Echo Beach in Bali

Echo Beach, a renowned surfing destination, is nestled in the picturesque landscape of Canggu, Bali. This popular surf spot is locally known as ‘Pantai Batu Mejan’, a name derived from a significant Balinese Hindu sea temple located on its premises.

Despite its local name, the beach is more commonly recognized by its nickname, ‘Echo Beach’.

Key Takeaways:

  • Echo Beach, locally known as ‘Pantai Batu Mejan’, is a popular surf spot in Canggu, Bali, known for its advanced reef breaks and panoramic seascape.
  • The beach is home to a significant Balinese Hindu sea temple and is surrounded by lush rice fields maintained by local Balinese villagers.
  • Echo Beach is not just a surfer’s paradise but also a hub for seafood lovers, with cafes offering stunning views of the beach and unique dining experiences.
  • The beach is well-maintained and clean, thanks to the collective efforts of various surf schools and clubs in Canggu that conduct regular beach clean-ups.

Surfing and Scenic Splendor

Echo Beach has gained popularity among surf enthusiasts due to its advanced reef breaks, panoramic 180-degree seascape, and breathtaking sunsets.

The beach shares Canggu’s serene, rice field-landscaped region with other popular surfing spots such as Berawa, Seseh, and Pererenan.

Adding to its charm are the delightful seafood cafes perched on a high vantage point, offering a spectacular view of the beach.

With its distinctive black sand, the beach is located approximately 35 km northwest of Kuta and Seminyak and a 14 km drive west of Denpasar, the provincial capital.

For those residing in the luxury villas of Canggu, Echo Beach is a mere 45-minute drive from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Tuban, South Bali.

The journey from the upscale region of Seminyak to Canggu offers a visual treat of lush green expanses of paddies meticulously maintained by local Balinese villagers.

Adding to this is the fact that Echo Beach has earned the reputation of being one of the best surf beaches in Bali for beginners and is also celebrated as one of the prime locations for witnessing sunsets in Bali.

Echo Beach: A Blend of Culture and Leisure

Echo Beach is situated at the end of Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, a road named after the temple on site. The road, however, is more frequently identified by signposts bearing the beach’s nickname.

The beachfront is dotted with shacks offering surfboard rentals, ding repairs, and motorcycle parking. As the sun sets, the beach comes alive with barbecues and unique boat-shaped buffets offered by the dining spots lining the paved alley.

Visitors can glimpse the silhouette of the centuries-old temple at the far end of the cafes. This temple and the cafes are perched on a small cliff overlooking the surf.

The black-sand beach is easily accessible via a few steps to the right of the gate. Further along the coastline, parasols and colourful beanbags are set upon low-lying rocks, providing a perfect setting for relaxation.

While the coast is ideal for sunbathing, leisurely strolls, and photography, the waves of Echo Beach are best suited for advanced surfers. The daytime is dominated by surfers, giving way to a more ambient dining scene by night.

The beach is kept clean and well-maintained through the collective efforts of various surf schools and clubs along Canggu’s coast, which conduct regular beach clean-ups.

How to Get to Echo Beach, Bali

Echo Beach, located at Jalan Pura Batu Mejan, Canggu, Badung, Bali, Indonesia, is a testament to Bali’s natural beauty and vibrant surf culture.

Its unique blend of surfing, scenic beauty, and cultural richness make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Echo Beach Bali FAQs

What is there to do at Echo Beach?

At Echo Beach, you can enjoy a variety of activities, especially if you’re into surfing. There are rows of shacks offering surfboard rentals and ding repairs. For convenience, there’s a designated motorcycle parking area. A unique feature of Echo Beach is its sunset dining experience. Along a paved alley to the left of the gate, you’ll find dining spots that are open during the day but really come to life in the evening with barbecues and boat-shaped buffets, all set against the backdrop of a stunning sunset.

Why is Echo Beach sand black?

Echo Beach’s black sand is a result of volcanic deposits in the coastal soil. This unique feature adds to the beach’s charm. Additionally, Echo Beach hosts a fish market where you can purchase fresh seafood to grill in the evening. The beach is also renowned for its beachfront restaurants, offering a diverse range of local and international delicacies.

Is Echo Beach good for beginners?

Echo Beach is more suited for intermediate to advanced surfers due to its reef break that produces both left and right-hand waves. Beginners are advised to be cautious, as the waves can be quite powerful and the reef potentially dangerous.

Where is Echo Beach located?

Echo Beach, known for its excellent surfing and beautiful sunsets, is located about 30km northwest of Kuta in Bali. The beach is accessible via Jalan Pantai Batu Mejan, which was the beach’s original name before it was renamed Echo Beach for easier pronunciation.

Is Echo Beach a reef?

Yes, Echo Beach features a left-hand reef break. The reef is composed of jagged volcanic rock, creating a barreling left-hander that extends for 60m during high tide. At lower tides, the reef is exposed and doesn’t offer the same quality of waves as during mid-tide.

Is Echo Beach a reef break?

Echo Beach is famous for its advanced reef breaks. It’s situated in the serene, rice field-landscaped region of Canggu, sharing the area with other popular surf spots like Berawa, Seseh, and Pererenan. Besides the surfing experience, Echo Beach is known for its 180-degree seascape views, stunning sunsets, and seafood cafes located on high vantage points.

Is Echo Beach good for surfing?

Echo Beach is located at the end of Jl. Batu Mejan boasts three surf spots: Echo, Sandbar, and Prerenan. All three are best suited for intermediate to advanced surfers, offering a challenging and exhilarating surfing experience.