August 5, 2025 | 09:57 am
Foreign tourists generally only know the beautiful beaches in Bali or Lombok. However, Kathryn Romeyn, a journalist from Travel and Leisure based in Los Angeles, United States, who has lived in Indonesia for 10 years, revealed some other stunning beaches in the country.
Romeyn admitted that she first moved to Bali in 2014. She was captivated by the island but as a traveler and surfer, she also explored other islands in Indonesia and found beautiful beaches. "Some of them are so remote, while others are bustling with international tourists, expatriates, and local residents," she said, as quoted by Travel and Leisure on Monday, August 4, 2025.
Here are the seven best beaches in Indonesia according to Romeyn, which are not only found in Bali:
1. Mawun Beach, Lombok
Rarely visited by tourists, this beach in central Lombok offers a breathtaking view of its turquoise blue sea and its soft powdery sand, surrounded by two beautiful hills. Mawun is only about 10 kilometers (approximately 15 to 20 minutes drive) from Kuta, one of the main tourist villages in South Lombok.
2. Mbawana Beach, Sumba
One of the most dramatic and intriguing beaches visited by Romeyn is located on Sumba Island, East Nusa Tenggara. With a local guide, she was taken to the very secluded Mbawana Beach, about an hour's drive on the very tranquil island. "We met local residents cooking corn rice in the middle of corn fields before embarking on a steep but worthwhile descent down the cliff," she said.
3. Pink Beach, Komodo
Arguably the most Instagrammable beach in the archipelago is the Pink Beach or Pantai Merah Muda in the Komodo National Park, East Nusa Tenggara. This beach truly has bright pink sand, thanks to small red coral fragments blending with the sand. This popular spot can only be accessed by boat. If you want to go there, tour packages to Komodo Island usually include a visit to this place.
4. Small Padar, Padar Island
One of Romeyn's all-time favorite beach experiences, anywhere in the world, is Padar Island. According to her, the beach is so secluded that it cannot even be found on Google. While sailing on the pinisi ship Vela, the captain dropped anchor near Padar Island. There, tourists are invited to hike for 40 minutes to the sensational 360-degree panorama at the top. After that, some of the ship's passengers are taken to Small Padar nearby, where they are dropped off in the crystal-clear, topaz-colored shallow waters. "The soft, sandy, and shallow bottom makes swimming and floating there truly enjoyable, while the beach itself is the definition of perfection," she said.
5. Nihiwatu Beach, Sumba
Aside from one of the most unforgettable surfing experiences of Romeyn's life being at Nihiwatu Beach, which stretches along the Nihi Sumba resort. She remembers the herd of horses running freely on the sand, playing, rolling around, and splashing water every afternoon. "And there's nothing like riding them into the waves for a once in a lifetime swimming experience," she said.
6. Suwehan Beach, Nusa Penida
To get to Suwehan Beach, visitors must go through a difficult path by climbing stairs for 20 minutes and walking. Nusa Penida is part of Bali, but the island is separate in the southwest, accessible by fast boat. "This beach is like a painting and postcard, surrounded by cliffs with shimmering blue-green water and giant cone rock formations right in the middle of the bay," she recounted. Nearby, there's also Atuh Beach with 166 descending steps but offers a stunning view.
7. Coconut Beach at Bawah Reserve, Anambas
In the remote Anambas Islands in Riau Islands, there is a glamorous ecological resort, Bawah Reserve. The resort is surrounded by 13 pristine beaches in its shimmering blue lagoon. But according to Romeyn, there is one that's special, pure, and perfect: Coconut Beach. "There are no facilities whatsoever, and visitors have to hike to reach the north-facing beach with its dazzling white sand, but the effort pays off with a beautiful view of mangroves, clear water, and palm trees, private picnics are also available," she said.
Editor's Choice: 95% of Indonesian Exports to Europe Are Tariff-Free Under IEU-CEPA
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Indonesian Gov't Defends Purchase of Fighter Jets from Turkiye Despite Budget Cuts
3 jam lalu
The Minister of State Secretary, Prasetyo Hadi, stated that there is nothing wrong with the purchase of fighter jets despite the government's efforts to cut spending.
Government Sees Bright Future for Indonesian Palm Oil in Europe
11 jam lalu
The government assesses the increasing potential of Indonesia's palm oil market in Europe and the opportunity to significantly increase exports.
Today's Top 3 News: Indonesian Human Rights Minister Prohibits People from Flying One Piece Flag
14 jam lalu
Here is the list of the top 3 news on Tempo English today.
U-23 Asian Cup Qualifiers: Indonesian Coaches Analyze South Korea's Strengths
15 jam lalu
The Indonesian U-23 national team will face South Korea in the 2026 AFC U-23 Asian Cup qualifiers.
95% of Indonesian Exports to Europe Are Tariff-Free Under IEU-CEPA
16 jam lalu
The Indonesian government announced that, under the IEU-CEPA, 95% of the country's export products will be exempt from import tariffs in 2027.
Prospects for Indonesian Exports to EU Market Following IEU-CEPA Deal
17 jam lalu
Kadin is optimistic about the collaboration between Indonesia and the European Union and its potential to boost Indonesia's export value. What are the opportunities?
NasDem Party: One Piece Flag-Raising is "Misplaced" Political Expression
18 jam lalu
Willy Aditya believes that the raising of the One Piece flag reflects the incapability of some people to differentiate between the country and the government.
BMKG Issues Warning for 6-Meter-High Waves in Parts of Indonesian Waters
18 jam lalu
Stay Alert for the BMKG's early warning regarding high waves in several maritime areas for the next three days.
How the Ambalat Block Dispute Shadows Malaysia-Indonesia Relations
18 jam lalu
The border dispute between Indonesia and Malaysia dates back years, over the Ambalat Block in the Sulawesi Sea.
Garuda Indonesia Launches New Jakarta-Bali Flight Route via Halim Airport
21 jam lalu
Garuda Indonesia opens a new route connecting Halim Perdanakusuma Airport in Jakarta with Bali.
