There are a few pink beaches around the world, two of which are in Indonesia.
Two pink beaches in Indonesia? Yes! The most famous is in Komodo, but we discovered another when visiting Kuta, Lombok, and decided to visit on a day trip.
Pink Beach or Tangsi Beach to quote its correct name, is located in a small village called Sekaroh, Jerowaru on Ekas Peninsuala, a remote area of Lombok’s east coast so it’s not an easy place to visit. If it’s difficult to reach, then this off-the-beaten track beach will mean we will have the place to ourselves! Who wouldn’t want to visit a largely undiscovered hidden treasure?
So is Pink Beach Lombok worth a visit? (and how is a pink beach made???)
Two pink beaches in Indonesia? Yes! The most famous is in Komodo, but we discovered another when visiting Kuta, Lombok, and decided to visit on a day trip.
Pink Beach or Tangsi Beach to quote its correct name, is located in a small village called Sekaroh, Jerowaru on Ekas Peninsuala, a remote area of Lombok’s east coast so it’s not an easy place to visit. If it’s difficult to reach, then this off-the-beaten track beach will mean we will have the place to ourselves! Who wouldn’t want to visit a largely undiscovered hidden treasure?
So is Pink Beach Lombok worth a visit? (and how is a pink beach made???)
Scootering to Pink Beach
We were travelling on a budget so decided to hire a scooter and drive to pink beach. We looked at the map and it looked fairly easy to get to, we knew it would take a few hours but it was a lovely day and we had nothing else to do. Pink Beach was our day’s mission.
Driving through the countryside was absolutely stunning. We stopped a number of times to take photos as we passed through mile upon mile of lush green rice fields which filled our vision. We drove through hills, valleys, past chickens, dogs, cows, buffalos and goats. Locals laid sweetcorn and rice by the side of the road to dry in the sun. There wasn’t another tourist in sight.
We were travelling on a budget so decided to hire a scooter and drive to pink beach. We looked at the map and it looked fairly easy to get to, we knew it would take a few hours but it was a lovely day and we had nothing else to do. Pink Beach was our day’s mission.
Driving through the countryside was absolutely stunning. We stopped a number of times to take photos as we passed through mile upon mile of lush green rice fields which filled our vision. We drove through hills, valleys, past chickens, dogs, cows, buffalos and goats. Locals laid sweetcorn and rice by the side of the road to dry in the sun. There wasn’t another tourist in sight.
Lush rice fields around Lombok
Corn drying in the sun
We passed herding buffalo along the way
Goats out for their morning stroll!
Almost every local we passed smiled, waved or said hello, it reminded me of our time in India and the warm fuzzy glow we felt wasn’t just from the deceptively hot sun beating down on us. It was a scorching hot day and I forgot to put sunscreen on my shoulders so alas, I burnt to a crisp. The cool breeze from the journey masked how hot the day really was.
Locals rake the rice for drying in the sun
The journey was very pleasant for about two hours; the roads were smooth, there wasn’t a lot of traffic and we didn’t have to take too many turns to reach our destination.
All that changed for the last 8-10km, the rest of the journey was hell. It took us nearly an hour to drive the final stretch as the road suddenly stopped. Smooth concrete roads were replaced by sections of stone, gravel, sand then mud, it was quite precarious and the fun quickly stopped. If you are in a car or 4x4 then the journey would be easier and less bumpy.
All that changed for the last 8-10km, the rest of the journey was hell. It took us nearly an hour to drive the final stretch as the road suddenly stopped. Smooth concrete roads were replaced by sections of stone, gravel, sand then mud, it was quite precarious and the fun quickly stopped. If you are in a car or 4x4 then the journey would be easier and less bumpy.
One of the roads on the final 8-10km journey, this one was muddy and slippery
But we made it! We were shocked to have to pay 50,000 IDR EACH for an entrance ticket, when most beaches charge 10,000 IDR for parking, however we weren’t exactly going to turn around now without setting foot on pink beach.
