Cemara Beach: A Complete & Honest Guide for Couples [2025]

It is a tranquil coast free from the rush of visitors and white sand that makes it a perfect place for relaxation and rejuvenation. The gentle waves and sands can make it a great place to relax and unwind, particularly if you've been traveling around Bali for a while now. Apart from its sunset and beach, there are plenty of activities to enjoy, such as snorkeling and kayaking. Moreover, one interesting legend says that the place is surrounded by local spirits who protect local fishermen and beachgoers (you'll find plenty of locals leaving offerings to these spirits at the beach). 

If you're looking to visit the place as a couple, you're bound to have a good time. Its serene environment and beautiful sunsets create an intimate environment for couples, which cannot be easily found elsewhere. Whether lounging at the beach, enjoying the sunset, or trying out sports, there's something for each couple.

So, if you're interested in learning more about the place, follow the guide below, and we'll help you get up to speed in no time.

30 Sundays Honest Review Process

At 30 Sundays, we are committed to making every couple's holiday special. 

Every single sightseeing/activity goes through a rigorous review process including analysis of the online reviews, on-ground visits, and validation by our Operations team. In other words, we bring you the best and the most helpful reviews to help you plan your bookings.

Table of Contents:

• Tripadvisor Ratings & Reviews
• What Did Fellow Tourists Like About Cemara Beach?
• What Did Fellow Tourists Not Like?
• Pro-tips to Keep in Mind
• Deep-Dive into finer aspects
• The Basic Things to Know
• Other Things to Do Near Cemara Beach  
• Hotels Near Cemara Beach  
• Restaurants Close to Cemara Beach  
• The Final Verdict
• FAQ

Tripadvisor Rating of Cemara Beach

Tripadvisor Rating: 4 (142 reviews)

• Excellent: 41
• Very Good: 77
• Average: 22
• Poor: 0
• Terrible: 2

Cemara Beach is a long beach with about a 5 km stretch, and it offers all the amenities to help you recharge. From cafes and bars to spas and nice hotels, Cemara Beach offers everything nearby. The sea offers lovely views, along with its sunsets, which can make the perfect environment for a couple. There are also tons of water sports and activities at the place, so you'll never be short of adventure. 

There are a few complaints, specifically about the trash that's lying around parts of the beach and the coarse sand. However, overall, the place is loved by most people. 

What Did Visitors Like About Cemara Beach?

Here are the top things that people loved about Cemara Beach:

• Pristine Environment: Visitors rave about the clean, safe, walkable white sandy beach. The long, deserted stretch covered by a canopy of pine trees creates a unique and picturesque setting. Visitors have particularly praised the constant effort to keep the beach clean and safe.

• Calm Waters: The small waves and shallow sea make it safe for swimming, especially for families with children. The gentle waves and clear, visible water are highly praised as well, making swimming at the place that much fun.

• Beach Amenities: Abundant deckchairs and beach umbrellas are available for hire, ensuring comfort during your beach day. There are also enough options for food, snacks, and sunbeds for the beach; you won't feel uncomfortable on your trip here.

• Improved Infrastructure: The recently upgraded beach path offers lovely sea views, enhancing the overall experience. Visitors have praised it as making their trip hassle-free and making them enjoy their time that much more.    

• Convenient Location: Its proximity to hotels, particularly the Mercure Hotel and Resort Sanur, makes it easily accessible for tourists.

• Stunning Sunsets: The beach serves as a beautiful sunset point, offering breathtaking views in the evening. The unobstructed views are a goldmine for a memorable photo session, particularly if you're going with a loved one.

• Water Sports: For the more adventurous, various water sports activities are available. Everything from snorkeling and kayaking to paddleboarding is available, giving visitors the opportunity for some light adventure.

• Affordable Spa Services: Visitors highly appreciate the excellent and affordable spa services, with rates as low as $17/hour. This adds another layer of luxury and relaxation to the visitors' experience.

Stroll hand in hand along the quiet sands of Cemara Beach and let the ocean breeze set the mood. Book your Bali package with 30 Sundays and add Cemara Beach to your romantic escape.

What Did Visitors Dislike?

Visitors didn't like many things about the place, though. From bad water quality to heat, here are the list of things that ticked them off:

• Naming Confusion: Some visitors reported confusion over beach names in the area. It's easy to confuse Cemara Beach with other nearby places, such as Cemara Beach in Lombok and Cemara Laut Beach. Whether it's the lack of a proper online destination or naming, people have consistently faced trouble in finding the right place.

• Local Business Impact: The path improvement has affected some local restaurants along the beach. There are also complaints that the commercial activities and the crowd of travelers have affected the natural tranquility of the place for the bad.

