couples for pre-wedding photoshoots! (But do note that if you are here for a photoshoot, you will have to pay a fee to the locals “in charge” of this place.

Photo via Arichrysalis

Honeymoon Beach

Location: Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia (Coordinates here)
Getting there: On the way to Tegal Wangi, pull off into the first thicket on your left. Hike through the bush for about 15 minutes until you come out onto the cliff!

9. Adventurer’s Retreat – Bias Tugal Beach (Padangbai, Manggis)

Bias Tugal, or Pantai Kecil (little beach) is yet another sparkly white secret beach that has some adventures lined up for you! Tucked away in Padang Bai, one needs to trek through almost 500 meters of a rocky patch to reach the beach.

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Photo via baligasm
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Photo via vladislavfalinskiy

Once there, indulge yourself in different activities like snorkeling, sea diving, and exploring the beautiful coral reefs.

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Photo via-rawontheroad

The waters here are perfect for swimming and even child-friendly. You could also just lie around, soak up some sun, and enjoy the views of the clear blue waters.

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Photo via christovel, dwijanuari

Or even jump into the blue lagoon!

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Photo via surengrana

This beach isn’t nearly as deserted as Nyang Nyang, and you will find some huts and stalls selling drinks and snacks to munch on while you’re on your beach retreat.

Bias Tugel Beach

Entrance fee: Rp. 10,000 (Approximately USD $0.70)
Address: Padangbai, Manggis, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80871, Indonesia (Coordinates here)
Getting there: From the entrance of Padang Bai, look out for a small road a few hundred metres south. Follow the road for around 4 km, till you arrive at the parking entrance. After you park your vehicle, follow the path on foot for another 700 metres, a short climb up and over the hill to get to Bias Tugel Beach.

10. The Real Treasure of Suluban Beach (Uluwatu)

Everyone knows Suluban Beach as a surfers’ paradise, but Suluban Cave might just be the real treasure here.

Looking almost like a movie set from the Pirates of the Caribbean series with its otherworldly glamour, Suluban Cave oozes both mystery and mystic.

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Photo via: lovethesepics

Located directly under Uluwatu, the cave actually leads up to the beach near Uluwatu Temple, another incredible sea temple you should definitely visit too!

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Photo via: tuulavintage

Suluban Beach

Parking fee: Rp. 5,000 (Approximately USD $0.35)
Location: Coordinates here.
Getting there: Located at the Bukit Peninsula, Suluban Beach is connected to Kuta and Denpasar through Jimbaran by the busy Jalan Bypass Nusa Dua and this is the only route in, approximately 34 km from Denpasar. Do note that the road in is uneven with rocks and sand, so ensure that you have a suitable vehicle. From the carpark, head down the stairs for around 3-5 minutes.

11. The High Cliff at Melasti Beach (Ungasan)

One of the most captivating beaches on Bali’s southern coast is largely ignored by tourists. It’s mostly in-the-know photographers who make it down to Melasti, drawn to its beautiful rock formations and stunning high cliffs.

Photo Via Sherly-Martha
Photo Via Arichrysalis_-fannytjandra_-sokolishko

The High Cliff at Melasti Beach

Location: Coordinates here.
Getting there: Head to the south of Bali, near Uluwatu. From the carpark the cliff is easily accessible by foot, and there are stairs to go down to the beach

12. Scenic Haven – Atuh Beach (Nusa Penida)

Take a break from the usual fare at beaches and let Atuh Beach surprise you!

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Photo via Jokoleo

Located in Nusa Penida, the beach has one of the most striking views you can ever imagine. Here, you will find the shimmering turquoise waters juxtaposed against craggy mountain peaks, and stretches of white sands laid out perfectly in the curved beach.

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Photo via Manbutur Photography

The beach is abundant with rock shelters and is overlooked by a cliff. But the stunning coral reefs are what bring Atuh to life, especially during low tide when at their full glory.

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Photo via-winayasura

Lay back and watch the day go by at one of the most gorgeous beaches in Bali, and make sure to take the prettiest pictures while you’re at it.