We drove down the steep hill and found a parking spot under a tree, then we had our first glance of pink beach!
Is Pink Beach really pink?
Yes. And No. Great answer! It actually depends on what time of day you visit as to whether you will see it pink. We arrived around 11am and it was definitely a dusky pink colour as you can see. We spent a couple of hours here and when we left, it didn’t really look pink anymore.
We drove down the steep hill and found a parking spot under a tree, then we had our first glance of pink beach!
Is Pink Beach really pink?
Yes. And No. Great answer! It actually depends on what time of day you visit as to whether you will see it pink. We arrived around 11am and it was definitely a dusky pink colour as you can see. We spent a couple of hours here and when we left, it didn’t really look pink anymore.
I rushed onto the soft sand and yes, I thought it was actually pink!
But what makes a pink sand beach, how is a pink beach made? The pink colour comes from millions of tiny red organisms that grow on dead coral and pieces of shell which fall to the ocean floor. These tiny pieces are washed onto shore where they mix with the white sand. Now you have a fantastic pink sand beach.
But what makes a pink sand beach, how is a pink beach made? The pink colour comes from millions of tiny red organisms that grow on dead coral and pieces of shell which fall to the ocean floor. These tiny pieces are washed onto shore where they mix with the white sand. Now you have a fantastic pink sand beach.
The sea was so inviting, I had to dip my toes in, after all, we had driven all this way. The turquoise and aquamarine water were crystal clear and wonderfully refreshing. I have heard that the snorkelling here is nice, the waters are certainly calm and clear enough for a good snorkelling trip.
I desperately wanted to lay on this deserted beach and chill, but alas, we were not alone. I was surprised to see a lot of boats parked along the shore and there were a lot of people around. Was it the quiet retreat I was expecting? Absolutely not!
Clearly the secret is well and truly out!
We strolled down the beach towards the cliff for a panoramic view. There are a few covered warungs selling fresh coconuts, refreshments and local food, there was even an ice cream man! I was also surprised to see toilet facilities. Yes Pink beach is now geared up for tourists.
Pink Beach viewpoint
Forget Pink Beach, the viewpoint is the highlight!
At the end of the beach there is a little hill which takes literally a few minutes to walk up. This is where we had a full view of the beach and, depending on the time of day, how pink/non-pink it is.
Clearly the secret is well and truly out!
We strolled down the beach towards the cliff for a panoramic view. There are a few covered warungs selling fresh coconuts, refreshments and local food, there was even an ice cream man! I was also surprised to see toilet facilities. Yes Pink beach is now geared up for tourists.
Pink Beach viewpoint
Forget Pink Beach, the viewpoint is the highlight!
At the end of the beach there is a little hill which takes literally a few minutes to walk up. This is where we had a full view of the beach and, depending on the time of day, how pink/non-pink it is.
View of Pink Beach from the hilltop lookout
We walked around the hill, and were truly rewarded with the most stunning panoramic views. Limestone Rocks jut out from the peninsula not too dissimilar to the 12 Apostles on the Great Ocean Road in Melbourne, Australia.
As we continued walking around, we saw small islets dotted in tri-coloured waters which reminded me of Piaynemo in Raja Ampat. Now that was a surprise!
As we continued walking around, we saw small islets dotted in tri-coloured waters which reminded me of Piaynemo in Raja Ampat. Now that was a surprise!
Peninsula view - does it remind you of the 12 Apostles in Australia?
This view reminds me a little of Pianymo, Raja Ampat
It was midday, the sun was scorching, we had been on a scooter for three hours and wanted to chill. As the beach turned out to be a place where we couldn’t relax, we decided to plonk our butts under a tree on the hill. And why not. The view was stunning and it was relatively peaceful.
Our tummies told us it was lunch time, so we sat at a warung overlooking the beach and ordered a fresh coconut. Sadly, this end of the beach was not the pretty end and I couldn’t relax. We moved to another warung that was quieter and ordered a cheap yet delicious Nasi Gorang.
It was time to get back on the scooter and make the gruelling return journey to Kuta.
Our tummies told us it was lunch time, so we sat at a warung overlooking the beach and ordered a fresh coconut. Sadly, this end of the beach was not the pretty end and I couldn’t relax. We moved to another warung that was quieter and ordered a cheap yet delicious Nasi Gorang.
It was time to get back on the scooter and make the gruelling return journey to Kuta.
The unromantic reality
I had read a blog that said you will be alone, that you need to take water and snacks as there is nothing there. Imagine my shock! Pink Beach is now a place that tourists do visit, and with tourists comes rubbish.
Boat loads of Chinese tourists descended onto the beach and up to the viewpoint. The very pink Princess Lombok boat was parked next to an area that can only be described as a rubbish dump. Alongside natural ocean debris were piles of burnt trash and discarded coconuts. On the hill we spotted discarded drink bottles; come on guys, at least take it with you and put it in a bin! Is there no where on earth that isn’t spoilt by people’s trash?
I won’t lie, we left feeling sad.
I had read a blog that said you will be alone, that you need to take water and snacks as there is nothing there. Imagine my shock! Pink Beach is now a place that tourists do visit, and with tourists comes rubbish.
Boat loads of Chinese tourists descended onto the beach and up to the viewpoint. The very pink Princess Lombok boat was parked next to an area that can only be described as a rubbish dump. Alongside natural ocean debris were piles of burnt trash and discarded coconuts. On the hill we spotted discarded drink bottles; come on guys, at least take it with you and put it in a bin! Is there no where on earth that isn’t spoilt by people’s trash?
I won’t lie, we left feeling sad.
Our view whilst sipping a coconut
The very pink Princes Lombok, one of the many boats lining the shore bringing tourists to the no longer "secret" Pink Beach
Is it worth going to Pink Beach?
Yes: If you accept that it won’t be quiet and you won’t be alone. The viewpoint is spectacular and shouldn’t be missed, it was even more of a highlight than pink beach.
If you choose to scooter, know that the final leg of the journey will be a challenge and you need to know how to handle a scooter – take it slow and steady (hati hati in the Indonesian Sasak language). This may change in the future as they slowly build better roads.
No: If you want peace, tranquillity and the place to yourself, you will be disappointed.
Nearest hotel: There is only one place to stay near Pink Beach, Jeeva Beloam, but there is nothing else in this area.
Yes: If you accept that it won’t be quiet and you won’t be alone. The viewpoint is spectacular and shouldn’t be missed, it was even more of a highlight than pink beach.
If you choose to scooter, know that the final leg of the journey will be a challenge and you need to know how to handle a scooter – take it slow and steady (hati hati in the Indonesian Sasak language). This may change in the future as they slowly build better roads.
No: If you want peace, tranquillity and the place to yourself, you will be disappointed.
Nearest hotel: There is only one place to stay near Pink Beach, Jeeva Beloam, but there is nothing else in this area.
Wondering what to pack for your Indonesian trip? Let us help with the essentials in our Ultimate Packing List for Worldwide Travel (tried and tested!
How to get to Pink Beach
From Kuta: For a more relaxing day, WhatSupLombok offer a snorkelling day trip for 875,000 IDR per person. You are picked up and dropped back at Kuta so it’s a leisurely day on a boat. I can see why there are many boats lined up on the shore at Pink Beach as this seems to be the easiest day trip.
If you take a car, I have heard it will only take 1.5 hours from Kuta.
From Tanjung Luar Port: This is the main port connecting Pink Beach with surrounding islands. The boat trip will take about 3 hours but it will be more relaxing. If you are a shark/ray lover be warned: if you arrive early you may see fishermen bring in there catch of sharks and rays. There is a campaign by “Dorsal Effect” which are trying to get fishermen to move from fishing to tourism, so by chartering a local boat you are helping this beautiful marine life. Indonesia, sadly is the number one shark finning country in the world.