• Water Quality: Some visitors noted the presence of floating debris in the water. Whether it is the waste left behind by previous travelers or the commercial activities of nearby businesses, this can take the place's experience down a few notches. 

• Swimming Conditions: Some parts of the beach are unsuitable for swimming. As we noted above, debris floating around plays a big part in this. Also, at times, strong currents can disrupt swimming plans.

• Stray Dogs: The presence of stray dogs on the sand was a concern for some visitors.  

• Similarity to Other Beaches: Some found Cemara Beach similar to other local beaches, lacking uniqueness. The environment and the local offerings at the place were underwhelming for a few people.

• Aesthetic Variation: The southern half of the beach was reported to be less attractive. The lack of cleanliness and other factors discussed above can also play a key role in ruining people's experiences.

• Heat: The beach can get quite hot during the day, which might be uncomfortable for some visitors. The place can be almost unbearable in the afternoon during peak summers.

• Vendor Presence: Some visitors found the presence of vendors on the beach bothersome. Their constant interruptions can spoil their efforts to relax and enjoy the place.

• Sea Urchins: The presence of sea urchins in some areas was noted as a potential hazard, especially for those unaware of how to spot and avoid them. 

Pro-Tips to Keep in Mind While Visiting

These hacks will go a long way to help you keep enjoying at the Cemara Beach. Here they are:

• Spa Services: Don't miss out on the Beach Spa for affordable and excellent services. And to make sure you get the best services, try booking in advance. Plus, if you book in bulk, you might be able to squeeze out a few discounts or coupons—helping you make the most of your trip.

• Footwear: Wear beach shoes, especially when venturing into deeper areas. Because of sea urchins and debris, venturing into the beach barefoot is something that we'd highly warn against.

• Timing: The best time to visit is late afternoon when it's less crowded and cooler. Similarly, early morning visits are also something that can go a long way in helping you avoid the crowds.

• Animal Awareness: Be cautious of stray dogs on the sand. They're usually harmless, but it's good to be on guard nonetheless. Make sure you avoid feeding them anything or staring at them.

• Accommodation: Consider staying at good-value accommodations available inland. Not only will this cut down your travel time, but you'll also save unnecessary travel costs.

• Sunday Special: Visit on Sunday afternoon to witness a colorful local event. Check for the event beforehand so that you have an idea of what you're getting into. There are also local markets that you can explore alongside.

• Water Sports: The beach offers excellent opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. However, as we said above, confirm the details with the authorities first, see if the place is suitable for water sports, and only then set your dates.

• Cleanliness: Some visitors found the beach dirty, so you might prefer using your hotel pool. If you notice any problems, make sure you report them to nearby authorities or management.  

Deep-Dive into Finer Aspects of Cemara Beach

Now that you have some idea about the place, it's time to get into the nitty-gritty. Here are all the things you need to know about Cemara Beach:

Is It Overcrowded at Cemara Beach?

Good news for those seeking tranquility! Cemara Beach is known for its calm and uncrowded environment. Visitors consistently mention that it's less busy than the popular Kuta and Legian areas, with fewer hawkers around. The beach is particularly quiet in the late afternoon, making it an ideal time for a peaceful visit. 

As the quieter southern beach of Sanur, you'll find plenty of space to relax and unwind without feeling overwhelmed by crowds.

Is Cemara Beach Expensive?

Cemara Beach offers excellent value for money across various aspects. The spa services are notably affordable, with rates as low as $17 per hour. Accommodation options off the beach are reasonably priced, catering to different budget ranges. Regarding food and drink, the local warungs (small family-owned businesses) and cafes offer good value meals. 

Even clothing and massages are affordable, making it a budget-friendly destination for travelers.

How Is the Local Staff at Cemara Beach?

Visitors consistently praise the local staff at Cemara Beach for their friendliness and excellent service. The spa therapists are highly regarded for their skills and professionalism. Interactions with vendors offering massages and taxis are generally pleasant and non-intrusive. Special mentions go to individuals like Ketty, who is described as helpful, and Suweti at Susi Shop, who is known for providing good service. 

Overall, the superb service adds significantly to the positive experience at Cemara Beach.

Is It Couple-Friendly?

Cemara Beach is a fantastic destination for couples looking for a romantic and relaxing getaway. The beach's serene atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it perfect for long, hand-in-hand walks along the shore. Couples can enjoy private surroundings for massages, adding a touch of luxury to their beach experience. 

The overall environment is ideal for couples to relax, rejuvenate, and spend quality time together away from the hustle and bustle of more touristy areas.

Is It Family-Friendly?

