The island of Bali is blessed with an abundance of beautiful beaches. Be it the alluring dark sanded beach, rugged and rocky beach landscape, or white-sanded beach with still water, the island has it all. Some are rather challenging to reach such as the beaches of Uluwatu, but some are just an easy stroll away like the beaches in Sanur or Nusa Dua.
In my career as a Bali photographer, the beaches that I prefer to take my clients must have these two conditions: they are relatively easy to reach and they are photogenic. Bear in mind – not all clients, especially the ladies would appreciate walking down steep stairs with her brocaded dress and heels. As a general tip, I would always make sure that the client’s safety comes first and that includes checking on the tide before we do the photoshoot. I would suggest them to wear light-colored clothes to enhance the reflection on their skins and figures. Some of the popular photo spots charge for a professional photo shooting taking place in their beaches, so please make sure that you get the receipt when you pay the fee to ensure that the money truly goes to the village development fund.
These are lists of Bali’s best beaches for photography and some important tips to ensure a successful photo shooting session.
Melasti Beach
This beach is one of Bali’s best beaches for photography, it’s one my favorite spot as a Bali photographer for a photo shooting session. There are so many special features that make Melasti Beach gorgeous, a quintessential Bali beach. Be it the dramatic sky scrapping stone wall, the contrasting dark candi bentar or temple gate against the white sand, and the sunset. I never get bored of the sunset here. It is simply stunning every time. Sunrise and sunset will be the perfect time to come here. It is easy to reach so any sort of wardrobe is suitable.
Balangan Beach
As one of the most accessible beaches in the Bukit area, Balangan is popular as a photo shooting spot. The stunning ocean vista provided by its cliff-top position is a picture-perfect location, especially during the sunset when the sky glows red. During the high tide, surfers swarmed the ocean below in their efforts to catch legendary waves. It is poetic and translucent and offers a different experience from the other beach.
Thomas Beach
Thomas Beach is known for its long staircase leading down to the shore. While the access requires some effort, the beach rewards it with a calm atmosphere and clean coastal views.
Because of the stairs, I usually recommend this beach for clients wearing casual or semi-casual outfits. It works especially well for couple sessions where walking shots and natural movement are preferred over posed portraits.
Nusa Dua Beach
As a home for Bali’s most luxurious five-star resorts, beaches in Nusa Dua tends to be less crowded and spotlessly clean. I usually recommend my client to stay in one of the resort so we do not need a permit to do photo shooting on the adjoining beach. Sunrise and sunset are suitable for a romantic session. Some of the resorts that I recommend to my clients are The Laguna, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa, Meliá Bali, The Westin Resort Nusa Dua, and Grand Hyatt Bali for their wonderful beach access.
Pantai Segara Willis
Pantai Segara Willis in Saba is a quiet black-sand beach located around 20 minutes from Denpasar, making it one of the more accessible yet underrated beaches for photography. Despite its proximity to the city, the beach feels open, calm, and largely untouched by tourism.
From a photography perspective, the black sand creates strong contrast and depth, especially during early morning or late afternoon. The spacious shoreline allows sessions to flow naturally without interruptions, making it suitable for couple portraits, storytelling images, and relaxed shoots where atmosphere matters more than dramatic scenery.
Nyanyi Beach
This black sanded beauty in Canggu offers a stunning cliff-top sunset that makes this beach become one of Bali’s best beaches for photography. Apart from its dramatic quality, the black sand reflects the light beautifully. The beach tends to be quiet and not too touristy, a perfect choice for shy couples who prefer to be doing their shootings without people staring at them. Watch out for the occasionally unpredictable waves especially if you are doing the photoshoot near the water.
Virgin Beach Candidasa
Located in East Bali, Virgin Beach feels very different from the busier beaches in the south. It is a bit far from the main tourist areas, which helps keep the beach relatively peaceful and unspoiled.
This beach is ideal for clients who don’t mind the travel time and want a quieter, more natural setting. The light here is soft, and the environment feels relaxed, making it suitable for slow-paced sessions with minimal interruptions.
Suluban Beach (Blue Point)
Suluban Beach, also known as Blue Point, is visually striking with its caves, rock formations, and dramatic openings to the ocean. However, access involves stairs and narrow pathways, which makes it less suitable for children or clients with mobility concerns.
I usually recommend this location only for adventurous couples who are comfortable with difficult access. Safety and timing are especially important here, as waves and tides can change quickly.
Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran Beach is one of the best beaches in Bali for casual family photo sessions. The shoreline is wide, flat, and easy to access, making it comfortable for children and older family members.
The long stretch of beach allows for natural walking shots, playful moments, and relaxed interactions. Sunset sessions work particularly well here, creating warm tones without the pressure of difficult terrain.
Sanur Beach
Renowned as the Morning of the World, Sanur Beach is the best spot to watch the sunrise with picturesque features such as the wave breakers and its seaside pavilions on the top. As a bonus for waking up really early, there are interesting backgrounds to be had such as the local fisherman leaving to get their catch of the day and the colorful traditional wooden boats known as jukung. The beach is very accessible so all sorts of wardrobes is suitable.
Elopement Photography at Segara Village Hotel, Sanur
Nyang Nyang Beach
Nyang Nyang Beach is one of the most private beaches in the Uluwatu area and a great option for couples who value seclusion. Access requires taking a motorbike taxi from the main parking area, followed by a walk down to the beach. Because of the access, it remains relatively quiet compared to other Uluwatu beaches.
From a photography perspective, the wide shoreline and minimal crowd make it ideal for relaxed, uninterrupted sessions. Simple wardrobes and lightweight outfits work best here due to the access.
Seminyak Beach
Seminyak Beach is another excellent option for casual family sessions. With easy access, wide open space, and plenty of room for movement, it suits families who want natural, lifestyle-focused images.
Because the beach is more active, I usually recommend shooting either early in the morning or closer to sunset to avoid crowds and harsh light. Barefoot, neutral-toned outfits work especially well in this setting.
Mengening Beach
Located near the famous Tanah Lot Temple, Mengening Beach in Mengwi is perfect for those who want to capture the ambiance of Tanah Lot but with fewer crowds. There is a temple on top of a huge coral boulder where a couple can go just before sunset to get a picture-perfect photo featuring the black temple and the ravishing ocean underneath. With the black sand, this spot has a cinematic quality to it and definitely one that I recommend experiencing.
