25 Beautiful Indonesia Beaches: The Best Beaches In Indonesia

by David & Intan

Indonesia beaches are fantastic, but they tend to be underrated because a lot of the really good ones are hiding in remote places without easy access. On the bright side, that means youโ€™re more likely to have them to yourself!

In Bali, for example, the most spectacular beaches are on the nearby Nusa islands, not the mainland. The same thing is true in other places like Java, Sulawesi, and Sumatra โ€” if you really want to see the best beaches in Indonesia, you usually have to get off the beaten path and do some island hopping.

With some exploring, what youโ€™ll find are the most amazing white sand beaches, dazzling pink beaches, and black volcanic beaches, along with top quality surf spots, and occasionally some very photogenic cliffs, boulders, and shipwrecks.

Hereโ€™s my complete Indonesia beach guide with a list of our favorites!

Sulawesi Beaches

1. Pasir Panjang Beach

Labengki is a remote, beautiful island off the east coast of Sulawesi, and it has some of the best beaches in Indonesia.

Long Sand Beach (Pantai Pasir Panjang) is Labengkiโ€™s longest beach, hence the name. Itโ€™s a perfect stretch of white sand with a palm forest and calm blue water. This might just be the best Indonesia beach!

To top it off, there is beach hut accommodation in Labengki island that is located just a short walk from this beach.

Read More: Labengki Island

Beautiful Indonesia Beaches The Best Beaches In Indonesia

Drone pic of Pasir Panjang Beach โ€” one of the best beaches Indonesia has to offer!


 

2. Pasir Merah Beach

The Indonesian name for this beach is Pantai Pasir Merah and it means Red Sand Beach โ€” a name that comes from the reddish-orange color of the sand.

The giant cliffs and bent palm trees on this beach are picture perfect. It was hands-down my favorite beach in Labengki, and has to be one of the best beaches in Indonesia!

There is no accommodation on this beach, and itโ€™s still wild. However, you can visit it on a day trip by boat from Labengki island.

Read More: Labengki Island

Pantai Pasir Merah Red Sand Beach drone picture in Sulawesi

Drone pic of Pantai Pasir Merah


 

3. Mahoro Beach

Mahoro is a remote island near Manado, the capital of north Sulawesi.

To get there, you have to first fly to Siau Island or take the 4 hour fast ferry from Manado city, then take a small speedboat from Siau on an island hopping tour of Mahoro and the nearby islands.

The travel time is worth it, because youโ€™re rewarded with one of the best white sand beaches in Indonesia! Itโ€™s a private beach with views of the active Karangetang volcano in the distance.

Read More: Siau Island

Beautiful Indonesia Beaches The Best Beaches In Indonesia Pulau Mahoro Island Siau

Mahoro Island

Pulau Mahoro Island Siau Indonesia

Drone views

Beautiful Indonesia Beaches The Best Beaches In Indonesia Pulau Mahoro Island Siau

Unspoiled paradise at Mahoro Island. Is this the best white sand beach Indonesia has to offer?


 

4. Mandel Beach

Mandel Beach is a white sand beach more than a kilometer long, and itโ€™s one of the most beautiful beaches in the Banggai islands of central Sulawesi.

This beach is located on Peleng island in Banggai. To get there, you have to fly to Luwuk in central Sulawesi, take the public ferry to Salakan, and then rent a motorbike or hire a driver to take you to the beach.

Mandel Beach has extremely white sand and turquoise water. Itโ€™s like youโ€™re swimming in a sea of cool mint Listerine.

Read More: Banggai Islands

Beautiful Indonesia Beaches The Best Beaches In Indonesia Mandel Beach Banggai Sulawesi

Mandel Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in the Banggai islands of Sulawesi.

Beautiful Indonesia Beaches The Best Beaches In Indonesia Mandel Beach Banggai Sulawesi

No crowds! No people!


 

5. Tanjung Gundul

Tanjung Gundul is probably one of the most unique beaches in Indonesia, with white pebbles instead of sand, and a giant rock arch thatโ€™s been carved out of limestone by the wind and waves. It reminded me of the white pebble beaches in Kefalonia, Greece.

This little beach is located in Banggai Laut. To get there, you have to fly to Luwuk, take the ferry to Banggai Laut, and then take a small speedboat to Tanjung Gundul. Yes, itโ€™s remote, but the Banggai area has lots of other great things to see and do while youโ€™re there.

