13 Hidden exotic beaches in Indonesia you can travel to under $100

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.

In fact, the rocks resemble gigantic shark teeth, hence its given name ’Gigi Hiu’, which means ‘shark teeth’.

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.

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.

2. The Ocean’s natural Blue Lagoon: Laguna Beach

Laguna Beach is a hidden oasis located near to the dock of Kiluan Bay.

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).

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!

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.

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!

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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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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’.

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.

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.

Drive up the hill for a most enchanting view of the untouched landscape surrounding Menganti Beach.

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!

6. Snorkel at a pristine tropical island near Jakarta: Perak Island

Not too far from the city of Jakarta, there sits a tiny tropical island with powdery white sand beaches and shallow clear sea water that’s perfect for snorkeling.

A wonderful peaceful oasis, Perak Island is a great escape from the bustling city of Jakarta. You can enjoy a perfect weekend getaway where you can camp on the beach, relax under the sun, swim, snorkel or even dive with your friends and family.

Be warned, the sunset can be mindblowing!

When you arrive on Perak Island, and if you want to stay overnight in your tent (bring it!), you have to ask for permission and pay Rp. 25,000 (approximately USD $0.85) for the security service. If you are traveling with a big group, or staying for more than one night, the price is negotiable.

You can rent snorkelling equipment for Rp. 35,000 (approximately USD $2.60) per day, including fins.

All settled? Now, simply relax and enjoy the wonderful ambience at Perak Island, one of the best kept secrets of Jakarta.

7. Camp by the azure ocean near Jakarta: Karya Island

Karya Island is another tropical island getaway, located just a short drive away from the city of Jakarta.

Here, you can camp right on the beach, be lulled to sleep by the sound of the sea and wake up to the amazing views of unspoiled nature.

Get your camping cooking gear out to prepare a nice little camp-style breakfast in the morning, before going out to swim and snorkel in the azure blue sea and among colorful fish and beautiful coral reefs.

You will be sure to be return to busy Jakarta all relaxed and rejuvenated!

8. Retreat to private white sand beach in Lampung: Alau Alau Boutique Resort

Have you ever dreamed about staying at an almost-isolated beach resort, with private access to crisp white sandy shores, overlooking the endlessly blue ocean with Mount Rajabasa as the backdrop?

You can do so at the Alau Alau Boutique Resort, which is located right on the beach in the Lampung area of Sumatra.

Here, it’s all about sipping fresh coconut juice and gazing at the view all day long.

Although you may choose to sleep in a traditional bungalow, it’s topped off with modern comforts such as air-conditioning.

You can also stay in a private villa on the beach!

9. Blue lagoon with limestone rocks: Wedi Ombo Beach

A 2.5-hour drive from the city of Yogyakarta leads you to Wedi Ombo Beach, a beautiful bay with soft powdery sand surrounded by natural coral rocks. The deep blue sea is home to mighty ocean waves that roll steadily to the shore, a dream come true for surfers!

From the parking lot on the hill, where you can get drinks and snacks at local food stalls, you have to walk down the stairs to get to the beach.

The sea here is not safe for swimming, but if you turn left and keep going for about 5 to 10 minutes, you will reach a stunning natural blue lagoon surrounded by limestone rocks. Here, you can safely swim, enjoy amazing ocean views and take some really nice photos!

As the tide rises, waves will start crashing over the rocks, creating little waterfalls. It might be wise to get out of the water at this time – you don’t want to get dragged down into the ocean!

Wedi Ombo Beach is also famous for fishing from the height of a coral reef. The climb to get up there is quite steep and slippery, but once you’re up there, you may be rewarded with some real big catches!

10. Paradise Beach: Nampu Beach

The sea at Nampu beach is as clear as the sweet blue summer sky and the sandy shore is soft and powdery, creating the idyllic setting for a wonderful day out with your loved ones. Not many people know about Nampu Beach yet, so you can enjoy untouched nature here in peace.

When the tide is low, the local villagers come to collect seaweed from the shore. You can even fish here too!

It takes around 2 hours to drive to Nampu Beach from the city of Wonogiri, where most accommodations can be found. Come to enjoy the sunrise or sunset!

If you get hungry, you can buy some noodles from the beach vendors.

11. Land of the Giants: Romodong Beach

On Bangka Island lies a desolate 4-kilometre-long white sand beach, surrounded by massive boulder rocks. You will enter the beach through a giant granite gate, which is great for photo-taking.

In fact, you’ll realise how small you really are – as though you have entered the land of giants!

The sea is clear blue, there are gentle waves and the ambience is perfectly tranquil.

Bring your family, a picnic basket, some beach sarongs, swimsuit, a beach hat and sunblock. Watch the kids built castles in the sand, swim in the sea and relax the day away.

Prepare for a jaw-dropping sunset as well!

12. Pagoda on the beach: Tikus Beach

Tikus Beach is divided into two areas. On one side, there is a resort and spa with a stretch of private beach as well as a swimming pool. You can enter this resort for Rp. 30,000 (approximately USD $2.25).

On the other side, you will find an equally beautiful beach, accessible to everyone for free.

Huge granite rocks in various shapes rest on the pristine white sand of the coastline, and up on the hill, a Chinese Pagoda temple sits peacefully overlooking the ocean. The view from above is simply breathtaking!

Tikus translates to ‘rat’, not a very attractive name but apparently, this place used to be crowded with rats. A giant golden rat statue even sits on the beach!

Your kids will love the playground, and there’s a restaurant and watersport activities available at affordable prices too. Time to bring your family there!

13. An amazing underwater world: Kelagian Island, Lampung

Kelagian Island is an amazing place for snorkeling and admiring colourful corals and the rich marine life. The water is crystal clear and calm, and the sand is soft and powdery white, just like on a true paradise island.

You’ll love to spend the day at the beach to swim and tan yourself. The island is very small, so you can take a stroll or collect seashells by the beach.

For a bit of fun, go on a Banana Boat ride with friends or hire a canoe to go kayaking in the sea. Why not charter a boat to go on a snorkeling trip too?

Buy some delicious fried bananas or instant noodles from the local food stalls, and as you savour your snack, don’t forget to enjoy the magnificent sunset!

Psst… Are there any other hidden exotic beaches in Indonesia we’ve never heard of?

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