Medewi, a tranquil coastal village in West Bali’s Jembrana Regency, is a hidden paradise for photographers seeking Bali’s authentic, untamed beauty.
With its volcanic black-sand beaches, emerald rice terraces, and sacred temples perched above the sea, Medewi invites you to slow down and capture the island’s quiet rhythm far from the tourist crowds of the south.
Here, light moves differently soft and golden at dawn, deep and dramatic at dusk. From surfers gliding along Bali’s longest left-hand wave to farmers tending mirror-like paddies, every frame tells a story of nature, culture, and harmony.
Whether you’re a professional photographer or a traveler with a keen eye for beauty, Medewi offers countless moments waiting to be immortalized.
Below are eight of the most photogenic spots in Medewi that promise stunning visuals and soulful inspiration.
1. Medewi Beach at Dawn
Medewi Beach is a dawn photographer’s dream. The black volcanic sands glow under the first light, while surfers paddle into shimmering waves that curl endlessly toward shore.
Capture the soft pastels of sunrise reflected on the wet pebbles, or the silhouettes of local fishermen mending their nets scenes that speak of Bali’s timeless coastal life.
Arrive before 6 AM during the dry season (April–October) for the best golden light. After your shoot, unwind with a refreshing papaya salad or a tropical smoothie from a local warung to refuel naturally.
Remember to walk only on marked paths to protect the dunes and nesting sea turtles.
2. Pura Rambut Siwi Temple Overlook
Perched dramatically on a seaside cliff, Pura Rambut Siwi offers breathtaking views of waves crashing against ancient temple walls. Its ornate stone gates, draped with frangipani, make the perfect frame for golden-hour portraits.
Capture the interplay of light and spirituality as priests prepare daily offerings or the temple’s silhouette glows against Java’s distant volcanoes.
Visit at sunset from May to September, and be sure to dress respectfully with a sarong and sash. Here, patience rewards you with frames full of sacred serenity.
3. Pulukan Rice Terraces
Just a short drive from Medewi, Pulukan’s terraced rice fields unfold like green stairways toward the sky. Their shimmering water channels reflect the clouds, creating dreamy mirror-like compositions.
Come between October and March during the planting season for the most vibrant hues. The terraces are best captured from a slightly elevated angle perfect for drones or wide lenses.
Don’t miss the farmers in conical hats tending to the fields; their rhythmic work embodies Bali’s agricultural soul.
4. Bunut Bolong Sacred Tree
The legendary Bunut Bolong tree in Manggisari Village is one of Bali’s most unique natural landmarks a giant banyan with a hollow trunk large enough for cars to pass through.
Sunbeams filtering through its tangled roots create dramatic contrasts perfect for photography.
Midday light (June–August) works best for capturing the glowing canopy. Include the surrounding cacao groves or passing locals to give your shots depth and narrative.
The place exudes a quiet mysticism that resonates in every frame.
5. Juwuk Manis Waterfall
Tucked away in a lush gorge, Juwuk Manis Waterfall rewards adventurers with ethereal scenes of cascading water surrounded by tropical ferns.
The soft mist and diffused light make it ideal for long-exposure photography, creating silky ribbons of flow against mossy rocks.
Arrive early in the morning during the wet season (November–April) for fuller streams and fewer visitors. Pack water shoes and eco-friendly bug spray—and take a break with a cooling coconut drink after the hike.
6. Menjangan Island Reefs
A short trip north takes you to Menjangan Island, a part of West Bali National Park and a paradise for underwater photographers.
Its coral gardens boast over 200 species, from bright anemones to graceful reef fish, all bathed in crystal-clear water.
Above the surface, you can capture herds of wild deer grazing by the sea during golden hour. Visit between May and October for calm seas and 30-meter visibility.
Always dive with eco-certified operators to help preserve these vibrant reefs for future generations.
7. West Bali National Park Savannas
Stretching over 19,000 hectares, West Bali National Park’s golden savannas provide expansive panoramas of acacia trees, wandering deer, and the elusive Bali starling.
These wide-open landscapes are perfect for sunset silhouettes and wildlife photography.
Shoot between July and September for dramatic skies and migratory birds. A guided eco-trek ensures both safety and sustainability—plus, you’ll gain insights that add meaning to your captures.
8. Pekutatan Black-Sand Shores
Just south of Medewi, the black-sand shores of Pekutatan shimmer like obsidian under fiery sunsets. Here, basalt cliffs and tidal pools create mesmerizing reflections and abstract textures for creative compositions.
Local salt harvesters working by hand add human warmth to this volcanic beauty. Visit in the late afternoon (April–October) when the sun sets directly across the water, bathing everything in molten light.
This secluded beach is ideal for peaceful, meditative photo walks.
Capture, Nourish, Repeat
Every corner of Medewi offers something extraordinary—a story of balance between earth, sea, and culture.
As your camera fills with Bali’s colors and textures, remember to take a moment to simply be present: breathe the ocean air, feel the sand underfoot, and savor the stillness that makes West Bali so magical.
After a long day of exploring and shooting, unwind with a wholesome meal crafted from the region’s freshest produce.
Think creamy avocado toasts, chia puddings, or turmeric-infused smoothies made with locally sourced ingredients—perfect for refueling body and mind while reviewing your day’s captures in the golden glow of a Medewi sunset.