10 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Bali
Where are Bali's Best Sunset Viewpoints?
The best locations for sunset watching in Bali are mainly beaches along the western coastline. Some of these spots feature historical temples, which add an exotic silhouette to your dramatic photographs. Many beaches offer unobstructed sea and sky panoramas with fiery streaks of cloud, while others offer the setting sun’s rays slipping behind tiered shrines.
We’ve gathered a list of the best places for sunsets in Bali where you can witness such picture-perfect moments. Besides the skies turning vivid crimson, you’ll also enjoy some of the most dramatic scenes during twilight (also called the “blue hour”), right after the sun sinks below the horizon, as the sky turns purple and cobalt blue, then a star-studded black.
1. Tanah Lot Temple
Bali’s iconic sunset scene
Good for: Budget, History, Photo
One of the most important temple landmarks in Bali, Tanah Lot Temple is undeniably the island’s most famous sunset icon. The offshore setting of this ancient Hindu shrine complex is truly dramatic, perched on top of a rocky outcrop with large waves crashing at its base.
As night falls, it’s stunning to watch as the sun slowly descends behind the tiered roofs. The temple transforms into an enigmatic and beautiful silhouette against the golden colors of the sky. During the daytime, tickets can be purchased to visit the temple and outcrop, then head to one of the many viewpoints on the mainland to catch the sunset scenes. Read more
Location: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 6 am to 7 pm
Phone: +62 (0)361 880361
Tanah Lot Temple
2. Tegal Wangi Beach
Fabulous sunsets from a hidden beach
Good for: Budget, Couples, Photo
Just a mile and a half north of the luxurious AYANA Resort and Spa in Jimbaran, and along the same cliff-fringed coast is the lovely Tegal Wangi Beach. It’s often considered one of Bali’s “hidden beaches” and is named after the nearby temple. You can pick a spot near the edge of the towering cliff overlooking the vast Indian Ocean below, or head down a rocky staircase towards the sandy beach.
As the sun sets, the low tide reveals seaweed covered rocks and barriers which frame the incredible ocean views. Head here during the twilight hour (between 6 pm and 7 pm) for the best scenes.
Location: Jl. Tegal Wangi, Jimbaran, Kec. Kuta Sel., Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
Tegal Wangi Beach
3. Uluwatu Temple
Traditional fire dances against the setting sun
Good for: History, Photo, Unusual
As one of the island’s 6 key temples, Uluwatu Temple has an abundance of charm and allure when it comes to enjoying fabulous sunsets. With the exotic outline of the temple buildings silhouetted against the vast sky and ocean backdrop, the scene will take your breath away.
The temple looms 70 meters above the cliff base making for incredible views. There’s even an open-air amphitheater nearby that regularly features traditional Kecak fire dances against the setting sun. Gray long-tailed macaques that live in the area will often pose on high walls for your camera for free. Read more
Location: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Open: Daily from 7 am to 7 pm
Uluwatu Temple
4. Petitenget Beach
A beach sunset with dinner and dancing to match
Good for: Food, Luxury, Photo
Petitenget beach features a fantastically long stretch of sand accompanied by gently rolling waves. One of the main beaches in Seminyak, the special aspect of Petitenget is the mix of sundown spots it offers.
You can enjoy a sunset dinner at one of the many fine restaurants along the coast, or dance the evening away at one of the excellent beach clubs like Potato Head or Made. Alternately, you can simply lie on the sand and admire the incredible colors in the sky as the daylight fades.
Location: Seminyak, Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Petitenget Beach
5. Kuta Beach
Sunset among the hustle and bustle of a popular beach
Good for: Couples, Families, Photo
Kuta is one of the pioneering beach resort areas on Bali’s south-western coastline. The area continues to attract a mix of travelers as there’s always something exciting going on here. The main draws remain the sand, surf, and sunsets.
Despite the crowds, you can easily hop off the footpath and find a good spot on the beach in time for a divine sunset. The various activities around you, and the interactions of peddlers, visitors, and surfers, add a special ambience that’s uniquely Kuta. Read more
Location: Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Kuta Beach
6. Jimbaran Bay
The perfect combo of seafood and sunsets
Good for: Couples, Food, Photo
The beautiful Jimbaran Bay is where seafood dining and sunsets combine perfectly with a great ocean panorama. The collection of 17 beachfront restaurants joined together in a single cluster is a must-visit if you’re looking for a romantic dinner.
To the left of the curving bay is a low-lying hill speckled with villas and fine-dining spots for those with a penchant for luxury. To the far right is the landing strip of I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport. In between, you’ll find Jimbaran’s gorgeous combination of sand, surf, sky, and sunset.
Location: Jimbaran, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Jimbaran Bay
7. Lovina Beach
A peaceful black-sand beach for memorable moments
Good for: Photo, Unusual
The lovely Lovina Beach in Northern Bali is a 1.5 mile stretch of black sand with calm waves. Sunsets in Lovina are exceptional, with smooth waves reflecting the setting sun and traditional Balinese outrigger fishing boats on the horizon.
The lack of rowdy nightlife in the area complements the calmness of the coast, meaning you’ll find lots of quiet areas to enjoy the beautiful scenery in peace. You’ll also find a few hotels along the beach with restaurants and bars providing sunset views, while others are high on the hills, overlooking the bay.
Location: Jl. Binaria, Anturan, Kabupaten Buleleng, Bali 81119, Indonesia
Lovina Beach
8. Echo Beach, Canggu
Surfers, barbecues, and sunsets
Good for: Couples, Families, Food
Echo Beach (also known as Pantai Batu Mejan, after the namesake onsite temple), offers 180-degree views of the ocean and rolling surf. The beach is also one of Bali’s favorite surfing destinations due to its variety of surfing conditions that suit everyone from novice to pro.
If wave riding isn’t your thing, grab a spot at one of the many seafood cafes or beach bars providing great views over the action. Come sunset time, the barbecues start to billow and the surfers return to shore for some much needed relaxation. Read more
Location: Jl. Munduk Kedungu, Pererenan, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
Echo Beach, Canggu
9. Nusa Lembongan
Sunset views of Bali from a whole new island
Good for: Photo, Unusual
One of the closest island retreats off the Bali mainland, Nusa Lembongan’s main beach, Jungut Batu, is west-facing and has a gorgeous stretch of white sand. Nearby is a hilly area that serves as an upmarket villa neighborhood. Whether you’re down at the beach or up on the hill, you get wonderful views of the sun setting behind the silhouette of Bali’s Mount Agung on the horizon.
Take a scenic stroll along the beach to discover a vast range of cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can enjoy the sunset views across to the Bali mainland in style.
Location: Gg. Nusa Indah, Jungutbatu, Kec. Nusa Penida, Kabupaten Klungkung, Bali 80771, Indonesia
Nusa Lembongan
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