Absolutely. Cemara Beach is highly recommended for families. The calm and shallow sea is perfect for children to enjoy the water safely. Families can rent sun chairs and umbrellas, making spending a day at the beach comfortable. The clean and green environment is suitable for various family activities.

Moreover, there are family-friendly restaurants and activities available in the vicinity, ensuring that all family members, regardless of age, can have an enjoyable time.

How's the Food at Cemara Beach?

Food lovers will not be disappointed at Cemara Beach. A wide variety of dining options are available, from beach-path restaurants and cafes to local warungs. Visitors rave about specific dishes like Red Snapper, hand-cut chips, seafood skewers, apple pie, ice cream, crème brûlée, iced coffee, and Soto Ayam (Indonesian chicken soup). 

The Cemara restaurant on the beach is particularly praised for its amazing meals. The food stalls along the beach also offer good quality food, providing a true taste of local cuisine.

The Basic Things to Know About Cemara Beach 

Now that you have an idea of the place, it's time to get a bird' s-eye view of it.

Location of the Activity &  How to Get There from Key Areas

Cemara Beach is located in Sanur, on the southeast coast of Bali. Here are the approximate distances from significant locations:

• Ubud: 30 km (about 1 hour drive)‍
• Cemara: 20 km (about 40 minutes drive)‍
• Kuta: 17 km (about 35 minutes drive)‍
• Nusa Dua: 20 km (about 30 minutes drive)‍
• Uluwatu: 35 km (about 1 hour drive)‍
• Jimbaran: 25 km (about 45 minutes drive)‍
• Sanur center: 3 km (about 10 minutes drive)

Here are some of the best ways to get there:

• From Ubud: Take Jalan Raya Andong south, then follow Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai east to Sanur.‍
• From Cemara/Kuta: Follow Jalan Sunset Road east, then take Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai south to Sanur.‍
• From Nusa Dua: Take Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai north towards Sanur.‍
• From Uluwatu: Follow Jalan Raya Uluwatu north, then take Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai east to Sanur.‍
• From Jimbaran: Take Jalan Bypass Ngurah Rai east towards Sanur.

Entrance Fee

There is typically no entrance fee to access Cemara Beach, as it's a public beach. However, you may need to pay for parking if you arrive by car or scooter. Some beachfront resorts may have private sections of the beach reserved for their guests.

Timings of Cemara Beach

Cemara Beach is a public beach open 24/7. However, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy the beach amenities. Most beach vendors and water sports operators typically operate from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM.

Other Activities to Do Close to Cemara Beach

While Cemara Beach itself offers plenty to do, there are numerous attractions nearby to enhance your Bali experience:

1. Visit the Sanur Night Market for local cuisine and souvenirs.
2. Explore the Le Mayeur Museum to learn about Balinese art and culture.
3. Take a day trip to nearby Nusa Lembongan for snorkeling and diving.
4. Enjoy a sunrise yoga session at Sanur's beachfront studios.
5. Visit the Bali Orchid Garden to see beautiful tropical flowers.
6. Take a cycling tour through the nearby rice paddies and villages.
7. Enjoy water sports like stand-up paddleboarding or kitesurfing.

Hotels Near Cemara Beach

When looking for accommodations near Cemara Beach, you'll find a wide range of fantastic options to choose from.

Restaurants Near Cemara Beach

Here are the top restaurants near Cemara Beach to help you make the most out of your trip:

The Final Verdict

Whether you're a couple on a long trip or on your honeymoon, Cemara Beach has something for everyone. Its long sandy beach and calm blue waters offer serenity and relaxation to almost everyone. Plus, it's quite near Sanur Beach and other top attractions, making it a great place to stay. 

While there are some problems, like the hot water, stray or debris, which can introduce some problems, it's nowhere near a dealbreaker. So, if you're still unsure about the trip, take this from us: Camera Beach is a great place to visit, especially if you're looking for some quiet time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there dining options near Cemara Beach?

Yes, there are several local cafes and restaurants around Cemara Beach, serving a variety of dishes ranging from traditional Balinese cuisine to international favorites. These dining options provide the perfect setting for enjoying a delicious meal while taking in the stunning views of the ocean.

Is swimming at Cemara Beach safe?

The calm and shallow waters of Cemara Beach generally make it safe for swimming, particularly for beginners and families. However, it’s always advisable to check current weather and water conditions before swimming, as they can change depending on the season.

What kinds of activities are available to visitors at Cemara Beach?

Visitors can indulge in various activities such as swimming in the calm waters, sunbathing on the sandy shores, and paddleboarding. For those seeking relaxation, the beach offers peaceful walks along the coastline, perfect for unwinding and enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings.