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The most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen

April 30, 2019 | Michael Turtle | 73 Comments

TROPICAL GETAWAY

Pink Beach, Indonesia

When the sun catches the sand, the beach glows. But it’s not a pure yellow radiance. Shining and shimmering in the Indonesian heat, the open beach blushes a shade of pink.

I’m here, far from civilisation on Komodo Island in the south of the country. It’s at least an hour by boat from the nearest town and the isolation means there are only one or two strangers sharing the sand.

Pink Beach, Kanawa Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

A beach like this doesn’t need a fancy name. It is simply called ‘Pink Beach’, which says almost all you need to know.

It’s apparently one of only seven beaches in the world where the sand has this colour, a hue that’s caused by the red coral in the shallow waters. Small red grains mix with the normal grains of sand to produce the effect.

Pink Beach, Kanawa Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

The coral is the highlight of the beach here. Not just because of the part it plays in the colour of the sand, but for the underwater landscape it creates for snorkelling.

The water, so clear, is like a window you can sink through to a world below the surface.

Pink Beach, Kanawa Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

So many types of fish, so many colours of coral. It would be possible to spend hours exploring all that’s here.

It’s no great surprise to find that the waters of the Komodo National Park have some of the top diving spots in the world. It might not be the most famous place – but the real divers all know about it.

Pink Beach, Kanawa Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Kanawa Beach, Indonesia

Pink Beach is quite isolated. It has no infrastructure and, on the other side of the island, has thousands of man-eating Komodo dragons. It’s not the kind of place that’s too welcoming for an overnight stay.

>> Read my story about the Komodo dragons <<

A few boats that have slowly chugged over from the main island of Flores, bring travellers for an hour or two in the afternoon sun but then it’s time for them to leave again.

There is refuge nearby, though.

Pink Beach, Kanawa Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

Pink Beach, Kanawa Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

If you want to stay for more than the day, the best option is at Kanawa Beach. It’s closer to the Flores port town of Labuan Bajo and has accommodation and food. A bungalow will cost about US$30 a night for a single or US$40 for a double.

But even with the small resort built on the sand, it feels like you are cut off from everything here at Kanawa. Just look at this dining room: quite the view, right?

Pink Beach, Kanawa Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

The swimming and snorkelling here is also some of the best you will ever discover in the world. And while you’re discovering it, you’ll probably even find Nemo hiding amongst the long waving corals underwater. The clear azure water reveals all.

Pink Beach, Kanawa Beach, Komodo National Park, Indonesia

These may not be the most beautiful beaches in the world. Who can truly judge such a subjective claim?

But I can’t think of any finer I’ve ever laid eyes on. Far from the crowds, out of sight from the typical tourist trail, it’s a little bit of paradise in Indonesia.

Time Travel Turtle was a guest of the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism but the opinions, over-written descriptions and bad jokes are his own.

Indonesia Travel Guide

WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT INDONESIA?

See my Indonesia Travel Guide

To help you plan your trip to Indonesia:

  • How to see Komodo dragons at Komodo National Park
  • Indonesia’s most incredible heritage site
  • Take a boat into the jungle to meet the wild orangutans
  • Go beyond Bali’s tourism to find the spirits in the rice fields
  • Why Raja Ampat is probably the world’s best diving
  • Visiting the majestic Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta
  • The best things to do in central Jakarta
  • Take a jeep ride up the dangerous Mount Merapi
  • Learning to code on a inspiring retreat in Bali

Let someone else do the work for you:

You may also want to consider taking a tour of Indonesia, rather than organising everything on your own. It’s also a nice way to have company if you are travelling solo.

I am a ‘Wanderer’ with G Adventures and they have great tours of Indonesia.

You could consider:

  • Best of Java (9 days)
  • Classic Bali and Lombok (14 days)
  • Islands of Indonesia (22 days)

When I travel internationally, I always get insurance. It’s not worth the risk, in case there’s a medical emergency or another serious incident. I recommend you should use World Nomads for your trip.

