Bali is a tropical paradise that offers some of the most breathtaking sunsets in the world.
From its shimmering shorelines to its towering mountain peaks, Bali provides an unrivalled backdrop for magnificent sunsets that will leave you feeling completely mesmerized and probably take up a fair chunk of your memory card!
Grab your camera, get ready for an unforgettable sight, and let’s explore the 27 best places to watch a beautiful sunset in Bali!
Berawa Beach: See The Indian Ocean In All Its Glory
OK, maybe we are biased, but we think the best sunset spot is right on our doorstep.
Berawa Beach is the ultimate location to witness a Bali sunset.
To enjoy a relaxing evening with cocktails and stunning panoramic views, head to FINNS Beach Club, where we have plenty of areas and seating with unobstructed views.
The beach just outside is a spectacle of beach walkers, sunset chasers, and surfers all enjoying the magical sunset hour.
We like to jump in an infinity pool with a cocktail and see Bali’s best sunset unfold before our eyes, but there are many great ways to see the sun setting at FINNS.
There is nothing like a sunset experience at FINNS. Grab a daybed near the front row near the pools, or grab a bite or dinner at one of our three onsite restaurants.
There are many beach clubs in this world, but there’s only one FINNS Beach Club.
Stay into the evening to dance the night away with your friends on our multiple dance floors and platforms, with happy hour is from 8pm – 9pm.
Lovina: Black Sand Beach Bliss
Lovina is a tiny finishing village situated on the northern coast of Bali, facing the west where the sun sets, perfectly positioned for catching the stunning colours of the sunset.
It’s an incredibly tranquil area, far away from the hustle and bustle of Bali’s west coast. North Bali is the perfect place to go to destress and just chill.
At any time of day, the shores and waters are dotted with dozens of traditional Balinese outrigger boats, adding an element that is unique to Lovina’s scenery.
The beach is black sand, which stays warm under the sun’s golden glow. With crystal clear waters and colourful coral reefs, Lovina is also a popular spot for snorkelling at any time of day.
Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Temple is a must-see destination for those looking for a dramatic and stunning sunset view in Bali.
Located on limestone cliffs above the Indian Ocean, the Uluwatu Temple soars into the sky and offers breathtaking views of the sunset and horizon.
The monkeys living around the cliffside perches also add to the experience of watching a Bali sunset from Uluwatu, making it a memorable adventure.
With unparalleled scenery and wildlife encounters, Uluwatu makes it to our list of the top 10 sunset spots in Bali.
Seminyak Beach on the South West Coast is one of Bali’s most popular shorelines around sunset time. The palm trees add a wonderful atmosphere to this sunset beach.
With the resorts, restaurants and bars that line the coast, there is an inviting ambience created by friendly locals and tourists enjoying the stunning scenery together.
The brightly coloured and vintage design makes La Plancha, the Spanish beach bar, a popular place to watch the sunset.
Whether taking a sunset stroll, meeting friends, or having dinner at any of the local beachfront establishments, there are plenty of ways to take in the Seminyak sunset.
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple
Ulun Danu Beratan Temple is one of the most famous and picturesque temples in Bali. The temple is located on the shores of Lake Beratan and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and scenic hills.
The combination of natural beauty and stunning temple architecture makes Ulun Danu Beratan Temple a magical setting for sunset.
The temple and the surrounding landscape are bathed in warm golden light, reflecting off the tranquil waters of the lake.
It’s a popular spot for photography enthusiasts who come to capture stunning colours and landscapes during sunset.
Jimbaran Bay
Jimbaran Beach is a top destination for witnessing Bali’s spectacular sunset, attracting over 15 million visitors annually.
The beach is lined with seafood restaurants that offer fresh seafood dishes and stellar views across the horizon.
As dusk approaches, locals light up traditional Balinese torches to create a serene atmosphere, making this spot truly magical.
Many opt to enjoy dinner on the restaurant patios overlooking the bay to make their evening even more special.
