Bali offers surfing die-hards and sun-worshippers foam-creasted waves lapping gently on pristine sandy beaches. Sunsets at the beaches are truly spectacular. Kissed by the perpetual sea breeze, palm sway as if performing a dance.

For non-suffers, a myriad of water sports awaits them such as canoeing, parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides and lots more. In fact, the island has a beach to suit your mood and activity or non-activity. There are beaches untouched by human foot prints, beaches buzzing with activity, beaches backed by untamed jungles, beaches of black sands and beaches dotted with isolated fishing villages.

On Bali's beaches, sunbathing is popular with many visitors from temperate countries. However, please be remained that the sun in Bali can be very hot. To avoid dehydration, it is advisable to drink plenty of water. Evian and Aqua are two brands of bottled water that are safe for drinking and are excellent thirst-quenchers. Sterilized under strict hygienic conditions, the water is packed in handy plastic bottles.

Kuta Beach
Lying on the western shore of the isthmus leading to Badung Peninsula, Kuta has earned a reputation as a beach paradise, attracting surfers and swimmers of all ages and nationalities.

Tanjung Benoa
A promontory stretching from Nusa Dua into the sea, Tanjung Benoa boats of a beautiful beach. Water sports of all kinds can be enjoyed here. Accommodation is available in several four-star hotels, and there are seafood restaurants as well.

Sunset Legian
Aptly called the United Nations of beaches, Sunset Legian sees all kinds of people from all parts of the world indulging in both passive and activepursuits such as reading, meditating, beach volleyball, foot massage and sun-bathing.

Tuban Beach
Located between Kuta and the airport, this beach is excellent for those seeking sedentary activities like sun-bathing or reading, Enveloped in tranquility, Tuban Beach has the services of hotel lifeguards who make the sea a safe place to swim.

Uluwatu, Padang Padang, Bingin and Dreamland
The places used to be the exclusive playgrounds of surfers as access was along rough dirt tracks.

Nusa Dua
Ensconced in a lagoon, Nusa Dua is dotted with many five-star hotels, some of which have private beaches. This area is a swimmer's haven as the waters are tranquil and clean

Sanur Beach
In the 1930's, Sanur was the Beverly Hills of Bali, with many rich and famous people having their residences here. Today it is a center for windsurfing, parasailing and other water sport.

Jimbaran
Jimbaran is a sleepy cove where fleets of Fishing boats color of scene. Since the opening of the Four Seasons Resort and the Inter Continental, this once-quiet area has now become a popular resort.

Nusa Lembongan
This island is one of the most popular destinations for day trips from Bali. The journey takes between one and two hours, depending on whether you take a boat or motor boat.

Padang Bai
The harbor for boats to Lombok, Padang Bai is a quaint, laid-back fishing village with a few in expensive losmens for accommodation. A sort walk over the rugged headland to the north will lead you to an intimate white sand beach

Candi Dasa
This is the gateway to eastern Bali and is developing as a popular tourist destination. The beach had once been washed away due to coral picking but this has now stopped, and the coral is returning.

Lovina, Kalibukbuk, Pemuteran Pulau Menjangan
Between Singaraja and Seririt on Bali's wild north coast is a busy stretch of losmens and hotels, and the low sea makes this area by far the most inspiring beach in Bali.

The West Coast
The stretch of Bali is very beautiful and wild. Some surfing is done in this are but it is not recommended for beginners as the roaring sea is filled with treacherous rips. The beach around Tanah Lot is fantastic for horse-riding, watching dramatic sunsets but not really safe for swimming.

Source: Visitor's Guide to Bali ( VGB ), PT. Media Dutaservisindo