10 Best Beaches to Visit in Indonesia for Paradise Escapes

Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, is a land where endless coastlines meet the magic of turquoise seas and golden horizons. With over 17,000 islands scattered across the equator, it is no surprise that Indonesia is home to some of the most breathtaking beaches on Earth.

From the dramatic cliffs of Bali to the untouched stretches of white sand in the remote Maluku Islands, every beach offers its own story. The gentle roll of waves, the vibrant colours of coral reefs, and the sound of palms swaying in the breeze make the beaches here feel like living postcards.

Exploring Indonesia’s coastline is about more than swimming and sunbathing. It is about discovering unique cultures, tasting fresh seafood by the shore, and watching sunsets that linger long after the day has ended. Some beaches are alive with surfers chasing the perfect wave, while others remain secluded sanctuaries where time slows down.

The diversity is what makes Indonesia truly special, with every stretch of sand carrying a different rhythm.

This guide highlights ten of the very best beaches in Indonesia, chosen for their beauty, character, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or romance, Indonesia’s beaches will welcome you with open arms.

1) Kuta Beach, Bali

Kuta Beach is perhaps the most famous shoreline in Indonesia, known for its vibrant atmosphere and lively spirit. Stretching for several kilometres, the golden sand glistens under the tropical sun while the waves crash with playful energy.

The beach is popular with beginner surfers, who ride the consistent breaks just offshore. Sunseekers lounge on deckchairs as beach vendors offer drinks and local snacks. Kuta is alive with activity, yet its beauty still shines through.

The promenade behind the beach is always bustling, filled with cafés, shops, and colourful market stalls. The air is scented with a mix of salty sea breeze and grilled satay. Street performers entertain the crowds while families gather to build sandcastles along the waterline.

The sound of laughter blends with the rhythm of the ocean, creating a carefree atmosphere. Every corner feels alive with Bali’s unique energy.

As the sun sets, Kuta transforms into one of the island’s most spectacular viewing spots. The horizon glows in fiery shades of orange and purple as crowds gather to watch in awe. Later, the nightlife awakens with bars and restaurants buzzing until late into the night. Kuta Beach is more than just a beach; it is the beating heart of Bali’s coast.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Kuta Beach, Bali

1. Why is Kuta Beach so popular in Bali?

Kuta Beach is popular because of its wide sandy shoreline, lively atmosphere, and beginner-friendly surf waves. It has become the centre of Bali’s tourism with endless shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The sunsets here are among the best on the island, drawing crowds each evening.

2. Is Kuta Beach suitable for families?

Yes, Kuta Beach is suitable for families thanks to its long, sandy stretches and shallow areas near the shore. Children can play on the beach while parents relax under umbrellas. The promenade also offers plenty of food options and shops for convenience. Families should simply remain mindful of the busy crowds during peak times.

3. What is the best time to visit Kuta Beach?

The best time to visit is during the dry season, from April to October. These months offer clear skies, calm seas, and ideal beach weather. The evenings during this period also bring some of the most striking sunsets. Travellers find this season the most enjoyable for both relaxation and surfing.

4. What activities are available at Kuta Beach?

Visitors can surf, sunbathe, shop, or enjoy local street food along the promenade. The area also has a vibrant nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music venues. Families often enjoy strolling along the beach and watching traditional Balinese performances. Kuta Beach offers both relaxation and entertainment in equal measure.

2) Pink Beach, Komodo Island

Pink Beach is one of Indonesia’s most unique and extraordinary natural wonders. The sand here has a soft rosy hue, created by crushed red coral blending with the white grains.

The result is a shoreline that glows pink under the tropical sun, a sight that feels almost otherworldly. The water is crystal clear, perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Pink Beach is a place where nature reveals its rarest colours.

Offshore, vibrant coral reefs burst with marine life, drawing snorkellers and divers from around the world. The water is warm, and schools of fish glimmer like silver beneath the surface.

The air is filled with the scent of salt and the occasional call of seabirds. On land, the surrounding hills rise steeply, offering hiking trails with sweeping views. Every angle of Pink Beach feels like a picture waiting to be captured.

Evenings here are calm and magical as the pink sand reflects the fading light. The peaceful setting contrasts with the wild energy of nearby Komodo dragons, making the island even more famous. Visitors often linger long after the sun dips below the horizon. Pink Beach is both a paradise and a wonder of Indonesia’s natural world.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Pink Beach, Komodo Island

1. Why is Pink Beach unique?

Pink Beach is unique because its sand has a natural pink colour created by coral fragments. Very few beaches in the world share this rare feature. The sight of pink sand against turquoise water is unforgettable. It is one of Indonesia’s most photographed destinations.

