Indonesia's Best Seaside Destinations

This province is Indonesia’s foremost tourism powerhouse, welcoming more than 3 million international tourists every year. Bali island is surrounded by countless beautiful beaches, including the famous Kuta Beach, Padang Padang Beach and many more. Even so, Bali is so much more than beautiful beach views and unending surf. It’s also a community with an exotic, fascinating culture, which tourists can experience through food, dance, architecture, spirituality, and arts.

Made popular by the book and movie The Rainbow Troops, this destination is gaining not only exposure, but also some major makeover and improvements. Still preserving the pure, pristine beaches, the island in the east of Sumatra is now ready for tourists with new resorts, landmarks, and attractions. The beaches surrounding Belitung are loved for their picturesque granite boulders, white clean sands, and tranquil waters. Better yet, the main island is surrounded by numerous offshore islands with matching charm and beauty.

Located in West Sumatra, Padang is lapped by the Indian Ocean. Its beaches, including the famous Air Manis Beach, are blessed with the strong waves, perfect for daring surfers. Padang also has a beautiful mountainous area, not too far from the amazing beaches. The city is also home to some historic sites to visit. And with the absorbing culture and renowned Padang cuisine, the town really has the whole package.

Other than plenty of beaches for seaside fun, the town’s beauty extends to the depth of the sea, home to wonderful coral beds. The Bunaken National Park in the Manado Gulf is strategically located in the center of a massive Coral Triangle, which is home to almost 400 species of oceanic creatures. Other than its reputation as a diving and surfing paradise, the city is also famous for its distinctive culinary landscape, dominated with special spicy seafood, fresh from the ocean.

Most tourists only know Jakarta as a metropolitan city with stern tall buildings, traffic jams, and a vibrant nightlife. But the province also includes hundreds of small beautiful islands just a few kilometers offshore. Called “Kepulauan Seribu” which means “a thousand islands”, tourists have a fantastic choice on offer. Some popular destinations are Tidung Island, Bidadari Island, Pramuka Island, and Harapan Island. Most of the islands area host fascinating corals and other oceanic species, so snorkeling or diving is a must-try.

This popular diving site comprises around 1000 small islands, which in itself promises a breath-taking view of shorelines and gorgeous scenery of island curves. Diving in the sea of Raja Ampat guarantees a glimpse of Indonesia’s rich marine biodiversity. But tourists don’t even have to plunge into the water to enjoy this town in Papua, as the panoramic view and sightings of jungles, beaches, lagoons, and caves are also staggering.