The Best Beaches in Indonesia for Every Traveler

With a lush tropical climate and more miles of coastline than any other country on earth, Indonesia is the world’s ultimate beach destination. The beaches that line the shores of this enormous archipelago are famed for their black and golden sands, epic surf breaks, prismatic coral reefs, and vibrant seaside parties. Indeed, there’s a stretch of sand here for every type of traveler.

Choosing the right beach for you can be challenging in a nation with more than 17,500 islands. Here is our pick of the best beaches in Indonesia, from Sumatra in the west all the way to Papua in the east.

1. Pantai Jelenga, Sumbawa

Best beach for surfers

This emerging beach destination on the west coast of Sumbawa has a growing following among surfers, who are lured here by the chance to tackle Scar Reef, a world-class left-hand break that barrels just offshore. The Little Bingin and Phantom breaks also deliver thrilling rides.

A number of attractive surf lodges make this remote locale an incredibly comfy base, but you’ll rarely have to share the waves with more than a handful of fellow visitors. Tranquil waters closer to shore along Pantai Jelenga are excellent for kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding.

2. Suluban Beach, Bali

Best beach for combining nature and culture

Of all the pocket-sized beaches along Bali’s Bukit Peninsula, Suluban may be the most unique. You can paddle out to the surf breaks that Uluwatu is famous for, and there’s plenty to explore on land, from limestone grottos and hidden caves to spectacular clifftop cafes for a tropical sundowner. Suluban is also right by Pura Luhur Ulu Watu, a dramatic Hindu sea temple perched on the edge of a 70m (230ft) cliff.

3. Pink Beach, Komodo

Best beach for Instagrammers

Komodo may be most famous as the home of the world’s largest lizard, the Komodo dragon, but this small island also features a perfect pink-sand beach. Pantai Merah, or Pink Beach, gets its rosy hue from the crushed shells of foraminifera—microscopic single-celled marine animals that live on the underside of offshore reefs.

While the beach doesn’t look quite as radiant in midday sun, it’s every bit as amazing as the Instagrammers claim at dusk or dawn.

4. Selong Blanak, Lombok

Best beach for beginner surfers

On an island full of busy, bone-white beaches, Selong Blanak stands out with its bright turquoise waters and serene atmosphere. Located about 22km west of Lombok’s southern resort hub of Kuta, this comparatively uncrowded beach features bamboo-framed warungs, with a sprinkling of local eateries along the long crescent of sand. The sea is ideal for swimming, and beginner surfers flock here to test their skills.

5. Bawana Beach, Sumba

Best beach for photography

A giant stone arch towers over the white sands on this spectacular stretch of shoreline in northwestern Sumba, creating a perfect frame for stunning beach shots. Visitors may encounter local guides to assist with climbing down to the sandy shores. At certain times of the year, you can catch the sunset dropping into the arch, creating a picturesque scene that is simply breathtaking.

6. Iboih Beach, Sumatra

Best beach for snorkeling

Reefs abound in Indonesia, and Iboih Beach on Pulau Weh in Sumatra’s Aceh province is awash with healthy corals that attract a kaleidoscope of tropical fish. It’s a favorite escapade for budget-minded snorkelers, who mask up to explore the reefs right from the beach. Local dive shops also run courses and shore dives at reasonable prices.

7. Gili T, The Gili Islands

Best beach for a party

If your ideal day at the beach ends in a party, then Gili Trawangan is the spot for you. Nightlife on the largest of the Gili Islands is vibrant, with electronic dance music pulsating through the nights, making it a popular destination for those seeking a lively atmosphere.

8. Pantai Ngurtavur, Maluku

Best beach for aerial photography

Picture a thin squiggle of sand jutting out into a gem-colored bay, and you can begin to imagine the scene at Pantai Ngurtavur. This ephemeral sandbar, visible only at low tide, is located in the remote Kei Islands and is most easily reached by chartered boat.

9. Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida

Best beach for total privacy

Nusa Penida is encircled by stunning beaches that travelers expect to find in Bali but often struggle to discover. Topping the list is Diamond Beach, surrounded by soaring cliff walls that give it a private cove feel.

10. Tanjung Tinggi Beach, Sumatra

Best beach for monkeying around

Tanjung Tinggi is encased in a labyrinth of giant rocks, making it a unique spot for adventurous spirits. This beach gained popularity due to its appearance in the film Laskar Pelangi, yet its isolation keeps international tourists at bay.

11. Tangkoko Beach, Sulawesi

Best beach for wildlife watchers

If your ideal beach vacation involves hiking and wildlife-watching, Tangkoko in North Sulawesi is your spot. This lovely grey-sand beach lies along the coast of Tangkoko-Batuangus Dua Saudara Nature Reserve, filled with an array of rare rainforest fauna.