Catching the sunset in Bali is a tradition that many people practice every day. As the day draws to an end, the sky turns pink and watching the sun turn a brilliant orange before dipping below the horizon and turning the sky into a giant canvas is one of nature’s proudest moments. Best of all it’s free.
While the South Coast of Bali is one of the most iconic places to watch the Bali sunset some options include iconic clifftops and jungle lookout points, celebrate it with a glass of champagne at a 5-star beach club or simply on the sand with a coconut or a cold beer and settle in for one of the greatest shows on earth.
Canggu to Kuta – the South Coast.
Tanah Lot is a famous lookout point at the northern end of the island. It’s easy to walk to this Bali temple by the sea from the shore making it accessible for the majority of the day, but as soon as the tide comes in, the rocky perch is completely covered making it appear as though the temple is floating on water. Dating back to the 15th century, Hindu legends describe a dispute between the local chief and Dang Hyang Nirartha, a high priest who travelled from East Java to Bali in 1489 to spread Hinduism. He created Tanah Lot to honour the sea god, Baruna and displaced a large rock guarded by sea snakes into the sea to protect it. Sea snakes are still found in the rock crevices surrounding the temple.
As traffic can be an issue get there early, wear sensible shoes and cover up and then stay to enjoy dinner in the local warungs selling fresh lobster along the coast or head to one of the many restaurants located along the black sand beaches of Yeh Gangga.
Canggu Beach Clubs.
Watching the sunset is a ritual at the famous beach clubs along the Canggu coast. The Lawn is a favourite for its food and its soundtracks. Como Beach Club is a sophisticated way to enjoy the show as surfers float on the last waves of the day just metres away. La Brisa is an atmospheric beach club created using reclaimed wood washed by the sea. Further down in Berawa, Caravan by Cabanon is a pop-up bar and restaurant on the sand offering some of the best seafood, tapas and cocktails on the beachfront. Morabito, located close by, is a French-inspired beach club with a quirky design ethos.
Kuta, Legian, Seminyak sunsets.
The beach is at its busiest at sunset with locals, ex-pats and travellers heading down to enjoy the last rays with cold beers, coconuts and music. In Petitenget, Mari Beach Club plays off modern cultural vibes while Mano Beach House is the place to enjoy a more chilled-out sunset experience. On Seminyak beach, colourful bean bags replace sun beds at the iconic La Plancha. Gado Gado’s terrace fills with sunset diners arriving early for happy hour while Sugar Sands’ terrace offers excellent cocktails while the sun sets. In Legian local beach bars are among the most affordable sunset spots or head to the Azul Beach Club where the upstairs terrace offers fabulous views with cocktails and DJ soundtracks.
Kuta Social Club is Bali’s latest sunset sensation, with amazing views from the rooftop pool club and a British Chef firing up the charcoal barbecue for great bites.
Jimbaran and Uluwatu Sunset places.
Jimbaran beach is lined with fish cafes serving grilled seafood prepared over charcoal with local spices. Arrive early to get the best seats, choose your seafood and enjoy dinner on the sand as the sun sets and the moon rises. Are you looking for something more upmarket? The stylish Sundara Beach Club at the Four Seasons offers sunset happy hour Monday to Friday and a bottomless brunch on Sunday with pool access for those who want to get a head start.
The Rock Bar at Ayana is famous for sunset cocktails and you might need to make a reservation to secure the best seats on the rock. The 5-star resort offers an inclinator to take you down the cliff to the spectacular bar that is elevated above the crashing waves. Make a day of it and book time at their famous hydrotherapy spa.
El Kabron has cornered the sunset experience on the cliffs with its tiered venue offering incredible views and Spanish-inspired tapas and cocktails.
The iconic Uluwatu temple is where culturally-minded travellers can enjoy the sunset and a show, with the fascinating Kecak dance staged nightly to packed audiences. This is a bucket list experience that you will need to book to avoid disappointment. Monkeys are often in attendance so watch your belongings as they love anything that sparkles.
Single Fin is equally famous, overlooking the Uluwatu waves. Surf-inspired, the casual venue offers incredible views and great music to accompany the setting sun.
Other famous Bali sunsets.
In Nusa Lembongan, the beautiful Dream beach is a popular spot to watch the sunset from the sand or one of the local warungs overlooking the beach, while those who want to walk on the wild side can head to the rocky point at Devil’s Tears where waves crash against the rocks.
In Nusa Penida, the beautiful Crystal Bay is a popular stop for day visitors but those spending the night will find it’s a perfect spot to enjoy the sunset.
In Amed, the vibe is getting cooler and sunset lovers can head to Sunset Point overlooking Jemeluk Bay. Warung Pantai, a simple place overlooking the beach with the freshest fish imaginable, is a perfect place to enjoy the evening as the moonlight shimmers on the sea but there are a host of options for those who want to settle in.
To watch the sunset behind Mt Agung, Bali Asli is a restaurant dedicated to preserving Balinese culinary traditions served on the expansive terrace overlooking the mighty volcano. Arrive early to catch the beautiful light illuminating the surrounding countryside.
Lahangan Sweet is an incredible lookout point overlooking East Bali and Mount Agung. Explore Karagasem during the day and bring your drinks and snacks to enjoy wonderful sunset views from this stunning lookout point. You’ll also pass the turnoff for Pura Lempuyang Temple on the way up the hill, another unmissable spot to check out while you’re in the area.
For those in Ubud, Sayan Terrace is a beautiful spot to watch the sky change colours in the late afternoon light, with many choices from 5-star to local warungs. The most famous spot is Tjampuhan Ridge. The beautiful walk along the ridge offers many places to stop and simply enjoy the setting sun. Close to the entrance to Tjampuhan Ridge, across from Bisma Street, you’ll find the entrance to Subak Sok Wayah, a rocky uphill path with a host of local cafes and guest houses to settle into and order a simple meal or a healthy juice while welcoming the changing light and the gentle transition from day to night.
There is something so special about the sunset hour, for some, it is inspirational, for others it’s a chance to wonder at the power of nature and for still others, it’s a beginning or an ending. In Bali, the sunsets are legendary, wherever you are.
