What are the best beaches in Indonesia?

Indonesia is an archipelago of more than 17,000 islands where we find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Crystal clear waters, eternal white sand dunes and very good atmosphere in general. Many of them are also difficult to access, so if you manage to get there, you can be practically alone enjoying the scenery. If you can’t decide which beaches to visit in Indonesia don’t worry, we are here to help you organize your trip.

The most famous beaches in Indonesia are those of Bali, famous for its volcanic sand beaches in the north of the island, where there are also fewer tourists as they are further away from civilization. In this post we will tell you about these islands and many others that you cannot miss, as well as the best way to arrive at them and other tips that surely are going to be useful to you. So get your camera ready, the journey begins.

1. Nihiwatu and other beaches on Sumba Island

The island of Sumba is one of the most remote in Indonesia, quite an adventure. Its beaches are rather hidden and do not have very good accessibility. But that is precisely what makes them so special. The most famous beach is Nihiwaty, famous for its crystal clear waters and golden sand. It is also a good place for surfing and especially it’s amazing to watch the sunset there. It is the most romantic moment of the day. On the island of Sumba there are some of the best hotels in the world where you can access private beaches and organize activities.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

2. Komodo’s Pink Beach

The Komodo National Park, declared a World Heritage Site in 1991 with the aim of protecting the Komodo dragon community, is home to some of the country’s best beaches spread among its three islands: Komodo, Rinca and Padar. One of the most spectacular beaches is the Pink Beach famous for the characteristic color of its fine sand dyed by the particles of coral that wash ashore.

The beach has no facilities, which gives it more charm. The only way to get there is by boat. Organized excursions depart from Labuan Bajo through the National Park that will also take you to this wonderful beach with picture-perfect sunsets.

3. Ora Beach in Indonesia

Among the many beaches of Seram Island, Ora Beach is a must-see on our itinerary to the beaches of Indonesia. The beach is surrounded by small hills and you have views of Bora Bora. Its waters are completely crystal clear and there are colorful coral reefs where you can dive and snorkel. It is without a doubt one of the most incredible beaches you are going to see in your life.

The only downside is the travel time to get there. You’ll have to take a ferry from Tulehu, which takes 2 hours, and then go by road to the bay, which is another two-hour drive. On the beach itself there is one of the most luxurious resorts on the whole island. But if you’re traveling on a budget, you can always stay in the nearby village of Saleman.

4. Gam beach, one of the best beaches in Indonesia

If you are looking for a perfect beach with fine sand, turquoise blue waters and lush vegetation, Gam is your beach. It’s a typical postcard beach and the best part is that it’s not one of the most well-known, so there’s a good chance you can enjoy the tranquility and the sound of the waves on your own. But the beauty of this beach does not end there. In the water you can see a true spectacle of color and biodiversity. There are turtles, sharks, rays and many different fish swimming on the corals. If you are a diving lover, this is your beach.

The island is part of the Raja Ampat archipelago, famous for its coral reefs. The only way to get there is to take a ferry from Sorong to Waisai and from there a small boat. On the beach there are no facilities of any kind, and on the island you can only stay in small single-family bungalows.

5. Padar Island in the Komodo archipelago

In addition to Pink Beach, in the Komodo archipelago we find other spectacular beaches such as those of Padar Island. The island can only be accessed by private excursions, which will take you through its multicolored beaches, as there are white, black and pink sand. However, the main attraction of the island is not only the beaches, but also a viewpoint that is located at the top of the island. The hike to the viewpoint takes only 1 hour and is worth it for the incredible views of the archipelago.

Find out what else to see in Bali What are the best Beaches in Bali?

6. Kuta, the party beach in Indonesia

In Bali we find some of the most spectacular beaches of Indonesia, as for example Kuta. This beach located the south of the island is known as the beach of the party for its animated atmosphere. Along this kilometer-long beach you will find stores, surf schools, spas and numerous beach bars where you can satisfy your appetite and thirst. You can also rent hammocks and sun loungers. Whether you are looking for a beach to relax, practice water sports or party, Kuta is your beach.

7. White Beach Sand in Indonesia

As its name suggests, this beach is famous for its fine white sand that contrasts with the turquoise waters of the sea and the vegetation that surrounds it. White Beach Sand is an authentic postcard paradise beach. The beach is free to access and although there is no parking area, you can park well on the edge of the road. On the beach itself there are also beach bars where you can cool off.

8. Padang Padang beach in Indonesia

This beach is one of the most impressive in all of Indonesia because of its incredible location. It is located 3km from Pura Uluwatu, where you can see some of Bali’s most famous temples. The access is free, but at the entrance there is a boat where you can leave donations for its maintenance. From the parking lot it is necessary to lower 175 steps to arrive to the beach, that is perfectly equipped with parasols and hammocks, and the best thing is that usually there are not many people. It is a good place to get started in surfing because the waves are not very big.

9. Balangan Beach

This beach is only 20km from Kuta Beach, so on the same day you can visit both. By car it takes about 40 minutes to get there. The best thing about this beach, besides the views, is that it has an easy access. The parking, which is free, is a few meters from the sand. This beach is very famous among surfers for its magnificent waves. But it is also perfect for relaxing and sunbathing in one of the hammocks.

10. Sanur, the best beach for snorkeling in Bali

This beach is ideal to travel with family. It is a very quiet place, surrounded by palm trees and bathed by calm waters. It is also very well connected and in the surroundings there are many options for accommodation. However, the main attraction of the beach is underwater due to the large number of coral reefs where many marine species live.

To enjoy the marine life you can opt for snorkeling or diving, or you can also take a ride on a boat with a glass bottom. Another interesting activity to do with the family is the Kite Festival in Bali, which is celebrated from May to September.

Itinerary to travel through the beaches of Indonesia

When organizing a trip to Indonesia you have to take into account that the islands are not exactly well connected and a lot of time is lost with the displacements. Between the main islands you can move by plane, as they have small airports, however, to reach some islands it is necessary to take ferries and even small boats. Also it is necessary to bear in mind that to some beaches it is only possible to arrive with private excursions. That is why we recommend you to prepare your trip well in advance to make the most of your time. Here are some ideas to help you organize your trip to the beaches of Indonesia.

The main islands that you should visit and use as a base of operations are Bali, the Island of Java, and the Island of Flowers. From there you can organize excursions to other smaller islands such as Seram, the Komodo Archipelago, or the Raja Ampat Archipelago. On the other hand, if you prefer a calmer vacations, we recommend you to spend them in Bali, where you will find spectacular beaches without having to leave the island neither to cover long distances. Also it is true that it is the most touristy island. Whatever your style of travel is, you are sure to find the perfect beaches in Indonesia.

What should I consider before traveling to Indonesia?

• The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah.
• It is recommended to carry cash for small stores.
• Cards are accepted at most tourist sites.
• The best time to visit Indonesian beaches is May, June and September when it’s still not raining so much and still warm.
• It is not recommended to rent a car to get around the country. Traffic there is very different from European traffic.
• It is best not to drink the tap water, although if it is boiled it can be used for cooking.
• The official language of the country is Bahasa Indonesia, but in the more touristy areas you will be able to communicate in English without problems.
• Be covered for possible medical emergencies: travel insured.
• Indonesia is a safe country, but just in case be careful with your belongings, especially in the more touristy places.

How to prepare what to see on your trip to Indonesia

Register on the website or download the free Passporter App and discover all its possibilities.

• Get inspired by other travelers’ experiences
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions into it.
• Add the stops you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest we indicate in this post as a reference).
• Organize your itinerary by route days according to their location on the map (you can be inspired by the routes we present in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make any modifications you need and you’ll be all set for your trip.
• Share your experience. Upload photos of the places you visited on your trip to the app and recommend to other travelers the best beaches in Indonesia.

If you have doubts about how to do it, you can check our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter. 

Frequently asked questions about a trip to Indonesia