5 incredible beaches in Indonesia you might not know about

It's no secret that Indonesia boasts stunning beaches.

However, some of these beaches offer even more: vibrant coral reefs, a glimpse into local cultures, and a tranquility that's hard to find at more popular spots. While reaching them may require a bit of travel, the rewards are immense.

1. Misool, Raja Ampat, Southwest Papua

Ideal beach for snorkelers and divers

Misool's beaches offer stunning white sands, lush palm trees, and crystal-clear waters, but the true magic lies beneath the surface.

Resembling an arrowhead, it sits at the intersection of the Ceram Trough and Indonesian Throughflow currents, creating nutrient-rich waters that support some of the planet's most vibrant and diverse reefs. For divers and snorkelers, it’s an underwater paradise with breathtaking marine landscapes. Most dive sites feature coral reefs with wall dives, swim-throughs, overhangs, and drop-offs, showcasing an incredible array of marine life, including pygmy seahorses, manta rays, reef sharks, whales, blue-ringed octopuses, massive Queensland groupers, and dolphins. You’ll need a substantial dive log to keep track of all your underwater adventures here.

You can also swim alongside thousands of harmless jellyfish at Jellyfish Lake, explore ancient rock art, or sail between islets on your pinisi (traditional schooner).

Travel tip: Getting to Misool can be pricey. Avoid visiting in July and August when the waves are too large and treacherous.

2. Ratenggaro Beach, Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara

Ideal beach for a cultural journey

Sumba – located about three islands from Bali in Indonesia’s remote East Nusa Tenggara province – is rapidly emerging as a travel hotspot. Many visitors flock to NIHI Sumba, an exclusive luxury resort, leaving the rest of the island for locals and a few discerning surfers. If you’re after a quiet, unspoiled stretch of pristine white sand, Ratenggaro is ideal; it's even better if you want to connect with the vibrant village that borders the beach. Here, you'll be warmly welcomed by the locals and have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the island's unique culture.

Experience the mysticism, traditions, and ancestral beliefs still practiced by the Sumbanese today. The Ratenggaro experience includes rituals like chicken and pig sacrifices to honor the spirits and ensure a good harvest; village architecture designed to house spirits beneath tall roofs; and the thrilling horseback spear-fighting festivals known locally as Pasola. Horses are integral to this island, just like buffaloes, both assisting with irrigation and enriching the pastoral landscape of this remote paradise.

Detour: Unfortunately, surfers won't find what they seek at Ratenggaro. However, while on Sumba, don’t miss the chance to ride the 'Miller's Right' wave at Pantai Tarimbang. The five-hour bumpy journey from Ratenggaro might rattle you, but you'll be glad you made the trek before the crowds arrive.

3. Gigi Hiu Beach, Lampung Province, Sumatra

Ideal beach for landscape photography

Gigi Hiu, or 'shark teeth,' may not fit the typical beach vibe, but for landscape photographers, the untamed beauty here makes it worth spending hours along the shore. The landscape features jagged rock formations, sculpted by the sea over millions of years to resemble shark’s teeth, set against the backdrop of endless blue skies and the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, providing excellent opportunities for stunning long-exposure shots.

While the sunrise is particularly sought after, casting an ochre glow on the rocks with sunlight dancing on the waves, the night brings its own allure. With minimal light pollution, this beach has become a favorite spot for capturing the Milky Way. Just remember, it’s remote and a bit challenging to access, but for those who make the effort, the rewards are breathtaking.

Travel tip: Gigi Hiu is situated 5km (3 miles) from Kiluan Bay in Kiluan Village, where you can find a few homestays. The bay’s beaches are home to two species of sea turtles, the green sea turtle and the hawksbill turtle, frequently spotted swimming in the clear waters. A short 20-minute boat ride can also bring you close to dolphins frolicking in the open sea.

4. Lengkuas Beach, Belitung, Sumatra

Ideal beach for families

You don’t always need to venture to remote destinations to find secluded, turquoise-edged, white-sand beaches in Indonesia. Some are surprisingly accessible from Jakarta and still promise solitude. The island of Belitung has gained local fame ever since the hit Indonesian film Laskar Pelangi (2008), based on the book by Belitung native Andrea Hirata, was filmed here. Thankfully, unlike Eat Pray Love (2010) with Bali, Belitung's beaches remain pristine.

Lengkuas is just a boat ride away from Tanjung Pandan, the arrival point for direct flights from Jakarta, featuring immaculate white sand, palm trees, calm aquamarine waters, and gentle waves lapping against the unique granite rocks native to Indonesia’s Java Sea. Its allure is heightened by a historic 19th-century lighthouse, built by the Dutch, which guides passing ships and provides stunning aerial views. Don’t miss the chance to hire a boat and explore other areas of Belitung, especially Tanjung Tinggi beach where the movie was filmed. For an immersive experience, read the original book to appreciate the resilient spirit of the group of ten schoolchildren the story revolves around while you enjoy this 'film set.'

Side trip: Manggar City in East Belitung – a 2–3-hour drive from Tanjung Pandan – is celebrated for its coffee culture. Locals gather in coffee shops, engaging in lively discussions over chess, politics, and life. Soaking in this atmosphere along with some quality Indonesian coffee makes for a fascinating detour from the usual beach activities.

5. Ngurtavur Beach, Southeast Maluku Regency

Ideal beach for avid bird-watchers

If you arrive at Ngurtavur in the morning – which is essential to truly appreciate its beauty – you might be the first to leave footprints on its pristine ivory sands. However, during peak summer, you may not be alone, as the tranquil island comes alive with the sounds of hundreds of pelicans that stop here on their migration from Papua New Guinea and Australia.

Ngurtavur is a pristine 2km-long (1.2 miles) and 7m-wide (23ft) stretch of white sand that extends from Warbal Island into the sea. While it’s a haven for bird enthusiasts with flocks of pelicans, you don’t need to be a bird-watcher to appreciate the beach's stunning beauty. The crystal-clear azure waters are ideal for swimming and snorkeling, with opportunities to spot pygmy seahorses, nudibranchs, and nearly 250 species of reef-building coral. At high tide, some parts of the sandbar become only 2cm (0.8in) submerged, making it feel like you're walking on water in the middle of the Banda Sea.

Travel tip: There are no accommodations directly on Ngurtavur Beach. You can choose to stay at a homestay on Ngurbloat (Pasir Panjang) Beach or find a hotel in Langgur.