2. Can you swim at Pink Beach?

Yes, the calm and clear waters make Pink Beach perfect for swimming. The shallow areas near the shore are safe for beginners and families. Snorkelling is also very popular, with coral reefs located just offshore. Visitors find the warm waters inviting all year round.

3. What is the best time to visit Pink Beach?

The best time is during the dry season, from April to October. These months offer the clearest skies and calm seas. Visitors also find better visibility for snorkelling and diving during this period. The colours of the sand and sea are most vibrant under the summer sun.

4. What activities are available at Pink Beach?

Visitors can swim, snorkel, and hike in the surrounding hills for panoramic views. Photography is a highlight, with the unique sand creating stunning images. Diving offers the chance to see colourful reefs and marine life. Pink Beach is a destination for both relaxation and exploration.

3) Nusa Dua Beach, Bali

Nusa Dua Beach is the polished side of Bali, where soft sand meets calm, lagoon-like water. The shoreline curves gently and the reef keeps waves small inside the bay. Palms stand in neat rows and gardens bloom behind the path. The mood is peaceful and refined without losing Bali’s warmth.

Walk the paved promenade and you pass neat beach clubs, tidy lawns, and shaded loungers. The sea is clear and shallow for a long way, ideal for easy swims. Kayaks and paddleboards glide silently over pale sandbars.

The only sound for minutes can be the splash of a paddle and the whisper of the breeze.

Morning light is glassy and blue, while afternoon turns the water a deeper teal. In the late day a pink glow settles across the bay. Evenings are unhurried, with gentle music and quiet conversations along the shore. Nusa Dua is comfort, calm, and perfect for a slow day.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Nusa Dua Beach, Bali

1. Is Nusa Dua Beach good for children and beginners?

Yes, the reef protects the bay and keeps the water gentle and shallow. Children can wade safely under watch, and beginners can learn to paddleboard with ease. Lifeguards cover the main areas during busy seasons. Families appreciate the clean facilities and easy beach access.

2. How does Nusa Dua compare to Kuta?

Nusa Dua is quieter, more polished, and focused on calm-water relaxation. Kuta is busier, with learner surf waves and lots of nightlife. Travellers who prefer serenity and space tend to choose Nusa Dua. Those who want action and markets often favour Kuta.

3. What is the best time to visit Nusa Dua?

The dry season from April to October brings bright skies and smooth water. Early mornings are especially still for paddling and swimming. Shoulder months like April and October often mean fewer crowds. Wet season can still be pleasant, but showers arrive more often.

4. What can I do at Nusa Dua besides swim?

You can paddleboard, kayak, and walk the long beachfront path. Nearby, the Waterblow lookout sends plumes of spray into the air on big swells. Resorts host Balinese dance shows, spa rituals, and relaxed dining by the sea. A bike ride at sunset is another peaceful way to finish the day.

4) Tanjung Aan, Lombok

Tanjung Aan is a sweeping double bay where white sand pours into water the colour of cool jade. Low hills ring the beach and long curves invite slow walks.

The sand is fine and bright, and in places it feels like tiny pearls underfoot. Traditional fishing boats rest in tidy rows along the edge of the bay.

Out in the water, swimmers drift over clear patches that sparkle in the sun. Gentle waves make the middle of the bay ideal for relaxed swims.

On breezier days, small rollers give bodyboarders something playful to ride. The beach is roomy enough to feel peaceful even when families spread out.

Climb Bukit Merese, the hill at one end, and the view opens across headlands and coves. The sea changes shade with each angle, from mint to deep aquamarine. By sunset the slopes glow and the sand blushes under soft light. Tanjung Aan is Lombok’s easy beauty at its best.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Tanjung Aan, Lombok

1. Is Tanjung Aan suitable for non-surfers?

Yes, the bay is mostly gentle and welcoming for casual swimmers. The central section is calm, while corners can pick up small waves. You can float, snorkel near rocks, and picnic without worrying about big surf. It is a beach built for slow days and simple pleasures.

2. How do you get the best view of Tanjung Aan?

Walk up Bukit Merese for the classic panorama across two bays. The path is short but can be warm, so bring water and sun protection. Sunset is the most dramatic time for colour and photos. Early morning also gives soft light with very few people.

3. When should I visit Tanjung Aan?

Visit from May to September for dry, sunny weather and clear water. Mornings are cooler and calmer, perfect for swims and hill walks. Late afternoons bring golden light and pleasant breezes. Wet season is greener but can include passing showers.

