Bali Locals Share Their Favorite Beaches To Enjoy From Sunrise To Sunset  

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It’s true that to really experience the authenticity of a destination traveler, one must hang out where locals go to enjoy their free time.

One local journalist, Ni Wayan Linayani, has shared her top Bali beaches, and it’s got to be said, she’s got good taste; from sun up to sun down, these are some of Bali’s best, loved by locals, beaches to enjoy this festive season. 

First up is Balangan Beach. Located between Jimbaran and Uluwatu, Balangan Beach ticks all the boxes. Pristine white sandy shores, incredible surf, and never too crowded but always with a bit of a vibe going on, Balangan Beach is where Uluwatu locals and long-stay foreigners go to hang out when things get too busy at Padang Padang Beach.

The sunset from Balangan Beach is super dreamy, and for the best view, be sure to take the short coastal hike to Tebing Pantai Balangan; even better if you’re an early riser and want to catch the first light without a soul in sight. 

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Next up is Gunung Payung Beach. Now, if you typically love Legian Beach and Kuta Beach, then you’re in for a treat at Gunung Payung Beach.

Located along the Bukit Peninsula in Kutuh Village, just a stone’s throw from the increasingly popular Pandawa Beach, Gunung Payung Beach offers a long stretch of white sand, locally owned beach bars and cafes, and a feeling of an early 00s Kuta Beach.

Perfect for long and lazy days sunbathing, sipping coconuts, and jumping in the water to cool off before starting the relaxation cycle again. 

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Our hot take is at Gunung Payung Beach, which will be a big destination in 2025, so if you’re in Bali this festive season and want to enjoy the wonders of this stretch of coast before everyone else finds out about it, now is your chance.

Gunung Payung is also home to Bali’s paragliding tour operators, and it is easily the most visually impressive place in terms of the price to experience from above.

As ever, just double-check that your paragliding experience is covered by tour travel insurance; adventurous activities like paragliding, ATV riding, and ziplining are often only covered in ‘add-on’ insurance packages. 

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Linayani also recommends Kuta Beach, a suggestion that may feel a little controversial, and major travel trends point tourists towards destinations like Canggu and Uluwatu, but she has a valid point.

Perfect for tourists who want to learn to surf and actually want space to spread out on the beach, there is always space on Kuta Beach, no matter the season.

What’s more, it’s ideal for families with young children who want to play in the water, as many areas of Kuta Beach have lifeguards on duty, too.

This is an especially important consideration as the rainy season in Bali is in full force. Whether visiting Kuta Beach or any other beach in Bali this rainy season, be sure to check for weather and high wave warnings on Bali’s Center for Metrology, Climatology, and Geophysics Agency Instagram page and keep up to date with the latest forecast.

Sanur Beach is hardly a local hidden gem, but when it comes to Sanur, you do have to be specific when picking your spot.

The main stretch of Sanur Beach is gorgeous but can get crowded in the festive season, for all the good Sanur vibes but a crowd-free ocean view be sure to walk towards Pantai Bopel, close to the Genius Cafe, and for a super local beach walk a little further to Mertasari Beach which is a much loved weekend hangout for Balinese families.

Nyang-Nyang Beach is the final local favorite Bali beach to boast about, and it’s a great destination for chilled-out vacation days.

Located in Uluwatu, Nyang-Nyang Beach is most famous for being home to the bow of a shipwreck. Due to the steep hike down to the beach, this stretch of coast is often quiet.

Although the water looks tempting for a swim, be sure to check with the local vendors where it is safe to enter the water, as there are patches with sharp rocks that can be painful underfoot. Sunbeds can be rented for IDR 50,000.