Whether you’re looking to take in the sunset or enjoy some tasty treats while doing so, the bay offers unforgettable experiences for seasoned travellers and new adventurers alike.
Tegal Wangi Beach
Tegal Wangi Beach offers natural beauty and great snorkelling spots, but its sunsets are especially extraordinary.
With its stunning rock formations and low tides that offer seaweed-covered stones and rock pools, this beach offers some of the most incredible Bali sunsets.
After sunset, the calming sapphire sea and twinkling stars create a peaceful and magical atmosphere.
Visitors can explore the beach during the day for sunbathing or a picnic on the soft white sands and stay until later to enjoy one of the best sunsets in Bali at dusk.
Echo Beach
Echo Beach is a shoreline in the northern part of Canggu, known for its stunning sunsets and relaxed atmosphere.
Echo Beach has one of Bali’s most famous and popular surf breaks, so your ocean view will likely include dozens of surfers catching waves from dawn until dusk.
From here, it’s easy to enjoy the sunset with friends and a favourite cocktail and then continue your night with dinner and drinks in the Canggu nightlife.
Echo Beach should definitely be on your list when searching for Bali’s best sunsets.
Amed
We have reached our top 3! Amed is a small fishing village on Bali’s east coast, offering one of Bali’s most spectacular and unique sunset experiences.
It ranks high on our list because, with the location of the village, the sun sets over a stunning view of Mount Agung.
The village’s rugged charm, crystal-clear waters, and traditional boats provide a picturesque setting all day long, but especially for watching the sun go down.
As night falls, the sky transforms into a vibrant display of orange and red, with thousands of stars twinkling above.
Amed’s laid-back vibe, breathtaking views, and unforgettable sunsets put it close to the top of our list of the best sunsets in Bali.
Tanah Lot Temple
The Tanah Lot Temple in Bali is at the top of many lists as one of the most amazing sunsets on the island.
It’s an iconic landmark and a popular destination that draws millions of tourists every year to see the sunset.
This Hindu shrine is located on the southwest coast of Bali and offers breathtaking views of the Indian Ocean
.The temple sits on a rock formation that extends into the sea, providing a perfect spot to capture one of Bali’s, or even the world’s, most unique, sunset landscapes.
The varying shades of pink, orange, and yellow in the sky create a unique light show that attracts photographers from all over the world, making it one of the best Bali sunset spots.
Karang Boma Cliff (Uluwatu Cliff)
We love a romantic holiday destination and sunset seekers are going to find it at sun set at Karang Boma Cliff in Uluwatu.
This is one of the lesser-known spots for sunset views but we can see it getting busier fast as people start to appreciate the orange sky lights over the 180-degree view of the Indian Ocean and the dramatic drop from the cliff face!
Please note, though, that no matter how good the sunset views are, they’re not worth dying for.
While there are no restrictions on how close you can get to the cliff edge, if you fall, you won’t survive.
So, please keep a safe distance away from the edge.
Balangan Beach
The beach here is 200 meters of white sand with an incredible view from all angles, so make sure to hit the beach first.
Then, you can move on to one of two excellent viewpoints, the first is one of the most popular spots on the island with wedding photographers on the cliff edge (again, please don’t get too close to the edge).
Then, head further down the same path to the second viewpoint, which is a pleasant circular platform strewn with vines and offering a very serene view of the area.
This is a great starting point for sunset seekers as it’s one of the less visited viewpoints. It’s also a great spot for a bit of drone photography for much the same reasons (just make sure to adhere to Bali’s drone rules if you do decide to fly).
Tegal Wangi Beach (Jimbaran)
This is one beach where you won’t find a sunset bar, as you have to climb down a very steep cliff to get there.
But at low tide, the tidal pools are perfect for some sunset bathing and make for some of the most interesting images that you can get here in Bali.
The good news is that when you get back up the cliff, you’re just a few meters from the Ayana Jimbaran Resort for a few post-sundown drinks.
