Most people picture Bali as long stretches of white sand, but there’s a completely different side to the island’s beaches: black sand!
Thanks to its volcanic landscape, you’ll find stretches of dark, sometimes almost jet black sand along the coast. In fact, it’s quite a prominent feature of the island, and can be found all over, particularly when you venture from the tourist hubs.
In this guide, we’ll cover some of our favourite black sand beaches across the island, from well-known spots to a few obscure places you may not have otherwise heard about.
TL;DR, Editor’s Choice:
- Amed Beach – The classic black sand beach on Bali’s east coast.
- Gretek Beach – A real hidden gem, with a true jungle, tropical setting.
- Lovina Beach – More than just a beach, it’s a town worth staying in for a few days.
- Berawa Beach – The number one party spot on the island.
What Makes Some Of Bali’s Beaches Black?
Bali’s black sand beaches come from volcanic activity over the years, with Mount Agung being the main culprit, but also other volcanoes on the island.
During eruptions, rocks, ash, and lava are blasted out, with much of this landing in the sea. Over time, waves and tides grind this material down into fine black volcanic sand that we see today.
15 Stunning Black Sand Beaches In Bali
Keramas Beach
Keramas Beach, on the east coast, is one of Bali’s most well-known black sand beaches amongst surfers, but, as far as the general tourist population go, it’s pretty quiet.
In the surfing community, it’s known for its powerful right-hand reef break and consistent waves. In the local community, however, the beach is famed for the healing properties that the sand is said to possess.
If you’re into surfing, then it’s a must, but if not, then it’s still worth it for the dark, healing sand and the coastal views.
Address: Jl. Prof. Dr Ida Bagus Mantra No.80551, Keramas, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Lovina Beach
Lovina Beach, up on Bali’s north coast, isn’t exactly a hidden gem, but it does have a different vibe from the usual tourist spots.
It’s more developed than some of the other black sand beaches, with watersports, bars, and restaurants just off the shore, but it still feels calm compared to the south.
The first thing you’ll notice is the dolphin statue right on the beach; there’s a reason for this. Many people take early-morning boat trips and try their luck at spotting dolphins; the area is well known for it.
Lovina is more than just a beach; it’s a highlight of North Bali.
Address: Jalan Pantai Binaria Desa Kalibukbuk Lovina, Anturan, Kec. Buleleng, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81151
Saba Beach
Saba Beach is a quiet stretch of black sand in Gianyar, about an hour from Ubud by car, makin git a nice day trip. It’s best known for horse riding along the shoreline, which is what draws most people here.
Aside from that, it’s pretty low-key, with a wide, open beach, minimal development, and very few crowds.
Address: 98PC+M3V, Jl. Pura Anyar, Saba, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Pererenan And Seseh Beaches
Pererenan and Seseh Beaches sit right next to each other on Bali’s west coast, so close that we just decided to put them together.
Compared to nearby Canggu, both feel a lot quieter, with fewer crowds and a more local, laid-back atmosphere.
You’ll find wide stretches of black sand, strong surf, and some of the best sunsets in the area. Swimming isn’t ideal due to currents, but they’re great for a walk, a bit of peace, or just taking it all in.
Address: 84XF+RMJ, Jl. Pantai Pererenan No.171, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali
Jasri Beach
Jasri Beach, over on the east coast, has a lot more of a local feel than most of the beaches listed here.
There’s a stretch of black sand, and many, some very large, black rocks. It’s not your idyllic paradise beach, but that’s part of the charm and gives it a bit more soul than the more touristy spots.
Expect not to see many tourists here, if any; instead, you’ll see fishing boats and people going about their daily business.
All along the beach, you’ll also see many Hindu statues, and if you’re lucky, you’ll catch one of the beach ceremonies from the nearby temples.
Address: GJ9C+WC9, Unnamed Road, Gg. Kangkung, Subagan, Kec. Karangasem, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali 80811
Masceti Beach
Masceti Beach is one of those spots that doesn’t get much attention from the tourists, but it’s a great one and worth the visit if you can make it.
The black sand here is particularly fine, gentle and soft on your feet, and the setting is absolutely beautiful.
It’s usually pretty quiet, so it’s a nice place to slow things down for a bit. There’s not a lot going on, and it’s not really a swimming or snorkelling spot, but it’s good for a wander, a few photos, and just taking in the calm atmosphere.
Address: Jl. Pantai Masceti, Medahan, Kec. Blahbatuh, Kabupaten Gianyar, Bali
Amed Beach
Amed Beach is classic East Coast black sand vibes, and often what springs to mind when thinking of the subject.
It’s in a quiet fishing village area, shadowed by Mount Agung. You can catch a great sunrise and sunset here, depending on the time of day, of course. With the sun rising from behind Lombok in the east, and falling behind the mountains to the west.
Just next door is Jemeluk Beach, an idyllic little bay, where you’ll definitely want your snorkelling gear. Just off the shoreline is an underwater temple that is teeming with marine life.
If you go a little further out to sea, preferably on a boat trip, there’s the Amed diving wall, where the sea bottom suddenly drops drastically.