4. What else is near Tanjung Aan?

Nearby Kuta Lombok town has cafés, scooter rentals, and surf schools. Other beaches like Seger and Mawun are a short ride away. Local villages offer weaving workshops and quiet rural roads. You can easily fill two or three days with gentle exploration.

5) Tanjung Tinggi, Belitung

Tanjung Tinggi looks like a natural sculpture garden, with huge granite boulders set in clear water. The sand is pale and soft, and the sea slips from pale mint to bright turquoise.

Between the rocks, little pools warm quickly and make perfect paddling corners. The whole bay feels calm, sheltered, and quietly magical.

Wander along the shoreline and each gap between stones frames a new view. Children hop from rock to rock while snorkellers drift through glassy shallows.

The water is usually gentle, and tiny fish flicker near your feet. The breeze smells lightly of salt and sun-warmed stone.

As the day cools, shadows deepen around the boulders and colours grow richer. Sunset glows against the granite, turning the rocks honey-gold. Evenings are peaceful, with only the hush of small waves and crickets in the background. Tanjung Tinggi is the soft, surprising heart of Belitung’s coast.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Tanjung Tinggi, Belitung

1. What makes Tanjung Tinggi special?

The beach is famous for its giant granite boulders and calm, clear water. These stones create natural pools that are perfect for paddling and photos. The setting feels both playful and serene at the same time. It is one of Indonesia’s most distinctive island landscapes.

2. Is it good for families with small children?

Yes, the shallows between the rocks are sheltered and warm. Parents like the easy entry and the soft sand underfoot. Do watch little ones on the smooth boulders, as they can be slippery. With care, it is a gentle place for a family swim.

3. When is the best time to visit Tanjung Tinggi?

Dry months from April to October usually bring the clearest water and brightest skies. Early morning is quiet, with calm pools and empty sands. Late afternoon is lovely for photographs as the rocks take on golden tones. The shoulder periods also mean fewer tour groups.

4. What else can I do nearby?

Take a short boat hop to island beaches with equally clear water. Visit local seafood stalls for fresh grilled fish by the shore. Explore more boulder-lined coves along Belitung’s coast by scooter. A full day here easily passes with swimming, wandering, and simple seaside meals.

6) Padang Padang Beach, Bali

Padang Padang Beach is a small but stunning cove tucked between limestone cliffs on Bali’s Bukit Peninsula. You reach it by descending stone steps through a narrow rock passage, and suddenly the sand opens in front of you.

The water shines in shades of turquoise and emerald, calm and welcoming. Waves further out attract experienced surfers, while the shore remains peaceful. The beach feels hidden, yet it is one of Bali’s most celebrated spots.

The sand is golden and fine, with boulders rising like sculptures along the waterline. Small warungs serve drinks and snacks under leafy shade. Children play in the shallows while travellers relax on towels spread across the warm sand.

The atmosphere is relaxed and easy, with no rush to do anything at all. Even the air carries a quiet calm, scented with salt and coconut oil.

By afternoon, the tide pulls back, revealing small rock pools filled with crabs and shells. The cliffs turn golden as the sun lowers, making the beach glow like a hidden jewel. Evenings bring fewer people, leaving the sound of the sea as the main rhythm. Padang Padang is small in size but large in beauty and memory.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Padang Padang Beach, Bali

1. Why is Padang Padang Beach famous?

Padang Padang gained international fame when it appeared in the film Eat Pray Love. Its beauty, with golden sand framed by cliffs, has always drawn visitors. The combination of calm cove and surf waves offshore makes it unique. It is often called one of Bali’s most photogenic beaches.

2. Is Padang Padang good for swimming?

Yes, the inner cove is calm and safe for swimming, especially at low tide. Families often let children paddle in the shallow water. Further out, stronger waves are best left to surfers. Swimmers should remain near the shore for comfort and safety.

3. What is the best time to visit Padang Padang?

The best time is early in the morning before the crowds arrive. Dry season from April to October brings the clearest skies and most reliable conditions. Late afternoons are also peaceful with beautiful golden light. Arriving outside peak hours allows you to enjoy its charm fully.

4. What activities can you do at Padang Padang Beach?

You can swim, sunbathe, and explore the rock pools at low tide. Surfing is possible further out for experienced riders. Small cafés offer refreshments and local snacks. Many travellers simply relax and soak in the cove’s unique atmosphere.

7) Gili Trawangan Beach, Lombok

Gili Trawangan Beach is the crown jewel of the Gili Islands, known for its lively charm and crystal-clear waters. The sand is soft and pale, meeting shallow seas that glow turquoise in the sun.

