Bali is more than just its sun-soaked beaches, lush rice terraces, and rich cultural traditions—it’s also a paradise for coffee lovers and café seekers. While the island is known for its vibrant café culture, some of the best spots remain secret, tucked away from the tourist buzz, offering not only incredible coffee but also jaw-dropping ocean views.
In this guide, we’ll take you beyond the Instagram-famous cafés and into the hidden gems where you can sip your latte while watching the waves crash beneath the cliffs or listening to the distant hum of surfboards slicing through the sea.
Whether you’re a digital nomad, a dreamy traveler, or a romantic soul looking for the perfect sunset perch, here are Bali’s best secret cafés with ocean views.
🏝️ 1. Bukit Cafe Hideaway, Uluwatu
Hidden off a dusty road in Uluwatu, this clifftop café is often overlooked by tourists who rush straight to the famous surf spots. But for those in the know, this place offers a peaceful vibe with panoramic views of the Indian Ocean.
Highlights:
- Organic smoothie bowls & espresso from Bali beans.
- Terrace seating perfect for sunrise journaling or afternoon reading.
- Surfboards lined at the entrance and hammocks in the back.
🌅 2. Sunset Echo Café, Bingin Beach
To get here, you’ll need to walk down a steep set of stone stairs carved into the cliff. At the bottom, just before your toes hit the sand, a tiny café sits hidden between rocks. Time it right, and you’ll see the most stunning sunset on the island.
Why it’s special:
- Limited seating makes it intimate and exclusive.
- Handmade pastries with local fruits.
- The sound of waves literally under your feet.
🍍 3. Kopi Laut, Amed
Far from the usual party circuits, Amed is a quiet village known for diving. But nestled near a rocky outcrop sits Kopi Laut, a humble yet enchanting café that serves sea-salted caramel coffee—yes, it uses real sea salt from the bay.
Must try:
- The sea-salt caramel latte.
- Freshly grilled banana pancakes.
- The view of Mt. Agung reflected in the ocean at dawn.
🌊 4. Cliff & Cup, Nusa Ceningan
To get here, you need to cross the Yellow Bridge from Lembongan to Ceningan, then motorbike along a narrow road past mangroves. Eventually, you’ll spot Cliff & Cup clinging to a steep drop above Blue Lagoon.
Best For:
- Adventurous travelers seeking solitude.
- Eco-conscious menu with vegan delights.
- Ocean mist cooling your face as you sip.
☕ 5. Secret Roast, Pererenan
Not exactly beachside but perched high enough with a direct view of the shoreline. Secret Roast lives up to its name, hard to find and hard to leave.
Insider Tip:
- Hidden bookshelf that opens to a tiny secret terrace.
- Rare single-origin beans from Flores and Toraja.
- Excellent cold brew for Bali’s midday heat.
🌴 6. Laut Café, Nusa Penida
Penida’s raw beauty makes Laut Café a treasure. Located on a quiet cliff edge near Crystal Bay, it offers breakfast with endless views and silence that feels sacred.
Known for:
- Sunrise yoga followed by Balinese herbal tea.
- Their signature “Coconut Cloud” latte.
- Eco straw & zero-waste policies.
🐚 7. Sand & Soul, Medewi
This surf town is often overlooked, but the café scene here is blossoming. Sand & Soul stands out with its rustic bamboo architecture and unobstructed surf views.
Perks:
- Handmade ceramic cups from local artisans.
- Avocado toast with West Bali flair.
- The occasional sea turtle sighting.
🌺 8. Wildflower Espresso, Lovina
Northern Bali is less developed, making Wildflower Espresso a true gem. Set on a cliff above a coral beach, the vibe is tranquil and introspective.
Ideal for:
- Writers and artists seeking inspiration.
- Floral-infused espresso and coconut tarts.
- Sunrise dolphin watching while you sip.
🍃 9. Café Samudra, Seseh Beach
Between Canggu and Tanah Lot lies Seseh—a sleepy fishing village. Café Samudra honors its surroundings with traditional Balinese elements and views of the crashing waves.
Unique Features:
- Live gamelan music on Sundays.
- Hand-painted mural walls.
- Freshly pressed sugarcane juice and ginger tea.
🍯 10. Wave Whisper, Green Bowl Beach
You have to earn your coffee here by descending over 300 steps, but once you arrive at this hidden café built into the rock wall, the effort is instantly worth it.
What makes it epic:
- Natural cave ambiance with candle lighting at night.
- Wild honey espresso.
- The ocean literally roars inside the cave.
🔮 Why These Cafés Matter
In an island increasingly influenced by global trends, these cafés remain grounded in their locality—using native ingredients, showcasing Balinese hospitality, and most importantly, preserving the soul of the sea.
They’re not just places to drink coffee; they’re sanctuaries.
📸 Pro Tips for Visiting Secret Cafés in Bali
- Rent a Scooter: Many of these cafés are inaccessible by car.
- Use Offline Maps: Google Maps doesn’t always show footpaths or stairs.
- Go Early or Late: Beat the sun and get the best natural lighting.
- Support Local: Order local dishes or coffee beans.
- Respect the Silence: These aren’t your typical beach clubs—many are quiet, reflective spaces.
🌈 Best Time to Go
- Dry Season (April–October): Perfect weather, calm seas.
- Golden Hour: Arrive at least 45 minutes before sunset to enjoy both daylight and the golden transition.
- Full Moon Nights: Some cafés host low-key events or offer full moon specials.
🛍️ Take a Little Bit of Bali With You
Many of these hidden cafés sell handmade goods—coffee beans, ceramics, or even locally made batik textiles. Supporting them not only helps the local economy but brings you closer to the island’s authentic spirit.
🔚 Final Sip
The best cafés aren’t always the ones with the most followers or fanciest menus. Sometimes, they’re the ones that whisper instead of shout—hidden at the bottom of a cliff, tucked behind a temple, or perched above untouched sands. In these secret sanctuaries, time slows, coffee tastes richer, and the ocean… speaks louder.
So next time you’re in Bali, trade the tourist maps for intuition and follow the scent of roasted beans and salt air. Magic awaits.