Rock Bar Ayana Resort & Spa
Speaking of the Ayana… this sunset bar is a great place to enjoy a few cocktails and the views of the distinctive cliff rock formation in the area.
Rock Bar isn’t cheap, but it is one of the big destinations in Jimbaran and it’s all because of the views.
There’s no rock music, though, they named the bar after the cliff shape and not the sounds, you’ll need to hit up Kuta for some rock music.
Double-Six Rooftop Sunset Bar
If you’re looking for a rooftop terrace with a view, then Double-Six luxury hotel is happy to provide one.
Just be aware that if you want to use the floating pods, you will need to spend a minimum of 1 million IDR per person on food and drink.
However, there is a regular bar area with no minimum spend, if you just want to enjoy the sunset and aren’t that fussed about the “influencer” pose.
Pigstone Beach Canggu
There’s no palm tree forest waiting for you at this beach, instead, you will find a single solitary palm tree above the hill and that’s why this beach is famous.
Be warned, this black sand beach has absolutely no shade during the heat of the day and the sand gets very hot, so make sure you wear some thongs before you step on the sand.
If you want the most iconic shot here, turn right and keep walking for about 10 minutes, you will know it as soon as you see it.
Pasut Beach
Palm trees and sunsets are a win in our book and when you throw the beauty of the ocean horizon in behind them? You’re going to get great photos.
This beach rarely sees any tourists and thus, it’s one of the easier places to get a photo of your beau under a palm tree.
One unusual thing about Pasut Beach is that the fiery sky at sunset is reflected on the wet black sands of the beach!
Munduk Moding Plantation
OK, this is a resort but the infinity pool here offers one of the best views of North Bali that you’ve ever seen and at sunset, it’s simply jaw-dropping.
It’s right on the doorstep of a coffee plantation and then there’s nothing but lush jungle dropping away in front of you for miles.
You can buy a day pass for the pool, but we’d spend a night here and explore the Munduk area too, it’s a lovely spot in Bali.
Pura Lempuyang Luhur Temple
The reflection of the gates of Heaven may be a cheap photographic trick (you just use a mirror) but there’s no doubt it makes for a great image.
Better still, during golden hour is makes for the kind of photo that is worth queuing up for and you will have to queue as this is one of the island’s most popular spots.
Pemuteran Bay
This lovely bay is a long way from the hustle and bustle of tourist Bali and it’s not far from the diving hotspot of Menjangan Island.
We’d visit on the way to (or from) West Bali National Park and enjoy an incredible view over to Java with its volcanoes in the background.
You won’t find much in the way of warungs and bars here, so it’s best to bring some food and drinks for the sunset.
Warung Sunset View Point (Jemeluk Viewpoint)
Don’t worry, if you follow the dirt path up the hill, you will arrive at the viewpoint and it will be worth your effort.
You see, once you get around the hill, you will get the best sunset shot of the sun dropping behind Mount Agung that it’s possible to get.
Sure, it’s a little out of the way but if you want an image to remember for your whole life, we recommend making the trip.
Bukit Asah Karangasem (Silent Hill)
This is a lovely place for a picnic with someone that you love. It’s a very quiet spot (thus “Silent Hill”) and offers not just seclusion but an epic sunset.
There’s a fabulous view over the ocean, small islands and the rock cliff nearby.
Just make sure to take something to sit on and some food and drink as there are no facilities here.
Sayan House
This fusion restaurant in Ubud offers a remarkable sunset view over the jungle canopy and you can stop in for a cocktail or two to enjoy it.
The food is very good too and menu items start at just 45,000 ++ IDR.
If you want to share a sunset with friends, this is a great place to do it without much effort.
Lahangan Sweet (Mount Agung)
Sure, you can always photograph Mount Agung at sunset, but how often do you photograph from an active volcano at sunset?
That’s what Lahangan Sweet Viewpoint offers and it’s a brilliant place to get some epic shots of Bali as a whole.