Snorkellers drift just offshore and often spot turtles gliding gracefully through the water. Bicycles and horse carts replace cars on the island, adding to its laid-back feel. Gili Trawangan is both lively and idyllic at once.

The beach is lined with cafés, dive shops, and colourful beach bars. Music drifts across the sand while travellers lounge in hammocks strung under palms. The air smells of grilled seafood and salty breezes.

Paddleboards and kayaks dot the water, while groups gather for snorkelling trips to nearby reefs. Energy hums throughout the day but never overwhelms.

At sunset, Gili Trawangan transforms into a celebration of colour and sound. The sun dips into the ocean, and beach bars light lanterns as music picks up. Fire dancers sometimes perform, adding to the magic of evening. Gili Trawangan Beach is where fun and natural beauty meet in harmony.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Gili Trawangan Beach, Lombok

1. Why is Gili Trawangan Beach popular?

It is popular for its lively atmosphere, clear water, and abundance of activities. Travellers enjoy the mix of nightlife and relaxed island living. Snorkelling with turtles is a highlight for many visitors. Its car-free environment also makes it feel different from larger islands.

2. Is Gili Trawangan safe for families?

Yes, families visit Gili Trawangan for its shallow waters and easy swimming. Children enjoy the calm sections close to shore. Parents appreciate the variety of cafés and shops nearby. The only caution is the busier nightlife areas, which families can avoid by staying in quieter parts.

3. What is the best time to visit Gili Trawangan?

The best time is from May to September during the dry season. The sea is clear and calm, ideal for snorkelling and diving. Evenings bring vibrant sunsets with warm, dry weather. Travellers find these months the most enjoyable for island life.

4. What activities can you do at Gili Trawangan?

You can snorkel, dive, kayak, or cycle around the island. Yoga classes, beach bars, and cooking workshops also attract visitors. At night, the island comes alive with music and fire shows. Gili Trawangan offers both adventure and relaxation.

8) Nihiwatu Beach, Sumba

Nihiwatu Beach on Sumba Island is often described as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Its golden sand stretches for miles, backed by rolling green hills and palm groves.

The waves here are powerful, making it famous among expert surfers. Yet the beach remains quiet and secluded, with far fewer visitors than Bali or Lombok. Nihiwatu feels like a private paradise.

The air is fresh and filled with the scent of wildflowers from nearby fields. Horses sometimes trot along the sand, adding to the island’s romantic charm. The water is a deep blue, contrasting sharply with the glowing sand. Families play near the calmer edges, while surfers tackle waves further out. The atmosphere is peaceful and inspiring.

At sunset, the horizon lights up in glowing shades of orange and crimson. The beach feels almost untouched, with only the sound of waves crashing onto the shore. Nights are quiet, lit by stars scattered across a clear sky. Nihiwatu Beach is a reminder of how wild and pristine Indonesia’s islands can be.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Nihiwatu Beach, Sumba

1. Why is Nihiwatu Beach famous?

It is famous for its beauty, seclusion, and powerful surf waves. The beach is often ranked among the most beautiful in the world. Its remote location adds to its charm and exclusivity. It combines natural wonder with a sense of privacy.

2. Is Nihiwatu Beach suitable for beginners?

The surf is challenging and best left to advanced surfers. Beginners should enjoy the calmer edges or simply swim in shallow areas. Lessons may be available through resorts but only in safe spots. The waves offshore are known for their strength and power.

3. When is the best time to visit Nihiwatu Beach?

The best time is from May to September, during the dry season. These months bring sunny weather and ideal conditions for surfing. Sunsets are particularly striking at this time of year. Wet season can bring heavy rains and rougher seas.

4. What activities are available at Nihiwatu Beach?

Visitors can surf, swim, ride horses, or simply walk along the vast sand. The beach is also a great place for photography and stargazing. Local villages nearby welcome visitors with traditional crafts. Nihiwatu offers both cultural depth and natural splendour.

9) Derawan Beach, East Kalimantan

Derawan Beach is part of the Derawan Islands, known for their incredible marine biodiversity. The sand is soft and white, meeting waters so clear they seem unreal. Just steps from the beach, snorkellers can see turtles, rays, and schools of colourful fish.

Wooden jetties stretch into the sea, offering perfect viewpoints and diving platforms. Derawan feels like a hidden paradise.

The island’s atmosphere is quiet and welcoming, with simple guesthouses and friendly locals. The salty air blends with the scent of grilled fish served by the shore. Children splash in the shallows while divers prepare their gear nearby.