Atuh Beach

Entrance fee: Rp. 25,000 (Approximately USD $1.64)
Location: Pejukutan, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia (Coordinates here)
Getting there: To reach Atuh, you can take a ferry or a fast boat to reach the island, and rent a bike once you arrive at Nusa Penida Harbour.

13. Catch a minature waterfall – Melasti Beach near Tanah Lot (Tabanan)

Want more than just a regular sunset picture at the beach?

Along the sandy Melasti beach (at Tanah Lot) lies a hidden treasure – a waterfall.

melasti beach by flickr
Photo via: ManButur Photography

Capture a shot from the shoreline of the sun setting as the water streams back into the ocean.

melasti waterfall by Flickr
Photo via: Monthon Wachirasettakul

Do note that this seasonal waterfall from the beach cliffs can only be seen during certain days, such as during rainy days and high tide.

Melasti-Beach-Bali-750x400 by letsbewild.com
Photo via: Pandu Adnyana

Note: Take note not to mistake this Melasti beach with the one near Ungasan!

Melasti Beach (near Tanah Lot)

Entrance fee: Rp. 15,000 (Approximately USD $1.10)
Location: Coordinates here.
Getting there: To get this waterfall at Melasti Beach in Tabanan, head to Batu Bolong Temple located on the right side of Tanah Lot temple. From Tanah Lot Temple heading to Batu Bolong Temple, you need to walk 400 metres. It’s around 10-15 minutes’ walk from Tanah Lot Temple. Do ask the locals there for the best way to get to the waterfall site, as cliff shore can be dangerous during high tide.
Note: Melasti waterfall is seasonal. It disappears during the dry season.

14. Seaweed paradise – Geger Beach (Nusa Dua)

Nestled in Nusa Dua, Bali’s luxury resort neighbourhood, Geger Beach has experienced development at one end, while the other remains gorgeously untouched.

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In fact, what’s left of this little slice of paradise is a hideout for passionate beach-goers looking for a break from the crowd. The place is popular with expats rather than tourists, which is no surprise, since they are probably residents in the high-end locality.

While you enjoy your quiet afternoon by the sand and sea, don’t forget to visit its seaweed farms, where the plants are harvested to produce cosmetics. You can even spot the farmers at work on the beach.

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With calm and crystal clear water, Geger Beach is also perfect for swimmers and snorkellers. Its seaweed farms attract spectacular reef fish into the shallow waters too!

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Geger Beach

Entrance fee: Rp. 5,000 (Approximately USD $0.35)
Address: Coordinates here.
Getting there: Head towards Mulia hotel in Nusa Dua, there is a side street that you can use to access the beach (ask any local/guard)

15. The private and exclusive – Karma Beach (Ungasan)

Want to have the privacy of an exclusive beach?

Karma Beach is one of the few places where you’ll have to pay to experience Bali’s untouched beauty.

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Descend via the inclinator to the private sands of the Karma Kandara Villa, and your entrance fee includes purchase of food and drinks.

Supermodel Kristy Hinze and actor Jeremy Piven are known to be former guests of the cliff side villas, which starts from USD $500 a night.

karma beach

And yes, this is the perfect beach with blindingly white sand and turquoise water, where you can enjoy world-class Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and an ice-cold beer.

You can even watch a movie by the beach, as the sun sets for the day.

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Now, how many beaches provide that level of luxury?

Karma Beach

Entrance fee through Karma Kandara: Rp. 650,000 (Approximately USD $46.41) for non guests, Rp. 350,000 can be used in their restaurant.
Location: Ungasan, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia (Coordinates here)
Getting there: Head towards Karma Kandara Resort in Uluwatu and go through their resort.

16. Mystical Trails – Soka Beach (West Bali)

Ditch the crowds at Southern Bali and embark towards an off-beat hideaway in West Bali.

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Soka Beach is a rare sight with its black sands and green surroundings. Its picturesque backdrop is lined with a chain of hills on one side and the view of the magnificent peaks of Mount Agung on the other.