Address: Jalan Raya Amed, Bunutan, Abang, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852
Balian Beach
Located on Bali’s west coast, Balian Beach has a laid-back feel with consistent waves that draw in surfers year-round.
The black sand shoreline stretches out with hardly any crowds, giving it a more peaceful, almost “hidden gem” vibe.
It’s a great spot to relax, catch a sunset, or just walk along the beach and take it all in without the usual tourist rush.
Address: Jl. Pantai Balian, Lalalinggah, Kec. Selemadeg Bar., Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82162
Pasut Beach
Pasut Beach is a bit of an underrated one, tucked away in Tabanan and around a 30–40 minute drive from Canggu, depending on traffic.
It’s known for its long stretch of black sand backed by coconut trees, including a few that lean right out towards the beach, which makes it a solid spot for photography, so don’t forget your camera.
You might see people riding motorbikes along the sand, but for the most part, it’s just a nice place to slow down and take in the scenery.
Address: Jalan Raya Pasut, Tibubiu, Kerambitan, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82161
Berawa Beach
Berawa Beach is one of the most popular black sand beaches in Bali, and for good reason. It’s got easy access, plenty going on, and a proper mix of locals and tourists throughout the day.
It’s also home to FINNS Beach Club, which is a big draw for a lot of people heading this way. It sits right on the beachfront, with pools, bars, and a constant buzz from late morning through to midnight, so you’ll often hear the background music from the sand.
The beach itself is still worth a visit, especially later in the day when people head down to watch the sunset.
Address: Jl. Pemelisan Agung, Tibubeneng, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361
Yeh Leh Beach
Yeh Leh Beach is a bit different, known more for its rocky shoreline than soft sand, with smooth black stones stretching along the coast.
It’s a raw, natural spot that feels untouched, and a good one if you’re just stopping off for a look or a few photos.
Address: GWM8+C2J, Jl. Raya Denpasar – Gilimanuk, Pengeragoan, Kec. Pekutatan, Kabupaten Jembrana, Bali
Tulamben Beach
Tulamben Beach is only a short distance from Amed Beach, but instead of fine sand, it’s more of a stony black beach.
Of course, there’s something here that sets it apart from most other black sand beaches in Bali, the USS Liberty Shipwreck. Sitting just offshore and teeming with marine life, it’s one of the most popular diving spots on the island.
What makes it even better is the distance from the shore. At around 40 metres out, and in water between 5 and 30 metres deep, it’s also ideal for snorkelling.
Address: Tulamben, Kubu, Karangasem Regency, Bali 80852
Kusamba beach
Kusamba Beach has a strong local feel, and it’s best known for its traditional sea salt farming. You’ll often see locals working along the shore, which gives you a glimpse into daily life.
It’s not really a swimming or relaxation spot, but it’s interesting and different.
Address: Kampung Kusamba, Dawan, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80871
Gretek Beach
Gretek Beach is one of the real hidden gems on this list, and easily one of the most spectacular in terms of natural beauty. It’s lined with thick, tropical forest, and has a really serene feel, like you’ve arrived in another world, a proper hidden paradise.
It’s totally secluded, and there’s nothing here in terms of development; it’s also not really ideal for swimming, which is the trade-off.
If you’re up for the trip and want to explore somewhere a bit more adventurous, it’s a destination well worth checking out.
Address: RCWJ+C2, Tembok, Tejakula, Buleleng Regency, Bali
Mimba Black Beach
Mimba Black Beach, near Padangbai, is a long, undeveloped stretch of dark sand that doesn’t see many tourists. It’s a good one for a walk, with open views along the coastline.
There’s not much going on, but that’s kind of the point.
Address: FG53+4WQ, Mimba, Padangbai, Kec. Manggis, Kabupaten Karangasem, Bali
FAQs
Do Other Islands In The Region Have Black Sand Beaches?
Bali is one of the easiest places to experience them, but it’s not the only one. You’ll find similar beaches across other volcanic islands in Indonesia, particularly on Lombok and Java, where the same natural processes create that hot, dark sand.
What Is The Number One Must-Visit Black Sand Beach In?
There isn’t really a single “best”; it depends on what you’re looking for and how it fits your vacation.
For surfing, Keramas Beach. For a pool and party vibe, Berawa (home to FINNS Beach Club). For scenery, Amed in east Bali. For something more hidden, Gretek Beach. For scuba diving, Tulamben Beach. And for long, undeveloped stretches of black sand, Mimba Beach. etc etc.
Final Thoughts On Bali’s Black Sand Beaches
Bali’s black sand beaches offer a completely different feel to the island’s more famous white sand spots. From surf spots in the west to laid-back diving areas in east Bali, there’s a lot more variety than most people expect.
Whether you’re chasing waves, diving shipwrecks, seeking out that perfect Instagram shot, or just looking to slow things down a bit, these beaches are well worth visiting on your Bali trip.
You may be sceptical at first, but trust us, once you’ve checked a few out, black sand may just be your new favourite.
