Keramas Black Sand Surf Beach
- Shannon
- Jul 29
- 3 min read
Where Lava Meets the Sea
Located on Bali’s less developed eastern coastline in Gianyar, Keramas Beach is known for its striking black volcanic sand and powerful surf breaks. Unlike the bustling beaches of Kuta or Seminyak, Keramas maintains a more secluded atmosphere, drawing a niche crowd of surfers rather than general tourists. Stretching nearly 1.8 km's, the beach is part of a dynamic geological landscape shaped by Bali’s volcanic past. The dark sand, soft yet gritty underfoot, is a result of countless centuries of lava flow and ash sediment gradually ground down into basal rich granules.
This beach’s orientation makes it an exceptional sunrise spot, with the first light of day casting a pink-orange glow across the ocean and igniting the sand’s obsidian tones. Early mornings here are particularly serene, often shared only with fishermen casting nets and a few determined surfers paddling out to catch the swells. The east facing location, combined with minimal commercial development, means there’s little light pollution, making dawn an almost meditative experience.
For visitors, Keramas is best suited to those seeking quiet or those with surfboards in hand. Several local warungs line the beach, offering simple Indonesian breakfasts like nasi goreng or banana pancakes to early risers. Outside of this, the area offers limited amenities. Its charm lies not in activity but in atmosphere. It's raw, elemental and remote. The roaring waves and open horizon create a sense of scale and isolation that many other Balinese beaches have lost.
Accommodation is available nearby, though the hotel options are few and tend toward self-contained resorts. While they provide comfort and views, they’re not ideal for those wanting to explore on foot, as restaurants and shops are sparse in the surrounding area. Still, for travellers seeking a break from Bali’s more tourist saturated pockets, Keramas offers a dramatic, unfiltered glimpse of the island’s volcanic soul.
🗺️ Location
Pantai Keramas, Jalan No 80551, Keramas, Blahbatuh, Gianyar Regency, Bali, Indonesia
🚆 How to get there
Keramas Beach lies about 25 km's from Ngurah Rai International Airport, taking roughly an hour to reach by car, depending on traffic. The most direct route heads east along Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai, then north via Jalan Raya Keramas. For budget conscious travellers, Grab Taxis or Gojek scooters are the most affordable and convenient options. If you're coming from Ubud, it's a 15km drive southeast through Sanur, continuing along the coastal Ketewel Bypass that winds through quiet villages like Ketewel, Pabean and Saba. Despite its accessibility, the beach can be tricky to spot, so keep an eye out for a small, faded blue sign with “Keramas” painted in yellow on the right hand side of the road. This unassuming marker leads down a dirt track that cuts through brush and farmland, ending directly at the shoreline. The secluded access point helps preserve the beach’s quiet, uncrowded charm, an increasingly rare find along Bali’s more developed coasts.
⭐ Attraction Info
The beach itself is free to enter and open at all hours, making it perfect for early risers hoping to catch the sunrise. Arrive just before dawn to watch the black volcanic sand glow beneath shifting morning skies, a dramatic contrast to the deep blues of the ocean. A handful of local warungs begin opening around 6am, offering hot coffee and simple but satisfying breakfasts.
