10 Best Java Beaches You Should Visit in Indonesia

Ready to discover the best Java Beaches in Indonesia? You’ve come to the perfect place! Nestled across the Indonesian island of Java, these beaches are a must-see for any traveler.

Java’s coastline is an extraordinary blend of scenic landscapes, In the south, you’ll find unique volcanic sand, while the north boasts beautiful golden sands. Each beach offers a unique experience, whether it’s the surf-ready waves of Batu Karas or the serene snorkeling paradise of the Thousand Islands.

If planning your beach trip, no worries. This guide has everything you need. It’ll help you pick the best beach and get to know the local ways, like wearing modest swimwear. By the time you finish this article, you’ll be all set for a fantastic beach adventure in Java.

10 Best Java Beaches in Indonesia

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Java has some awesome beaches that are perfect for relaxing or diving into fun water activities. In this list, I am going to introduce you to some of the coolest spots, often missed by tourists. I am talking about white sands, clear waters, and chill vibes.

#1. Batu Karas, West Java

Batu Karas Beach is in West Java, Indonesia. It is a peaceful place with unique black sand. It’s perfect for beginner surfers with its gentle waves and offers more challenging waves for experienced ones. It’s often compared to a smaller Bali, with a beautiful bay and lovely scenery.

To get there, the quickest way is to fly from Jakarta to Pangandaran. The flight takes an hour, and then it’s a short taxi ride of 30-45 minutes. This will cost about IDR 150,000-200,000.

If you’re coming from Bandung or Yogyakarta by land, you’ll need to take a bus or train to Tasikmalaya and then transfer to Batu Karas. From Bandung, it’s a 4-5 hour trip and costs IDR 100,000-150,000. From Yogyakarta, it’s a bit longer and costs about IDR 200,000-300,000.

Once at Batu Karas, surfing is a popular activity. You can rent surfboards for IDR 50,000-75,000 per day. If surfing isn’t your thing, try body rafting at Citumang, visit the Mangrove Forest Nusawiru, go canoeing, or ride a banana boat.

The beach has many food and stay options. You’ll find street food and restaurants serving local dishes like mie goreng and soto ayam. For staying, there are budget homestays and fancier resorts like Sunrise Resort Batukaras and Nayyla Homestay. Budget places cost around IDR 100,000 to 150,000, while more luxurious ones start at IDR 250,000.

A day at Batu Karas Beach is affordable. Entry is cheap, and essentials like food and water don’t cost much. A big bottle of water is around IDR 5,000, a meal at a local warung can be less than IDR 15,000, and a surfboard rental is reasonable.

For a full day of fun, including meals, activities, and transport, you might spend IDR 200,000-300,000, depending on what you do and where you eat.

#2. Kukup Beach, Yogyakarta

Kukup Beach in Yogyakarta is a quiet coastal spot with white sands. It looks a lot like Bali’s Tanah Lot but has a lovely viewing shelter instead of a shrine.

There’s a bridge to Jumino Island where you can see coral rocks stretching into the sea. The calm waters are great for tide-pooling and swimming.

It’s about a 1.5 to 2-hour trip from Yogyakarta city to get to Kukup Beach. This beach is easy to reach and not too crowded, offering a nice, peaceful break.

You’ll love Kukup Beach for sunbathing, swimming, and visiting Jumino Island. The coral helps calm the waves, making it a relaxing spot for beach fun. It’s also a great place to explore tide pools and see marine life.

While Kukup Beach itself doesn’t have specific places to eat or stay, the Gunung Kidul area nearby has lots of options. Whether it’s beach bungalows near Krakal Beach or private rooms and villas near Sundak Timur and Indrayanti Beach, there’s something for every budget.

The entrance fee is about 9,500 IDR for a day. Parking might add 2,000-5,000 IDR. Depending on where you stay and eat, costs can vary, but there are choices for all budgets.

#3. Pok Tunggal Beach, Yogyakarta

Pok Tunggal Beach in Yogyakarta is a hidden beach with beautiful white sand and blue water. It’s famous for a unique tree called the Duras. The beach is between two hills and is great for taking photos.

It takes about 2 hours to drive from Yogyakarta city to the beach. The road is narrow and twisty. You can rent a car for IDR 500,000 or a scooter for IDR 65,000 per day.

The Pok Tunggal beach is safe for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. You can also sunbathe, hike, or try rock climbing. Camping is possible, and you can rent a tent for IDR 80,000 a day. The sunsets here are amazing.

There are small restaurants open all day near the beach. Inns and homestays for staying overnight start at IDR 200,000 per night.

To enter the beach, it costs IDR 10,000. Parking costs IDR 3,000 for a motorcycle and IDR 10,000 for a car. You can rent a beach umbrella for IDR 20,000. Overall, you might spend IDR 200,000 to 300,000 a day at the beach.

#4. Parangtritis Beach, Yogyakarta

Parangtritis Beach is 30 km from Yogyakarta city. It’s known for black sand dunes and is important in Javanese culture. The beach is linked to the legend of Queen Nyi Roro Kidul.

You can get there by bus from Yogyakarta’s Giwangan Terminal. Renting a car or motorbike is another option. The trip takes 1 to 1.5 hours.

At the beach, you can rent ATVs for the dunes or take horse carriage rides. It’s a good spot for surfing too. The beach is known for its myths and great sunsets.

Food stalls offer local snacks like grilled corn. There are cheap and more expensive hotels nearby.

