Indonesia is home to some of the best beaches in the world! Many would think of Bali beaches when they think about beaches in Indonesia, but unknown to many, this diverse country hosts many more beautiful beaches.
Besides being famous for its pristine white sand and elusive pink beaches, it is also renowned for diving, snorkelling and surfing.
Here are some of the best Indonesian beaches contributed by various travel enthusiasts that have traveled there and enjoyed it!
Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali
Diamond Beach is a jaw-dropping beach with the most incredible azure blue water. It is located on the eastern side of Nusa Penida, an island off the coast of Bali. Besides being claimed as one of the best beaches on the island, Diamond Beach is known for its challenging access; to reach the white sand and alluring ocean below, you’ll need to walk down a set of stairs that have been carved out of the cliff face.
The road to the parking area above the beach is steep and can be pretty potholed, so be careful if coming down on a scooter. A small fee of 5-10k is payable for parking near the steps down the beach.
About halfway down the cliff face, you’ll come across a swing between two palm trees and a small cafe. You can pay for a swing for some Instagram-worthy photos here or continue to the beach below.
Diamond Beach is great for swimming; just check the conditions before entering the water as sometimes the waves can be large here. Two other attractions worth seeing nearby are the neighbouring Atuh Beach (accessible by a long set of stairs to the left of Diamond Beach) and Thousand Island Viewpoint (a short drive away). This breathtaking viewpoint looks back over the turquoise blues of Diamond Beach and the surrounding cliffs.
Contributed by Tess from Tessomewhere
-> Places to stay in Nusa Penida – The top favourite hotel here is the Mahaloka Valley *, or for bungalow types, the Asoka Bungalow * with its traditional Balinese huts.
Selong Belanak Beach, Lombok
When travelling around Indonesia, make sure that you visit some of the best beaches in Indonesia. Venture away from Bali to Lombok island, and you will be in for a treat.
Getting to Lombok Island from Bali is super easy. Take a quick 25 min flight or choose to enjoy a boat ride over. Once at Lombok island, you will simply be blown away.
Selong Belanak beach is undoubtedly the best beach in Lombok, Indonesia, making it one of the top things to do in Lombok during your vacation! The colours of the water and the hilly landscape surrounding the edges of this amazing mile-long beach are just breathtaking.
This beach has a peaceful vibe to it and is not overcrowded. It has lovely shallow, calm ocean water to take a dip in and cool down whilst you just chill and relax here.
You will also find a perfect cafe at Selong Belanak to enjoy a lovely relaxing lunch! The Laut Biru Cafe is located on the ocean sand, with gorgeous decor and super delicious food (try the Butter Chicken with Naan!). You will find this place hard to leave, so enjoy the view and simply stare out at the gorgeous beach whilst indulging in some cocktails with your lunch!
Of course, you will want to stay somewhere to spend a few days at this stunning beach. The best places to stay at Selong Belanak Beach is Sempiak Villas*, which has the most excellent reviews. Right at this beach you will also find an affordable boutique hotel – Bukit Indah Boutique Accommodation *
Contributed by Wanderlust Storytellers
Pantai Indah Pandan (Bosur beach), Sumatra
Pantai Indah Pandan, which used to be called Bosur beach, got a new name on July 31, 2019, when the Central Tapanuli Regency Government decided that the new name would be more tourist-friendly and shouldn’t be linked to the previous leader.
The beach, located in North Sumatra’s Kalangan Village, is one of the places suitable for any budget. A golden sand beach and clear water make it a picture-perfect attraction popular among the locals.
It has lovely sand, perfect for long barefoot walks along the shore. The waves at the beach are usually low due to its location by the bay, and the water is calm, so you can safely swim here.
The road from Tarutung to the beach takes around 2.5 hours by car. Entrance to the beach is free, but parking costs Rs. 5000.
Local fishers will approach you and offer short trips to the neighbouring islands if you like travelling around. If you have a little more time, you can even travel to Mursala Island, 2 hours away, by boat.
Pantai Indah Pandan has all the facilities you would expect to find at the beach – toilets, shower, changing rooms, visitor parking, restaurants with seafood and fresh coconuts, and even a souvenir shop.