Reader Interactions

    Comments Cancel reply

  1. Jade - OurOyster.com |

    November 5, 2012 at 10:38 am

    Reply

    Gorgeous! Indonesia is on the list to visit in the next few years… but first… the Phillipines!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 10:31 am

      Reply

      Oh well… they’re close enough! 🙂

    • Marco Baltimote |

      February 12, 2017 at 6:24 pm

      Reply

      Komodo Islands are beautiful nothing to say but Raja Ampat in papua new guinea is far away more stunning that flores and Komodo. I travelled a lot in Indonesia, cause I live and work in bali since long time but when I went to Raja Ampat I couldn’t believe to my eyes… Under the water and on top of it. Pure paradise on earth. Few places in the world got beaches like that, Maldives and Polynesia are 2 of them but the diving is absolutely the best I ever seen in my all life. And the feeling to be in those islands, brings
      you back to a pure primitive way of being

      • Michael Turtle |

        April 4, 2017 at 4:50 pm

        Reply

        You’re so right! And I have been to Raja Ampat since I wrote this story so I can definitely see where you’re coming from. The water is so incredible there and there’s so much to when you’re snorkelling or diving. But, having said that, this beach is still pretty spectacular and I have never forgotten it.

  2. Angela |

    November 5, 2012 at 6:17 pm

    Reply

    Wonderful, if I go there I might not to leave! I’m aiming to go to Asia in 2013, will try to make it to Indonesia too!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 10:44 am

      Reply

      Oh, you’ve got to do Indonesia. Especially now before it gets too busy! It’s got the best of everything.

  3. molly |

    November 5, 2012 at 6:58 pm

    Reply

    I don´t appreciate such jaw dropping sandy photos on a grey rainy Monday morning in my office!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 10:44 am

      Reply

      Ha ha… so, sorry. I thought perhaps it might be inspiration to plan the next trip! 🙂

  4. Laurence |

    November 5, 2012 at 10:41 pm

    Reply

    This beach sounds amazing, although the “thousands of man eating dragons” could be a slight issue. Still.. you’ve got to take the rough with the smooth eh?

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 10:45 am

      Reply

      I don’t think the dragons are too near to this beach. None of the locals seemed too worried, and that’s always a good sign.

  5. D.J. - The World of Deej |

    November 5, 2012 at 11:20 pm

    Reply

    Yeah…wouldn’t mind tipping back a few here…

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 10:49 am

      Reply

      The only problem is that you’ll have to bring your own to the first one. The second beach (Kanawa) at least has a small restaurant.

  6. Karen @ Trans-Americas Journey |

    November 6, 2012 at 1:05 am

    Reply

    Bold statement, but you may just be right. What a gorgeous find!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 10:50 am

      Reply

      I’m sure it is not the most beautiful on the whole world… but there’s something about the isolation and lack of people that adds to the experience.

  7. Tom - Active Backpacker |

    November 6, 2012 at 1:43 am

    Reply

    Wow dude, these photos are rocking! I’m in The Netherlands and it’s getting cold…must…stop…looking…at…beach….photos!

    Those man-eating Komodo dragons sound interesting 😀

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 10:53 am

      Reply

      Sorry to rub it in. I find it’s easier just to change hemispheres based on the seasons 🙂

  8. Matthew Karsten |

    November 6, 2012 at 2:42 am

    Reply

    Looks deserted too! My kind of place. 🙂

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 10:55 am

      Reply

      That’s the best thing about it! (For now, at least…)

  9. Anita |

    November 6, 2012 at 3:13 am

    Reply

    this place looks like heaven – I’ve seen a lot of nice Caribbean beaches but none of them were as beautiful as this one in Indonesia

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 11:06 am

      Reply

      From what I’ve heard about the Caribbean, most of the beaches there have been a bit too ‘touched’ by humans and tourism. The wonderful thing about this part of the world is that the beaches still feel so natural.

  10. Annie |

    November 6, 2012 at 6:10 am

    Reply

    Looks beautiful…thanks for sharing!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 11:07 am

      Reply

      My pleasure. I hope it brought a bit of sunshine to your day! 🙂

  11. Stephanie - The Travel Chica |

    November 6, 2012 at 11:46 am

    Reply

    I’ll take that beach right now… or any beach 🙂

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 11:08 am

      Reply

      Yeah, any beach will do. But, you know, this might be one of the best options!

