Beach Guide: Indonesia

In a country that consists of 17,000 islands, beaches aren’t hard to come by. Take a trip round Indonesia’s endlessly varied coastline and you’ll find everything from luxury health spas to undiscovered beaches, miles from any civilization. For decades, beach-lovers have travelled in their thousands to Indonesia for its flourishing marine wildlife, crashing waves, and stunning stretches of white sand. But beneath the serene image of Indonesia’s postcard-perfect coves and bays, political and relgious conflicts are churning. Recent bombings in Jakarta have put the country on high-alert, and all travelers should seek advice from their local consulate before making the trip to Indonesia.

If, however, you keep your wits about you, and avoid contentious areas, then Indonesia’s beaches are some of the most rewarding travel destinations in the world. Head to Bali to enjoy Indonesia’s most lavish resorts and hotels, and watch the laid-back Hindu locals rub shoulders with western party-animals. Unlike other parts of Indonesia, alcohol is readily available on Bali – check out Kuta for some non-stop nightlife. When you get tired of the nightclubs, escape to Bali’s more remote beaches to surf, dive, or chill out.

Surfing and Diving off Indonesia’s Beaches

Many of Bali's die-hard surfers head straight to Uluwatu Beach, for great waves and gorgeous scenery. East of Bali, on the Nusa Tenggara archipelago, you’ll find some great breaks with fewer tourists. The southern beaches of Lombok have some particularly good surf spots. For divers, Lombok is an excellent gateway to the Gili Islands, which are home to some of the beautiful coral reefs in south-east Asia. Each of the islands have large, professional dive centres, and snorkels are easy to come by too. Even landlubbers will find plenty to keep them occupied on Gili’s beaches – with backpacker bars, luxury villas, and no cars in sight, the Gili Islands are Indonesia’s best-kept secret.

Serious divers should make for Pulau Bunaken, in northern Sulawesi. The astonishing biodiversity of its unique reefs have made it a real diving mecca, and the whole island is a protected habitat. Its proximity to the gritty mainland city of Manado has lead to some pollution of the waters, but you’ll still be impressed at the amazing coral on display in the shallows. Bear in mind, however, that there’s not much here for non-divers – some hotels will even refuse to take you if you’re not renting scuba gear. Casual divers and beginners will find easier and less expensive dives around Bali or the Gili Islands.