I Found These Secret Beaches in Bali and I Almost Don’t Want to Share Them

After numerous hours of touring Bali’s 240-mile coastline, I found something that changed everything: the most beautiful beaches aren’t in any travel guidebook. For those ready to stray from the usual route, these hidden treasures remain quiet havens even as visitors swarm Kuta and Seminyak.

1. Secret Beach of Nusa Dua 

This beautiful stretch of white sand is hidden behind a high-end lodge and can only be reached through a narrow rock cave. Every day, about ten people visit this spot. What’s the catch? You’ll have to go when the tide is low because the cave floods with high tide. However, I promise that the early wake-up call was worth it when you see the sunrise here, with only the sound of soft waves and faraway temple bells. A small warung run by a local family near the tunnel entrance sells fresh young coconuts and what might be Bali’s best-fried corn. When I went back, their young son showed me a secret cave at dusk that was full of glowing plankton. This is something you won’t find in any guidebook.

2. Green Bowl Beach

The 300 steep steps keep most tourists away, which is exactly why you should go. The beach gets its name from the emerald moss covering the surrounding cliffs. I stumbled upon a family of monkeys playing in the shallow caves here, and they’ve become regular morning companions during my shoots. Pro tip: Pack plenty of water for the climb back up, and don’t tell the taxi driver you’re heading to Green Bowl – they’ll try to redirect you to crowded Dreamland Beach instead. The best time to visit is between 7-10 AM when the tide is low and the morning light creates perfect conditions for swimming and photography. There’s a small freshwater shower hidden behind the rightmost cave – just ask the local surfers to point you in the right direction.

3. Gunung Payung Beach 

There’s no sign marking this beach. Look for the small temple on the cliff edge – the path down starts behind it. The coral reef here sits just 15 feet from shore, making it perfect for snorkeling. Last week, I spotted three sea turtles during a single morning swim. Bring reef shoes; the beach has some sharp coral fragments. What makes this spot truly special is the natural rock pool that forms during low tide – it’s like having your own private infinity pool overlooking the Indian Ocean. The local fishermen taught me how to spot octopuses hiding among the rocks – they’re surprisingly common here if you know where to look.

4. The Secret Cove of Nyang Nyang

Everyone knows Nyang Nyang Beach, but few discover its secret cove. Head to the northern end during low tide and scramble over some rocks. You’ll find a perfect horseshoe bay with natural pools formed by volcanic rocks. 

The local fishermen still use traditional outrigger canoes here, and if you arrive early enough, they might share their morning catch with you. I’ve spent countless mornings photographing their ancient fishing techniques, passed down through generations. The cove also houses a small coral restoration project run by local marine biology students – they’re always happy to share their knowledge if you show genuine interest.

5. Tegal Wangi Pantai 

This beach isn’t just hidden – it’s invisible from the road. You’ll find it behind a traditional Balinese wedding venue. During sunset, natural jacuzzis form in the rock pools, warmed by the day’s sun. 

My kids spent hours here catching tiny crabs in the pools. Warning: There are no facilities nearby, so pack everything you need. The beach got its name from the fragrant temple flowers that fall from the cliff above – on quiet mornings, you can smell the frangipani blossoms mixing with the sea breeze. Local couples consider this beach sacred for pre-wedding ceremonies, and if you’re lucky, you might witness a traditional blessing ceremony at sunrise.

6. Thomas Beach 

Wedged between the famous Uluwatu and Padang Padang, most tourists drive right past this gem. The entrance looks like a private driveway, complete with a makeshift parking lot that’s really just a local family’s front yard. The beach itself? Perfect golden sand, world-class waves, and somehow only a handful of surfers who’ve sworn me to secrecy. What makes Thomas Beach special isn’t just its seclusion – it’s the unique rock formations that create natural swimming pools during low tide. I’ve found some of the best snorkeling spots here, hidden behind the southern rocks where schools of colorful parrot fish gather in the morning.

7. Bias Tugel 

When my camera bag got soaked crossing the rocks to reach this beach, I nearly turned back. Then I saw it – a 150-meter stretch of pristine black sand framed by towering cliffs. The locals call it “Little Virgin Beach.” There’s one warung here run by a woman named Made who makes the best-grilled fish I’ve had in Bali. She learned her secret recipe from her grandmother, who was one of the first people to settle in this area. The beach faces east, making it perfect for sunrise photography, especially during the wet season when dramatic storm clouds gather over the horizon.

8. Suluban’s Secret Cave

Everyone photographs the famous cave at Uluwatu’s Blue Point, but few venture further.

Wade through ankle-deep water in the main cave, turn right at the fork, and you’ll find a hidden beach that only appears for a few hours during low tide. The cave ceiling creates natural air conditioning, making this spot perfect for escaping Bali’s midday heat. Local legend says the cave was once used by Balinese priests for meditation – you can still see ancient inscriptions on some of the walls if you look carefully. During full moon nights, phosphorescent plankton often wash into the cave, creating a natural light show.

9. Karma Beach 

Don’t let the name fool you – this isn’t the beach club everyone talks about. This is its forgotten neighbor, accessible via an overgrown path that starts behind an abandoned hotel project. The water here is so clear that I could spot parrotfish from the clifftop. Bring a mask and snorkel; the healthy coral reef starts just a few feet from shore. The abandoned hotel has an interesting story – it was meant to be a luxury resort in the 90s, but construction stopped when locals protested to protect the pristine beach. Now, nature has reclaimed the structure, creating an eerily beautiful backdrop for photography.

10. Pantas Nungnung 

The holy grail of hidden beaches. Getting here requires a 45-minute drive through rice paddies, followed by a hike down a jungle path. But the reward? A black sand beach with a massive waterfall pouring directly into the ocean. I’ve visited three times now, and the most people I’ve ever seen here are four – all of them local fishermen. The waterfall creates a natural freshwater pool where the stream meets the ocean, perfect for swimming after the hot hike down. Local families sometimes perform traditional ceremonies here during full moons, blessing the waters that sustain their villages.

The Real Bali You Have Been Missing 

These beaches remind me why I fell in love with photography – some places are so beautiful, they almost feel impossible to capture. But here’s the thing: they’re getting harder to keep secret. If you visit, remember why they’re special. Pack out what you pack in. Support the local warungs. And maybe keep one or two of these spots to yourself.