Let me just say this right off the bat — if you’re dreaming about “hidden beaches in Bali worth visiting,” you’re my kind of traveler. You’re not just here for the typical tourist snaps in front of Tanah Lot or a coconut at Seminyak Beach. Nope, you’re digging deeper. You want that real, quiet slice of Bali, the kind where the sand is soft, the waves are lazy, and the only sounds you hear are the wind and maybe some warung auntie frying up nasi goreng somewhere nearby.
And yep, those places exist. They’re just not on the front page of your hotel brochure.
Now, I’ve lived in Bali for years — drove tourists around, hosted backpackers, even helped a few folks plan their honeymoons. And along the way, I’ve stumbled (literally sometimes, down a sketchy dirt trail in flip-flops) into some of the island’s most underrated beaches. Not the Insta-famous kind. These are the kind of beaches where your phone signal drops and you don’t even care.
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So, lemme walk you through the good stuff — the tucked-away coastal corners that are 100% worth your time, sunscreen, and sore legs.
Bingin Beach — Where Surfers Meet Serenity
I know, I know. Some folks say Bingin isn’t so “hidden” anymore. And yeah, it’s gained a bit of traction in the past few years — blame the surf bloggers and yoga expats. But compared to places like Kuta or Double Six, Bingin still feels like your own secret spot.
You gotta walk down a whole maze of stairs to get there. Not a smooth sidewalk either — we’re talking steep stone steps between cliffside villas and barefoot kids selling coconuts. But once you hit the bottom? Boom. Turquoise water, rocky tide pools, and these epic white limestone cliffs on both sides that make the sunset pop. It’s like nature designed a postcard and then just forgot to tell anyone about it.
Try the fish BBQ right on the sand in the evening. There’s this one uncle with a grill made from a repurposed oil drum. No frills, no menu. You just point at a snapper, and 20 minutes later, it’s on your plate with sambal and rice. Heaven.
Also — low tide reveals little caves and private nooks. It’s perfect if you wanna chill away from the main stretch, especially if you’re one of those people who packs a book and forgets the time.
Gunung Payung Beach — For When You Need a Mental Reset
Ever had one of those days where Bali’s traffic makes you question every life choice? Yeah, same. That’s when I head to Gunung Payung Beach.
It’s in the south, near Nusa Dua, but way less polished than the big-name resorts over there. You won’t see loungers lined up in rows or servers offering cold towels. What you will find? A peaceful, almost spiritual kind of beach where the only buildings nearby are a tiny Balinese temple and a guard post with an old man who might ask for a small entrance fee (like IDR 5K — basically pocket change).
The beach itself is down a solid flight of stairs — my calves were on fire the first time I went — but the views from the top are worth pausing for. Clear-as-glass water, soft sand, and hardly anyone else around. I’ve gone down there on weekday mornings and seen just two other people: a French guy doing tai chi and a local grandma washing offerings in the ocean.
This one’s ideal for folks who like to meditate, nap, or just lay out with nothing but the ocean and their thoughts. Oh, and bring snacks. There’s no cafe or warung nearby. Just you, the ocean, and your backpack.
Nyang Nyang Beach — The Ultimate Leg Day Reward
Let’s talk about the beach that separates the casuals from the committed. Nyang Nyang Beach.
This place is no joke. You’ve gotta hike down nearly 500 steps — and they aren’t uniform either. Some are crumbling, some are random rocks, and if it rained the day before, well… good luck. I once made the mistake of doing it after eating a massive lunch. Nearly passed out halfway down. Learn from me.
But oh man, when you finally hit the sand? It’s like nature claps for you. Wide, empty shoreline. Rolling waves. And zero — I repeat, zero — beach clubs.
There’s this iconic graffiti-covered shipwreck on the shore, half-buried in the sand, that photographers go nuts over. But for me, it’s the solitude. I’ve sat out there for hours without hearing a single word of English. Just the wind, waves, and maybe a hawker or two trudging down to sell cold drinks (they deserve medals for that hike, seriously).
Take water. Lots of it. And maybe a walking stick if you’ve got creaky knees like mine.
Green Bowl Beach — Bats, Surf, and Hidden Caves
Okay, I saved one of my favorites for this part. Green Bowl Beach is one of those spots that feels a little magical — in a mysterious, “should I be down here?” kind of way.
It’s in the Bukit area, past the turn to Pandawa Beach, and down about 300 steps. (Yeah, stairs are kinda a theme with these hidden beaches. Your legs will hate you, but your soul’ll thank you.)
The beach is small — like, if there’s more than 15 people, it starts feeling crowded. But it’s got these crazy limestone caves filled with bats. Literal bats. They just hang up there sleeping while you nap in the shade beneath ’em. Kinda weird, kinda cool. I wouldn’t go messing with them, but they usually leave you alone.
Waves here can be strong, so it’s a good surf spot — but only for intermediate or better surfers. Not ideal for kids or casual swimmers. But the snorkeling’s surprisingly decent if you go during low tide and the water’s clear.