  12. Raymond @ Man On The Lam |

    November 6, 2012 at 6:11 pm

    Reply

    I loved Indonesia and I only made it to Sulawesi — can’t imagine how much more I would have loved it if I had made it here too!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 11:09 am

      Reply

      I didn’t make it to Sulawesi so Indonesia is currently on my must-return-soon list. There are so many islands (17,000 or so) so it’s difficult to see it all in one trip!

      • Hapsary |

        July 16, 2013 at 5:23 pm

        Reply

        Next time you go to Indonesia, make sure to go to Raja ampat in West Papua.. it’s a great place for snorkling and have a nice view of beach.. 🙂

  13. Ashley of Ashley Abroad |

    November 6, 2012 at 8:59 pm

    Reply

    That beach looks so good to me right now… it’s raining today and I would love to get some sun!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 11:12 am

      Reply

      There’s nothing like a bit of rain to make you long for a beach like this…

  14. Justin |

    November 7, 2012 at 2:03 am

    Reply

    I think you might be right! Awesome spot!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 11:13 am

      Reply

      Check it out sometime. You won’t regret it!

  15. thetravelfool |

    November 7, 2012 at 3:27 am

    Reply

    It is going to be below freezing tonight and you show me this? I miss white sand beaches and warm weather 🙁

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 7, 2012 at 11:13 am

      Reply

      I’m sorry… 🙁

  16. Virgina |

    November 8, 2012 at 4:31 am

    Reply

    Is that a real star fish? Amazing!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 11, 2012 at 2:46 pm

      Reply

      Yeah, it’s real. And there were hundreds of them in the water just off the shore!

  17. [email protected] Green Global Travel |

    November 9, 2012 at 7:11 am

    Reply

    Great photo of that starfish!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 11, 2012 at 2:49 pm

      Reply

      The starfish had such amazing colour! They were stunning!

  18. Jennifer |

    November 12, 2012 at 9:56 am

    Reply

    Wow, that beach is simply stunning! And the diving and snorkeling looks like it would just be amazing. Your photos just made this beach an addition to my travel bucket list.

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 15, 2012 at 10:04 am

      Reply

      I’ve never experienced snorkelling this good before in my life. People have tried to tell me there are some beaches that are as nice as this one in the Philippines, but the coral and the fish aren’t nearly as good.

  19. tempo dulu |

    November 12, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    Reply

    lovely pics – definitely looks worth a visit!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 15, 2012 at 10:08 am

      Reply

      Thanks! Hope you get there someday!

  20. Mary @ Green Global Travel |

    November 13, 2012 at 4:37 am

    Reply

    Amazing! I’m dreaming about going to Komodo Island now. I’m working on my scuba certification and hope to one day put it to good use among the red coral reefs.

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 15, 2012 at 10:14 am

      Reply

      Wow, if you’re an experienced diver, you will love this place. There are so many areas to explore. I met a few divers there and they all know it’s the best place on the planet – they just don’t want to tell everyone else! 🙂

  21. Kirsten |

    November 13, 2012 at 10:01 am

    Reply

    Without a doubt, the most enjoyable place we went. For me that is! I still want to go back. Like, now.

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 15, 2012 at 10:17 am

      Reply

      Ha ha. How many hours (or days) could we have spent just lazing around those beaches? Sigh… one day we’ll return! 🙂

  22. Cam |

    November 14, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Reply

    Wowzas! She’s quite the looker!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 15, 2012 at 10:26 am

      Reply

      Tell me about it!

  23. Elmer Cruz |

    November 20, 2012 at 11:18 am

    Reply

    Fabulous Pink beach, gotta get my pink swimmers on!

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 22, 2012 at 11:54 am

      Reply

      Ha ha – then you would be completely camouflaged! 🙂

  24. BlogDaz |

    November 21, 2012 at 2:34 pm

    Reply

    Pink Beach, it sounds appealing and it looks even more appealing, and surprisingly unpopulated.

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 22, 2012 at 12:19 pm

      Reply

      It’s certainly quite unpopulated… but it’s not the easiest place to get to so that’s not too surprising.

