The first rays of sunlight getting through the clouds during the day’s beginning is one of the most majestic sights to see in Bali, and there are several places around the island where you can enjoy it at its best.
Whether you’re watching from the top of a mountain peak or on the beach as the waves crash ashore, watching the sun peek over the horizon is an unforgettable experience. Here are 12 of the best places to catch the sunrise in Bali.
1. Tanah Lot Temple
Tanah Lot is a sea temple perched precariously on the edge of a craggy seaside cliff. It is one of Bali’s most popular tourist attractions and one of its most frequently photographed sights. The majestic view has been used as a marker by locals to meet at sunrise or sunset for decades.
Tanah Lot means “Land In The Sea” and this classic vantage point is perfect for watching the sunrise from behind its silhouette across the Indian Ocean.
2. Jimbaran Beach
Jimbaran Beach is near the Denpasar, surrounded by imposing cliffs with dazzling white sands. For those who want to see some seriously romantic views, sunrise at Jimbaran Beach is probably one of the best places to be. It offers gorgeous views of Kuta Beach and Nusa Dua, where the sun rises behind the Nusa Dua Peninsula.
3. Uluwatu Temple
Uluwatu Cliff is one of Bali’s most iconic landmarks, with its towering rocks that jut out into the ocean. The temple sits atop a tall cliff surrounded by cliffs that make for magnificent views during sunrise or sunset.
Although there are no beaches here, you’ll be able to see small waves crashing over the rocks below as they illuminate under the sunlight. A word of warning, though: watch your step on these steep cliffs.
4. Lovina Beach
Lovina Beach is in North Bali and is best visited during sunrise or sunset for those seeking a romantic setting. It has fairly quiet beaches perfect for strolling above the water on wooden platforms as the sun rises over the horizon and reflects across calm waters.
You can also hire a boat and sail into the center of Lovina Bay, where you’ll see an amazing view over Buleleng regency with foggy hills to one side and clear seas to another.
5. Amed Beach
As the most easterly point of Bali, no list is complete without Amed Beach. The black sand and clear ocean breeze provide a truly magical place to watch as the sun brings life into existence all over again with every new sunrise. It really does make you feel like your vacation has never ended. Any spot along this stretch would be perfect for relaxing or enjoying another beautiful display in front of you.
With Mt Agung on the horizon behind you and waves gently lapping at your feet, it is a uniquely beautiful place to watch the sunrise.
You can get to Amed Beach by following your satnav and parking wherever you like. Pack a towel, and some breakfast snacks and enjoy an amazing sun rise, or just relax on this beautiful beach with an excellent view.
6. Echo Beach
With its perfect balance of busyness and tranquility, Canggu is a couple’s dream. The area has been largely spared from Kuta’s influxes, so you can enjoy both the serenity that it offers as well as all those stunning views while still being close enough for an adventure.
Right beside Canggu is another beautiful beach with an incredible sunrise. If you’re coming early in the morning, there should be free entry and parking for your car as well.
You will undoubtedly experience this firsthand as the early birds all try to catch a wave. Canggu is also famous for its surfing culture, and you can’t miss out on what’s happening right when it starts. Then, stop at any cafe nearby for an early morning coffee or breakfast before setting off on your adventure.
7. Pura Lempuyang Luhur, Karangasem
A lesser-known place for its beauty, Pura Lempuyang Luhur is another temple that offers beautiful sunrise views. Located in Karangasem, this riverside temple is surrounded by mountains and trees, making it a very peaceful atmosphere.
Pura Lempuyang Luhur is located about 14 kilometers away from Amlapura Town towards the north. It takes about 35 minutes to drive to reach this site.
As with most Balinese temples, there are stairs leading up to the top where you will see numerous shrines dedicated to different Hindu Gods like Dewi Sri (Goddess of Rice), Bhatara Indra (King of Heaven), Siwa (God of Sacred Water), and others. You can climb up to the top of the temple by following several stairs built right on the side of the mountain.
Expect some steep slopes as you ascend towards the peak. The Bali sunrise views from up here are simply stunning, offering some great photo opportunities with breathtaking scenery.
This is a favorite spot for professional photographers who come during sunrise or sunset to capture some beautiful shots. With enough time and patience, you may just be able to get your own masterpiece too.
8. Warung Sunset Point Amed
After visiting the temples, you can head to another popular spot for watching sunsets or sunrise, which is at Warung Sunset Point. Get your cameras ready. The views here are stunning, and if the weather is clear enough, you may be able to see Lombok Island in the distance.
The food here is great as well; try their fresh seafood. They also offer western meals like burgers and pasta. This place isn’t very big so expect it to get pretty crowded during sunset and sunrise hours.
It’s located on Bunutan, with stunning panoramic views of Mount Agung itself since this road cuts through the middle of the mountain range.
9. Kusamba Beach
Another popular spot to watch both sunrise and sunset is Kusamba Beach, located north of Lovina, towards 7 km eastern of Semarapura Town. The black sand beach tends to be very quiet after 6 pm, but the views are just spectacular with all the golden light reflecting across the ocean.
Mats are available for visitors to sit and enjoy their drinks while watching the sunrise. At night, Kusamba Beach offers some great stargazing opportunities, too, if you happen to love gazing at the stars over the ocean.
10. Pura Ulun Danu Beratan
Pura Ulun Danu Beratan is a temple located on Lake Beratan. The temple is one of the most important religious sites in Bali and offers amazing views of the sunrise. Visitors to the temple can watch the sun come up over the mountains and Lake Beratan.
This small temple is also known as the floating temple, and it’s dedicated to Dewi Danu, Goddess of Water, who rules over all water sources.
The temple is also known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens, making it a sight to behold during the morning hours.
11. Menjangan Island
If you are looking for a more secluded place to watch the sunrise, Menjangan Island is definitely the place for you. This island is located northwest of Bali and is known for its beautiful coral reefs and clear waters. Watching the sunrise from the beach here is a magical experience.
The area, which is in the West Bali National Park, also offers a gorgeous sunrise view. Those who want to visit the island can hop on one of the fishermen’s boats from Bangsring Beach in Banyuwangi, East Java. The trip takes around an hour.
12. Sanur Beach
Sanur Beach is definitely one of the best sunrise spots in Bali. With its long and wide beach, you can find a spot to witness the beautiful spectacle. The beach is also well known for its tranquility, and the clear waters and gentle waves make for a perfect backdrop as the sun slowly rises over the horizon.
Also, Mount Batur is a great sun-rise spot for sunrise chasers if you manage to arrive early. You can get up at night and hike 1717 meters in complete darkness to see the most unforgettable sunrise of your life. With crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs, the sunrise hike will provide sights to behold at any time of day.
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Summing Up
These are just a few of the best places in Bali to watch the sunrise. There are many other incredible spots to see this beautiful natural phenomenon. Whether you’re looking for a quiet beach or an amazing temple, there is something for everyone in Bali. So, make sure you witness this wonderful sight during your next visit to the island.