Imagine this: warm turquoise waves at your feet, golden sunsets melting over dramatic cliffs, and scooters buzzing along coastal roads. That’s exactly what we experienced on our Bali Beach Hopping adventure — a full day chasing hidden coves, epic surf spots, and cliffside views.
In this guide, we’ll take you along for the ride. You’ll get our exact route, costs, and tips plus a few surprises you won’t find in glossy brochures. From budget breakfasts to $40 surf lessons, here’s what it’s really like to explore the best beaches in Bali by scooter.
👉 Related video: Watch our Bali Beach Hopping adventure on YouTube
Our Bali Beach Hopping Itinerary
We covered about 50 kilometers across South Bali in one full day. The route included:
- Jimbaran Beach – calm sands and epic sunsets
- Cano Beach – the restricted paradise we couldn’t film
- Bangan Beach – Bali’s surf hotspot
- Uluwatu Beach – cliffs, caves, and world-class waves
- Melasti Beach – clear waters and limestone cliffs
- Timbuk Barak – the famous cliff road
🚲 We recommend renting a scooter for freedom (about 70,000–100,000 rupiah/day). Traffic can be wild, but that’s part of the Bali Beach Hopping vibe. Pack sunscreen, water, and your adventurous spirit.
The Morning Kickstart: Coffee & Croissants
Every good adventure starts with a good breakfast, right? For us, that meant a quick ride over to Kata Papa Cafe, a cozy little spot tucked away just a couple of kilometers from most stays in Jimbaran.
We kicked things off with flaky, buttery croissants that could rival any Parisian bakery — and at just 15,000 rupiah (under $1 USD), it felt like the ultimate budget luxury. Paired with a strong cup of Balinese coffee, rich and slightly earthy, it was the fuel we needed to start our Bali Beach Hopping day.
What we loved most was the atmosphere: no big crowds, just a handful of locals reading newspapers, a couple of digital nomads tapping away at laptops, and the smell of fresh pastry drifting out of the oven. It’s one of those spots where time slows down, and you can just enjoy the simple things before chasing the big adventures.
Breakfast Tip for Beach Hopping in Bali:
Don’t fill up too much here — as tempting as it is to order a second croissant or a slice of banana bread. Trust us, you’ll want to save room for what comes later: grilled seafood on Jimbaran Beach, fresh coconuts at Bangan, and even a vegan falafel bowl in Uluwatu. Bali is one giant food adventure, and breakfast is just the opening act.
💡 Pro tip: If you’re a coffee lover, go for the traditional Balinese brew instead of a latte. It’s cheaper, more authentic, and strong enough to keep you buzzing through morning traffic on your scooter.
Stop 1: Jimbaran Beach – Sunset Paradise
Jimbaran is Bali’s soft-sand beauty with gentle waves, seafood warungs, and fiery sunsets. It’s 16 km from most central stays, and easy to reach by scooter.
- Sunbed rental: 100,000 rupiah ($6 USD) for the day (umbrella + towel included)
- Best for: Couples, families, or anyone craving peace
- Bonus: Seafood BBQs right on the beach
We loved that it’s clean (local groups sweep daily) but still real — you’ll see the occasional plastic bottle. Bring a reusable bag to keep it green.
☕ Travel hack: Walk 300 meters to Manja Cafe. Order a latte, and you can swim in their pool for free. Yes, pool + coffee = heaven.
Stop 2: Cano Beach – The No-Go GoPro Spot
This one caught us off guard. Cano Beach looked dreamy with its white sand and snorkeling reefs, but… cameras weren’t allowed.
At Loca Seahouse, they require you to hand over your phone or GoPro. Staff take photos for you instead. Entry was cheap, but the no-record rule felt limiting.
👉 We skipped it. If you’re okay without filming, it could still be worth a visit. Just check rules before you go.
Stop 3: Bangan Beach – Surfing Central for Bali Beach Hopping
Next up, Bangan Beach — 8 km away and buzzing with surfers. The vibe here is the opposite of Jimbaran: loud, lively, and full of energy.
- Entry fee: Donation-based (we gave 10,000 rupiah / $0.60)
- Surf lessons: 600,000 rupiah ($40 USD) with locals
- Vibe: Backpacker + local surfer mix
We didn’t surf this time, but watching the riders carve waves was a show in itself. If you’re learning, Bangan is one of the best surfing beaches in Bali and a must-stop on any Bali Beach Hopping itinerary.
🥥 Don’t leave without a fresh coconut. Best rehydration ever.
Lunch Stop: Chickpea Vegan Cafe 🌱
Halfway through, we fueled up at Chickpea Vegan Cafe in Uluwatu.
- Falafel rice bowls: 85,000 rupiah ($5.50 USD)
- Vegan cheeseburger with beetroot fries: 190,000 rupiah ($12 USD)
Fresh, colorful, and filling without the food coma. Even non-vegans would love this spot.
Stop 4: Uluwatu Beach – Cliffs, Caves & Pro Waves
Uluwatu = Bali at its most dramatic. Towering cliffs, hidden caves, and surfers tackling monster barrels.
- Best time: Early morning to dodge crowds
- Tip: Wear sturdy shoes (paths are rocky)
- Highlight: Exploring tide pools when the ocean pulls back
Even if you don’t surf, Uluwatu is worth it for the raw beauty alone. A true highlight of our Bali Beach Hopping adventure.
Stop 5: Melasti Beach – Crowds & Clear Water
We paid 30,000 rupiah ($2 USD) for entry and found ourselves at Melasti Beach. It’s stunning — turquoise water, snorkeling reefs, and limestone cliffs — but it gets very crowded in the afternoons.
- Good for: Swimming + snorkeling
- Downside: Popular with tour buses, so patience is key
- Tip: Arrive early or closer to sunset for less chaos
Still, the view was worth it.
Final Stop: Timbuk Barak – The Cliff Road
We wrapped the day at Timbuk Barak, where the road slices through limestone cliffs. With waves crashing below and golden sunset light, it’s a photographer’s dream.
We parked, walked the stretch, and just soaked it in. The perfect ending to a jam-packed Bali Beach Hopping trip.
Key Takeaways from Our Bali Beach Hopping 🚀
- Jimbaran Beach → Chill, romantic sunsets
- Cano Beach → Pretty but restrictive (check rules first)
- Bangan Beach → Surf central + budget-friendly
- Uluwatu Beach → Epic cliffs + caves
- Melasti Beach → Snorkeling heaven (crowded but gorgeous)
- Timbuk Barak → A road like no other
💡 Travel Tip: Many beaches charge 5,000–30,000 rupiah ($0.30–$2). Always carry small bills.
Final Thoughts
Bali has over 100 beaches, but in just one day, we saw its soul: sunsets, waves, cliffs, and flavors. From cheap croissants to vegan bowls, and from quiet sands to surf chaos, every stop had its own magic.
Would we do it again? Absolutely. And next time, maybe we’ll even give those waves at Bangan a try.
👉 Watch the full adventure here: Bali Beach Hopping by Motorbike
🌐 Learn more about Bali tourism on the official Indonesia travel site.
💡 Planning a longer stay? Check our guide to the best hotels in Bali for where to crash after your own Bali Beach Hopping day.
So, which Bali beach would you start with? or would you be interested to Learn more about Malaysia?
