The 8 best drone photo spots in Bali

Bali is a veritable nugget for aerial photographers. Between its wild beaches, majestic volcanoes and rice terraces, the island abounds in unique spots for spectacular shots.

As a DGAC-certified aerial photographer, I've had the opportunity to criss-cross Bali and its neighboring islands to capture its beauty from the air.

1. The Paradise Beaches of the Gili Islands

Gili Air and Gili Meno are two floating jewels off Lombok, easily accessible from Bali. From a drone, these islands reveal white sandy beaches surrounded by sparkling turquoise waters.

• Gili Air: Fly over the palm trees lining the coastline and capture the infinite shades of blue between beach and coral reef.

• Gili Meno: The famous “statue circle” immersed in the shallow water offers an incredible aerial low-angle view.

Tip: To avoid tourists, take off your drone early in the morning or just before sunset.

2. Sidemen's rice fields and view of Mount Agung

Sidemen is one of Bali's best-kept secrets. Less crowded than Ubud, this village immerses you in an authentic atmosphere amidst the rice fields.

• Terraced rice fields: From the sky, the patchwork of intense greens unfolds beneath your drone, with the majestic Mount Agung as a backdrop.

• Sunrise: The morning mist clinging to the slopes of the volcano lends a mystical effect to your photos.

Anecdote: During an early morning flight, I was lucky enough to capture a column of smoke gently rising from Mount Agung, a rare and powerful image.

3. The Black Sand Beaches of Lombok

A few kilometers from Bali, Lombok, with its black volcanic beaches, offers a fascinating spectacle.

• Tanjung Aan Beach: A perfect symmetry between dark sands and crystal-clear waters. Ideal for creating a strong contrast in photos.

• Sasak Beach: Still little-known, it captures raw and wild nature.

Pro tip: Use an ND filter on your drone to play with the extreme contrasts between the black sand and the bright sky.

4. Ijen Volcano and its Blue Crater

Although located on the neighboring island of Java, Ijen Volcano is a must-do excursion for adventurous photographers. Be warned, the hike may be considered challenging for beginners. To reach the volcano's crater, you'll have to climb 500 meters of elevation gain over 3 km.

• Crater View: With a drone, you can fly over the turquoise acidic lake and capture the famous blue flames dancing in the dead of night.

• Dawn at the Summit: A golden light illuminates the sulfurous fumaroles—a breathtaking shot for minimalist aerial photography.

Quick tip: Be aware of strong winds at the summit and always check the weather conditions before taking off. If you have a mini model (e.g., the DJI Mini Pro), the return flight with a headwind can take twice as long.

5. Uluwatu Beach and its Surfers at Sunset

Uluwatu Beach is an icon for surfing and aerial photography enthusiasts.

• From the cliffs: The drone captures the beauty of the blue ocean and the elegant silhouettes of the surfers.

• Sunset: The color palette—from orangey pink to deep purple—enhances every shot.

Anecdote: I once captured a surfer in the perfect barrel of a wave, framed by the golden light of dusk. A photo that earned me a lot of praise on Instagram! However, be careful of the speed and height of the waves if you want to film or photograph surfers up close... Drones are common on beaches.

Tip: If you don't feel confident, get back up high; there's no point in losing your drone for a photo.

6. Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida

It's impossible to talk about aerial photography in Bali without mentioning Kelingking Beach. It's undoubtedly the most visited spot in Bali, with its legendary T-Rex-shaped cliff.

• The T-Rex-shaped cliff: A perfect angle from the sky to reveal this legendary rock formation.

• The turquoise water: The contrast with the bright green of the cliffs gives a unique depth to your photos.

Tip: Walk to the highest point of the cliff to give your drone maximum freedom. Be careful of the wind and interference from other drones. Kelingking Beach is unfortunately suffering from its fame, so it's highly likely that you won't be the only one playing with your drone.

7. The Secret Beach of Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are full of hidden coves and are without a doubt my favorite island near Bali. Far fewer tourists take the time to visit this heavenly pier, so unlike its more touristy neighbors, the island retains a raw and wild charm that captivated me from the very first moment. This spot remains a secret beach, accessible only by a small path.

p.s: Follow the road towards the south of Nusa Ceningan Island to find it.

• Aerial view: Let the drone explore the perfect curve of the cove and the scattered rocks in an azure sea.

• Serenity: Few tourists, a true oasis to capture tranquility.

Anecdote: I found this beach completely by chance, because my phone ran out of battery (so no GPS).

8. Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida

Finally, Diamond Beach is a natural masterpiece that seems sculpted by the gods themselves. Be careful, however, on the descent, which requires some physical resources; the end of the descent is via a rope that must be climbed manually upon return.

• Sharp cliffs and white sand: Seen from the air, the beach resembles a living postcard, with striking contrasts between the limestone rocks and the crystal-clear water.

• The staircase carved into the rock: A natural architectural marvel, offering a dizzying viewpoint for dynamic shots.

• Turquoise waters and sparkling waves: From your drone, capture the incessant ballet of waves as they kiss the shore in perfect harmony.

Photo Tip: Use your drone's panorama mode to capture the full grandeur of this incredible beach.

Conclusion: Bali, a limitless playground for drones

Bali and its neighboring islands are a paradise for aerial photography. Whether you're fascinated by secret beaches, majestic volcanoes, or vibrant rice paddies, every drone flight offers a new surprise.

For even more inspiration, explore my aerial photo prints, perfect for adding a touch of escape to your home.