Written by Stephanie Peeters
One reason why we travel to Indonesia, the land of countless islands, is of course to see the stunning beaches, surrounded by raw tropical nature and dramatic limestone cliffs.
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These are places with views to blow you mind away, where you can swim in azure waters or snorkel with colourful sea creatures as you explore the rich underwater life of Indonesia.
But are you tired of travelling to beaches crowded with tourists? These 13 hidden beaches are still unknown to most travellers, promising truly unspoiled nature – definitely beach paradises waiting to be discovered. Go see for yourselves!
Note; The prices reflected below are the total estimated costs for traveling to these 13 beaches from Singapore and Jakarta. Accommodation is not included in the estimation of costs.
1. What shark teeth you have: Gigi Hiu Beach, Lampung
This magical natural attraction is found on the southern coast of Sumatra in Lampung.
The sharp limestone rocks, standing strong in the deep blue ocean and towering above the sea, are challenged by the high crashing waves.
Photo via azwarsyah.reza
In fact, the rocks resemble gigantic shark teeth, hence its given name ’Gigi Hiu’, which means ‘shark teeth’.
Photo via baimrhmt
If you want to go swimming or snorkeling, Gigi Hiu Beach is not the place to go, as the currents are too strong and dangerous. But if you love raw, unspoiled nature with amazing views, you can eat your heart out! The views of Sumatra’s lush tropical landscape bordering the deep blue sea and the uniquely-shaped limestone rocks are breathtaking!
It is not for the faint-hearted, though.
Photo via fharellgpp14
Getting there can be quite a challenge, especially during the rainy season, as the location is quite remote, so it has attracted only a handful of tourists who are up for some adventure. The winding road is rocky and can be slippery when wet. Once you reach, the rocks are high and sharp, so do be careful with every step you take!
Remember to bring some snacks and drinks along with you and make sure to leave the beach before the sun sets, unless you want to wander around in pitch darkness among the rocks.
Pantai Gigi Hiu
Address: Desa Kelumbayan, Tanggamus, Indonesia
Entrance Fees: Rp. 5,000 (Approximately USD $ 0.35)
Where to stay:
1) Pondok Pulau Kiluan, accessible by Junkung boat. Contact Mr. Dirhamsyah 081 369 991 340.
2) Pondok Maimun, a homestay with great sunset views. Contact 081 272 284 134 / 082 178 218 575.
Website
Getting there:
From JakartaFrom Singapore
Estimated total return cost: USD $23
Estimated total return cost: USD $70
1. Take a flight to Jakarta (from USD $70 for a return flight.).
2. From Soekarno-Hatta airport, take Bus Damri to Merak Harbour (USD $4,5).
3. Then, take the ferry to Bakauheni Port (USD $1).
4. From Bakauheni, take the bus to Rajabasa Terminal (USD $2)
5. Then, travel to Teluk Kiluan (USD $4).
From here, rent a motorcycle to the beach at Desa Pegadungan (USD $14).
Estimated total return cost: USD $95.50
2. The Ocean’s natural Blue Lagoon: Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach is a hidden oasis located near to the dock of Kiluan Bay.
photo by zulvikarmuhammad
To get to the blue lagoon, you have to hike along some hills and rocks, passing banana trees and cacao plantations. A local guide will show you the way for Rp. 5000 (approximately USD $0,37).
Photo via ling2kl
The trip may be a little tiring, but the reward is totally worth it – an unspoiled, pristine white sand beach bordering the inviting azure blue ocean with high waves rolling to the shore. Surfers will love it here!
Photo by ling2kl
A unique highlight of Laguna Beach is a 35-metre-deep and 6-metre-wide natural pool resting between the rocks. Here, you can indulge a wonderful natural bath and occasionally, a gigantic wave will splash water over the edge like a waterfall.
Video via ling2kl
So sit back and enjoy the stunning scenery with the majestic Mount Rajabasa as the backdrop. Bring some drinks and snacks along for this perfect day!
Laguna Beach
Address: Way Urang, Kalianda, South Lampung Regency, Lampung
Where to stay:
1) Alau Alau Boutique resort – starts from Rp. 400.000++ (Approximately USD $ 31) for a wooden cottage on the beach.
2) Another option is to camp a little further down the road at Pantai Guci Batu Kapal for Rp. 35.000 (Approximately USD $2.63)
Website
Getting there:
From JakartaFrom Singapore
Estimated total return cost: USD $9
Estimated total return cost: USD $70
1. Take a flight to Jakarta (from approximately USD $70 for a return flight).
2. From Soekarno-Hatta airport, take Bus Damri to Merak Harbour (USD $4.50).
3. Then, take the ferry to Bakauheni Port (USD $1).
4. From Bakauheni, take the bus to Rajabasa Terminal (USD $2)
5. Then, travel to Teluk Kiluan (USD $4).
Estimated total return cost: USD $81.50
3. Tiny tropical Banana Island: Pulau Pisang
Pulau Pisang translates to ‘Banana Island’. This doesn’t only evoke the image of a pristine white sandy beach with towering palm trees and a clear azure blue sea, but it also refers to the actual shape of the island – like a banana.
Photo via adam ekakurniaasmara
Visiting Pulau Pisang makes an amazing day trip! On this idyllic tropical island, you can swim in the clear blue sea, go on a hunt for beautiful shells, explore the underwater life with your snorkeling gear and drink delicious fresh coconut on the beach all day long while you wait for the sun to set.