Read More: Banggai Islands

Tanjung Gundul Beach Banggai Sulawesi White Pebbles

The unique white pebble beach at Tanjung Gundul in Banggai, Sulawesi


 

Komodo Beaches

6. Pink Sand Beach

The Komodo National Park in eastern Indonesia is home to several pink sand beaches! The color comes from tiny organisms in the coral called foraminifera.

Pink beaches are very rare, and there are only a handful of them worldwide. These unique beaches are a must see when youโ€™re visiting the Komodo islands.

Read More: Pink Beach Indonesia

Pink Beach Komodo Island Indonesia Labuan Bajo Flores

The extraordinary pink sand beaches at Komodo National Park

Pink Beach Komodo Island Indonesia Labuan Bajo Flores

A heart shaped coral


 

7. Padar Island

This oneโ€™s not really a beach per se, but actually a scenic spot where you can see a bunch of beaches.

Komodoโ€™s most famous viewpoint is on the small island of Padar. This island has a giant X shape, with three bays where you can see a white beach, black beach, and pink beach.

Each of those sand colors is pretty special in itself, but to see all of them in one place is crazy. This is probably the only place in the world where you can witness that!

Read More: Padar Island

Padar Island Indonesia Komodo Day Trip From Labuan Bajo

The famous viewpoint on Padar Island

Padar Island in Komodo Indonesia

Beaches in all directions!


 

Maluku Beaches

8. Ora Beach

Ora beach is a secluded beach and private resort in Seram island, Maluku.

To get there, you first have to fly to Ambon (AMQ), then take a 2 hour fast ferry from Tulehu to Amahai, and then a 2 hour drive to Ora bay. Once there, you can stay at the Ora Beach Resort, or there are several homestays in the nearby Saleman village.

This might be the most beautiful beach in Indonesia. It has views like Bora Bora, and the coral is good for snorkeling too.

Read More: Ora Beach

Pantai Ora Beach Resort Maluku Indonesia

Ora beach views in Seram island. Is Indonesia beautiful or what?

Ora Beach Resort Seram Island Maluku Indonesia Tree Swing

Swinging on the beach


 

Sumatra Beaches

9. Tanjung Tinggi Beach

Belitung is a scenic island off south Sumatra with lots of white sand beaches.

Tanjung Tinggi is possibly the most photogenic spot on the island (and also one of the best beaches in Sumatra Indonesia), with perfect blue-green water and giant boulders. Itโ€™s a nice place for sunset too.

This is easily one of the best Indonesia beaches weโ€™ve seen, and it really deserves to be more well known.

Read More: Tanjung Tinggi Beach


 

10. Lengkuas Island

This small island is one of the highlights of a Belitung island hopping tour.

Itโ€™s home to an iconic Dutch lighthouse from the 1800s, and you can still climb to the top today! From the 18th story balcony you get views of the granite rocks and blue water below.

Last, but not least, Lengkuas has some of the best Sumatra beaches and snorkeling spots!

Read More: Belitung Island Hopping

Lengkuas Island lighthouse

The old lighthouse at Lengkuas


 

11. Batu Berlayar Island

This was one of our favorite mini-islands in Belitung.

Itโ€™s a small circle shaped sand island, with rocks and boulders scattered across it. Kind of like a messy, natural Stonehenge on the ocean.

Thereโ€™s even a little cave you can walk through to pass between the main boulders in the center of the island.

Read More: Belitung Island Hopping

Batu Berlayar Island boulders cave

Hiding in the boulders


 

12. Banyak Islands

The Banyak Islands are a group of barely inhabited paradise islands northwest of Sumatra.

For accommodation, you have a basic bungalow on an almost private island, with white sand beaches and crystal clear water in all directions.

If youโ€™re looking for the Robinson Crusoe lifestyle, it doesnโ€™t get much better than this! Pulau Palambak, for example, has one of the best beaches in Sumatra Indonesia.

Read More: Banyak Islands

Beautiful beach at Pulau Banyak Islands Indonesia

The Banyak Islands are full of paradise beaches like this one

Beach at Pulau Banyak Islands Indonesia

Beach scenes near the Palambak Island Resort in Banyak Islands


 

13. Coral Island (Pulau Karang)

Coral Island, known by locals as Pulau Karang, is a hidden gem in North Sumatra with perfect white sand and photogenic palm trees that hang over the turquoise water like a postcard.

