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.
How to get there: Follow down the road known as Jalan Bali Cliff, and go around the derelict hotel site to a small parking space before the steps down.
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4 Amed Beach
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.
How to get there: The long drive east is straightforward, passing the Klungkung and Karangasem entry points. Various road signs provide you a fail-safe journey.
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5 Dream Beach
Dream Beach
Nusa Lembongan itself is a destination for the adventurous, a 27km boat ride from Bali mainland’s Benoa Harbour or Sanur coast. And the islet is dotted with several sandy bays that add further seclusion to your escape. Dream Beach is located on the southern shores of Lembongan and features fine white sand, behind a row of palms and thorny shrubs. You’ll find a set of bungalows of the same name here, along with Pandan Cafe.
How to get there: Head southward to the villages from the main eastern resort-filled bay and look for the signposts for ‘Devil’s Tear’, ‘Cafe Pandan’ and ‘Dream Beach Bungalows’.
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6 Karma Beach
Formerly known as Nammos Beach after Karma Kandara’s Beach Club, 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.
How to get there: Various road signs up in Ungasan lead you to Karma Kandara Resort on Jalan Villa Kandara.
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7 Finn’s Beach
Another private beach that easily falls into the ‘hidden’ category is the 165m stretch of sand below the 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. Finn’s Beach Club 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.
How to get there: Follow the road down Jalan Pantai Selatan Gau in Ungasan. The Finn signage is hard to miss.
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8 Balian