I’ve had some of the most peaceful beach naps here. The sound of waves bouncing off the cave walls? Pure ASMR.
Bias Tugel Beach — Padangbai’s Best Kept Secret
Ever been in Padangbai? It’s that port town where most folks catch the fast boat to the Gilis. But here’s the thing — most people are in such a rush to get on the boat, they totally miss this absolute gem right around the corner.
Bias Tugel Beach (sometimes called Pantai Kecil) is a short walk from the harbor — maybe 15 minutes tops. You’ll need to follow a dirt trail, and depending on the season, it might be muddy. Wear shoes, not sandals. Trust me. I slid right outta my flip-flops once and got a weird cut that stung for days.
But the beach? Wow. Small bay, white-ish sand, a few warungs serving fried noodles and cold Bintangs. The kind of place you can spend an entire afternoon in without realizing the time.
What’s nice is that the current’s calmer here compared to the open beaches on the Bukit. I’ve seen little kids playing in the shallows, and I’ve done a bit of snorkeling too — nothing crazy, but enough to see a few colorful fish.
Perfect for lazy beach days, post-dive snacks, or just waiting out your boat ride.
Soka Beach — Black Sand, Local Vibes, and Zero Crowds
Let’s head west for a sec — most folks don’t. But if you’re road-tripping toward West Bali National Park or just wanna escape the tourist scene entirely, Soka Beach is worth the stop.
It’s not a “paradise white sand” kind of place. It’s volcanic black sand, gritty and warm underfoot, with dramatic cliffs and often moody skies. But dang, it’s peaceful.
I once took a Dutch couple here who were sick of Canggu’s crowd. We got fresh young coconuts from a stall by the roadside, sat on the sand, and just watched the tide roll in. They still email me sometimes saying that was their favorite moment of the whole trip.
There’s a tiny temple on the cliff, too. Locals say it’s a protective spot. I believe it — the energy here is different. Slower, older, kinda grounding.
Tembeling Beach and Forest — More Than Just a Beach
This one’s a bit different. It’s on Nusa Penida, which you’ll need to ferry to (usually from Sanur). But if you’re already heading over there, don’t skip Tembeling.
You start off riding a motorbike down this narrow, cracked cement path through the forest — if you’re not super confident on two wheels, just walk it. The trail ends at a little natural spring pool surrounded by jungle. Super cold water, super refreshing. And past that? You’ll find a small rocky beach that opens up to the open sea.
It’s not the most swimmable beach, but wow, it feels ancient. Like you’ve stepped into a hidden world.
Bring sandals, not shoes — the ground gets slippery near the pools. And yeah, pack snacks again. You won’t find a 7-Eleven here.
Hidden Beaches in Bali Worth Visiting That Even Locals Forget Exist
You know what’s funny? Even folks who live here sometimes forget how many sneaky little beaches are tucked away behind rice fields, broken stone paths, or random cow pastures. I’ve talked to drivers who’ve lived their whole life in Tabanan and never been to the coast down there. Wild.
Let me give you another one that almost no one ever talks about: Tegal Wangi Beach.
Tegal Wangi is not far from Jimbaran, which sounds busy, I know—but this one’s different. It sits right under a cliff where a temple watches the sea, and you’ve gotta walk down some natural steps in the rocks. Kinda sketchy during high tide, not gonna lie, but if you time it right (like, around golden hour), it’s absolutely dreamy.
What makes it special is the little natural pools in the rocks. When the tide’s low, these shallow basins fill up with clear seawater, and they’re just warm enough to feel like a free spa. Locals call them “Jacuzzis,” and yeah… they kinda are.
I’ve brought friends here just to sit in those rock pools, beers in hand, watching the sun drop into the ocean like a coin into a wishing well. No music, no noise—just the hiss of the sea and the occasional dog sniffing around. Pure Bali vibes.
Important heads-up though: it gets sketchy if you don’t leave before dark. No lights. No rails. Slippery rocks. Don’t be that person getting rescued on a beach that’s supposed to be chill.
Why These Beaches Stay Hidden (And How to Respect That)
So let’s be real—these places aren’t “hidden” because they’re magically invisible. They’re hidden because they’re inconvenient. You can’t drive right up to them, the paths aren’t marked on fancy tourist maps, and there’s no welcome sign. That’s what keeps them special.
But that also means they need a bit more love and respect from folks like us. When I visit these kinds of beaches, I treat ‘em like someone’s front yard. You wouldn’t leave trash in someone’s driveway, right? Same thing.
Also—watch where you park. Sometimes the nearest space is next to someone’s farm or house. Always ask if it’s okay, and give a little thanks (a “makasih, ya Bu” goes a long way here).
And if you’re bringing a drone? Please… ask first. I’ve seen more than a few ceremonies interrupted by tourists buzzing overhead without a clue. Nothing kills a peaceful beach vibe faster than the sound of a DJI whizzing around like an electric mosquito.
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