Best Beaches Near Ubud Serene Coastal Escapes

Think Ubud and the beach don't mix? Think again. Ubud (the island's inland arts town, surrounded by rice terraces that glow emerald at sunrise) sits away from the coast, but the sand is never far.

Most of Bali's best beaches are just a one- to three-hour drive from Ubud , perfect for a day of sun, surf, or a quiet swim. Picture the soft murmur of waves, warm sun on your skin, and a salty breeze that feels like a slow exhale.

Top picks you can reach easily from Ubud:

• Sanur (family-friendly beach town with calm, shallow water) , gentle sands and easy swimming.
• Padang Padang (a cove hugged by cliffs) , dramatic cliffs, a secret-bay vibe, and surf breaks for the brave.
• Amed (black-sand shoreline with volcanic views) , quiet, volcanic sand, and snorkel spots teeming with color.

Match the mood: soft white sand, a volcanic shore under your feet, or a cliff-framed cove. Pick the coastal escape that fits your day. Which one will you choose?

Top Accessible Beaches for a Day Trip from Ubud

Ubud sits inland, so the beaches below are best enjoyed as day trips rather than quick walks from town. Each one is roughly a 1 to 3 hour drive, perfect for a Bali coastal day tour when you want sun, surf, or a gentle swim without changing hotels. Pick the mood: soft white sand, black volcanic shores, or a quiet cove hugged by cliffs.

This quick list helps you match the beach to your plans. Sanur is easy for family days. Padang Padang and Balangan are for surfers. Jimbaran is perfect for a candlelit seafood dinner. Nusa Dua gives full-service resort comfort. Amed is the one to pick if you want great snorkeling or diving.

Tip: start early to beat the midday heat and traffic. Want help arranging a driver or timing? We’re happy to set it up. Pure bliss.

Sanur Beach Day Trip: Calm Waters & Local Culture from Ubud

One of the nicest beaches near Ubud for a calm, family-friendly day is Sanur. It’s about an hour and a half by shuttle or taxi, roughly $20 each way, and if you want help with transport, check booking options at Sanur Beach Day Trip from Ubud. Leave early to beat the midday heat and the traffic, and you’ll have more time to stroll the shoreline.

Sanur stretches about 4 km of soft white sand and gentle, shallow waves that make paddling safe and relaxing for little ones learning to swim. You’ll see paddleboards and kayaks for rent, lots of space for sandcastles, and quiet spots perfect for napping under an umbrella. Pure seaside ease.

Along the waterfront the mood is easy and friendly , local life blends with laid-back tourism: markets, cafés, bars, and water-sports vendors sit side by side. As evening comes some places host live music and traditional Balinese dance (ceremonial dance), so you can sip coffee by the sea, take a last swim, then watch the sun slide down in golden light.

Ever dreamed of a slow beach day with a touch of local color? Sanur is that kind of place , simple, safe, and sweet.

Surf Waves near Ubud: Padang Padang & Balangan Beaches

Heading out of Ubud for a day? These two beaches are the top picks for real surf, salty air, and dramatic coastlines. Expect a 1.5 to 2 hour drive. They pay off with reef breaks (waves that break over coral or rock), fewer families than resort beaches, and cleaner sets if you get there early. Bring reef booties (protective shoes for sharp coral) if you have them, and plan an early start to catch glassy waves and avoid the busiest parking times.

Padang Padang Beach

A narrow, roughly 1 km cove tucked between cliffs. The waves here are punchy and pretty consistent, best for intermediate and advanced surfers. The takeoff sits over a shallow reef (timing and positioning matter), so late morning winds can make things choppy. Access is down steep steps and a tight path, which keeps crowds smaller but makes hauling boards a workout. For easy logistics and local tips, consider the Padang Padang Beach Excursion from Ubud.

Balangan Beach

Balangan stretches long and sandy with a left-hand reef break (waves that peel left from the surfer’s view) that rewards committed turns. The rides can be powerful and long. You’ll find fewer tourists and more space in the line-up, plus a few humble warungs (small local cafes) behind the sand for post-surf noodles. Facilities are basic and paid parking is limited, so pack water and a towel. The vibe is mellow and wave-focused. Pure bliss.

Both spots are perfect if you’re chasing reef breaks near Ubud. Padang Padang gives sharper, faster waves in a postcard cove. Balangan offers longer lefts and a quieter line-up. Early mornings bring the best shape and smaller crowds. Ever dreamed of catching sunrise sets? Now’s your chance.

Sunset Dining at Jimbaran Bay: Beach Trip from Ubud

About a two-hour drive from Ubud, Jimbaran Bay opens into a long ribbon of golden sand and calm, easy swimming. It’s the kind of place made for a sunset outing, stroll the shore, then settle in for dinner as the sky changes color.

As the sun sinks, the mood softens. You’ll hear children’s laughter near the water and the gentle clink of cutlery at low tables on the sand. The air holds the warm scent of charcoal and grilled fish. Cozy. Quiet. Pure bliss.

Cafés and seafood stalls line the bay, each grilling the day’s catch over open flame. Think whole fish served on a banana leaf (used like a plate), spicy chilli sambal (spicy chili relish), and tender prawns that still smell of the sea. Many places set candlelit tables right where the waves reach the sand, so you can eat with your feet in the water as the tide laps nearby.