Contributed by Leslie from Backpackers Thailand
Red Island Beach, Java
Red Island Beach, or Pulau Merah, is one of the best beaches in Indonesia for travellers looking to go off the beaten track to find hidden gems in the country. The rock islet jutting out of the water creates the perfect backdrop for any photo and is an iconic landmark in Indonesia.
Red Island has a raw and rugged coastline, long sandy beach, and ideal swimming conditions. The relaxed atmosphere is calming, and it won’t be long before you’re in holiday mode, sipping on fresh coconuts while lying on the day beds. Red Island is also a popular surfing spot, but experienced surfers may want to visit the nearby G-Land instead.
Red Island is located 2 hours south of the port city of Banyuwangi on the east of Java Island. You can either get here via an overland trip from Bali or add it to your itinerary if you plan to visit Ijen Volcano in Java.
Contributed by Carryn at Torn Tackies Travel Blog
-> Best place to stay on Red Island, Java is at the Red Island Villas *.
Pink Beach, Komodo Island
Komodo Island is famous for its Komodo dragons, but little is known about its secret beach – the pink beach (known as the Red Beach by the locals).
This beach was named as such because the sands are pink in colour, mainly composed of corals, broken shells and calcium carbonate from the marine life that lends to its colour. It is said that only 7 beaches in the world have pink sand, and this is one of the two pink beaches in Indonesia.
With its unspoiled nature and ethereal pink sands, this pink beach is indeed an experience to be had. Being sort of a secret and off the beaten track, you will find the beach uncrowded and that you can swim and sunbathe in peaceful bliss.
First, one must take a boat from Labuan Bajo to Komodo Island, which takes around 2 to 3 hours. From the Komodo Island only jetty, Loh Liang, it is a 30 mins sail or a 4 hours trekking.
Contributed by All Indonesia Travel
-> Check out where to stay in Komodo Island
Nyang Nyang Beach, Uluwatu, Bali
Nyang Nyang beach in Uluwatu is one of the best beaches in Bali. There is a short trek downwards (10-15 mins) to get to the main beach. Once you are at the beach, you will be surprised to see no crowds, no beach shacks, and no distractions to keep you from getting your much-needed Vitamin Sea.
There are no water sports at Nyang Nyang, so you can enjoy swimming in clear blue waters, chilling on the white sand, sunbathing and collecting sea shells. It is a pretty laid-back beach where you can enjoy an entire day with nature. It is highly recommended to add to your Bali itinerary.
Besides that, you may want to enjoy the breathtaking view from some of the cafes above. They are atop a cliff where you trek down to enjoy Nyang Nyang. The ideal time to head there is sunset to enjoy excellent views.
To reach Nyang Nyang, rent a scooter and drive about 2 hours from Canggu. It isn’t exactly easily accessible, which adds to its charm.
Contributed by Jyotsna Ramani from WanderWithJo
-> The best place to stay at Nyang Nyang beach is the luxurious Bulgari Resort Bali * with its own elevator down to the beach. Else a little further afield is the Alila Villas Uluwatu *
Watu Bela Beach, Sumba
Sumba is a relatively untouched island in Indonesia featuring stunning nature and beaches. Watu Bela Beach is one of Sumba’s hidden gems. It can take a little effort to find, but once you do, you will be rewarded with absolute natural beauty.
To get to this beach, you will need some local knowledge. It is easiest to reach if you stay close by in accommodation such as Nihi Sumba * and Lelewatu Sumba *. Ask the staff at your accommodation or some locals to show you the way. The internet nor offline google maps are reliable in Sumba, so having a guide will lessen your chances of getting lost!
You will reach a village house where your motorbikes or cars can park for a small fee. The family at the village will then show you the pathway to the beach (which is actually on their family land). A short two minutes walk through the jungle track will then see you walk out onto a large stunning grassed area filled with coconut trees, overlooking the pristine white sand and blue water of Watu Bela Beach!
There is no development on the beach, but swimming is good if the waves are not too strong. The local family will even climb the coconut trees for you and cut you down a fresh coconut to sip on for a small charge.
If you visit when the tide is not too high, you may also discover the secret cave. Located under the large white rock that borders the sand, you need to crawl on your stomach through a small opening for around 5 metres to reach it, but once you do, you are in for something spectacular! Do not try to access the cave during a high tide, though, as it can be hazardous. At low tide, this is a gorgeous place to explore and take a swim.
