Cemagi Beach is one of those stretches of coastline that still has an untouched feel.
There’s black volcanic sand, big waves rolling in from the Indian Ocean, and fishermen and locals going about their daily business. It’s not the place you come to for beach clubs and crowds, but it is an up-and-coming area, so it has a little bit of that catch-me-while-you-can feeling.
It’s not hard to reach, and it’s a nice chill spot. We like it here, and we think you will too!
TL;DR, Summary Of Cemagi Beach
- One of Bali’s black sand beaches; very scenic and tranquil, with fewer visitors than nearby beaches.
- The seas can be a bit rough here, and there are rocks; it’s not an ideal beach for swimming.
- It’s quieter here than other, more popular areas, but there are still plenty of places to eat, drink and sleep.
Where Is Cemagi Beach?
Cemagi Beach is on the west coast, just a little bit up the coastline from Seseh Beach, in the quiet coastal village of Cemagi.
It’s about 8.5 km from Canggu, which takes about 25 minutes by car, and about 25km from Ngurah Rai International Airport, which usually takes about an hour and a half, if it’s your first destination when you reach Bali.
Address: 9454+JM8, Sea, Jl. Pantai Mengening, Cemagi, Kec. Mengwi, Kabupaten Badung, Bali, Indonesia
How To Get To Cemagi Beach
Getting to Cemagi Beach is reasonably straightforward, especially if you’re staying in Canggu or Seminyak. The roads are pretty quiet compared to the city, and the final stretch passes through small village streets and rice fields, making it a nice journey.
There are several ways to reach it, a few of which are:
- Ride Hailing App – Using a ride-hailing app like Grab or Gojek is one of the easiest ways to reach the area. It’s cheap and easy to use, especially if you’re travelling with others, and you can find a driver within minutes in the busy tourist areas. Getting back may take a little longer to find a driver, but don’t panic, you’ll find one.
- Private Car and Driver – Hiring a private driver is a great idea if you’re deciding to explore more than just the beach. You can plan a whole day upfront, or just wing it, and ask your driver for suggestions. You also have the added bonus of someone to guard your belongings while you’re visiting an attraction. Ask your hotel or guesthouse to book you a reputable driver.
- Motorcycle or Scooter Hire – Hiring a bike or scooter may seem like a fun idea, with the feeling of freedom as you cruise around the country roads. But, as always, we highly recommend against this for the average tourist. The chances are you won’t be legal to ride, and you won’t be covered by insurance. Bali’s roads can be testing for even the most experienced rider. Don’t ruin your trip, sit back, relax and take a taxi.
Is There An Entrance Fee To Cemagi Beach?
Like most beaches in Bali, there is no entrance fee to Cemagi Beach; just show up and step onto the sand, and the beach is there for all to enjoy. There is, however, sometimes a small parking fee, so if you have a car or a private driver, you might need to pay that. As always, keep some small change with you.
When Is The Best Time To Visit Cemagi Beach?
Cemagi Beach is great to visit at all times of the year. Of course, many prefer to visit in the dry season, when the weather conditions are a bit more predictable, with less chance of rain. That being said, the wet season is usually quieter, not that this beach is particularly busy at any time of the year.
As for the best time of day, early morning and late afternoon are usually the most pleasant, as they avoid the intense midday heat. With the sun setting to the west, the late afternoon is a perfect time for those sunset seekers.
What To Expect At Cemagi Beach
Cemagi Beach is a wide stretch of black sand with large rock formations jutting out into the sea. There’s plenty of open space and very little development along the shoreline, and it’s not lined with sunloungers, bars and big hotels, so there’s a more natural feel and calm atmosphere if compared to some of Bali’s busier beaches.
There can be some really powerful waves here, crashing up against the rocks, along with some strong currents, so it’s not an ideal place for swimming, but surfers with a bit of experience can have some fun in the sea here, making a change from the more popular surf spots. You’ll see locals strolling down the beach, kids playing football, and fishermen going about their daily business.
It’s not the most developed beach with few facilities, but a few warungs are lining the coast, and some more development such as new restaurants in the village itself, and with a few nearby attractions to visit, such as the small temple jutting out in the sea, there’s enough here to keep you busy for the day, whether you want a look around, or just to kick back on the sand.
What To Do At Cemagi Beach
Cemagi Beach isn’t about ticking the boxes in a packed-out itinerary. Instead, it’s the kind of place where you slow down, enjoy the scenery and tranquility, taking in a quieter side of the West Coast.
- Walk Along the Black Sand – One of the simplest pleasures here is taking a stroll along the wide stretch of volcanic sand. Enjoy the feel of the soft sand on your feet, listen to the waves crashing in, and watch the people around you going about their daily lives.
- Catch the Breathtaking Sunset – Like many of the beaches on the West Coast, Cemagi faces directly towards the horizon, making it the perfect place to watch the sky and the sea illuminate as the sun disappears into the ocean.
- Photography – With dramatic waves, dark sand, and rocky formations along the shoreline, the beach has endless opportunities for keen photographers. The changing light around sunset makes everything particularly beautiful.
- Visit Pura Gede Luhur Batu Ngaus – Sitting on a rocky outcrop just up the coast on Mengening Beach, this small sea temple is one of the most distinctive landmarks in the area. It’s a peaceful spot with a strong cultural heritage, and many visitors to the beach stop by to reflect and take photos. Remember, a temple is a place of worship, not just a tourist attraction. Please dress and behave respectfully.
