5 Best Beaches for Day-trips from Bali Bliss
Ever felt Bali’s south coast too noisy for a day off?
We’ve found five hidden beaches just a speedboat ride or winding road away.
Think of soft white sand under your feet and warm sun on your shoulders.
Tranquility.
Mushroom Bay (Nusa Lembongan – a tiny island off Bali’s coast)
Imagine powdery white sand that cushions your toes. The sea here stays calm, so paddleboards and woven sun loungers line the shore. Perfect for a lazy morning.Crystal Bay (Nusa Penida – rugged island known for dramatic cliffs)
Clear blue water you can see right through. Colorful fish dart beneath you when you snorkel over coral gardens (underwater rock and coral patches). A quiet spot to cool off.Kelingking Beach (Nusa Penida – cliff-top viewpoint over turquoise waves)
You’ve seen that T-Rex rock shape online. It’s even more jaw-dropping in person. Climb down if you’re up for it. Go slow. The reward is a private stretch of golden sand.Jimbaran Bay (Bali’s southwest coast)
As the sun dips, seafood grills on bamboo skewers. The sweet smell of barbecue smoke and sea breeze mix in the air. Lean back on a woven mat and watch dinner drift by on a wave.Blue Lagoon (Padangbai – a coral cove east of Bali)
Slip into warm water filled with rainbow reefs. Tropical fish glide right up to your mask. You’ll feel like you’re swimming in an aquarium.
Top Picks for Beaches Day Trips from Bali
Ever dream of chasing sun and surf with just a day to spare? We’ve rounded up six spots that balance easy travel with unforgettable highlights. From breezy speedboat rides to scenic coastal drives, each beach promises its own slice of sandy bliss.
- Nusa Lembongan (54.8 km, speedboat, ~30 min): Float in calm, clear water at Mushroom Bay (gentle waves and soft white sand).
- Nusa Penida (65.8 km, fast boat, ~30 min): Stand atop the cliffs at Kelingking Beach for jaw-dropping ocean views.
- Uluwatu & Jimbaran Bay (98 km, car, ~90 min drive): Savor fresh seafood barbecue as the sun melts into the horizon on Jimbaran Beach.
- Padang Bai (103 km, car, ~2.5 hr drive): Slip on your snorkel gear and meet colorful fish in Blue Lagoon’s sheltered cove.
- Tulamben (120 km, car, ~3 hr drive): Dive into history at the US Liberty shipwreck (schools of fish weaving through rusted corridors).
- Amed (128 km, car, ~3 hr drive): Explore vibrant coral reefs at Lipah Beach as morning light dances underwater.
Which beach is calling your name? Scroll down for the full scoop on each shore.
Nusa Penida Beaches Overview
Nusa Penida feels like a hidden playground of rocky cliffs, secret coves, and curious sea life just a quick boat ride away. You’ll hear the soft splash against the hull and catch salt on the breeze the moment you arrive. Ready to swap busy shores for mind-blowing views and tucked-away swim spots?
From the top of the Kelingking Beach cliff viewpoint you’ll gasp at that T-rex–shaped rock jutting into the sea, waves crashing below. Entry’s about IDR 10,000 (around $0.70), with a small extra fee for parking. Pure magic.
Broken Beach sits just down the path, its natural arch framing emerald water. It’s IDR 10,000 (about $0.70) to wander the rim and soak it all in. Next, stroll over to Angel’s Billabong tidal pool, smooth volcanic stone invites you to perch right above the tide. Just check the water level first. Entry is IDR 15,000 (about $1).
If snorkeling’s your thing, Crystal Bay is a top pick: gentle reefs, rainbow fish, and soft breeze off the water. Ever wanted to swim alongside manta rays? Head out to Manta Point in cooler currents, local guides (they know the safest spots) will lead the way. Nearby warung (street-side cafes) serve fresh coconut and rice bowls, and you’ll find simple restrooms at each site. Don’t forget a waterproof pouch for your phone.
On the quieter east coast, Atuh Beach and Diamond Beach feel like private discoveries at sunrise. You’ll follow steep limestone stairs down to a stretch of white sand hugged by jagged cliffs. Go early to catch pastel skies as the villages wake. By 8 AM a lone warung often opens with sweet iced tea before you climb back up. Tranquility.
Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan Beaches Overview
Slip off Bali’s busy shore and you’ll discover two hidden gems. Both feel wonderfully off-grid, with hardly any crowds. See the transport section below for boat schedules and pick-up spots. Ever dreamed of a peaceful island escape?
On Nusa Lembongan, Mushroom Bay is like a real-life postcard. The white sand is so soft your toes will thank you and the waves gently lap at the shore. You can sip fresh coconut water or cold juice at beachfront clubs. Pure bliss.
Meander to Dream Beach’s volcanic rock outcrops (photo opp alert) or swing by Devil’s Tear to watch waves slam against cliffs in a spray of sea mist. Take a parasail ride above the aquamarine water, fans say it’s a must-do. Or join a mangrove tour (boats winding through twisting roots) for a bit of jungle magic. Entry fees barely touch IDR 10,000.
And the villas overlooking the strait? They’ll make you gasp.
Nusa Ceningan feels even quieter. At the Blue Lagoon viewpoint (just IDR 5,000–10,000) you’ll see turquoise coves framed by limestone walls. Surfers catch friendly breaks here and warungs (local eateries) grill fresh fish while you sip iced tea. Simple, serene.
Insider tip: slip out right at sunrise to bathe in soft golden light before the day-trippers arrive.
