There is one common reason why people flock to Bali on a regular basis: the sun. This tropical island offers one of the best summer experiences in the world and they all involve the warmth of Balinese sunshine. Although the dry season from May to October is the best time to visit Bali, the rainy season may still offer some sunny days to enjoy. That is one of the perks of tropical weather.
Having been around Bali for years, I found some perfect spots to enjoy the luxurious sun in Bali from sunrise to sunset. And these ten places cover not just the popular sunset beaches, but all you can explore from north to south. So, enjoy this list, prepare your itinerary, and get ready to pack extra sunblock!
1. Uluwatu Cliff
This may not be the most popular spot to enjoy Balinese sunshine, but this is my ultimate favorite. The mix of extravagant Kecak dance, the beautiful Uluwatu temple in the background, and glorious sun setting on the horizon in front of you is just wonderful. This is also by far my favorite spot to watch Balinese traditional dance. This is because the show starts at 6:00 pm or 7:00 pm, a perfect timing to coincide with the sunset at around 6:30 pm. Tickets are available at Uluwatu Temple’s main entrance for 100,000 IDR (around 7 USD) per person.
2. Seminyak Beach
This shore is the most popular spot in Bali for obvious reasons: accessibility and abundant options. Seminyak is in the Kuta area, which is just a few minutes away from the airport and it is easy to find. Plus, there are many beach bars and cafes you can choose from.
It is great to watch the sunset here because of its vast shore and sloped beach. The horizon is right there in front of you no matter where you choose to sit. So, pick your bean bag, grab a cold bottle of beer, and enjoy the majestic view of Balinese sunshine.
3. Lovina Shore
Far up north, there is a hidden gem of Bali called Lovina. This area may seem to be indifferent with most secluded beaches in Bali until you find out what’s underneath the water.
To discover it, spend the night here and sail the ocean with local fishermen or a commercial boat into the open ocean first thing in the morning. And as the sun rises on the horizon, groups of dolphins will come alongside your boat. Capture that majestic moment with your camera or with your eyes for it is definitely something worth remembering.
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4. Mount Batur
A morning hike towards the top of a volcanic mountain ending with a glorious view of the sunrise beyond the clouds, nothing can beat that! And you get to experience it on Mount Batur.
Reach mount Batur from Batur Lake, which is around two hours away from Denpasar, and find a local trekking tour agent. Since the hike starts very early in the morning, I recommend you make arrangements with them prior to your arrival. Don’t forget to equip yourself with proper trekking gear and clothing because the route is quite challenging. It may seem like a lot of effort, but the view from the top is worth it.
5. Tanah Lot Temple
As one of the most popular temples in Bali, Tanah Lot can be highly crowded. Hence you would think it’s not a favorable place to enjoy the Balinese sunshine.
However, right next to the temple area, there are luxurious resorts offering privacy and exclusivity. Even from afar, Tanah Lot still offers a mesmerizing sunset view with high waves crashing onto the rocky beach in the background.
6. Canggu
The home to surfing beaches, top MMA gyms, and sports bars, Canggu has become the most rapidly growing tourism area in Bali. Despite that, Canggu beaches are less crowded than another popular tourism area, Kuta.
Some parts of those beaches are filled with resorts and cafes with infinity pools. It is such a great experience to lay down on a sun bed next to an infinity pool by the beach watching the sunset in front of you. I had the experience at Vue Beach Club at LV8 Resort. It is accessible for free to all hotel guests. If you’re not a guest, you can still have access to this facility for a minimum of 250,000 IDR (approximately 17.5 USD) order of food and drinks per two sunbed seats.
7. Campuhan Hill, Ubud
Going to the beach is not the only option to enjoy Balinese sunshine. Ubud offers this beauty on higher ground like Campuhan Hill. This is a popular trekking destination that is not as challenging as the trek on Mount Batur. However, equipping yourself with proper footwear and packing enough water to drink are still highly recommended.
Located in the center part of the island, this spot is good for both sunrise and sunset. Also known as Bukit Cinta or Love Hill, Campuhan Hill is great for a long romantic walk with your loved one under the sunshine.
8. Jimbaran Bay
What is better than the ocean breeze bringing the sea closer to you through its scent? Dining on seafood, so you can enjoy the taste of the sea.
At Jimbaran Bay, you can sit at a table with sand on your feet and gaze upon the sunset while enjoying the best seafood dishes on the island. There are plenty of seafood cafes in this area you can choose from. Whether it is a buffet or a la carte, the food selection is great. Prices start from around 100,000 IDR (approximately 7 USD) per dish.
9. Nusa Lembongan
Although an approximately 1-hour boat trip is required to reach Nusa Lembongan from Bali’s main island, the beauty this place holds is like nowhere else. Devil’s Tear, for instance, offers you not just calm and subtle ocean but also the splashing sound of its waves upon the natural cave formations. I recommend you spend at least three days on this islet to explore it more before crossing back to the main island.
10. Uluwatu Coast
As mentioned in the beginning, Uluwatu cliff is indeed majestic and my favorite place to enjoy Balinese sunshine. However, its beaches are also worth to visit for this experience. Back in the day, they were hidden beyond tall, steep cliffs and were rather inaccessible. Thanks to modern technology, these areas are not more developed and have better access without eliminating their cliffside beauty.
From Pandawa Beach in the southern part to Padang-Padang Beach on the western shore, Uluwatu offers many beautiful beaches you can choose from. And all of them are great spots to enjoy Balinese sunshine.
From sunrise to sunset, Bali offers its glorious sunshine
Daylight lasts for approximately 12 hours per day here in Bali. And whatever time during those hours, these places are worth a visit on your mission of catching Bali’s sun.
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