- Explore Cemagi Village – Just behind the beach, the village itself is worth a look. Cemagi offers a glimpse of traditional Bali, with quiet roads winding past sprawling green rice terraces, coconut groves, and small local homes that give the area its relaxed rural character.
Where To Eat Near Cemagi Beach
Cemagi is fairly quiet, but there are still a few good spots where you can grab a bite to eat or enjoy a few drinks after some beach time.
- Two Fat Uncle – A small beachfront cafe that serves coffee, fruit shakes, ice cream and a selection of easy food, like burgers and sandwiches. A nice, easy, chill spot for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
- Warung Bu Yudik – If you’re feeling more traditional but also a bit different, this small family restaurant, just a short walk into the village, serves food from Java.
- CampBar Cafe & Bar – A bit further into the village, a modern and popular restaurant serving western favourites, breakfast and brunch, and cocktails.
- Warung Senja – A beachside bar with beanbags looking out to sea. You can grab a bucket of Bintang and a pizza here. A nice place to watch the sunset in the evening.
Where To Stay Near Cemagi Beach
Accommodation around Cemagi is mostly made up of villas and small boutique properties. Here are a few that we looked at.
- Ombak Luxury Residence – Modern villa complex surrounded by rice fields, with a serene outdoor pool and a gym for guests to use. Perfect for those looking for peace and relaxation.
- The Kd Suites & Coffee Shop – A nice boutique spot just in the village. Has a pool and a working space.
- San Vibes Residence – A newer hotel with sea views and private balcony rooms overlooking the central pool.
Things To See And Do Near Cemagi Beach
Cemagi Beach is a peaceful slice of paradise, one of the best spots to kick back and relax. If you’re looking for a bit of adventure, though, there are a few interesting spots which aren’t too far away.
Tanah Lot
One of Bali’s most famous landmarks, Tanah Lot Temple, is only a short drive north-west of Cemagi Beach.
Sitting dramatically on a rock formation sticking out of the sea, this temple cannot always be accessed; it depends on the tide. Whether you can enter or not, it’s a spectacle to see, and one of the island’s most photographed locations, especially when the waves are crashing against it, and, of course, at sunset time.
The area surrounding Tanah Lot has some small shops, cafes and viewpoints, which is nice if you plan to stick around for a few hours.
Address: Beraban, Kediri, Tabanan Regency, Bali 82121, Indonesia
Labyrinth Art Gallery
For something a little bit different, Labyrinth is a modern cultural space that blends contemporary art with technology and immersive experiences.
Visitors can explore rotating exhibitions from Indonesian and international artists, along with installations that combine digital media, architecture and storytelling. There’s also the “Labyrinth Dome”, a 360° projection space used for immersive shows and performances.
Located in the nearby Nuanu Creative City, this is an interesting stop if you fancy something a bit different to beaches and temples.
Address: Jalan Galiran Br Nyanyi, Beraban, Kec. Kediri, Kabupaten Tabanan, Bali 82121, Indonesia
Online: Labyrinth Art
Other Beaches
If you’re keen to explore a little more of the coastline, there are several other beaches within a short drive of Cemagi Beach, each with its own character. Here are two:
- Seseh Beach – Just down the coast, Seseh Beach has a similar laid-back feel, with black sand, rolling waves, and a peaceful village atmosphere.
- Pererenan Beach – Closer to Canggu, Pererenan is a popular surf spot with a slightly livelier atmosphere and several bars and cafes nearby.
FINNS Beach Club
If you’ve had enough of quiet beaches and villages, why not head back to Canggu for a completely different vibe?
At FINNS on Berawa Beach, there are pools, day beds, cabanas, and an array of bars and kitchens to choose from. Come along for a cocktail and party into the night. We look forward to seeing you.
Address: Jl. Pantai Berawa No.99, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia
FAQs
Why Are There So Many Black Sand Beaches In Bali?
Many of the beaches in Bali have black sand because, over thousands of years, volcanic rock has been spat into the ocean by the volcanoes on the island. Then, over time, the waves and tide roll these rocks around until they’re a fine powder, which is what gives some of Bali’s beaches this distinctive black sand!
Which Bali Beach Is Best Known For Its Natural Beauty?
Kelingking Beach on Nusa Penida is arguably the most famous for its natural beauty. The dramatic cliff formation and turquoise water have made it one of the most photographed spots in the region.
That said, it’s located off mainland Bali and requires a boat trip. On the main island, beaches like Nyang Nyang and Balangan are often praised for their raw scenery and cliffside views, while Echo Beach is a favourite spot for sunset seekers. Call us biased if you like, however, our favourite beach is Berawa!
Is Cemagi The New Canggu?
Cemagi has been dubbed the “new Canggu” due to its investment opportunities, luxury villa development, and increasing popularity.
In reality, though, this quiet seaside town has a long way to go before it competes with the big guns like Canggu.
Final Thoughts On Cemagi Beach
If you’re looking to escape the bustle of Bali’s busier beaches, Cemagi offers a tranquil escape where you can slow down and enjoy a quieter part of the island, in a location that allows easy access from the more popular areas.
Despite growing popularity, it’s still hanging on to its relaxed charm, and with other things to see and do in the area, we’d recommend it for an easy day out of town.
