Karangasem’s Crystal Clear Blue Water Beaches Lure Tourists To Bali’s East Coast

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As the beaches of the central south of Bali become busier, and as many are seeing significant conservation and renovation works, tourists are starting to look along the length and breadth of Bali’s southern coast.

Karangasem Regency is ticking all the right boxes right now, with crowd-free shorelines and crystal clear waters. There is a lot to love in East Bali. 

What makes East Bali so special is that it is home to a combination of white and black sand beaches.

As a volcanic island, Bali is home to incredible black-sand beaches that many locals believe possess healing properties. 

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For those looking for a white sand paradise and crystal clear waters, then look no further than Karangasem’s Virgin Beach.

Offering a secluded yet well-facilitated escape from the hustle and bustle of Canggu and Uluwatu, Virgin Beach offers tourists the chance to kick back and truly switch off. It must be noted, though, that the current offshore of Virgin Beach is very strong, so it is advisable to check with locals or stall holders before entering the water. This beach does not have lifeguards. 

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Heading further up the coast towards Padangbai, a perfect expanse of white sand can be found at the aptly named White Sand Beach. Also known as Bias Tugel Beach, this is a fantastic spot for snorkelling or simply floating in the shallows.

Tucked away from Padangbai Port, visitors would never know that they are just a stone’s throw away from one of the busiest harbours in Bali!

For a beach-hopping kind of day, start off at Bias Tugel Beach before traveling over to the stunning Blue Lagoon Beach. In the late afternoon, the waters have been warmed by the heat of the day, and there is a serenity that arrives as the shadows start to cast themselves over the sand. 

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For those interested in snorkelling specifically, then Lipah Beach is the top choice in Karangasem Regency. Often touted as a ‘haven’ for snorkelling, this abundant reef is ideal for beginner snorkelers and more confident explorers.

Equipment can be rented from the beachfront, and the shop staff and stall holders are always on hand to point visitors in the direction of the best underwater spots.

There are plenty of affordable and locally run accommodation options around Lipah Beach, whether you choose to stay one night or use this local village as a launchpad for more adventures in East Bali. 

Of course, no look into the best beaches in Karangasem Regency would be completed without a mention of Amed. This is the home of scuba diving in Bali and has long been a retreat for European tourists and expats.

This quaint fishing village sits beneath the majestic Mount Agung and is one of Bali’s best black-sand beaches, with a pebbled section as well.

Amed Beach is the launch point for dive trips, snorkelling trips, and the waters off this stretch of coast are popular with free divers too. For those seeking to obtain their diving qualifications while in Bali, Amed and the East Coast are the ideal destinations.

For a taste of diving and small island life, be sure to compare the offerings in Amed with those in Nusa Lembongan. 

For a secret black sand beach, be sure to head to Jasri Beach. Backed by dramatic volcanic rock cliffs and rarely visited by tourists, this is the perfect place for a quiet, contemplative beach walk or a day reading in the sunshine.

This beach is more popular in the evening with local residents and domestic tourists, making it an excellent spot for travellers who want to meet new people and experience authentic Bali village life.