Indonesia Beaches
Warm sand between your toes, the sound of waves lapping on the shore, fishing boats bobbing on the shimmery sea and a cold drink in your hand…sounds positively blissful, doesn’t it? Indonesia has some beautiful beaches on offer. Whether you want to take to the waves at one of Bali’s cliff-backed bays, discover something new at Pink Beach in Flores or soak up the sun on the sugary white sands of Lombok and the Gilis, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Indonesia.
The Gilis
The Gilis are three small islands off the coast of Lombok and a 2-hour speedboat ride away from Bali. With their white sandy beaches, superb snorkelling and diving areas, quiet roads, and that typical island feel, they’re easily one of the most sought-after spots in Indonesia. Between them, the three islands have something for everybody. Gili Meno boasts quiet beaches with a few loungers where you can lay back with a good book, grab your snorkel gear and marvel at the marine life. Gili Air is the smallest island, but a little busier than Meno. It’s also known as the diving island and is the best place to see the underwater life, and get qualified with your PADI certificate. Gili Trawangan is by far the largest and liveliest of the three; drawing boatfuls of younger crowds who flock to its beaches and bars.
Sanur
The golden soft beach of southern Bali has plenty of restaurants and shops to visit after a relaxing day at the beach. Your hotel is just walking distance from the sands and if you’re after the ultimate relaxation, enjoy a pampering spa visit.
Jimbaran
This long stretch of wide beach means it hardly ever gets crowded, one of the reasons why it’s known as Bali’s best and the locals favourite. There are no hotels directly on the beach, only small seafood restaurants where you can enjoy your freshly caught dinner whilst watching the sun go down.
Cubadak Island
If you’re looking for a secluded beach escape, Cubadak is a tiny exotic island just a short boat trip away from the Sumatra coastline. Search the forest for monkeys, swim in the clear ocean, indulge in a spot of sun-kissed island hopping and snorkel to rainbow coral reefs.
Pangandaran
A popular hotspot with the locals on Java, this beach is a stretch of black volcanic sand with surfers and bobbing fishing boats scattered across the horizon. Packed with character, it’s a working beach and sandy playground rolled into one.
