Beautiful Beaches in East Java: A Tranquil Alternative to Bali
For many international tourists, Indonesia is synonymous with Bali, an island renowned for its white sand beaches, cliffside temples, and scenic coastlines.
But for those looking to escape the crowds and discover a quieter, more untouched side of the archipelago, East Java offers an unforgettable alternative.
Located just a short boat ride from Bali across the Bali Strait, East Java is a coastal region blessed with stunning beaches, rugged cliffs, coral reefs, hidden caves, and peaceful fishing villages. With its location along the Java Sea and Indian Ocean, the region boasts a variety of beach landscapes, from calm snorkelling coves to powerful surf breaks.
A viral TikTok video by @foxy_cassandra recently spotlighted the serene Pangasan Beach in Pacitan, declaring it “the most beautiful place in Java”.
@foxy_cassandra INDAHHHH BGTTT !!! We couldn’t believe our mata. Do you know this beach? Or do you know a more beautiful beach? 🤭 #indonesia #jawa #jawatimur #jalanjalan #travel ♬ suara asli – ourfeelings🪐
The video captured a breathtaking blend of rice fields and coastline, drawing hundreds of comments from viewers who compared Pacitan’s beauty favourably to Bali. One user noted, “Pangasan is the most beautiful beach I know in Java so far. Unique and exotic like no other, even Bali can’t compare.”
If you’re searching for beautiful beaches off the beaten path, East Java is your answer. Here are ten of the best beaches to explore in this unforgettable corner of Indonesia.
Top 10 Beautiful Beaches in East Java
1. Pangasan Beach, Pacitan
Pangasan Beach is perhaps one of the most visually striking white sand beaches in East Java. Located in Batulapak Hamlet, it offers a unique combination of sea views alongside lush rice fields and dramatic cliff formations. A tall rock cliff on the western side has become a popular photo backdrop for visitors.
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The area remains relatively undeveloped, making it ideal for those seeking natural beauty and solitude.
Location: Kalipelus Village, Kebonagung District, Pacitan Regency
2. Klayar Beach, Pacitan
Another gem in Pacitan, Klayar Beach features natural attractions such as sea flutes, rock formations that produce whistling sounds as waves crash through them and a towering coral rock reminiscent of Egypt’s Sphinx. The contrast of turquoise waters and white sand adds to its dramatic landscape.
Location: Sendang Village, Donorojo District, Pacitan
3. Banyu Tibo Beach, Pacitan
This beach is known for its rare and picturesque waterfall that flows directly onto the shoreline. Though relatively small in size, its shallow rock pools and coastal scenery create an ideal spot for photography and quiet reflection.
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When the tide recedes, the beach reveals its hidden pools between rock outcrops.
Location: Widoro Village, Donorojo District, Pacitan
4. Red Island Beach (Pulau Merah), Banyuwangi
Red Island Beach is located in the southeastern part of East Java, facing the Indian Ocean. Its most iconic feature is a small islet with red soil that stands prominently just offshore.
During the sunset season (November to February), the skies are painted in shades of red and orange, offering one of the most beautiful sunsets in the region. It’s also ideal for beginner surfers due to its manageable waves.
Location: Sumberagung Village, Pesanggaran District, Banyuwangi
5. Buyutan Beach, Pacitan
Buyutan Beach is another peaceful haven along the Java coastline, characterised by its expansive stretch of soft white sand and gentle waves.
A distinct coral formation shaped like a god’s crown stands as the beach’s signature feature. It’s an ideal location for walking, camping, or just taking in the coastal breeze.
Location: Donorojo District, Pacitan
6. Balekambang Beach, Malang
Balekambang is one of Malang’s most well-known beach destinations. Developed for tourism since the 1980s, it features a scenic coastline with a Hindu sea temple located on a small islet connected by a bridge.
The beach also offers facilities for camping, ATV riding, and flying fox zip lines, making it perfect for families or group travellers.
Location: Srigonco Village, Bantur District, Malang
7. Kenjeran Beach, Surabaya
Situated near Surabaya City, Kenjeran Beach offers a blend of urban access and coastal charm. From the shoreline, visitors can view the Suramadu Bridge that links Java to Madura Island.
Kenjeran is ideal for sampling seafood, enjoying local snacks, or simply watching fishing boats drift along the Java Sea.
Location: Kenjeran District, Surabaya
8. Tiga Warna Beach, Malang
Located within the Clungup Mangrove Conservation area, Tiga Warna Beach gets its name from its three-tone colour gradient, blue, green, and reddish-brown formed by the interaction of sand, coral reefs, and sea depth. It is a designated eco-tourism site, where snorkelling is encouraged but entry is controlled to preserve its marine life.
Location: Tambakrejo Village, Sumbermanjing Wetan District, Malang
9. Watu Karung Beach, Pacitan
This East Java beach is popular among the surfing community for its high waves, which can reach up to 5 metres making it one of the few surfing spots in Java suitable for professionals.
Beyond surfing, Watu Karung also appeals to casual visitors for its soft sand, coral islets, and scenic seascape.
Location: Watukarung Village, Pringkuku District, Pacitan
10. Plengkung Beach (G-Land), Banyuwangi
Regarded as one of the world’s top surfing locations, this east java beach lies within the wild expanse of Alas Purwo National Park.
Often called “G-Land” by the surfing community, its long barrels and massive swells attract wave riders from around the world. The area is also rich in biodiversity, including monkeys, deer, and sea turtles nesting along the coastline.
Location: Alas Purwo National Park, Banyuwangi
A Coastal Gem in the Indonesian Archipelago
East Java offers some of Indonesia’s most beautiful beaches, rich in natural beauty and far from the typical tourist trails.
From cliffs and waterfalls to coral reefs and white sand beaches, this region provides a different kind of paradise for those willing to explore beyond Bali.
Whether you’re planning to snorkel, surf, camp, or simply soak in the view, the coastline of East Java delivers an unforgettable island experience in the heart of the Indonesian archipelago.
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