Golden Hour Glory: Your Guide to Chasing Bali's Best Sunsets

Best Sunset Spots in Bali

Cradled amid the Indian Ocean, Bali is blessed with many opportunities to witness the most magical sunsets in Southeast Asia.

Feast your eyes every afternoon as the last light of the day splinters off in every direction, bathing Bali in the heavenly golden hour hue.

An everyday magnum opus by nature, the postcard-perfect Bali sunsets can be watched from several venues all over the island.

From beachfront clubs to cliffside temples, here are the finest seats for the best sunsets in Bali - get ready to be captivated by the breathtaking views.

1. Tanah Lot Temple

One of Bali's most iconic landmarks, Tanah Lot stands atop a rocky outcrop offshore on the Indian Ocean.

Famous for its dramatic coastal setting, Tanah Lot is a coveted spot for witnessing the most enchanting Bali sunsets if the weather is right.

Arrive well in time to pay your respects, explore the surroundings, and spend some time enjoying the crashing waves and wild sea spray before the sun sinks for the day.

Dedicated to the gods of the sea, the 400-year-old Tanah Temple has a lot of history to offer as well. Travel back in time to appreciate the legacy of the shrine as your tour guide explains the lore and the legends of Tanah Lot.

Opening Hours: Open daily: 6am to 7pm

Entry Fee: IDR 60,000 (adults), IDR 30,000 (children)

Address: 93HP+GP Beraban, Tabanan Regency, Bali, Indonesia (map)

2. Uluwatu Temple

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Indian Ocean, Uluwatu Temple paints yet another captivating picture of Bali's spectacular sunsets.

The temple's elevated position offers an unencumbered panoramic view of the sun slowly dipping into the Indian Ocean, giving you the one of the best sunset views in Bali.

Post-sunset, the temple premises set the stage for the traditional Balinese Fire Dance.

The show, performed by around 10-15 dancers with 1400+ audience seated around in a gallery, is a retelling of Asia's most famous epic, Ramayana.

Want to see more than just sunsets? To make the most of your time in the area, consider a Uluwatu Sunset Kecak Fire Dance and Jimbaran Bay Tour.

Opening Hours: Temple: 7 am - 6 pm; Kecak Fire Dance: 6 pm - 7 pm

Entry Fee: Temple: IDR 30,000 (adults), IDR 20,000 (children); Kecak Fire Dance: IDR 150,000

Address: Pecatu, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali (Map)

3. Seminyak Beach

To watch the perfect sunset on Seminyak, the beach is lined with high-end bars, lounges, gastropubs, and excellent resorts and cafes with umbrellas, sunbeds, and beanbags sprawled on the sand.

Pick a haunt of your liking, order the cocktail or beer of your choice, and let your hair down as the sun slowly disappears into the vast blue of the Indian Ocean.

Want to make the most of your time while the sun is still up?

Seminyak Beach has the perfect waves for beginners in surfing.

Take a crash course on surfing, follow your instructor, and grab a board to land your first surf ride. If you have surfing experience, you can also pick intermediate surfing lessons to level up the challenge.

Address: Seminyak Beach (map)

4. Sunset Trekking in Mount Batur

Not a sea person? Fret not. Venture inland to Mount Batur, an active volcano in northeast Bali, for a unique sunset hike.

As the sky turns blue to orange to yellow, trek through stunning landscapes, tread on magma rock terrains past crater lakes and woods, to reach the summit in time for the sunset.

Most people hike Mount Batur for its sunrise, but the sunset is seriously underrated, too.

Enjoy a scintillating vista of the setting sun over the peaks of Mount Abang and Mount Agung, the Lake Batur caldera in the distance, and black lava-laced land stretching for miles.

You can also pack a quick picnic - some sandwiches, scones, a flask of coffee - to enjoy at the crest with your friends and family.