Ask for a table timed for sunset and watch the sky deepen behind the headland. It turns casual beach dining into something a little magical.

The scene leans toward low-key luxury. A handful of resorts and sun loungers sit just behind the beach, but the vibe stays relaxed and friendly. Great for couples after a day in Ubud, and easy for families who want a calm swim before dinner. Ever fancied dinner with your toes in the sand? Jimbaran is made for that.

Luxury Leisure at Nusa Dua: Ubud to Nusa Dua Beach Escape

About a 2.5-hour drive from Ubud, Nusa Dua opens onto wide stretches of pristine white sand and clear blue water. The roads in feel quieter, the beaches are neatly kept, and a gentle lagoon makes swimming easy and safe for all ages. Imagine the soft murmur of waves and the warm sun on your skin as you walk the shoreline.

Resort life here is all about letting go. Think all-inclusive resorts, private villas (standalone suites often with their own pools), poolside butlers, and beachfront restaurants serving fresh seafood and sweet tropical juices. There’s a shopping complex and a few small museums for a shady, slow stroll. You’ll also find an 18-hole golf course and day spas offering traditional Balinese massage (a rhythmic aromatic oil massage that leaves you light as air).

For water lovers, options range from gentle glass-bottom boat rides to stand-up paddleboarding in calm bays. Many resorts have private beach areas, so long lazy hours on the sand feel wonderfully secluded. The scent of coconut oil in the air, the feel of warm sand between your toes. Pure bliss.

Who should pick Nusa Dua for a day or two? Honeymooners after picture-perfect sunsets and privacy, families who want easy swimming and kids’ clubs, and anyone who wants a luxury beach escape Bali-style without a lot of planning. Bring a sunhat and a good book. Plan a relaxed lunch at your resort and let the slow waves do the rest.

Tranquility. Right here. Ever dreamed of watching the horizon melt into color while you sip a fresh juice? Nusa Dua makes that easy.

East Coast Diving & Snorkeling: Amed, Blue Lagoon & Bias Tugel from Ubud

Head east from Ubud (the central Bali town known for rice terraces (stepped fields that glow emerald at sunrise) and arts) for the best beaches that drop you straight into coral gardens and clear water. Drive times vary from about an hour for the nearer coves to roughly three hours for the farthest spots, so plan for a full day. Think reef walls, curious sea turtles, and calm bays that feel private and slow. Pure bliss.

• Amed Beach , About a 3-hour drive from Ubud. This east coast fishing village has black volcanic sand that looks dramatic against the turquoise sea. Coral gardens start close to shore, and morning visibility is often excellent, making it great for shore dives (entering the water from the beach) and guided boat trips. Quiet mood, soft waves. Bring a soft towel and leave time for a long, slow swim.

• Blue Lagoon Beach , Just over an hour from Ubud. Near Padangbai (a small harbor town on Bali’s east coast), Blue Lagoon is a world-class spot where you can see sea turtles, white-tip reef sharks, and a lush spread of reef life. Regular shuttles and taxis run here for about $25 each way, so day trips are easy to arrange. The shallow reef and calm entry suit confident snorkelers who want near-shore encounters.

• Bias Tugel Beach , Roughly a 1-hour drive. A tiny, tucked-away cove with soft sand and shallow reef pools that beg for lazy snorkeling and gentle exploration. The path in is rocky and jungle-lined, which keeps crowds low. Sunbed rentals are very affordable, and taxis or shared shuttles usually run about $25 each way.

Start early to catch the best water clarity and cooler air. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a refillable water bottle, and small cash for rentals or local snacks. Ever dreamed of snorkeling with a turtle? We can help arrange a driver, gear, or a local guide if you want.

Planning Beach Transfers from Ubud: Transport Options & Tips

Practicalities. A private car hire or a metered taxi usually costs about $20–25 one way. Rideshare apps can be hit-or-miss and pickup points sometimes change. There’s often a daily beach shuttle on the busiest routes.

Expect drives of about 1 to 3 hours, depending on which beach you’re heading to and how Bali traffic is behaving. Sometimes it’s a smooth, scenic drive. Other times it takes a little longer, plan a relaxed morning.

Bring a small dry bag for your phone and keys (a waterproof pouch). I slipped my phone into a tiny dry bag and it stayed sand-free all day. Pure bliss.

For driver and shuttle booking help, see these sections: East Coast beaches and Sanur & nearby beaches.

Final Words

Hit the road and taste the coast: in about 1–3 hours from Ubud you can reach Sanur (calm, family-friendly), Padang Padang and Balangan (surf), Jimbaran (sunset seafood), Nusa Dua (resort comfort), and Amed/Blue Lagoon/Bias Tugel (snorkel and dive spots).

We lined up drive times, beach highlights, and simple transfer tips so you can pick the mood, soft sand, waves, or a candlelit dinner by the sea. Ever dreamed of breakfast floating by your bedroom door?

Pack sunscreen, water, and some cash, leave early to skip the heat, and enjoy choosing from the best beaches near ubud for a perfect day out.

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