  25. Andrew |

    November 25, 2012 at 3:21 am

    Reply

    I really like the picture with the bridge. That perspective is great as well as the water color. Not a beach person in general, not enough shade for me, but I do like pictures of beaches and beach-like things. 🙂

    • Michael Turtle |

      November 28, 2012 at 12:00 pm

      Reply

      I know what you mean about the shade. I love going to a beautiful beach, admiring it, having a quick swim, then retreating to somewhere cool with a nice cold beer 🙂

  26. Reena @ Wanderplex |

    December 7, 2012 at 6:21 am

    Reply

    Seriously gorgeous! Love that it’s so peaceful and untouristed as well.

    • Michael Turtle |

      December 7, 2012 at 11:48 am

      Reply

      That’s what makes it so good, I think. If it was full of people it would’ve lost a lot of its charm.

  27. Mumun |

    February 19, 2013 at 8:14 pm

    Reply

    I’m Indonesian and I haven’t been. Not that I have to but it is on my list. I have to make this happen.

    • Michael Turtle |

      February 21, 2013 at 2:00 am

      Reply

      You definitely have to make it happen! It would be a great place for a quick getaway from the other parts of the country!

  28. Jenny Salter |

    May 28, 2014 at 3:59 am

    Reply

    Shame about the problems in Kenya, Diani Beach is the best I have ever seen, white and so fine like sherbert and occasionally you see hundreds of small,white crabs, lovely.

  29. tempodulu |

    March 15, 2016 at 4:44 am

    Reply

    Kanawa Beach looks great but I’ve heard bad things about the accommodation – expensive and very bad quality…Still mulling over whether to go or not.

  30. Leonardus Nyoman |

    April 2, 2016 at 1:59 am

    Reply

    Hi Michael, Great article. Thank you for sharing.
    Regards Leonardus – floresexotictours.id

  31. Joanna: Pricing manager |

    January 6, 2017 at 10:28 am

    Reply

    The water looks so clean there. Thought it was a big claim – but it is a really nice beach.

  32. Paulo César |

    January 22, 2017 at 2:08 pm

    Reply

    Wow what a sea of crystal clear water. It must be very relaxing to bathe in these waters and enjoy this true paradise.

  33. Umina Beach |

    July 13, 2017 at 12:06 pm

    Reply

    Been working in Singapore for years my friends used to drive across malaysia,but i love indonesia feels like home to me!

  34. Vak |

    June 13, 2018 at 9:54 am

    Reply

    If you take the starfish out of the water it will die. Retard

  35. VIRINA | www.islander.io/komodo |

    January 20, 2019 at 7:11 pm

    Reply

    This Komodo National Park has lots of interesting things to see which nature serves.
    Hopefully it will stay that way for many centuries.
    Great post, Michael 🙂

  36. Buddyfan |

    August 31, 2019 at 11:49 pm

    Reply

    Is that you holding the star fish? You must tat’s the wrong thing to do and a bad advert for tourism.

  37. Home Renovation Land |

    April 15, 2021 at 2:13 pm

    Reply

    wow! What a nice view. I haven’t heard some place like this in Indonesia. I’ll include this on my list. Looking forward to more of this. Thank you.

  38. Chelsea |

    April 15, 2021 at 5:18 pm

    Reply

    wow! What a nice view. I’ve known Kanawa beach from a friend, though I haven’t been here but I could say this one is perfect. $40 is not bad for a night when you have this kind of view. Anyway, thank for sharing this. I’m looking forward to more of your articles.

  39. Jejey- Makia Komodo Tours |

    June 8, 2021 at 10:59 pm

    Reply

    Love this website! Great job. I am from Flores island and love reading blogs about the different places people are visiting. We recently started a tour company called Makai tours and we do many do Pink Beach Tours almost every week. If you happen to come back…please look us up and we would love to help you out!

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This is the website of travel writer, Michael Turtle. After working in broadcast journalism for a decade in Australia, Michael left Sydney to travel the world indefinitely and write about the places, people and experiences he discovers. This isn't a diary - these are real stories from the world.

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