10 Indonesian Beaches That Are Amazing Year-Round

Nusa Dua Beach in Bali has long been recognized as not only one of Indonesia’s best beaches, but one of the most beautiful beaches in the world — and it’s easy to see why. If you were to picture paradise, it would probably look a little something like this beach. With plenty of white sand for sunbathing, watersport options, a Balinese spa, and numerous hotels, resorts and restaurants, this Indonesia beach should top your list. 

• Best time to visit: For the best beach weather, visit Denpasar between June and September.
• Known for: World-class hotels and all-inclusive resorts

Kuta Beach is most certainly Bali’s main beach for tourists. As such, it is full of popular resorts, located mere minutes from the island’s international airport. With Indonesia’s signature white sand and crashing waves, Kuta Beach is a surfer’s paradise but is also great for long, romantic walks along the beach. 

• Best time to visit: Be sure to visit in the evening to take in the beautiful sunset.
• Known for: Some of the best resorts available in Bali 

With an adorable name and stunning scenery, Senggigi in Lombok is one of Indonesia’s beaches that can’t be missed if you’re a sea-life aficionado. The waters along Senggigi beach are crystal clear, making them perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving. Take a walk along the pathway that winds along the beach before stopping into one of the many wonderful restaurants in Senggigi town for dinner. 

• Best time to visit: Year round! Lombok’s wet season is much drier than Bali’s, so visiting Senggigi Beach any time of the year should be enjoyable.
• Known for: Snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities

It’s hard to deny that Pangandaran Beach is one of Java Island’s most beautiful beaches, yet it is also often referred to as one of Java’s best kept secrets! Located just 92 kilometers from the city of Ciamis, this is another Indonesian beach that is perfect for surfing. If catching waves isn’t your thing, there’s also a marine park to enjoy and plenty of white sandy space for sunbathing. 

• Best time to visit: For the most enjoyable beach visit, go during dry season (May to September).
• Known for: Great waves for surfing! 

With shallow waters, the most incredible early morning views, and white sand flocked with colourful, traditional Balinese jukung boats, it’s easy to see why Sanur Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Bali. Ride a bike along the beaches paved cycling path, pop by the nearby Pura Blanjong temple for a visit (built from coral and decorated with inscriptions from the 10th century), and take in the many art galleries along the main street.  

• Best time to visit: Tourists tend to head to Sanur Beach as early as 5:30 am for incredible views of the Bali sunrise.
• Known for: Laid-back atmosphere with plenty of recreational activities

While Indonesia beaches may be known for their snow-like white sand, Pink Beach (or sometimes called Red Beach for its mixture of white and red sand) is a natural phenomenon that absolutely must be seen on any visit to Komodo National Park. This is one of only seven beaches in the entire world with pink sand and has been nominated as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Head away from the coast in search of some Komodo dragons, or dive into the waters for some snorkeling.  

• Best time to visit: The beach is beautiful all-year around.
• Known for: Its uniquely coloured sand

Air Manis Beach is perfect for those who love to visit the beach but also want to take in a bit of culture or history at the same time. This beach, located in West Sumatra, is reportedly where a young poor sailor named Malin Kundang was turned to stone after being cursed by his mother. These legendary (and convincing!) rock formations can be seen along the beach. Continue your stroll along the sandy beach to reach the small island of Pisang Kecil, translated to “small banana”, which can only be reached during low tide.

•  Best time to visit: Visit during low tide so you can walk to Pisang Kecil.
• Known for: Legendary rock formations and beautiful views of Mount Padang

Indonesia beaches are often crowded during dry season, particularly in Bali. However, Pandawa Beach is a great beach in Bali if you’re looking for something a little more secluded. Nestled away among large limestone cliffs, this one-kilometer stretch of beach is great for anyone looking to take in some canoeing, kayaking or paragliding.

•  Best time to visit: Visit Pandawa Beach in the month of March to partake in Melasti, a beautiful Hindu-Balinese New Year celebratory parade meant to purify the soul.
• Known for: Plenty of space for sunbathing

If you’re looking to really get away from it all, the GIli Islands off the north-west coast of Lombok are where you should go! Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno are completely free of cars and motorbikes, so you’ll have to get around on foot or by cidomo (colourful, beautifully decorated horse-drawn carts). Go on a scuba diving tour to explore the many wreck sites off the islands’ coast.  

• Best time to visit: These islands get some beach-perfect weather in July and August, along with December and January.
• Known for: Postcard-perfect sandy beaches lined with palm trees

You’ve never seen a beach like Sawarna Beach before. This coconut tree-lined Indonesia beach is located on the island of Java and is home to colourful coral reefs and plenty of tropical fish. Most striking, however, is that Sawarna Beach offers beautiful views of the Indian Ocean on one side and the vibrant rice paddy fields on the other.  

• Best time to visit: Visit in the evening to take in the gorgeous sunset that sweeps over Sawarna Beach.
• Known for: Unique views of the land and the Indian Ocean

As you can see, there is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Indonesia, no matter whether you’re looking for a place to surf or just a spot to lay on the sand for hours on end. Beach bums rejoice! 

If you are planning a vacation in Indonesia, check out more tours in Indonesia to compare prices and itineraries. If you are looking for a more active holiday then why not check out hiking Mount Batur, one of the best hikes in Bali.