Entry fee for Parangtritis Beach is IDR 10,000. Parking costs IDR 3,000 for motorcycles, IDR 10,000 for cars. ATV rides are IDR 100,000 for 30 minutes, horse rides start at IDR 50,000.

Renting a beach chair and umbrella costs about IDR 25,000. A day at the beach, including everything, can cost IDR 200,000 to 300,000.

#5. Tambakrejo Beach, East Java

Tambakrejo Beach is about 30 km from Blitar city in East Java. It’s a calm, pretty beach known for its white sand and gentle waves. It’s great for swimming and walking on the beach. This beach offers a peaceful break from city life.

Getting there means driving through hills and winding roads. The drive is scenic but a bit tough. From Blitar city, it takes about 1.5 hours by car or motorbike taxi. The road near the village is rough. There’s a small fee to enter the beach.

At the beach, you can swim, sunbathe, fish, or canoe. There’s a coral hill that’s perfect for photos, especially at sunset. A rubber forest nearby adds to the beauty.

The nearby fishing village is interesting to visit. You can try fresh seafood like smoked or grilled fish. But, there aren’t any hotels right at the beach, and public transport is limited.

Entry costs for Tambakrejo Beach is IDR 1,000, and parking is IDR 2,000. Including travel, food, and beach activities, you can spend IDR 50,000 to 100,000 for a day.

#6. Jolosutro Beach, East Java

Jolosutro Beach is 45 km from Blitar city in East Java. It’s known for its big waves and black sand. The beach is a quiet place for enjoying nature.

To get there from Surabaya City, it’s a 3.5-hour car drive, about 155 km. The route includes highways and local roads. The last part takes about an hour.

At the beach, you can swim, sunbathe, fish, and canoe. It’s peaceful with nice sand and water. The beach is also good for taking photos and exploring.

Nearby, you can visit Kopel Peak and Modangan Beach. For accommodation, Lelly NVI Resort is nearby. The visit to Jolosutro Beach is cheap. Costs include transport and staying overnight. The beach entry is low-cost. A day there, with food and activities, is budget-friendly.

#7. Sempu Island, East Java

Sempu Island is in East Java, Indonesia, 70 km from Malang. The island is known for clear waters, lagoons, and white beaches. The Segara Anakan lagoon is a highlight, with white sand and cliffs. The island has forests and wildlife like monkeys and deer.

To get there, go to Sendang Biru village, about 2-3 hours from Malang. There’s no public transport, so carpooling is a good idea. You need to register and get a permit in Sendang Biru. The boat to the island costs IDR 100,000 for 10 people and takes 15 minutes.

Camping is the main activity. Bring your own gear, food, and water. The beaches are good for swimming and snorkeling.

For an overnight stay, you must camp. The costs include travel to Sendang Biru, the boat, and the permit. A day trip costs about IDR 150,000 to 200,000 per person, depending on group size.

The best time to visit is April to November. Trails are less muddy then. Weekdays are less crowded than weekends.

#8. Sawarna Beach

Sawarna Beach in Banten province has white sand and blue waters. It’s in Sawarna village and is famous for its forests, hills, and caves. The beach is linked to the legend of Nyi Roro Kidul.

From Jakarta, take a road to Serang, then head to Saketi in Pandeglang. Or, take a bus to Pelabuhan Ratu in Sukabumi, and then a minibus to Sawarna.

From Bogor, take public transport to Pelabuhan Ratu, a bus to Bayah Terminal, and a jeep to Sawarna. Jeeps run until 5:00 pm.

The beach is good for surfing and snorkeling. Snorkel at Ciantir Beach, Tanjung Layar Beach, or Karang Bokor Beach. You can also explore Lalay Cave and Sikadir Cave.

#9. Pangandaran Beach

Pangandaran Beach in West Java, Indonesia, has unique black and white sands and calm waters. It used to be a fishing village and is famous for its annual International Kite Festival in July.

From Jakarta, fly to Nusawiru Airport or take a bus from Kampung Rambutan station, costing about Rp 60,000 to Rp 80,000.

From Bandung, you can fly from Husein Sastranegara Airport or take a bus from Cicaheum station.

Enjoy water sports like Jet Ski and Banana Boat rides at the beach. You can also go snorkeling and fishing by renting boats. For nature lovers, the Pangandaran Nature Recreation Park offers trekking and wildlife watching. Try fresh seafood at the beachside eateries.

Your budget for a day at Pangandaran Beach includes travel, activities, and food. Costs vary depending on your choice of stay and activities like water sports and trekking.

#10. Klayar Beach

Klayar Beach is in East Java, 35 km west of Pacitan city. It’s famous for its natural water fountain and unique rock formations. The beach has white sand and clear water.

From Yogyakarta, it takes about 2.5 hours to get there. The road is narrow and twisty but scenic.

The beach is good for surfing and relaxing. It’s great for photos too, thanks to its unique rocks. The atmosphere is calm and peaceful.

There are different places to stay in the Pacitan area. Nearby, you can visit Watu Karung Beach, Banyu Tibo Beach, Gong Cave, and Srau Beach.

Final Thoughts on Java Beaches

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So, that was the 10 best Java beaches you should visit on your Indonesia trip. You can watch fishermen at Pangandaran Beach or discover Klayar Beach’s natural wonders. Each visit is a special memory.

So, pack your bags and get ready for adventure. Remember to respect the local ways and the environment. Whether it’s your first time or you’ve been before, Java’s beaches always have more to offer.

I’m already planning my next trip. Once you see these beaches, you’ll want to come back too. Hope to see you on the sands of Java!

FAQs Related to Java Beaches

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