In search of the perfect beach, the perfect wave or the perfect place to do nothing?
We thought we would share with you 10 of the most secret beaches in Bali. We know that doing nothing is an absolute art form and if part of your Bliss Retreat Experience is to do exactly that, we are at your service.
What better way to clear the mind and return to every day life completely rested, relaxed and ready to face anything! With private drivers ready to take you to any beach location you wish, you can begin to explore these Secret Bali Beaches and follow your Bliss your way on your Solo Women’s Travel Journey.
1. BALANGAN – Pecatu, Jimbaran
A favourite surf spot, Balangan is on the northern side of the cliff that forms the signature hole 15 of the New Kuta Golf course. The name ‘Balangan’ itself was thought to apply to the whole coastline including Dreamland, before surfers nicknamed the specific shore area south of the cliff. Several beach shacks serve simple local ‘surfer meals’, cold refreshments and beer. Accessing Balangan is easy, compared to other beaches along the Bukit peninsula’s shoreline, with only a dozen steps down from the limestone hill.
2. SULUBAN BEACH- Uluwatu
Suluban Beach is one of Bali’s most unique, concealed by natural limestone formations and accessed via steps and log ramps through narrow gaps in the rock. Canopied by a looming cliff face, this small beach may not be ideal for sunbathers, but serves pro surfers well as a base to paddle out and ride adjacent reef breaks, including around Uluwatu, just to the south. Also nicknamed ‘Blue Point’, Suluban's access is narrow and steep down crags and rocky steps. When you arrive at the sand, the view is truly rewarding.
3. PADANGBAI & BLUE LAGOON- Karangasem, East Bali
Better known for its main seaport in east Bali, Padangbai comprises a small collection of hidden beaches that are great for day trippers, as well as diving and snorkelling. Blue Lagoon, a small bay northeast of the seaport has only a 60m stretch of white sand. Another is Bias Tugel, a 130m long strip southwest of the port, with calm and blue waters most times of the year. Here you can relax on the even sand or under shades of parasols with beach loungers. The beach that shares the bay with the seaport is not so busy, especially on its eastern end, and you can also enjoy fairly good swimming here, too.
4. DREAMLAND BEACH- Pecatu, Jimbaran
Dreamland might not be too much of a ‘secret’ anymore, however, it’s where you can take in a beautiful stretch of white sand, secluded by limestone cliffs and borderer by the blue seascape towards the Indian Ocean. Despite the major developments around its cliff sides, the beach retains much of its rugged charm on the sand, particularly for beachgoers, day-trippers and surfers who enjoy some of Bali’s best reef breaks near the shore and close paddle-outs to the neighbouring world-class reef breaks of Balangan and Impossibles.
5. PADANG PADANG- Uluwatu, Jimbaran
This beach is accessible down a few flights of steps and through a limestone crevice beside a bridge. Across the road before the bridge, there is a spacious parking lot. Among the island’s most favourite big surf breaks, Padang Padang’s white sand beach offers a great view, and a small sandy area for sunbathing and doing just nothing. Local seafood warungs serve grilled fresh catches-of-the-day. It is a nice stopover if you have time along your visit to the Uluwatu Temple nearby.
6. KARMA BEACH- Ungasan, South Bali
Formerly known as Nammos Beach after the beach club at Karma Kandara, this private beach is accessed by a funicular ride down a sheer cliff where a stretch of clean white sand and blue sea awaits. Karma Beach features a laid-back tropical beach setting and five-star services for guests who wish to sip signature cocktails and indulge in a Mediterranean-inspired menu of selections prepared from a kitchen housed under a raised bamboo structure. You’ll have to pay an entrance fee here that is set against the price of food and drinks.
7. SUNDAY’S BEACH (formerly FINN’S BEACH)- Ungasan, South Bali
Another private beach that easily falls into the ‘hidden’ category is the 165m stretch of sand below The Ungasan Clifftop Resort (formerly Semara Uluwatu) in Ungasan. A minimum deposit of IDR 250,000 applies for outside guests, later deducted for food and beverage purchases. Its only access is via a two-minute funicular ride down between two cliff walls. The sea here is swimmable and crystal clear. Here you can also enjoy Mediterranean cuisine under breezy, thatched-roof shades with ocean views served from the semi-open kitchen. The club's beach is a great option for a laid-back day on a clean and quiet coast, with fun beach activities to keep you and your family or friends busy.
8. GREEN BOWL- Ungasan, South Bali
Despite the cease in operations of the Bali Cliff Resort, this hidden gem on the southern coast of Bali beside the hotel site continues to appeal to lovers of quiet and exotic shores. This beach deserves to be in the ‘hidden’ category due to its access – a descent of hundreds of concrete steps down the cliff face. At the base are several bat caves. There are variations in the origin of the name, one inspired by the view of green seaweed and corals exposed at low tide, another owing from the name of the company slated to develop a resort there. Getting down is easy. Back up is a challenge, but a scenic bird’s eye view keeps you going along the way.
9. AMED- Karangasem, East Bali
Amed spans seven different seaside villages: Amed, Jemeluk, Bunutan, Lipah, Selang, Banyuning and Aas. All are fishing villages, hence the classic scene of traditional jukung outriggers lining the coast. Famous as a dive spot, the quiet shores with its dramatic sunrises are a not-to-miss sight if you’re staying here. Among the overland highlights that you can find on your way back from Amed is traditional salt farming in the area of Purwakerti. A two-and-a-half hour’s journey back to the south will offer you more viewpoints that are scenic and other attractions in the Karangasem and Klungkung regencies, such as the Tirta Gangga water gardens and the Goa Lawah Temple.
10. PERASI BEACH or PASIR PUTIH- Karangasem, East Bali
Perasi Beach, referred to by various nicknames such as Pasir Putih or ‘White Sand Beach’, ‘Virgin Beach’ and simply, ‘Hidden Beach’, is a secluded stretch of coast between two hills that lies between the villages of Bugbug and namesake Perasi, both in the Karangasem regency - approximately 4.5km east of Candidasa. Boasting parasols, sun loungers and various local seafood restaurants, this hidden gem can be an added adventure to your trips to the island’s east shores.
You can read more about these Secret Beaches here: www.bali-indonesia.com/magazine/bali-hidden-beaches.htm
We wanted to share our Bliss experience as far as it can go and so we created Bliss News. Even if you can’t go on a beautiful personalised Women’s Retreat right now, we hope you can take the time to add a bit more bliss to your life in whatever way you choose. Self love comes in all different shapes and sizes but the one thing it has in common is that it starts with you. We hope some of our ideas and laughs and wellness retreat additions are something you can incorporate into your everyday life... love Zoë xxx
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