The sound of gentle waves and distant bird calls sets a tranquil mood. Life feels slower here, in the best way possible.

Evenings bring a calm glow across the water as the horizon fades into soft blues and pinks. The night sky reveals countless stars, mirrored on the still sea. Visitors often sit on the jetties, enjoying the peaceful rhythm of nature. Derawan Beach is a place where the sea feels alive with wonder.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Derawan Beach, East Kalimantan

1. Why is Derawan Beach special?

Derawan is special because of its rich marine life and crystal-clear water. The area is known as a diving and snorkelling haven. Turtles are often seen swimming just offshore, delighting visitors. Its mix of nature and serenity makes it stand out.

2. Is Derawan Beach good for diving?

Yes, Derawan is excellent for diving, with reefs full of colourful corals and fish. Divers often encounter manta rays and even whale sharks in the area. The visibility is usually very good, adding to the experience. It is one of Indonesia’s top diving destinations.

3. What is the best time to visit Derawan Beach?

The best time is between March and October when the seas are calmest. These months offer great conditions for snorkelling and diving. Rainy season can still be beautiful but may bring reduced visibility. Most visitors choose the dry months for the clearest water.

4. What activities are available at Derawan Beach?

Visitors can swim, snorkel, and dive among rich marine life. Boat trips take travellers to nearby islands for even more exploration. Relaxing on the jetties and watching turtles is another highlight. Derawan is a perfect mix of adventure and tranquillity.

10) Ora Beach, Seram Island

Ora Beach in the Maluku Islands is often compared to the Maldives for its unspoiled beauty. The beach is small, with soft white sand and water so clear you can see fish swimming below. Wooden bungalows stand over the sea, connected by simple walkways. The setting feels intimate, remote, and peaceful.

The surrounding mountains rise steeply, covered in lush green rainforest. Birdsong carries from the trees while the breeze ripples across the bay. Snorkelling is extraordinary, with coral gardens just steps from the beach.

The air is fresh and filled with the scent of salt and wildflowers. Ora Beach is nature at its purest.

At sunset, the water reflects fiery shades from the sky. Nights bring silence broken only by the sound of waves lapping under the bungalows. Stars shine brightly above, far from any city lights. Ora Beach feels like a true hidden paradise.

FAQs/Things to know before visiting Ora Beach, Seram Island

1. Why is Ora Beach called the Maldives of Indonesia?

Ora Beach is called that because of its clear turquoise waters, coral reefs, and overwater bungalows. The scenery is strikingly similar to the Maldives but with fewer crowds. The atmosphere is intimate and natural, far from busy resorts. It is a gem of the Maluku Islands.

2. Is Ora Beach easy to reach?

Ora Beach is remote and requires a combination of flights, boats, and drives. This journey adds to its untouched and exclusive feeling. The effort is rewarded with one of Indonesia’s most beautiful beaches. Travellers who make the trip often say it feels like discovering a secret.

3. When is the best time to visit Ora Beach?

The best time is from September to December when conditions are calm and clear. This period offers great visibility for snorkelling and diving. Other months can still be pleasant but may bring rain showers. Visitors usually plan for the dry months to see the best colours of the sea.

4. What activities can you do at Ora Beach?

You can snorkel right off the bungalows into colourful coral gardens. Swimming and kayaking in the calm bay are also enjoyable. Birdwatching in the surrounding forest adds another experience. Ora Beach is about relaxation, exploration, and pure natural beauty.

Indonesia’s beaches are as diverse as its islands, offering everything from lively surf towns to untouched coral bays. Kuta and Gili Trawangan bring energy and fun, while Ora and Pink Beach showcase colours and calm found nowhere else.

Some beaches invite adventure with surfing and diving, while others slow time down with sunsets and silence.

Each destination holds its own charm, tied to the culture and nature around it. Travelling through these beaches is more than a holiday; it is a journey through Indonesia’s soul. From the cliffs of Bali to the reefs of Derawan and the remoteness of Sumba, each stop reveals new stories.

Families, couples, and solo adventurers will all find corners of paradise that suit their style. Wherever you go, the memories will linger long after you leave. Indonesia’s beaches are not just places on a map but experiences waiting to be lived.

When exploring these hidden gems, always consider hiring a guide or joining a tour group, as some locations may require local expertise for the best experience.

Did you know we have a Hidden Gem Finder on our website? This handy little map shows over 13,000 hidden gems across the entire world with their exact co-ordinates available to view on Google Maps as well as an image/description for each one!