Southern Bali Coast Beaches for Quick Getaways
The coast from Uluwatu to Jimbaran Bay feels like a gentle ocean breeze whispering your name. Whether you’re planning an Uluwatu day trip or a surf Bali day trip with friends, you’ll find sheer cliff views, reef breaks (waves over coral), and hidden coves with soft sand. Think of your pickup spot, details below.
Suluban Beach sits beneath a limestone cave (a rocky arch carved by the sea). You’ll pay a small entry fee of about IDR 10,000 (under a dollar) to descend wooden steps and hop across tide pools (shallow water pockets). It’s a playground for surfers and photo lovers alike.
Next up is Padang Padang Beach, with powdery white sand and a famous surf break. Local rangers collect around IDR 10,000 at the entrance. Ever dream of paddling out on just-right waves? This is it.
Dreamland Beach wraps up our trio. Its wide shoreline hums with board wax and salt spray. Entry here is also roughly IDR 10,000. By the way, if you want culture between swells, head to Uluwatu Temple (IDR 30,000 per person). It perches on a cliff top, complete with cheeky monkeys and sunset views.
Jimbaran Bay feels like a seaside feast at dusk. Simple cafes set tables right on the sand. You pick a whole grilled snapper or garlic-butter clams, then settle onto a woven mat as the sky turns pink. The water’s calm enough for a quick dip before you dig in.
Pure bliss.
Eastern Bali Day-Trip Beaches: Padang Bai, Amed & Tulamben
So you’re craving gentle waves and palm-fringed coves instead of the west coast’s buzz. Picture yourself stepping into a postcard. See transport details below for a smooth ride – no guesswork.
At Padang Bai you’ll slip into Blue Lagoon’s clear water (perfect for snorkeling newbies) or descend to Bias Tugel’s hidden white-sand cove (steep stairs – totally worth it). Local warungs (open-air eateries) grill fresh fish satay and pour sweet iced tea just steps from the shore. A small entry fee of about IDR 15,000 (around $1) helps keep things tidy. Snorkel gear rentals are right on the sand. Tranquility.
Amed and Tulamben both live for reef life. In Amed, Lipah Beach and Jemeluk Bay glow with vibrant coral gardens. Resorts even host early-morning shore yoga sessions (ever unroll your mat on warm sand?). Tulamben shines with the US Liberty shipwreck dive site plus Drop Off and Paradise Reef just offshore. Dive shops sort your permits (about IDR 60,000, roughly $4) and rent gear. Plan for April through October when the seas are calm. Currents roll in from November through March. By the way, um, don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen.
Transportation & Logistics for Bali Beach Day Trips
When planning your day trip, compare transport options Bali offers, from speedy boats to local car rental beaches. Peak season means more traffic on the roads, so add a 30–60 minute buffer for transfers to ports. Check boat schedules Bali the day before and aim for morning departures to maximize beach time. Use ticket apps for fast-boat bookings and choose flexible tickets if your plans shift. Scooter rental runs around 100,000 IDR per day for quick island hops, while car rental comes in at about 400,000 IDR daily for door-to-door comfort. Ferry crossings to Lombok can be part of extended itineraries, with easy online booking. Be sure to confirm departure times at least a day ahead and arrive 30 minutes early to avoid last-minute stress.
| Route | Mode | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanur–Nusa Penida | Fast boat | ~30 min | 150,000–180,000 IDR one-way |
| Sanur–Nusa Lembongan | Speedboat | ~30 min | ~200,000 IDR round-trip |
| Port to beach | Scooter rental | Varies | ~100,000 IDR/day |
| Multiple beaches | Car rental | Depends on route | ~400,000 IDR/day |
| Padang Bai–Lombok | Ferry | ~4 hr | 60,000–150,000 IDR |
Final Words
Sunrise on Kelingking, calm swims at Mushroom Bay, reef dives at Tulamben… you’ve seen how each spot shines with its own vibe and travel time.
Whether you’re chasing manta rays off Nusa Penida, savoring seafood sunsets in Jimbaran Bay, or navigating fast boats to Nusa Lembongan, our guide covers the highlights, entry notes, and on-ground tips.
From rugged cliffs to gentle coves, you’ve got everything for seamless transport planning and immersive beach moments. Here’s to days spent exploring the best beaches for day trips from Bali with ease and joy.
FAQ
What are the best beaches for day trips from Bali by car?
The best beaches for day trips from Bali by car include Uluwatu’s Suluban cave surf spot, Jimbaran Bay’s seafood cove, Padang Padang’s white-sand break, Padang Bai’s Blue Lagoon snorkeling, and Amed’s reef swim.
Where can you take day trips from Seminyak, Nusa Dua, or Canggu?
Day trips from Seminyak, Nusa Dua, or Canggu reach nearby gems like Nusa Penida and Lembongan by 30-minute boat, Uluwatu’s cliff-top breaks in an hour by car, and Padang Bai in 2.5 hours.
Can you do a day trip to Nusa Penida from Bali?
A day trip to Nusa Penida from Bali is doable with a 30-minute fast boat from Sanur or Padang Bai, letting you explore Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach, and Angel’s Billabong in a single day.
Can you do a day trip from Bali to Komodo?
A day trip from Bali to Komodo isn’t practical by boat or road. Komodo requires a 3–4 hour flight or ferry plus an overnight stay to reach the park and boat to the islands.
What is the prettiest beach in Bali and the best ones for swimming?
The prettiest beach in Bali is often Padang Padang with its soft white sand and turquoise cove. Nusa Dua’s calm lagoon, Sanur’s gentle waves, and Crystal Bay in Nusa Penida are top for swimming.
Is $100 a day enough for Bali?
A $100-a-day budget in Bali covers mid-tier rooms, meals at local warungs, scooter rental, and basic tours. You can enjoy villa-style pools, rice-terrace trips, and beachside dinners without worry.
