"Nothing to Do but Relax Less than half a mile from the port in Padang Bai is the small but perfectly formed Bias Tugel beach. The years have been kind to this beach, and despite the beginnings of developments on the cliffs overlooking the beach, it has remained quiet. The sand is clean and soft, and a number of small cafes serve simple food and cold drinks. Some people may be put off by the walk down to the beach, which is quite steep (and is a bit of a haul going the other way after a day in the sun and a couple of beers), but it's absolutely worth the effort to get away from the crowds. The undertow can be very strong here so even the strongest swimmers should be careful and children should be watched closely. Padang Bai is about an hour from Ubud or closer to two hours from Kuta & Seminyak depending on traffic."

"Sunset in Sanur Sanur is a beautiful and quaint part of Bali with hotels along the boardwalk that lines the beach. The boardwalk really makes Sanur special, as walking in Bali can be treacherous in most of the towns with narrow streets and tiny sidewalks, but this paved path in Sanur is great for biking and long walks along the beach. Walk to the south end of the boardwalk for a great view of the sunset and find a nice little cafe to have a Bintang (beer) or a Bali kopi (coffee)."

"Kuta Beach...sigh It's really no wonder Kuta beach has become one of the most famous beaches in the world. It really is a gorgeous stretch of soft white sand, with perfect surfing waves and is graced by consistently stunning sunsets. Some people would rather spend a holiday in the Arctic than set foot on Kuta beach, but others come from far and wide to don their teeniest bikini (or generally normal sized board shorts) and watch the boys/girls go by. This is not a quiet beach and you can expect to be visited by many hawkers, beach boys wanting to rent you a surf board or give you a lesson, or even just hang out and chat. Most are totally harmless and respectful, so if you want to be left alone tell them nicely but forcefully. Otherwise, enjoy the scene and hang out with a cold beer to watch the sunset when most people clear off to get ready for their night out. This is when the real magic happens."

"Beach Escape That Dreams Are Made Of Dreamland Beach (now commonly called New Kuta Beach) has long been a popular destination for surfers from around the globe, with white sands set against dramatic limestone cliffs overlooking the ocean, and tourism in the area is beginning to grow. While it may no longer be entirely off the beaten path, Dreamland's natural beauty remains intact—relax under an umbrella, and soak up the vibe."

"Lazy Day at the Blue Lagoon Blue Lagoon Beach is a small but beautiful beach with clear water and white sand a couple of minutes walk past the end of Padang Bai’s main strip. When the tide is in there is hardly any beach at all so you have to time your day accordingly, but there are also a few little restaurants where you can sit and hang out if you happen to arrive when the tide is high. There are a few hawkers but they are usually pretty nice if you don’t want to buy anything, although if it’s a slow day they might just hang around for a chat. Snorkling is really lovely at the Blue Lagoon, but do be aware the tides can be strong. The stairs going down to the beach are pretty steep but you can stop to admire the view and catch your breath on the way back up."

"Resort Central The beach at Nusa Dua on the east side of the Bukit peninsula is now mostly taken up with the Kawasan Pariwisata or Tourism District, but there is still some beach you can access without staying there. Geger beach is one of the most beautiful on the island, with deep, soft white sand and crystal clear water. A few years ago there was nothing there at all but it is a bit more built up with hotels and restaurants now. Nusa Dua Beach Grill on Geger beach is a great place to eat while you're there. Geger beach is just south of the Bali Golf & Country Club golf course. Follow signs for the Nikko Hotel Nusa Dua."

"Catch the Sunrise at Pandawa Beach Before It's No Longer a "Secret" Catching the sunrise at Pandawa Beach, also known as the “Secret Beach” in South Bali , was an adventure from beginning to end. After learning about it from Rob, the owner of Suara Ombak Cottages (www.wavevoice.com) where we stayed during our SURF LIFE retreat, we woke up before the sun, hopped on our motorbikes and headed for the unknown paradise. Once there, we first stopped to admire the massive sculptures being carved out of the cliffs along the path to the beach. Then, down on the sand, as we waited and appreciated the natural beauty around us with only us three and some local fisherman, we witnessed the most magnificent sunrise that looked as if the sky was lit on fire. Riding our motorbikes to catch the sunrise at Pandawa Beach was spontaneous, powerful, unforgettable, and felt like our own treasured secret adventure. By Jenny Burbank"