Mawun Beach, located in the Tumpak area of Central Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara, has been named the best beach in Indonesia by international visitors.
The recognition came from Travel and Leisure, with travel journalist and designer Kathryn Romeyn sharing her personal pick after a decade of living in Indonesia.
“Picture electric turquoise water so bright it’s almost glowing, and soft, powdery sand that wraps around in a horseshoe shape between two shapely hills, and you have Mawun, an off-the-beaten-path beach,” Romeyn said in the feature published on Tuesday, 12 August 2025.
For her, Mawun Beach stands out for its serene setting. “I sunbathed here years ago, and during my time, sweet local kids ran up with petite juicy pineapples (cut and held upside down like ice cream cones) and mangos to sell,” she recalled.
The beach is approximately six miles (10 kilometres) from Kuta, South Lombok, making it a short 15–20 minute drive. Visitors will also find Kuta filled with restaurants, day spas, hotels, and resorts and ideal for a combined beach and leisure trip.
Seven Beautiful Beaches Beyond Bali
While Bali and Lombok are often the first names that come to mind when talking about Indonesia’s beaches, Romeyn highlighted that there is much more to explore.
Since moving to Bali in 2014, her travels as a surfer and writer have taken her to shores across the country some hidden, others lively.
1. Mawun Beach, Lombok
Romeyn’s top choice, with powder-soft sand and turquoise waters framed by hills. Located close to Kuta, it remains relatively quiet compared to more famous spots.
2. Mbawana Beach, Sumba
Described as one of the most dramatic beaches she has visited, Mbawana is an hour’s drive from the nearest town. “We met local residents cooking corn rice in the middle of a cornfield before beginning the steep but worthwhile descent down the cliff,” she said.
3. Pink Beach, Komodo
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Known for its unusual pink sand created by red coral fragments, this spot in Komodo National Park is accessible only by boat and often included in island-hopping tours.
4. Padar Kecil, Padar Island
Romeyn recalled anchoring near Padar Island on a pinisi boat and hiking to a panoramic viewpoint before being dropped at Padar Kecil. “The soft, sandy, shallow bottom makes swimming and floating there truly delightful,” she said.
5. Nihiwatu Beach, Sumba
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Part of the Nihi Sumba resort, this beach is home to free-roaming horses. Romeyn described the unique experience of riding them into the waves.
6. Suwehan Beach, Nusa Penida
Reached via a 20-minute climb, this Bali-adjacent beach is framed by cliffs and features a striking cone-shaped rock in the bay. Nearby Atuh Beach offers equally stunning views.
7. Kelapa Beach, Bawah Reserve, Anambas
Situated in the remote Riau Archipelago, Kelapa Beach requires a hike to reach. “There are no facilities… but the effort is well worth it,” she said, noting its white sand, mangroves, and clear waters.
Visiting Mawun Beach: What to Know
Mawun Beach’s charm lies not only in its scenery but also in its simplicity. The large green hill along the shore and the gradient of white sand meeting the blue sea make it an inviting place to relax.
The atmosphere remains quiet and natural, offering visitors the chance to swim, wade in gentle waves, or simply lounge on the sand.
Seafood lovers can enjoy fresh dishes at nearby local restaurants. For a different experience, some travellers opt to camp overnight by pitching a tent on the sand.
Travel Tips when Visiting Mangun Beach
- Bring cash, as electronic payment options are limited.
- Carry a mat for added comfort while relaxing.
- Use a private vehicle or rental, as public transport is not available to the site.
- Avoid leaving after dark, as there are no streetlights and the surrounding area is quiet.
Whether for a quick swim, a sunset picnic, or a day of doing nothing at all, Mawun Beach offers an easy escape from the busier tourist spots without losing its authentic coastal charm.