Address: Toya Bungkah Kintamani, Desa Pekraman Batur, Kabupaten Bangli, Bali, (map)

5. Sunset Points in Canggu

South Bali's favourite hipster hub, Canggu is all about the Boho-urban life with cosy seaside brunches and artisan vegan bakeries. from reggae beer joints to skater bars, this place is a paradise for those living out of the box.

Echo Beach, home to the majestic Batu Mejan Temple, gets washed in a beautiful reddish-pink glow as dusk settles.

It is overloaded with beach bars and eateries, all of which get crowded during the golden hour for a glimpse of the setting sun. Visit this most famous joint for your perfect sunset view.

Canggu is also a popular surfing spot. Many beaches here are known for calm waves perfect for surfing while witnessing the alluring sunset.

Address: 84RH+QFP, Canggu, Kuta Utara, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia (map)

6. Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort

Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort's free-form outdoor pool graciously opens into a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean and gorgeous sunsets every afternoon.

Enjoy timeless access to the deck and the resort's bathing facility, and refuel with delicious meals and drinks with our Sunset Day Pass.

Pro tip: Get the Sunset Day Pass before you visit.

The pass includes full access to the swimming pool, 3 bottles of beer or 3 non-alcoholic beverages, one margarita pizza or roasted eggplant bruschetta, use of shower, luggage storage, Wi-Fi, and discounts on additional food and beverage orders.

You will also get a discount on spa treatments.

Address: Jl. Pantai Kuta, Kuta, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia (map)

7. La Plancha

The O.G. of all sunset bars in Seminyak, La Plancha comes with vintage Balinese umbrellas, technicolour beanbags, and a rustic, laid-back charm.

Sprawled out on the sand - all cosy and unpretentious - this is the perfect place to kick back and watch the sun go down at the end of a tiring day of sightseeing.

Address: Jalan Mesari Beach, Seminyak, Kec. Kuta, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80361, Indonesia (map)

Opening hours: Open daily, 7:30am to 12am

8. Old Man's Beach Bar

Old Man's Beach Bar is a true-blue representative of Canggu.

This backpacker's den is arguably the best place to mingle with the local crews. Old Man's Beach Bar hosts regular live events by international bands and DJs, as well as local artists.

There is an occasional beer-pong contest also. This is another excellent place to enjoy the sunset in Canggu.

Address: Jl. Pantai Batu Bolong No.117X, Canggu, Kec. Kuta Utara, Kabupaten Badung, Bali 80351, Indonesia (map)

Timings: Open daily, 8am to 1am

Wrapping Up

Explore the enchanting magic of Bali's golden hour, capturing the best angles to enhance one's Instagram and create enduring memories.

Apart from the list, those interested in a distinctive sunset experience aboard a luxurious cruise can book this luxury cruise dinner for a truly memorable and exceptional experience.

Commonly Asked Questions

Which coast is ideal for sunsets in Bali?

The best sunset spots in Bali are on the southwestern coast, including the Uluwatu cliffs and the Seminyak and Canggu beaches. You can also head to Menjangan Island in Northwest Bali for some seriously gorgeous sunsets. Apart from beach clubs in Bali, enjoy stunning sunsets in Ubud overlooking the Ayung River, while extraordinary views await in Amed, North Bali, as the sun dips beneath the horizon, with Mount Agung in the background.

Which temple is the most popular for sunsets in Bali?

Tanah Lot temple in Bali, located over the Indian Ocean, is the most iconic temples for sunset watching in Bali.

What time is golden hour in Bali?

Depending on the time of the year, the Golden Hour period changes. In general, expect it to be between 6 pm and 7 pm local time. The Golden Hour lasts for around 15 to 20 minutes before the sun completely sets.

Which months are the best for witnessing sunsets in Bali?

The best time to experience Bali sunsets is between April to October, the 'dry season', when the skies are clear, and the weather is most pleasant.

Is watching the sunset in Bali free?

It depends on the location you choose. Most beaches in Bali with spectacular sunset points are free to the public. However, if you are visiting a temple or an attraction for a specific vantage point, you must fork out the applicable entrance fees.