You can circle the whole island in 1 hour walking, but the absolute best scenery is on the western beaches leading to the lighthouse. There are lots of bent palm trees that are perfect for photo ops (and climbable), and the sand is softer than powder.

This may be a little island, but it has one of the best Sumatra beaches weโ€™ve seen!

Read More: Pulau Karang

Pulau Karang Barus Sumatra Indonesia Island Beach

Impossibly perfect beaches on Coral Island (Pulau Karang)

Pulau Karang Barus Sumatra Indonesia Island Drone Picture

Drone pic of Pulau Karang


 

Bali Beaches

14. Kuta Beach

This is Baliโ€™s original beach! Itโ€™s a classic, so I had to mention it.

You wonโ€™t find peace and quiet here, but itโ€™s still worth a visit. Shop at the Beachwalk Mall, go surfing, or watch the sunset with a Bintang.

Kuta Beach sunset
 
 

15. Bingin Beach

This is a photogenic beach with exotic boulders and seaweed covered rocks. Itโ€™s great for scenic pics or surfing, and itโ€™s less crowded than some of the other beaches in the area.

Thereโ€™s a bit of trash and rubble lately from hotel construction, but some high quality accommodation and restaurants are starting to spring up here.

Read More: Bingin Beach

Bingin Beach Bali
 
 

16. Nunggalan Beach

This is one of the bigger white sand beaches in south Bali. The walk down and back up is a bit of a killer, but youโ€™re rewarded with a huge private beach and a cool wooden shipwreck for pictures!

Read More: Nunggalan Beach

Beautiful Indonesia Beaches The Best Beaches In Indonesia
 
 

17. Padang Padang Beach

This is a neat little beach tucked into the cliffs in south Bali. To get to it, you have to squeeze through a narrow passage in the rocks and then walk down some steps.

Padang Padang is a popular spot for surfing, or you can just sip a fresh coconut and hang out on the white sand with the monkeys.

Read More: Padang Padang Beach

Beautiful Indonesia Beaches The Best Beaches In Indonesia
 
 

18. Thomas Beach

This is one of the nicest beaches in south Bali. It has a long strip of white sand scattered with boulders, and not too many people.

Thomas Beach in Bali
 
 

19. Melasti Beach

This is a highly developed beach with a road carved into the tall limestone cliffs, giving it a stunning background.

Melasti Beach has a long strip of white sand, clean turquoise water, and a bunch of different fancy clubs lining the beachfront: Cattamaran, Minoo, and Palmilla. You can also reach Karma Beach Club from here by walking.

Itโ€™s becoming one of the most popular beaches in south Bali, and thereโ€™s even a photogenic Balinese style gate where you can take pictures.

Read More: Melasti Beach

Melasti Beach In Uluwatu Bali       Melasti Beach In Uluwatu Bali
 
 
 

Nusa Penida Beaches

20. Kelingking Beach

Some of Baliโ€™s best beaches are on the small neighboring island of Nusa Penida, which can be reached with a short boat ride.

After youโ€™re done staring in awe at the famous T-Rex shaped Kelingking Cliff, thereโ€™s also a path to go down to the beach at the bottom. This hike is a major workout, a bit scary, and takes at least 2 hours roundtrip. Bring water!

As you can see in the picture below, the beach at the bottom is pristine and the waves are big; thereโ€™s even a little cave down there!

Read More: Kelingking Beach

Beautiful Indonesia Beaches The Best Beaches In Indonesia

Kelingking Beach in Nusa Penida Bali

See the tiny people walking on the beach?


 

21. Suwehan Beach

Looking for a hidden beach with perfect white sand and turquoise waves? Suwehan is one of the best hidden beaches in Penida.

Thereโ€™s even a cool pointy rock that looks like a Christmas tree (or maybe an elf hat), and the locals recently built some tree houses where you can stay a night near the cliffs.

Read More: Suwehan Beach

Suwehan Beach Nusa Penida Island Bali

Suwehan Beach Nusa Penida       Suwehan Beach Nusa Penida
 
 

22. Tembeling Beach

This is an awesome sea cave that opens up to a view of the huge cliffs on the Penida coast. Thereโ€™s also a small natural pool near the cave that you can take a dip in.

Read More: Tembeling Beach


 

23. Atuh Beach

This is one of the coolest beaches on the south end of Penida island. Unlike Suwehan Beach, Atuh is not a secret and there are sunbeds, beanbags, and a couple of nice food & drink shacks.

