5 Best Places to Experience a Bali Camel Ride (2026 Guide)

Explore the most comprehensive guide to finding the best places to experience a Bali camel ride. Whether you are looking for a romantic sunset ride, a unique family adventure, or a professional pre-wedding photoshoot, this guide covers everything you need to know.

Bali is globally famous for its lush rice terraces and surfing waves, but a Bali camel ride offers a surprising and exotic way to experience the island’s coastline. This activity has grown from a niche attraction into a must-do experience for travelers seeking something beyond the ordinary.

Riding a camel along the white sands of Bali provides a rhythmic, peaceful perspective of the Indian Ocean that you simply cannot get from a traditional walk. It is a slow-travel experience that invites you to soak in the tropical breeze and the sound of crashing waves.

When looking for the best places to experience a Bali camel ride, most travelers head to the pristine southern coasts. These areas offer the perfect combination of firm sand, clear horizons, and well-trained animals for a safe journey.

Why Nusa Dua is One of the Best Places to Experience a Bali Camel Ride

Sawangan Beach in Nusa Dua is widely considered the “home” of camel riding in Bali. This area is known for its upscale atmosphere, surrounded by world-class resorts like the Hilton Bali and The Ritz-Carlton.

The beach here is secluded and pristine. Because it is tucked away from the main tourist hubs, the environment is quiet and private, which is essential for those who want a peaceful safari experience without the crowds of Kuta or Seminyak.

What to Expect at Sawangan Beach

During the ride, your guide will lead the camels in a caravan style. You will traverse a long stretch of white sand, passing by dramatic limestone formations and watching the tide come in. The guides are highly trained in camel handling and are usually happy to help you take photos with your own camera.

• Atmosphere: Calm, luxurious, and highly scenic.
• Daily Sessions: Multiple slots available: 09:00 AM, 10:30 AM, 02:00 PM, and 03:30 PM.
• Package Options: You can choose between a standard ride or a wedding photo package that includes specialized handlers to pose the camels.
• Duration: Options typically include 30-minute and 60-minute journeys.

Pricing and Logistics in Nusa Dua

Prices at Nusa Dua tend to be slightly higher due to the premium nature of the location. Expect to pay between IDR 550,000 and IDR 800,000 per adult. Most operators include insurance and basic safety equipment in this fee.

For more information on surrounding activities, check out our guide on the best beach activities in Nusa Dua to complete your day trip.

Kelan Beach: A Strategic Location for a Bali Camel Ride Adventure

Located in the Jimbaran Bay area, Kelan Beach offers a completely different vibe. It is situated just south of the Ngurah Rai International Airport runway, providing a unique backdrop of planes taking off and landing over the ocean.

This spot is perfect for “AvGeeks” and travelers who want to combine a camel ride with a famous Jimbaran seafood dinner. The sand here is flatter, making it very easy for the camels to walk and for guests to maintain balance.

Highlights of the Kelan Beach Experience

Kelan Beach is famous for its sunset camel rides. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky turns into a palette of orange and purple, reflecting off the wet sand. This is widely considered the best time for photography.

• Convenience: Only 10-15 minutes from the airport, making it a great “last day” activity before a flight.
• Flexibility: Rides are available in 15, 30, and 60-minute increments.
• Interactive Fun: Many operators allow guests to participate in feeding the camels or even helping with their grooming.
• Vibe: More casual and “local” compared to the resort-heavy Nusa Dua.

Golden Hour: The Best Time for a Bali Camel Ride

Timing is everything when it comes to the best places to experience a Bali camel ride. While morning sessions offer cooler temperatures and fewer people, the afternoon “Golden Hour” provides the most dramatic lighting for your photos.

Sunset sessions usually begin around 5:00 PM. The soft, warm light of the setting sun creates long shadows and a magical glow on the water. However, these slots are the most popular and tend to sell out weeks in advance.

Before you book, we recommend checking the official BMKG weather forecast to ensure a clear sky for your safari.

What to Wear: Styling Your Bali Camel Ride Experience

To ensure your ride is comfortable and your photos look professional, follow this essential checklist before you head to the beach:

• Sun Protection: The reflection of the sun off the sand is intense. Wear high-SPF sunscreen and a hat with a chin strap to prevent it from blowing away.
• Footwear: Sandals or flip-flops are best. Most people prefer to go barefoot once they are on the camel’s back to feel the tropical vibe.
• Hydration: Bring a bottle of water, although most premium operators like Bali Camel Adventure will provide a welcome drink upon arrival.
• Clothing: Loose, breathable fabrics like linen are recommended. Long pants can help prevent chafing against the camel’s saddle during longer 60-minute rides.

The Art of the Pre-Wedding Camel Shoot

One of the biggest drivers for camel rides in Bali is the pre-wedding photography industry. Professional photographers often book these sessions months in advance. The camels add an element of “Middle Eastern mystery” to the tropical Balinese setting.

If you are planning a shoot, Sawangan Beach is the preferred choice for its clean horizon and lack of background distractions. Be sure to book the Camel Photo Session specifically, as this allows for more “stationary” time to get the perfect artistic angles.

Animal Welfare and Ethical Standards

Responsible tourism is vital when visiting the best places to experience a Bali camel ride. Before booking, ensure the operator adheres to high animal welfare standards. Look for signs that the animals are well-fed, hydrated, and have access to shade during breaks.

Ethics Tip: Observe if the camels are rotated throughout the day. A reputable operator will never overwork their animals and will provide them with significant rest periods between sessions.

Healthy camels are generally calm and curious. If an animal appears distressed or the equipment looks poorly maintained, it is best to choose a different operator to support ethical tourism on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it safe for children?

Yes, camel rides are generally very safe for children. Most operators allow children aged 2 and up to ride with an adult. Small children are usually placed in front of the adult in a secure double saddle.

What is the weight limit for a Bali camel ride?

While camels are incredibly strong, most Bali operators set a weight limit of around 90kg to 100kg per person to ensure the comfort and health of the animal.

Do I need to tip the guide?

Tipping is not mandatory but is highly appreciated in Balinese culture. If your guide went out of their way to take great photos of you, a tip of IDR 50,000 is a kind gesture.

How to Book Your Adventure

You can book through major travel platforms like TripAdvisor or Viator, or directly through local operators. Direct booking often allows for more flexibility with session times and potentially better pricing.

If you are staying in areas like Seminyak or Canggu, remember that the drive to Nusa Dua can take over an hour. Factor in extra travel time to avoid missing your session. For more ideas on southern Bali travel, read our complete guide to visiting Jimbaran Bay.

Final Insight: For the most magical experience, aim for the 4:30 PM slot at Kelan Beach. You will get the best lighting and the opportunity to see the beach transform as evening approaches.