Karang Impian Beach is a genuinely hidden gem on the coastal road between the main beach towns of Canggu, Seminyak, Kuta and Legian and the Giliamanuk port serving the islands of Bali and Java.
It’s an interesting spot to stop at on your way to the national park and if you want a nice place for your family to enjoy one of the less-touristed beaches in Bali, you should enjoy your time in this area.
Where Is Karang Impian Beach?
Karang Impian Beach is in the Jembrana Regency in Central Bal along the West Coast.
Address: PFPH+HG, Melaya, Jembrana Regency, Bali, Indonesia
How To Get To Karang Impian Beach?
The best way to get to this area is to rent a private car and driver. There is not much in the way of Grab and Gojek services in this remote part of the island.
The good news is that you can get a car, driver and petrol for 500,000 IDR a day (that’s $35 USD or $50 AUD) and it shouldn’t break the bank.
When’s The Best Time To Visit Karang Impian Beach?
There’s no best time of year to visit this beach and you’ll find that there are no queues of the sun loungers at any time of year.
However, as with all beaches in Bali, if you’re on holiday in the dry season, you will find that there’s more sun, the temperatures are a little cooler and whether you’re on the sand or by the pool at your accommodation, you will find it easier to enjoy the weather.
That means coming in peak season when a hotel room is much more expensive than normal and most accommodation, will put up prices. So, you may decide that you’d rather get more bang for your buck and risk a little rain and humidity in the wet season.
Is There An Entrance Fee At Karang Impian Beach?
No, there’s no entrance fee here. The public areas of the beach are all accessible from the local road and while there are some hotel properties around the area, none of them have any control over the sand.
There is no parking directly by the beach but you can find a hotel to park at in this part of Bali easily enough.
What To Expect At Karang Impian Beach
This is a very simple and pleasant old-school Balinese beach with almost no facilities and it’s a place where guests of the local hotels gather at sunset alongside some locals to enjoy the light show over the ocean.
You can walk your pets here and it’s a safe place to swim, even for children who will find the gentle current easy to learn in.
Couples will find it a pleasant place for a romantic stroll before a nice meal in a local restaurant.
There is a sort of street food market that appears on the sand at certain points of the day, where you can buy really cheap local food.
Overall, this quiet beach isn’t “the greatest beach on the island”, but it’s a very pleasant place to be if you want some tranquillity in Indonesia as you travel the coastal road.
Where To Eat Near Karang Impian Beach
There are plenty of hotel restaurant options in this area but there are some great places for breakfast, lunch and dinner which are independent of accommodation too, including:
Melaya Beach Resto – a pleasant place with a great view of the sea while you eat, it seems attached to the Villa Impian complex but we don’t know if it has the same management.
Ikan Bakar Karang Impian – the Ikan Bakar here is amazing and overall it’s one of the best places for seafood in Bali. They do a good breakfast too if you don’t get one thrown in with your hotel room.
Warung Muslim Sido Muncul – if you love bakso, Balinese meatballs, this is the place to come. The portions are huge and very tasty. Best of all, this is a very cheap place to eat.
Warung Barokah – a very popular local Javanese restaurant and not only is a great place for a family dinner, but the friendly couple that runs the place will probably immortalize you in film while you eat.
Black Sand Bar – a basic beachside bar, you’re not going to find much more than Bintang and a few snacks here.
Where To Stay At Karang Impian Beach
There is plenty of accommodation in the area around the beach and you shouldn’t find it hard to find a property that suits your needs. Some of the popular hotels here include:
Melaya Beach Resort – this property is right next to the beach and the rooms are a decent size and very clean. There is an in-house restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner but the menu is a touch limited. There’s a decent garden and pool area. However, the best thing about this place is the staff who from the moment you get your booking confirmation to the day that you leave the property are absolutely amazing.
Putri Kori Villa & Resort – this managed property in Bali is part hotel and part independent villa complex. It’s very popular with people on holiday for bird watching and the reviews reflect that. If you enjoy a great view from your rooms and want pleasant public areas and your own terrace, etc. this is a nice property.
Suara Glamping – if your idea of a good night is using your own kitchen facilities and sleeping in open rooms under the stars, then glamping might be a better option than a room in a hotel. This location is pretty close to the beach and the facilities are pretty good. Guests can bring pets and there’s plenty of parking available too. The public areas are well maintained and for a small extra charge, you can get a cot set up in your room if you have a large family with you at the site.
Bali Eco Beach House – if you want somewhere where the sun loungers come at no extra charge then this beachside accommodation is a great place to book a room. The design of the building is 100% eco-friendly and if you opt to stay here, we feel it’s a great choice.
The Melaya Villas – superb accommodation on the sand and with wonderful views and facilities. It’s a bit expensive for a four-star hotel in this part of the island but if you want a blissful holiday booking, this hotel will ensure you have a room that is comfortable and pleasant.
Things To Do Near Karang Impian Beach
There isn’t a lot to do in this area, however, if you don’t mind a bit of a drive from your hotel, then you should find:
-
Sunset Beach – this nearby beach in Melaya, Bali is very similar though even more remote and awkward to get to. We’d only really visit this if you have a room in one of the local guesthouses, otherwise, it’s not worth going out of your way for.
-
Tirtha Segara Rupek Temple – this is a very popular temple for the melukat purification rituals but it rarely sees any tourists. Be warned, the locals are very friendly here but the tribe of monkeys hanging out here needs plenty of room for personal space.
-
Pantai Watu Kebo – is another simple local beach next to the river estuary, unfortunately, it’s quite a difficult spot to get to and there’s no parking anywhere nearby.
-
Belimbingsari Village – a uniquely Christian village in Hindu Bali and a very welcoming and pleasant place to spend some time exploring the “Real Bali”.
-
Ud Dalem Sunu – an interesting art galley with some fascinating local pieces, if you want a unique souvenir from Indonesia, you might find it on arrival at this place.
FAQs
Is Karang Impian Beach Worth Visiting?
Yes! We think Karang Impian Beach is worth visiting, however, with the proviso that you’re using it as a stopping-off point for Gilimanuk or the National Park.
We don’t think we’d drag our family out to this location just for the hotel and accommodation facilities which are good but not great and for a nice beach but not one
Final Thoughts On Karang Impian Beach
This isn’t the sort of spot in Bali that’s the top choice on most people’s holiday bucket lists. However, the beach and the surrounding location are ideal for a family holiday stop if you’re going to check out West Bali National Park or catch a boat to Java.
You can enjoy a cheap-ish hotel room with decent facilities and a good pool without breaking the bank and wander safely around this pleasant part of Indonesia without being bothered by any crowds.
Other Bali beaches:
Berawa Beach – Our favourite Bali Beach!
Echo Beach Bali Guide: Canggu’s Surfing Hotspot
Batu Belig Beach: Your Guide To The Ultimate Relaxing Nighttime Scene By The Beach