They’ve even set out some spots for you to get the best compositions from, which makes it a relaxing sunset, indeed.
Jaran Hill Sunset Viewpoint (Uluwatu)
This clifftop sunset spot isn’t very well known and thus, it’s much less busy than Karang Boma (also in Uluwatu).
If you want to chill with locals and grab some cliffs and turquoise sea shots, it’s a great place to do it.
Bukit Mende (Kintamani)
This is a fabulous place to shoot with misty views over the mountains (if you’re lucky with the weather.
It’s like having a setting from Lord of the Rings. You’ll need to visit North Bali for it, but it’s worth it.
Tips For Photographing Bali Sunsets
We’ve got some great tips for making your photographs of a sunset in Bali really stand out:
Shoot in manual mode and crank up your shutter speed – expose for the brightest point in the frame (the sun) and worry about the other data in post-production if you need to
Get out of auto white balance – the best setting is “shade” or its equivalent on your camera, this will boost the orange and golden shades of the light
Set your aperture to somewhere between F8 and F11 – you want to close up the aperture to boost the depth of field, but not at the expense of image quality, so experiment to find the best shots
Don’t just shoot into the sun – the light can bring real drama to a whole range of other landscape and architectural shots
Consider ND filters – if you want longer exposure shots, then an ND filter will let you get those lovely blurry wave shots without over-exposing your image
Consider a CPL filter – you can get the best sky and water colours with a circular polarizer
FAQs
Where Is The Best Sunset In Bali?
We think the sunset at FINNS Beach Club is the best. That’s not being immodest, golden hour at FINNS is next level and experiencing it in an infinity pool with a cocktail in your hand is something truly amazing.
Of course, the debate over Bali’s best sunset will rage forever and many will claim that it’s at their favourite beach bars or hidden beach, but we picked this spot in South Bali, at least in part, for its incredible sunset.
There are many beach clubs in this world, but the best of them is FINNS. A visit to Bali without spending time under the palm trees at FINNS isn’t really a visit to Bali at all.
Which Temple In Bali Has The Best Sunset?
This could be a subject of debate for hours. However, while Uluwatu Temple has amazing sunset views, and Lempuyang Temple is pretty spectacular at sunset, we think the winner here has to be Tanah Lot.
That’s because this temple sits on an island offshore, so when the sun sets, the temple itself is bathed in spectacular light with the Indian Ocean as a backdrop.
So, a Tanah Lot sunset just has the edge over other temple sunsets, but we’d recommend that you watch the sunset at as many temples as you can, it’s always awesome.
Does The Sunset Over The Ocean In Bali?
Yes! However, we need to point out that this is dependent on the side of the island that you’re on. Sunset is best viewed on the West side of Bali, and sunrise over East Bali.
So, you hit up Echo Beach or Canggu Beach on the South West Coast for sunset but get out of bed early to see the sunrise in Sanur.
Can You Watch Sunset In Ubud?
Yes, in fact there are many spots in Ubud where you can enjoy an epic sunset, one of the most popular is the Camphuan Ridge Walk but there are plenty of other options too.
What Is Golden Hour In Bali?
Golden Hour is the hour about 30 minutes before sunrise or sunset to 30 minutes after.
This time varies each day everywhere in the world, but you can find the time for today by using an app – like this one on the Google Play store.
Is Nusa Dua Good For Sunset?
Yes! There’s no doubt that the beach at Nusa Dua is a great place to watch a sunset in Bali and we’d also recommend getting to Karang Boma cliff nearby to catch the setting sun.
Where To Book A Holiday In Bali With A Beautiful Bali Sunset?
We always recommend you book a Bali holiday through the Bali Res Centre, a locally owned and operated specialist travel service.
Final Thoughts On The Spectacular Sunsets Of Bali
Bali offers some of the most stunning sunsets in the world, with a variety of locations.
So, take your pick from the list above and see if you can capture the kind of image that makes everyone forget the hanging palm tree while you watch the sunset over Bali.
