The best beaches in Indonesia for surfing, snorkelling, and chilling

Good for Stunning views and a cool sea cave.

Kelingking Beach, on Bali’s offshore island of Nusa Penida, is a stretch of fine white sand of epic proportions. Also called T-Rex because of the dinosaur-shaped rock formations surrounding it, this golden cove attracts a constant stream of Instagram-obsessed visitors. It’s easy to see why – the roadside viewpoint hundreds of metres above the ocean unlocks a monumental vista. This is enough for most, due to the twisting, vertigo-inducing 40-minute walk down steep stone steps to the beach. Once down on the sandy cove, it’s pretty much a castaway haven with only a handful of others to share the sand with. There are no beach vendors, so come prepared. At midday, find cool respite in the massive sea cave at the far end of the beach.

Good for Its lively vibe and a wide array of beach activities.

Concealed behind towering limestone cliffs which feature dramatic sculptures of Balinese Hindu deities, Pandawa Beach remains a relatively hidden beach on Bali’s crowded southern coastline. It’s a pristine stretch of white sand popular with weekend groups but is expansive enough to have space for everyone. This is arguably Bali’s best beach to strike the right balance between pristine natural beauty and a wide array of beach activities. Go snorkelling and kayaking in the shallows, surfing in the waves, e-biking to explore further afield, or even tandem paragliding off the clifftops.

Good for Watching local farmers march their water buffalo herd along the beach after a day working in the paddy fields.

Lombok’s crowning glory is a 1km arc of dazzling sugary white sand that ticks all the boxes for serious beach bums. It’s sheltered by forested hills at either end, so it’s a go-to spot for snorkelling, playing in the calm shallows with the kids, or learning to surf on easy-going, consistent waves. This wide sandy beach is fringed by local snack shacks and bamboo tiki bars, all with a chilled beachy vibe. With a verdant backdrop of undulating emerald green hills and the bobbing ‘jukung’ fishing boats, this is the serene coastal haven you’ve been searching for. 

Good for A desert island castaway experience.

When a pristine white sand beach is just not enough, how about a castaway island all to yourself? Gili Kedis, known as ‘Honeymoon Island’, is a tiny slice of paradise fringed by pristine, shallow reefs smaller in size than a football field. Located just off the southwest Lombok mainland, there is nothing here but blinding white sand and pure serenity. Just a handful of chartered outrigger boats are allowed at any one time, so expect no more than perhaps a dozen other people outside of holidays and weekends. Come in the morning and grab this desert island all to yourself.

Good for: Spectacular ocean sunsets.

The Karimunjawa chain of coral-fringed islands is the quintessential long weekend escape for stressed metropolitans from Jakarta and other overcrowded Javan cities. Still, it’s an expansive protected natural marine reserve spanning a dozen islands, so it has a very distinctive low-key island vibe. Boasting arguably Java’s best snorkelling and diving on pristine reefs, the beach provides unlimited opportunities to swim with turtles and get horizontal on windswept palm-fringed beaches. One not to miss is Ujung Gelam Beach on the far west coast of the main island. Expect fine white sands and crystal clear waters. Claim a spot on the sand to catch the main attraction – the fiery red and orange glow of the famed Ujung Gelam ocean sunset.

Good for Stunning pink-hued sand and superb snorkelling.

One of just a handful of true pink beaches on the planet, the fairytale pink sands of Komodo Island make a dramatic contrast to the shimmering turquoise waters and arid, rocky hills of the island’s interior. The product of microscopic crushed red corals mixed with the pure white sand, it looks – and feels – like the shoreline was sprinkled with pink-hued pixie dust. Yes, the sand is that soft. Imagine a dragon frolicking on a pink beach: This seemingly unreal scenario can and does actually happen. Remember, this is the habitat of the infamous Komodo dragon. 

Good for Outstanding snorkelling on pristine coral reefs and hiking. 

This is yet another perfectly formed tropical offshore haven at the edge of the UNESCO World Heritage Komodo National Park. In the shadow of lush forested hills, Kanawa’s beach is blindingly white and lapped by mesmerising shallow reefs filled with an astounding array of marine life. The snorkelling here is immense and perfectly safe for kids, too. There is a moderately challenging trail up the hill, which unlocks a sweeping view across the National Park seascape. Kenawa is just a short hop from Komodo’s main hub, Labuan Bajo. It’s also a regular stop on Komodo liveaboard dive cruises departing from Bali and Lombok.