Bali coastline stretches for over 500 kilometers with beaches ranging from dramatic cliff-backed coves to wide sandy stretches. A beach hopping tour with a private driver lets you visit 4-6 beaches in a day, experiencing the full diversity.
The best beach hopping route starts on the Bukit Peninsula in the south. Begin at Padang Padang Beach, made famous by the movie Eat Pray Love. The small cove is reached through a narrow gap in the rocks. Then drive to Dreamland Beach for wider sands and good swimming.
Continue to the hidden Nyang Nyang Beach, one of Bali least crowded stretches of white sand. The walk down is steep (about 15 minutes) but the reward is near-solitude. Next, stop at Melasti Beach with its dramatic limestone cliff backdrop.
For the afternoon, head east to Pandawa Beach, a well-maintained beach accessed through a spectacular cliff road. Finish the day at Sanur Beach on the east coast for calm waters and a sunset view in the opposite direction from the usual west coast spots.
Alternative beach hopping routes include the north coast (Lovina black sand, Pemuteran snorkeling) and the east coast (Virgin Beach, Candidasa, Amed). Each route is a full day trip costing Rp 500.000 with a private driver.
Tips for beach hopping: bring reef shoes for rocky entries, pack sunscreen and a hat, carry cash for small beach entrance fees (Rp 10.000-20.000 each), and leave valuables in the car with your driver.