
Saba Beach
Experience Bali's dramatic black volcanic sand, vibrant kite-flying culture, and unique horseback riding adventures.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for kite flying & cooler sand

Saba Beach
Best Time
Best for kite flying & cooler sand

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience Bali's dramatic black volcanic sand, vibrant kite-flying culture, and unique horseback riding adventures.
"The view of the beach and the waves with the black sand is amazing, and the experience of riding horses is unforgettable."

👟 Wear protective footwear
The black sand gets very hot! Bring sandals or water shoes for comfort.
🪁 Catch the kite spectacle
Local kids often fly kites in the late afternoon. A vibrant and fun sight!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Dramatic Black Sand Shores
Entire stretch of Saba Beach
Experience the unique beauty of volcanic black sand stretching for miles. A truly striking natural landscape.

Kite Flying Spectacle
Along the shoreline
Watch local children joyfully fly colorful kites against the ocean backdrop. A lively and authentic cultural scene.

Horseback Riding Adventure
Along the shoreline
Enjoy an unforgettable experience riding horses right on the beach. A unique way to explore the coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Black Sand
Timing is Key for Kite Flying
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear protective footwear
The black sand gets very hot! Bring sandals or water shoes for comfort.
🪁 Catch the kite spectacle
Local kids often fly kites in the late afternoon. A vibrant and fun sight!
🐎 Unique horse rides
Consider a horseback ride along the beach for an unforgettable experience.
🚶♀️ Stroll for miles
Enjoy long walks on the beach without being hassled to buy things.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear protective footwear
The black sand gets very hot! Bring sandals or water shoes for comfort.
🪁 Catch the kite spectacle
Local kids often fly kites in the late afternoon. A vibrant and fun sight!
🐎 Unique horse rides
Consider a horseback ride along the beach for an unforgettable experience.
🚶♀️ Stroll for miles
Enjoy long walks on the beach without being hassled to buy things.
🌊 Be mindful of debris
The beach can have a lot of washed-up items. Manage expectations for pristine conditions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Saba Beach offers a unique natural beauty with its striking black sand and the lively spectacle of local kite-flying. Visitors appreciate the uncrowded atmosphere and the opportunity for long, peaceful walks. However, the beach's natural state, often including washed-up debris, is a common point of concern for those expecting pristine conditions.
"Saba Beach.
It was a very interesting experience when I suddenly arrived at the beach.
The weather was cloudy,
low tide, and the sand was black.
What the sea left on the shore made a huge impression.
Not everything has to be perfect, I thought.
I continued walking, where local boys were enthusiastically flying kites.
It was worth stopping to see this spectacle in the sky."
Opinion plus minus
"Nice beach, water was nice for swimming. Kids had so much fun."
Jami Torres
"The view of the beach and the waves with the black sand is amazing, and the experience of riding horses is unforgettable. If only they would care about the cleanliness of the beach, it would get a 5/5 rating."
DR. K
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Saba Beach is located on the east coast of Bali, near Gianyar. The easiest way to reach it is by private car or scooter. Parking is generally free for scooters.
Public transport options are limited for reaching Saba Beach directly. Renting a scooter or hiring a driver is the most convenient method.
From Kuta, head east towards Denpasar and then follow signs for Gianyar. Saba Beach is located south of the main Gianyar town. The drive can take around 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic.
No, Saba Beach is generally free to access. You won't encounter any official entrance fees.
Saba Beach is relatively easy to find if you use GPS. Look for signs pointing towards the coast in the Gianyar region.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required to enter Saba Beach. It's a public beach accessible to everyone.
Saba Beach is open 24/7 as it's a natural beach. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
While not always necessary, it's a good idea to inquire about booking horse riding in advance, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred time slot.
There are no specific entry restrictions, but visitors are encouraged to be respectful of the local environment and community.
Saba Beach is generally not as crowded with tourists compared to other popular Bali beaches, offering a more tranquil experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Some visitors find the water nice for swimming, but be aware of the tides and currents. It's advisable to check conditions before entering the water.
Popular activities include walking along the black sand, watching local children fly kites, and horseback riding.
Light, comfortable clothing is recommended. Given the hot black sand, wearing sandals or water shoes is a good idea.
Mobile signal is generally available, but Wi-Fi is not typically offered directly on the beach. It's best to rely on your mobile data.
Saba Beach experiences tides, and the water can come quite far up the shore at high tide. Low tide can reveal more of the black sand.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are limited dining options directly on Saba Beach. You might find small local warungs (eateries) nearby, but it's advisable to bring your own snacks and drinks or dine in Gianyar.
Small local shops might be available in the vicinity, but options are not extensive. It's best to be prepared.
If you find local warungs, expect simple Indonesian dishes. For more variety, head to Gianyar town.
Yes, bringing your own picnic is a great idea, especially since dining facilities are scarce. Remember to take all your trash with you.
The town of Gianyar offers a wider range of local and international food options.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic black sand, the waves crashing, and the local children flying kites offer fantastic photographic subjects. The coastline itself is very picturesque.
Sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light, but the vibrant kite-flying scenes in the late afternoon are also very photogenic.
The entire stretch of the beach offers great views. Walking along the shore allows you to find unique angles and compositions.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastline. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing details of kite flyers or distant waves.
While generally safe, it's always wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings, especially if you venture far from your entry point.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Be prepared for the beach's natural state; it can sometimes have debris. If your family prefers pristine, resort-like beaches, Saba might not be the best fit. However, for families seeking a more authentic and less crowded experience with unique natural features, Saba Beach offers a memorable day out. Bringing your own snacks and drinks is advisable due to limited facilities.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To keep costs down, pack your own food and drinks. While there might be a few local warungs nearby, options are limited and bringing your own picnic is the most economical and convenient approach. Horseback riding is an optional splurge, but the core experience of enjoying the beach is entirely free.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Appeal of Black Sand Beaches
While the black sand is a major draw, it's important to note that Saba Beach, like many natural coastlines in Bali, can experience periods of being untidy due to washed-up debris. This is a natural phenomenon influenced by ocean currents and weather patterns. Travelers who appreciate raw, natural beauty and are less concerned with manicured perfection often find Saba Beach to be a rewarding experience. It offers a different perspective on Bali's diverse coastal environments.
Cultural Encounters: Kite Flying and Local Life
Beyond the kites, Saba Beach offers a sense of tranquility and a chance to walk for miles without the constant pressure of vendors. This allows for a more relaxed and immersive experience of the natural surroundings. The uncrowded nature of the beach means you can often find a quiet spot to simply enjoy the sound of the waves and the vastness of the ocean. It’s a place where you can connect with the local environment and culture in a genuine way.
Horseback Riding on the Shore
While the experience is highly recommended, it's always a good idea to inquire about the horses' well-being and the safety protocols of the riding operators. Many visitors find the experience to be well-managed and incredibly enjoyable. It’s a memorable activity that adds an element of excitement to a visit to Saba Beach, making it a highlight for many travelers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit