The following list highlights some of the best beaches in Indonesia. So if you are in Indonesia, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Java
Batu Topeng Beach, Karimun Jawa
Address – Batu Topeng Beach, Karimun Jawa, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 5°50’18.9″S 110°24’52.7″E
Batu Topeng Beach is located in Karimun Jawa, an Indonesian archipelago. Batu Topeng is a quiet beach, with many corals and rocks which makes it not really suitable for swimming. People usually come here to sunbathe and enjoy a serene sunset on the white sand. There is a volleyball court where you can play with friendly strangers. Small warungs offer food and different juices; in Samudra Seafood, you can enjoy a delicious seafood barbeque.
Batu Putih Beach, Karimun Jawa
Address – Batu Putih Beach, Karimun Jawa, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 5°48’17.7″S 110°29’16.7″E
Batu Putih Beach is located in Karimun Jawa, just like Batu Topeng. It is a calm beach perfect to relax and good for kids. You can spot different fish as you swim. Watching the sunrise in the quiet beach is a stunning experience, only with the sound of the waves washing over the sand.
Tanjung Gelam Beach, Karimun Jawa
Address – Tanjung Gelam Beach, Karimun Jawa, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 5°50’23.3″S 110°24’39.7″E
Tanjung Gelam Beach is another beautiful beach located in the island of Karimun Jawa. This white sand beach offers you one of the most breathtaking sunsets and cleaner waters. There is a small fee to pay in order to get into the beach. Snorkeling is a top activity since the waters are tinted in different shades of greens and blues; there are also banana rides available. Warungs here have good prices and even better food and drinks. The road to get to Tanjung Gelam Beach is not paved, so be careful on your way.
Pangandaran Beach, Java
Address – Pangandaran Beach, West Java, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 7°41’14.3″S 108°38’14.5″E
Pangandaran Beach is located on the southern coast of West Java, Indonesia. Lined with palm trees and offering both sunrise and sunset views, this serene beach is a great option to have a relaxing day. The beach is rather windy, and the strong wind creates equally strong waves, making this a great surfing spot. However, the water is still safe for swimming. There are plenty of options to eat, such as restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as accommodation nearby. The beach is popular among tourists and locals alike; keep in mind that it can be crowded during weekends.
Cimaja Beach, Java
Address – Pantai Cimaja, West Java, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 6°57’40.2″S 106°29’10.0″E
Cimaja Beach is located on the southern coast of Western Java, Indonesia. Both sandy and pebbly, this picturesque beach offers a laid-back atmosphere perfect to relax and clear a stressed mind. The waves are strong and perfect for suring, making Cimaja Beach a top surfing spot in Indonesia. Keep in mind that the water is not safe for everyone to swim. You can find restaurants and cafes, stores and accommodation in the town nearby. It can be busy during holidays and weekends, but remains empty during weekdays.
The Best Beaches in Kalimantan
Derawan Beach, Derawan
Address – Derawan Dive Resort, Derawan, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 2°17’04.0″N 118°14’50.3″E
Derawan Beach is located in Derawan Island, and it is one of the top tourist spots in the area. For this reason, it can be very crowded, but the experience is still amazing. The sand is white and soft, and its crystal clear waters make it perfect for diving and snorkeling, as you admire the beautiful underwater life. For a fun experience, banana rides are available, and each banana boat can take up to five people. Visit Derawan Beach at noon, when sunshine gives you perfect visibility underwater.
The Best Beaches in Lesser Sunda Islands
Pink Beach, Komodo
Address – Pink Beach, Komodo, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 8°36’04.2″S 119°31’11.9″E
Pink Beach is located in Komodo, and it is also known as Pantai Merah. This is one of the seven pink beaches on the planet, white sand mixing with soft pink sand to create a magical and beautiful hue. Underwater, a reef system makes this beach a true wonder; fish, coral, and sea anemone create a whole world. Snorkeling is a top activity in Pantai Merah, and you can spot brightly colored fishes and turtles.
Balangan Beach, Kuta
Address – Froggy Cafe, Kuta, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 8°47’31.7″S 115°07’24.0″E
Balangan Beach is located in Kuta. The beach is clean and quiet, perfect if you are looking for isolation and beautiful sceneries. You can find some warungs with basic but delicious food options. The waves are not really for swimming, but they make Balangan Beach a favorite among surfers; be careful since it is rocky underwater. However, the beach is really hard to find, so not many people make the effort to get here.
Bingin Beach, Bali
Address – Bingin Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 8°48’20.8″S 115°06’46.7″E
Bingin Beach is located in Bali. This is another famous spot for surfing, especially frequented by young people, but still perfect for all ages. The beach is both sandy and rocky. If you walk along the beach, you can definitely find an isolated area; surfers are usually to the far right. There are some bars serving drinks and barbeque seafood; avoid drinking too much since the walk up the cliff to leave the beach can be very hard and tiring.
Canggu Beach, Bali Island
Address – Canggu, North Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 8°39’39.6″S 115°07’54.4″E
Canggu Beach is located on the southern coast of Bali. This black sand beach has warm water and good waves, attracting surfers that give the place a lively feeling. There are restaurants, bars, and cafes around the area, most of them offering Western cuisine. Watching the sunset reflecting on the clear waters is an experience in itself. Canggu Beach is not very good for swimming, but you can take some surfing lessons and learn the basics.
Nusa Dua Beach, Bali
Address – Benoa, South Kuta, Badung Regency, Bali, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 8°48’59.8″S 115°13’32.0″E
Nusa Dua Beach is located on the eastern coast of the Bukit Peninsula, in Bali, Indonesia. Backdropped by verdant trees and basking on a quiet atmosphere, this stunning beach gives off the feeling of a remote, paradisiacal island. The water is clear, with calm waves making it safe for everyone to swim; for this reason, the beach is a favorite among families with small kids. There are many restaurants and resorts along the beach and nearby. It rarely gets crowded, but can feel busy during the weekend, especially in the afternoon.
Gili Trawangan Beach, Lombok
Google Maps Link – 8°20’59.6″S 116°01’41.6″E
Gili Trawangan Beach is located on the western coast of Gili Trawangan, a small island part of the Gili Island of Lombok, Indonesia. Picturesque and serene, this stunning sandy beach is a great option to sunbathe and relax. Along the beach you can find swings in the sand, offering unique photo opportunities, especially during the sunset. Since the waves tend to be strong, as well as the undercurrents, this beach is not safe for everyone to swim. There are a few great hotels and restaurants along the beach. It is not a popular or touristy beach, so it rarely gets busy.
Sira Beach, Lombok
Address – Dusun Sira Bat, Sigar Penjalin, Lombok Utara, Nusa Tenggara Timur, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 8°21’50.2″S 116°05’58.0″E
Sira Beach is located in West Lombok, Indonesia. This remote, peaceful beach, with its soft sand and beautiful views over the nearby Gili Air island, is the perfect getaway from a busy life. The shallow water is perfect for a relaxing bath rather than a fun swim; this makes the beach safe for everyone. Besides the resort in the area, there are no facilities or places to eat at the beach; make sure you bring everything you might need. The beach is not a popular tourist spot, and it is usually empty and quiet, offering a great atmosphere to sunbathe, relax and admire the sunset.
Seminyak Beach, Bali
Address – Seminyak Beach, Bali, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 8°41’30.8″S 115°09’27.8″E
Seminyak Beach is located in Seminyak, a town in South Bali, Indonesia. A wide, extensive sandy beach perfect for walking and jogging, with great spots for photography and stunning sunset views. The waves are great for surfing and still safe for swimming; you can also get a horseback ride along the beach to admire the views. There are a few restaurants and hotels in the area, with bars giving this beach an amazing nightlife. It can be busy during weekends nights, especially around the bars.
Kelingking Beach, Bali
Address – T-Rex Bay Nusa Penida, Bunga Mekar, Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, Bali 80771, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 8°45’02.7″S 115°28’23.4″E
Kelingking Beach is located on the southwestern coast of Penida Island, an island off the coast of Bali, Indonesia. This secluded beach, with its soft sand and bright blue waters, is surrounded by steep cliffs and verdant hills, giving off unforgettable views. The water is clear with small waves, perfect to swim and relax. To get to the beach, you need to climb down a flight of slippery stairs, which can take you around 40 minutes; not many people dare to go down, so the beach is usually empty and quiet. There are no restaurants at the beach, but you can find some local restaurants along the road and in the town.