Watu Bela beach is stunning, and the water is epic for taking a dip in an authentic piece of art created by Mother Nature herself.
Contributed by Karlie Cummins from Bali Buddies
Geleang Island Beach, Karimunjawa Island, Java
Karimunjawa has many beautiful beaches surrounded by a deep blue and green-turquoise ocean. One of the serene white sand beaches found here is the Geleang Island Beach.
With a turquoise blue sea and white sandy beach, Geleang Island Beach is well known as one of the most scenic places to take pictures. It is also an excellent beach for swimming. This place provides ample tourist facilities and is quite affordable as well.
To get to Karimunjawa Islands, you may take a bus from Semarang, about 2 hours, to Jepara. Take a fast ferry from the port for 1 hour and 45 minutes to the islands.
Speciality lodgings like the huts in Ayu Hotel Karimujawa * or more private cottages like Casa Velion * are well recommended here.
Contributed by All Indonesia Travel
Virgin Beach, East Bali
Bali has mostly black sand beaches due to the volcanic soil. However, there are some beautiful white sand beaches in Bali, and Virgin beach in East Bali is one of them.
This beautiful beach is flanked by green cliffs and waving palm trees. The soft white sand, calm turquoise waters and a reef full of marine life make Virgin beach perfect for swimming, snorkelling and relaxing.
Located in the Karangasem region between Amlapura and Candidasa, Virgin beach is one of the best beaches in Bali along the east coast. You can quickly drive to the beach on the well-signed main road. The entrance fee for Virgin beach is 15 000 IDR per person with enough parking space near the beach.
Virgin beach is so tranquil because there is little development along the coast. Compared with the Uluwatu, Seminyak and Canggu beaches, where you can find big beach clubs, restaurants and resorts along the shore, Virgin beach only has some simple bamboo cabins as accommodation and a few beach warungs. Therefore it is an excellent beach for the peace seeker.
Contributed by Ilse from Digital Travel Couple
-> Best to stay nearby the Virgin Beach at Villa Mandala *.
Koka Beach, Flores
On the magnificent island of Flores, hidden from the mass tourism exploiting Komodo National Park, is one of the most beautiful beaches in the whole country: Koka Beach.
Shaped like a double crescent moon separated by a cliff, its sands snow-white, and its water of a pristine turquoise, surrounded by lush and peculiar vegetation, this secluded beach needs to be added to your Indonesian bucket list.
Accommodation is available on sight and quite extraordinary also! The eco homestay run by Ricky Cowboy is a paradise for those who love basic but integrated eco-lodges.
Ricky is a wonderful host and will tell you the fantastic and mysterious stories surrounding Koka Beach, such as the cursed coral and the ghost horse… want to know more? Add it to your Flores Itinerary, and you won’t regret it.
Koka Beach is located 8km west of Paga, on the Southern coast. It can be reached by public transport or motorcycle from Maumere or Moni (Kilimutu Crater Lakes).
Contributed by Daniele & Elena from Cycloscope
Iboih Beach, Sumatra
The Iboih beach, Sumatra, remains one of the best escapes for budget-minded snorkelers who love to explore the reefs right from the front of their beachside bungalows.
You can take Scuba courses and shore dives while there at reasonable prices. One local dive shop I recommend is the Rubiah Tirta Divers.
Beyond the beach, you will find other attractions such as swimming holes under splashing waterfalls, an old Japanese World War II bunker, sulfur-fuming hot springs, and volcanoes cloaked by virgin forests.
Iboih Inn * is the best place to stay in Iboih because they have good hospitable service, their building is on the dock facing the beautiful seaside and a cool open-air lounge. The rooms are not fancy, but they provide clean towels, soap, water, wifi, complimentary breakfast, and shampoo. Moreover, you can just jump and swim right away from the dock.
While the location is not easily accessible, especially if you carry a piece of oversized luggage, Iboih Inn will pick you up from the dock in the village by boat (if you call the receptionist).
Contributed by Balogun Owomide from The Quick Travel.
Melasti Beach, Bali
As one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Bali’s beaches are often overcrowded. It is difficult to find the best Bali beaches where you can enjoy its beautiful waters and soft sand without being disrupted.
