10 Hidden Beaches in Bali That Most Tourists Don’t Know About

When people think of Bali, the names that usually come to mind are Kuta, Seminyak, Nusa Dua, or Sanur. Famous beaches filled with tourists, beach clubs, and buzzing nightlife. But beyond the well-known spots, Bali still hides a quieter, more untouched side: secret beaches that remain unknown to most travelers.

These hidden gems are often tucked away behind cliffs, reachable only by steep stairs, narrow paths, or even boat rides. They are not only beautiful but also offer peace and authenticity that you can’t always find in Bali’s busier areas.

Here are 10 hidden beaches in Bali worth discovering if you’re looking for a different kind of adventure.

1. Nyang Nyang Beach – A Vast Hidden Paradise in Uluwatu

Nyang Nyang Beach is often called one of the most beautiful and underrated beaches in South Bali. To reach it, visitors must descend hundreds of steep steps in Pecatu. But the reward is breathtaking: a 1.5 km stretch of pristine white sand with hardly anyone around.

The beach is decorated with an old shipwreck painted in colorful graffiti, making it a unique photo spot. Surfers love Nyang Nyang for its big waves, but for most visitors, the real charm is its raw beauty and seclusion.

• Location: Pecatu, Uluwatu

• Highlights: long sandy coastline, shipwreck graffiti, great for surfing

2. Gunung Payung Beach – Serenity Behind a Sacred Temple

Hidden behind a small temple in Kutuh, Gunung Payung Beach is a quiet escape near Nusa Dua. Visitors need to walk down a staircase to reach the shore, where clear turquoise waters and white sand await.

Sometimes, traditional Balinese ceremonies are held at the Gunung Payung Temple nearby, adding a cultural touch to the visit. The peaceful atmosphere makes this beach a favorite spot for yoga sessions and meditation.

• Location: Kutuh, Nusa Dua

• Highlights: spiritual energy, yoga-friendly, clear water

3. Bias Tugel Beach – A Small but Stunning Secret near Padang Bai

Just a 10-minute walk from Padang Bai harbor lies Bias Tugel, a small cove whose name means “cut sand” in Balinese. Surrounded by rocky cliffs, this hidden gem features fine white sand and crystal-clear waters.

When the sea is calm, it’s a great place for swimming or snorkeling, with colorful fish visible close to the shore. Despite being close to the busy port, Bias Tugel remains a quiet, almost private escape.

• Location: Padang Bai, Karangasem

• Highlights: white sand, snorkeling, peaceful atmosphere

4. Green Bowl Beach – A Spiritual Cave Beach

Green Bowl Beach in Ungasan is one of Bali’s most secluded treasures. The name comes from the green reflection of algae-covered rocks that give the ocean a magical emerald hue at low tide.

Reaching the beach requires going down around 300 steep steps. Along the shore, you’ll find natural caves that are sometimes used by locals for meditation. With its raw beauty and spiritual feel, this beach is perfect for those seeking tranquility.

• Location: Ungasan, South Bali

• Highlights: sea caves, emerald waters, meditation spot

5. Atuh Beach – A Dramatic Icon of Nusa Penida

Atuh Beach, located on the remote island of Nusa Penida, offers one of the most stunning coastal landscapes in Bali. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and unique rock formations, it’s truly a postcard-perfect scene.

The path to the beach is challenging, involving a steep hike, but once you arrive, you’ll be greeted by soft white sand, turquoise water, and an iconic arched rock formation in the sea. Sunrise here is unforgettable.

• Location: Nusa Penida, Klungkung

• Highlights: dramatic cliffs, iconic rock arch, spectacular sunrise

6. Tukad Abian Beach – A Hidden Black Sand Escape

If you’re looking for absolute peace and zero crowds, Tukad Abian Beach in East Bali is the answer. This hidden spot is rarely visited by tourists, giving it an authentic local vibe.

The beach features shimmering black volcanic sand, calm surroundings, and a sense of untouched wilderness. It’s often used by locals for fishing, making it a quiet place to simply relax and reflect.

• Location: East Karangasem

• Highlights: volcanic black sand, tranquil setting, local fishing spot

7. Tegal Wangi Beach – Natural Cliffside Jacuzzis

Tegal Wangi Beach in Jimbaran offers something truly unique: natural “jacuzzis” formed in rocky pools along the shore. When the waves crash, water fills these pools, creating natural bathtubs where visitors can soak while enjoying the view.

The cliffs above the beach provide stunning vantage points, while small caves add to its charm. This spot is particularly popular for sunset photography and pre-wedding shoots.

• Location: Jimbaran, South Bali

• Highlights: natural jacuzzi pools, cliff views, golden sunsets

8. Karma Kandara Beach – Exclusive Yet Accessible

Located beneath a luxury resort in Ungasan, Karma Kandara Beach is often thought of as a private paradise. Guests can access the beach via an elevator descending through the cliffs, a unique experience in itself.

While part of the beach belongs to the resort, there are areas open to the public. With powdery sand, calm waves, and crystal-clear waters, it’s perfect for swimming or snorkeling. For those wanting indulgence, the nearby beach club offers cocktails and fine dining right by the sea.

• Location: Ungasan, South Bali

• Highlights: elevator access, snorkeling, luxury beach club

9. Yeh Leh Beach – Bali’s Mysterious Rocky Shore

Located on the border of Tabanan and Jembrana, Yeh Leh Beach is unlike any other in Bali. Instead of sand, the shoreline is covered with thousands of large, smooth boulders shaped by the ocean over centuries.

When the tide is low, marine life can be seen in the small pools between rocks. Photographers love Yeh Leh for its dramatic scenery, especially during sunset when the stones glisten under the fading light.

• Location: Tabanan – Jembrana border

• Highlights: unique rocky coastline, tidal pools, epic sunset views

10. Melasti Beach Ungasan – White Cliffs and Ceremonial Beauty

Once a hidden gem, Melasti Beach has become more accessible thanks to a newly carved road through towering limestone cliffs. Despite growing popularity, it still offers a serene experience compared to Bali’s busier beaches.

The combination of white cliffs, turquoise waters, and golden sand is breathtaking. Melasti is also culturally significant, often used for Balinese religious ceremonies, giving visitors a chance to witness local traditions.

• Location: Ungasan, South Bali

• Highlights: towering cliffs, turquoise waters, cultural rituals

Tips for Visiting Hidden Beaches in Bali

• Be prepared for hikes: Many hidden beaches require descending long staircases or trekking steep paths.

• Bring your own supplies: Most of these beaches don’t have restaurants or shops.

• Wear proper footwear: Paths can be rocky and slippery.

• Go early or late afternoon: To avoid the heat and capture the best light for photography.

• Respect nature and culture: Always take your trash back and respect temple areas.

Final Thoughts

Exploring Bali’s hidden beaches is not just about finding beautiful places—it’s about experiencing Bali in a more authentic way. Away from crowds, you’ll hear nothing but crashing waves, feel untouched sand beneath your feet, and see Bali in its most natural form.

If you’ve grown tired of busy tourist beaches, set aside time to explore one or two of these 10 secret beaches in Bali. You might just discover your own private paradise.