Tanjung Aan Beach, Nusa Tenggara
Address – Tanjung Aan Beach, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 8°54’33.0″S 116°19’17.2″E
Tanjung Aan Beach is located on the southern coast of Lombok, part of West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. A long stretch of white sand and blue waters, offering a quiet atmosphere and dramatic views with verdant hills breaking the horizon. The water is crystal clear, with small waves making it a great spot for surfing, but still safe for swimming. Around the beach, you can find some spots for photography; such as the wooden swings, and the view from the top of a small hill. There are a few restaurants and cafes in the area. It rarely gets crowded, but can be busy during weekends, especially on sunny days.
Nyang Nyang Beach, Bali
Address – Pantai Nyang Nyang, Bali, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 8°50’21.7″S 115°05’37.2″E
Nyang Nyang Beach is located on the southern coast of the Bukit Peninsula, in Bali, Indonesia. Backdropped and enclosed by verdant hills, this isolated beach of white sand is a great option to relax and disconnect from the rest of the world. The water has strong waves and undercurrents, making it great for surfing but not really safe for swimming. To reach Nyang Nyang Beach, you need to walk along a rocky path down the cliff for around 10 minutes. You can find a couple of small restaurants, called warung, on top of the cliffs; bring your own food if you plan on staying at the beach for long. It rarely gets crowded or busy, and the atmosphere is always quiet.
Koka Beach, Nusa Tenggara
Address – Wolowiro, Paga, Sikka Regency, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 8°47’42.1″S 122°01’04.3″E
Koka Beach is located on the southern coast of Flores, an island part of East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This stunning white sandy beach is backdropped by verdant hills, with bright blue waters creating a breathtaking mix of colors. The water is usually calm and safe for swimming, but around October the waves are stronger and great for surfing. You can also hike around the hills and find some of the most beautiful viewpoints. Koda Beach is frequented mostly by locals and tends to be quiet and calm, however it can be crowded during weekends. You can find restaurants and food vendors along the beach.
The Best Beaches in Sumatra
Trikora Beach, Bintan
Address – trikora, Kawal, Gn. Kijang, Kabupaten Bintan, Kepulauan Riau 29151, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 1°08’31.5″N 104°35’07.2″E
Trikora Beach is located on the eastern coast of Bintan Island, one of the Riau Islands of Indonesia. A narrow stretch of soft white sand, lined with palm trees and offering a quiet atmosphere perfect to sunbathe and relax. The water is calm, with small waves and a gentle slope making it safe for everyone to swim. You can also rent canoes or get a banana boat ride. There is a restaurant along the road, but no facilities at the beach. It rarely gets crowded, and even during the busiest days, the beach is long enough to allow a quiet spot for everyone.
Nongsa Beach, Batam
Address – Sambau, Nongsa, Batam City, Riau Islands, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 1°11’44.9″N 104°05’11.8″E
Nongsa Beach is located on the northern coast of Batam Island, part of the Riau Islands of Indonesia. With an active atmosphere and a stunning coastal scenery, this popular beach is a great option to spend a fun day with family or friends. The water is calm and shallow, safe for everyone to swim. You can also rent a boat to get to the small Putri Island, or enjoy a banana boat ride. There are a few restaurants and cafes in the area, and many small food stalls along the beach. I can get busy during weekends, especially in the afternoon.
Pantai Air Manis, Sumatra
Address – Pantai Air Manis, West Sumatra, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 0°59’28.3″S 100°21’37.7″E
Pantai Air Manis is located in Padang, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Extensive and picturesque, this sandy beach offers a unique beach day, with stunning sunset views and a calm atmosphere. The water is not clean enough for swimming, but the stretch of sand is perfect for walking and jogging. A highlight of this beach is riding an ATV to explore around the beach, and during low tide, you can reach a nearby island. Legend has it Malin Kundang, a thief, was cursed by his own mother for disobeying her; today, you can see him turned to stone in Pantai Air Manis. There are a few restaurants and cafes along the beach, as well as vendors, and accommodation nearby. It can feel crowded during weekend afternoons, especially with people driving ATVs.
The Best Beaches in Western New Guinea
Kofiau Island, Indonesia
Address – Kofiau Island, Indonesia
Google Maps Link – 1°13’44.7″S 129°48’13.4″E
Kofiau Island is located on the Raja Ampat archipelago, and it’s the smallest and least visited island out of all the major ones in the archipelago. Kofiau has beautiful scenery, with volcanic hills blanketed with bright rainforest. On the beaches, you can choose to only swim and sunbathe, but for an unforgettable experience, go diving and snorkeling. The coral diversity on this island is breathtaking, and the diverse colors make underwater photography a top activity.