For many tourists visiting Bali, images of palm-fringed beaches are uppermost in their mind and probably the biggest single reason for purchasing that ticket to paradise.
The reality is this plus more. While the palm-fringed beaches do exist, there is also the wild coastline and black sandy beaches in the west, the exciting surf, the sparkling lagoons of Lembongan island, as well as the quiet coves in the north.
Kuta Beach
Is by far the most popular and whitest beach in Bali, attracting all ages and nationalities. The beach extends from Candu to the airport in Tuban. It is ideal for those who wish to combine a beach holiday with testing their surfing skills.
Kuta beach continues to grow in popularity and is a fantastic place to lay your sarong, frolic in the waves and soak up the warm sun. These days beach sellers are kept behind an invisible line, so peace is still possible on this action-packed strip.
Sunset Legian
Has been called the united nations of beaches where locals, expatriates and tourists mingle, bargain, play foot­ball, indulge in a massage, catch up on reading, meditate or exercise.
The two camps are easily recognized, as workers appear to wear as many clothes as possible whereas bule (westerners) wear as little as possible. Be prepared for scantily-clad Brazilians, G-stringed Italians, bronzed Germans, Australian in designer surf gear, and pretty Indonesian girls wearing multi-coloured platform shoes.
Sunset at Sunset Legian is when the beach bars fill up, the football field is at its busiest and the locals finish their work and wade fully clothed, skirts swirling, into the waves.
Tuban beach
Between Kuta and the airport is lined with big hotels. Less frantic than Kuta, it is a wonderful place to simply grab a lounger, a good book and relax. It is safe to swim here thanks to the hotel lifeguards.
Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin, and Dreamland
Used to be the exclusive playgrounds of surfers. Access was along rough dirt tracks and the hike down to some of the beaches deterred many people. But this is no longer true, as tarred roads have been built, along with access paths down to the most popular beaches. This means that now anyone can take advantage of these stunning beaches, still relatively quiet by Bali's standards. Basic accommoda­tion is available at most of the beaches. Small warungs sell simple food and drinks, and of course there are some sell­ers offering standard Bali merchandise. When the surf is up you can catch world-class rides, and when there is no surf the sea becomes a crystal clear lagoon gently lapping the white sand. Uluwatu is particularly busy at sunset when the monkeys play on the spectacularly located temple.
Nusa Dua
Was designed with luxury in mind. Numerous big name hotels line the beautiful sandy beaches which offer excellent swimming in a protected lagoon. Some resorts have private beaches however most are accessible. Along this beautiful stretch of beach you will find simple but good food at cheap prices in the warung. The stretch past the Hilton Resort is a popular surf break during the wet season.
Sanur Beach
Is a calm, quiet lagoon area offering great conditions for windsurfing, parasailing, and other recreational activi­ties. The chic address of many of Bali's rich and famous since the 1930's, Sanur has a lively history and is still cherished by many.
The stretch from the Grand Bali Beach Hotel to beyond the Bali Hyatt is served by a beach path, making it possible to enjoy the many hotels and restaurants along the strip. The calm waters of Sanur beach make it very popular with families.
Jimbaran
Is a sleepy cove where fleets of fishing boats colour the scene. Since the opening of the Four Seasons Resort and the Inter Continental, this once-quiet area has no become a popular resort. Local families and tourists drawn by its beauty, and to enjoy the food of the super seafood restaurants along the beach.
Jimbaran's grey sand and calm waters attract ma people. It is a very popular spot for windsurfing a small sailing craft, which are available for rent.