Melasti Beach is situated in Ungasan near the southern tip of Bali, away from the tourist crowd of Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu and Ubud. It has refreshing waters, and its stretching landscape is breathtaking at the minimum.
Visitors can rent one of the umbrellas and sunbeds for the day, relax on the beach and soak in the Balinese sun. There are local warungs where visitors can get a local dish like Nasi Goreng for an affordable price, a rare occurrence in Bali nowadays.
But the most impressive thing about Melasti Beach is the limestone cliff that sits directly behind the beach. Its juxtaposition offers a unique view, unlike the other beaches in Bali!
Contributed by Sean Lau from LivingOutLau
-> A luxury stay near this beach is the Jumana Bali Ungasan Resort * while a budget stay is the Surya Melasti Beach Villa *. Both excellent choices!
Gili Air Beach, Gili Islands
Being one big, white sandy tropical beach paradise, Gili Air deserves a place on the best beaches in Indonesia. While Gili Air has several beaches, you can nearly walk the entire circumference of the island along one long stretch of sand in a couple of hours.
With so much space, you can’t go wrong here, but the most idyllic part of Gili Air’s beach is the island’s southwest coast, around a 10 min walk north of the port. Here you will find a handful of beachfront cafes and restaurants open for you to grab a drink and relax in paradise.
The white sand is super soft, and the calm turquoise water is the kind of blue you may think is only possible in photos! Alongside snorkel gear and SUP rentals, you’ll also find a few of the famous Gili Island Swings in the ocean here for you to snap the almost mandatory Instagram image.
To get to Gili Air beach, you must take a boat from Serangan, Padang Bai, or Amed in Bali. You can choose between a speed boat or ferry, but I highly recommend finding a speed boat as it takes half the time (2 hours rather than 5). Most boats leave around 9 am, so it’s best to find a hotel in Bali for a night before continuing onto Gili Air.
Contributed by Yulia Saf from Miss Tourist
-> Check out where to stay on Gili Air.
Senggigi Beach, Lombok
Senggigi Beach is one of the best beaches in Indonesia. Located on the West coast of Lombok, this beautiful beach provides safe water to swim in, an area for good surfing, and some excellent snorkelling opportunities. There are several restaurant options on the beach, so you won’t have to go far once you arrive.
Stay at this Airbnb with an incredible English-speaking housekeeper who will become your best friend as she offers to cook for you and share her best tips about the area.
There are a few ways to get to Senggigi Beach. You can fly to Lombok’s International Airport and hire a taxi to drive you there. Or, you can take the fast boat from Bali to the Gilis and then to the public Lombok Harbor on the northeast part of the island. Hire a driver to pick you up from the harbour and drive you south to Senggigi Beach.
Contributed by Jill Greising-Murschel from Let’s Travel Family
-> The best resort at Sengigi beach is the Jeeva Klui Resort *, while the best villa is the Jeeva Santai Villa *. For a budget stay, check out Cozy Cottages Lombok *.
Kelingking beach, Nusa Penida, Bali
Kelingking beach is super beautiful and worth a visit. It is one of the most popular beaches in Bali and Indonesia. When you get there, it’s easy to see why — it’s a spectacular sight both above (this is where most people stop) and below.
Most people don’t go down to the beach because it is a pretty hard climb, and the beach is dangerous for swimming. The currents there are very tricky; hence only the strongest swimmers go there. At the same time, just getting there and looking at it is so, so worth it.
Kelingking beach is on Nusa Penida island. You can go there on a day trip from Bali’s main island. You can rent a motorbike or take a taxi from the port to get to the beach. The latter will be a better option if you are inexperienced on rough roads. If you decide to stay in Nusa Penida, look for accommodation elsewhere, not near this beach, else you will be very isolated from everything.
Contributed by Kaspars Minsin from Make Adventure Happen
-> Best place to stay on Nusa Penida is Mahaloka Valley *. Or try the Asoka Bungalow * for its traditional Balinese huts or the Kulkul Bungalows * for a homestay atmosphere.
We hope you enjoy some of these Indonesia’s best beaches. If you know a fantastic beach that is not listed here, please share it in the comments!
Related articles:
Top 10 Best Beaches in Bali
Top 10 Best Beaches in Lombok
Top 10 Best Beaches in Java, Indonesia
Top 10 Beaches near Jakarta