Photo via zanidmr
For those who want to explore the whole island, you can rent a motorbike – just ask the locals. While exploring, you may pass by ancient schools, built since the 1800s. You can even explore the lighthouse or hire a boat to go on a dolphin-watching trip!
Photo via fickymuezza
Photo via apriantoekasaputraa
Why not enjoy a feast with freshly caught blue marlin fish? Perhaps even caught by yourself or by one of your friends on the boat trip!
Pulau Pisang
Where to stay:
1) Salsabila homestay: This homestay is for local only, located close to the beach on Pulau Pisang. It costs Rp. 200,000 (approximately USD $15) per night for a two-person bedroom. For reservation and information contact: 081272686896.
2) Another great stay is Losmen Palmbeach, a surfers’ hang-out located in Krui. A single room costs Rp 130,000 (approximately USD $9.77), a double room costs Rp. 240,000 (approximately USD $18.05) and a tent costs Rp. 55,000 (approximately USD $4.13) per person.
Getting there:
From JakartaFrom Singapore
Estimated total return cost: USD $10
Estimated total return cost: USD $57
1. Take a flight to Jakarta (from USD $70 for a return flight).
2. From Soekarno-Hatta Airport, take Bus Damri to Merak Harbour (USD $4.50).
3. Then, take the ferry to Bakauheni Port (USD $1).
4. From Bakauheni, take the bus to Rajabasa Terminal (USD $2).
5. Then, take the Krui Putra Bus to Dermaga Tembakak, Krui. (USD $3.50).
6. And finally, take the boat to Pulau Pisang (USD $1.50).
Estimated total return cost: USD $82.50
4. The 3 Musketeer beaches of Pacitan: Srau Beach
The coastline of Java is not yet famous for its beautiful beaches, probably because ocean along these areas are too dangerous to swim in. But they are absolutely breathtaking! One of the beaches is Srau Beach in Pacitan.
Photo via ryowidagdo.pic
Surrounded by magnificent scenery of hilly green mountains, three remote, soft white sand beaches are found between the rocky hills and the stunningly blue ocean. It’s well worth a visit, before too many people find out about this hidden gem!
Photo via faqih.flame.hawk
You can visit all three beaches in a one-day trip. The sea is beautiful and looks very inviting, but the current is strong, so it’s unsafe to go for a swim here. Surfers will love it, though! The high waves allow you to enjoy thrilling rides on the ocean.
Photo by jorrigalih
At the beach, there are some local food stalls so you can get drinks and a quick local snack.
Come for sunrise and stay for sunset – both are equally enchanting! The drive here is equally beautiful too – think empty roads and stunning sceneries.
Photo via aji.caesar
Srau Beach
Address: Candi, Pringkuku, Candi, Pacitan, Kabupaten Pacitan, Jawa Timur
Entrance Fees: Rp. 5000 (approximately USD $0,37) for motorbike and Rp. 10.000 (approximately USD $0,72) for a car.
Where to stay:
1) Sackstone Guesthouse: Prices start at Rp. 125,000 (approximately USD $9.40) per person or Rp. 250,000 (approximately USD $18.80)per room.
2) Edy’s Homestay: Starts at Rp. 175,000 (approximately USD $13.15) for a fan room and Rp. 180,000 (approximately USD $ 13.55) for an air-conditioned room. The prices include 3 meals a day, free-flow water and complimentary wifi. Call Edy to make a reservation: 081234143501.
3) Another option is to bring a small tent and stay overnight if you dare to be out there in the wild.
(Both homestays are around 14 kilometres’ drive from Srau Beach, which would take approximately 35 minutes.)
Website
Getting there:
From JakartaFrom Singapore
Estimated total return cost: USD $17
Estimated total return cost: USD $63.50
1. Take flight to Jakarta (from approximately USD $70 for a return flight).
2. Take the airport bus to Lebak Bulus terminal (USD $3)
3. Then, take bus to Pacitan (USD $13.50).
4. From Pacitan, you will have to rent a motorbike (from approximately USD $3.50 a day).
5. It’s a 35-kilometre drive west from the city to reach Srau Beach
Estimated total return cost: USD $90
5. Fairytale landscape: Menganti Beach
Menganti beach is a hidden gem of Java Island. The beach is not a safe place for swimming but the scenery is jaw-dropping beautiful, a fairytale land resembling the landscape in ‘Lord of the Rings’.
Photo by mirandaharyanto
You can laze around here and take in the endless lush green rolling hills and dramatic cliffs, which border the sweeping white sandy coast and the deep blue sea where fishermen are out for their day’s catch in traditional Jukung boats.
Photo by mirandaharyanto
Needless to say, you can enjoy a mouthwatering seafood dinner at one of the local eateries at a very affordable price. With a group of 4 people, you can enjoy a yummy seafood feast for around Rp. 100,000 (approximately USD $7.50) or Rp. 60,000 (approximately USD $6) for fresh lobster for one person.
Photo by ramadhinasgt
Drive up the hill for a most enchanting view of the untouched landscape surrounding Menganti Beach.
Photo via dhekanggara, maulinakusmawardini
It takes around 1.5 hours to get to Menganti Beach from Kebumen city, and you need to drive up steep hills and winding roads. It’s not the easiest ride but it sure is rewarding!
Photo via triaa yaries
Menganti Beach
Address: Karangduwur, Ayah, Karangduwur, Ayah, Kabupaten Kebumen, Jawa Tengah
Where to stay:
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