The highlight of Atuh Beach is probably the big elephant shaped rock in the ocean (locals say it looks like a stiletto), and the huge variety of sea life that can be seen trapped in the rocks at low tide.

Read More: Atuh Beach

Atuh Beach in Nusa Penida Bali
 
 

24. Diamond Beach

Diamond Beach, named after the pointy diamond shaped rock on the beach, is another utterly incredible โ€œcliff beachโ€ on the southeastern coast of Nusa Penida.

Itโ€™s newly accessible for the first time since late 2018, when a path down to the beach was carved into the side of the cliffs.

Read More: Diamond Beach

Beautiful Indonesia Beaches The Best Beaches In Indonesia

Pointy rock and palm trees at Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida, Bali

Diamond Beach gets its name from this unique pointy rock.


 

25. Nyanyad Beach

This is a mostly unknown beach on the south end of Nusa Penida, with a small temple and giant hills on both sides of the beach.

The hike to Nyanyad only takes 15 minutes, with concrete steps all the way, and the beach has perfect white sand!

Read More: Nyanyad Beach

Nyanyad Beach Drone Picture

Drone pic of the huge limestone hills surrounding Nyanyad Beach


 

More Beautiful Indonesia Beaches

Thanks for looking! I hope you enjoyed this list of the best beaches in Indonesia.

Again, this is not a complete list and there are many more hidden beaches waiting to be discovered in Maluku, Sulawesi, Sumatra, and other islands.

Donโ€™t forget to check out my complete Indonesia Travel Guide for more tips on finding some of the best beaches in Indonesia!
 

Best Time To Visit Indonesia

The best time to visit Indonesia depends on what youโ€™re looking for:

โ˜ Rainy season runs from November to April. The weather during the day can be hot and humid, at 32 to 35 ยฐC (90 to 95 ยฐF), but itโ€™s less crowded during this time, and the rain is mostly at night. Skies are a bit more cloudy, and underwater visibility may not be the best. Waterfalls come alive, and the landscapes are bright green.

โ˜€ Dry season runs from May to October. The temperatures are milder and cooler, and itโ€™s more breezy and sunny. This is the nicest weather, and itโ€™s perfect for hiking, island hopping, and seeing some beautiful Indonesia beaches. Itโ€™s also the high season, so itโ€™s generally more crowded with tourists, although youโ€™re still not likely to run into any crowds outside of Bali.

Happy travels! Regardless of when you decide to visit Wonderful Indonesia, youโ€™re sure to see some spectacular sights!
 

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5 comments

James Krug January 6, 2021 - 3:35 pm

I have to agree that Indonesia’s beaches are some of the prettiest in the world. I live on the east coast of the US so Indonesia is quite far from me. Still, I believe that that best beaches are ones you have to search for as they are far off the beaten trail of most tourists. Indonesia has some great sightseeing so why not take in a good beach or two!

Reply
Amber April 6, 2023 - 11:28 am

Hello I am leaving to go to Indonesia the beginning of May and I am starting to get discouraged. I originally planned to be there for 2 weeks but that has changed to only 1 week. I am worried I wont be able to see and do a lot in that little time. My daughter and I love white sand beaches with clear water but aren’t much of hikers. So we need something pretty accessible. We also love to snorkel. Could you recommend a good beach that has those 3 things. As well as any other things you think are kid friendly. She loves animals and wants to see some while we are there. Thanks so much for any help you can offer.

Reply
David & Intan April 6, 2023 - 2:47 pm

Hi Amber! If you just have 1 week you could visit some of the white sand beaches in Bali and Nusa Penida. The Uluwatu area of Bali would be the easiest. For animals, you could go to the Bali Zoo, bird park, or elephant sanctuary. Those are all nice.

Reply
Kayhan November 2, 2023 - 12:22 am

Hey David, I am planning to do the Java region in January over 2 weeks – I see it gets a lot of rain during that time, and was wondering if the waterfalls are closed. I am open to thinking about another place but trying to figure out what would be the best

Reply
David & Intan November 2, 2023 - 5:26 am

Hi Kayhan! Normally the waterfalls are all open in January, although there may be brief closures if there’s a landslide or heavy rain. You’ll want to keep an eye on the current status for them, but generally they’re open even in the rainy season. What are your main interests? You can do most of the highlights of Java in 1 week, so 2 weeks would give you extra time.

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