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Photo via Antony Radcliffe

But, for the one with a curious eye and an appetite for myths and mysteries, Soka Beach has many hidden secrets to draw you in.

While the beach is home to a lot of myths, its waters and the huge coral reef are believed to be the cooking pot of Balinese might man, Kebo Iwa.

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Photo via mfatchur98

If you’re up for a little Narnian-esque adventure, head down to Soka Beach – try and decipher its coral rock formations, and even discover the secret batcave!

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Photo via Made Suwita

Soka Beach

Entrance fee: Rp. 2,000 (Approximately USD $0.15)
Location: Jl. Raya Denpasar – Gilimanuk, Antap, Kec. Selemadeg, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82162, Indonesia (Coordinates here)

17. Black Beauty – Amed Beach (Amed)

Can you imagine a beach with black sand?

Amed, Bali, Indonesia 2011. Balifornian Tours http://www.balifornian.com
Photo via: Bali Floating Leaf Eco-Luxury Retreat

It’s actually a common sight in Amed, which boasts of unique black sand beaches due to the volcanic deposits in the coastal soil.

But this isn’t the only thing appealing about this north-eastern gem.

Featuring a flat bottom lagoon, it’s also a perfect spot to learn snorkelling and diving, and the reef is a short distance away by boat in calm waters.

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No worries if you’re on a budget – there are numerous local villages with various accommodation options.

But one thing you should try – seafood. It is one of the region’s best, and be sure to also try the locally harvested salt for a taste of the seaside, literally.

Amed Beach

Entrance fee: Rp. 10,000 (Approximately USD $0.70); Parking fee: Rp. 5,000 (Approximately USD $0.35)
Location: Coordinates here.

18. Down the unmarked trail – Pasir Putih Beach (Manggis)

Pasir Putih beach

The gorgeous Pasir Putih (meaning white sand) owes its secluded reputation to its location.

Although it’s barely 90 minutes’ drive from Denpasar, the capital, reaching it is an adventurous trip that takes you through a tiny village, down an unmarked trail and along a rough, sandy track.

This pretty little hideout is tropical paradise incarnate. You can swim in turquoise waters, rent a beaten-up lounge chair and enjoy some local eats on the sparsely populated shoreline.

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You’ll also then notice something lovely – unlike almost every other beach in Bali, this one is so secluded that there’s not a single villa or hotel in sight.

Pasir Putih Beach

Entrance fee: Rp. 10,000 (Approximately USD $0.70); Parking fee: Rp. 5,000 (Approximately USD $0.35)
Location: Coordinates here.
Getting there: Located off of the main road in Perasi, East Bali, and 4km east of Candidasa. Drive East from Kuta towards Sanur. Take the Kusamba Bypass to East Bali. Follow the coastal road past Candidasa. When you come to Perasi, slow down and ask locals for ‘Pasir Putih’. (Driving time from Kuta is 2.5 hours)

19. Mysterious Boulder Beach – Yeh Leh (West Bali)

You probably wouldn’t have heard of Yeh Leh Beach unless you are a local fisherman.

Located in Jembrana, just off the Denpasar-Gilimanuk highway, Yeh Leh is not decorated with soft white sand like your ideal beach.

Instead, thousands of boulders litter the shore, either covered in algae or washed clean by the waves. These mysterious rocks have been smoothed over for hundreds of years, leaving few clues about their origin.

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The beach is actually easily accessible, and you can visit at low tide to see Yeh Leh in all its glory, with the boulders unearthed and many interesting marine animals caught in the rock pools.

And if you can, don’t miss its stunning sunset, which lights up every shining rock on the shore.

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Photo via: Kirana Photography, Budi Astawa

Yeh Leh Beach

Location: Jl. Raya Denpasar – Gilimanuk No.16, Selabih, Kec. Selemadeg Bar., Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82162, Indonesia (Coordinates here)

Are there any other secluded and lesser known beaches you love that we missed? Do comment and share with us below!

PLEASE NOTE: All the above information is correct at the date of publication. If you come across any changes or updates, please let us know and we will update the information accordingly. Thank you!
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