From other areas in Lombok by car:
Mataram: 2-2.5 hours
Praya: 1 – 1.5 hours
Senggigi: 2 – 2.5 hours
Cost of getting to Pink beach from Kuta by scooter: 270,000 IDR for two people
From Kuta: For a more relaxing day, WhatSupLombok offer a snorkelling day trip for 875,000 IDR per person. You are picked up and dropped back at Kuta so it’s a leisurely day on a boat. I can see why there are many boats lined up on the shore at Pink Beach as this seems to be the easiest day trip.
If you take a car, I have heard it will only take 1.5 hours from Kuta.
From Tanjung Luar Port: This is the main port connecting Pink Beach with surrounding islands. The boat trip will take about 3 hours but it will be more relaxing. If you are a shark/ray lover be warned: if you arrive early you may see fishermen bring in there catch of sharks and rays. There is a campaign by “Dorsal Effect” which are trying to get fishermen to move from fishing to tourism, so by chartering a local boat you are helping this beautiful marine life. Indonesia, sadly is the number one shark finning country in the world.
From other areas in Lombok by car:
Mataram: 2-2.5 hours
Praya: 1 – 1.5 hours
Senggigi: 2 – 2.5 hours
Cost of getting to Pink beach from Kuta by scooter: 270,000 IDR for two people
Local petrol station, you will see these all along the sides of the road
Scooter hire: 60,000 IDR
Petrol: 20,000 IDR
Entrance fee: 100,000 IDR (50,000 IDR pp)
Fresh coconut: 40,000 (20,000 IDR pp)
Nasi Gorang lunch at Warung:
40,000 (20,000 IDR pp)
Water: 10,000 (5,000 IDR per 1.5 litre bottle)
If you do hire a scooter, please be responsible and ensure all riders wear a helmet. Your life is worth far more than any day trip!
Petrol stations are small stands found all along the road, simply pull over and tell them how much you want!
Have you heard of or been to Pink Beach, Lombok? What are your thoughts? Tell us in the comment section below!
Travelling around Indonesia? Hope these links help!
Lembongan - Bali, but Better!
Gili Air - The Perfect Island?
World Oceans Day: Conservation Success on Gili Air
Volunteering at Gili Air Cat Clinic
Gili Trawangan - Not Just A Party Island
Gili Meno - The Island of Love
Best Sunset Spots on Gili Air
10 Must Try Indonesian Dishes
Gili Gede - The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Asahan - The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis - The Secret Gili Islands
Kuta Lombok - The New Kuta Bali?
Wonderful Waterfalls of Lombok
Tarsiers and a Monkey Selfie
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca
Komodo, Flores, More Than Just Dragons
Jewels of Java - Borobudur & Prambanan
Indonesian Orangutan Adventure
Derawan & Sangalaki - Borneo's Hidden Gem?
Raja Ampat on a Budget
Are you a Scuba Diver? Check out these related links:
Scuba Diving the Gili Islands
Manta Madness
Diving Raja Ampat
Lembeh - A Magical Muck Diving Experience
USS Liberty in Bali - Highly Wreck-Ommended
Lembongan - Bali, but Better!
Gili Air - The Perfect Island?
World Oceans Day: Conservation Success on Gili Air
Volunteering at Gili Air Cat Clinic
Gili Trawangan - Not Just A Party Island
Gili Meno - The Island of Love
Best Sunset Spots on Gili Air
10 Must Try Indonesian Dishes
Gili Gede - The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Asahan - The Secret Gili Islands
Gili Sudak and Gili Kedis - The Secret Gili Islands
Kuta Lombok - The New Kuta Bali?
Wonderful Waterfalls of Lombok
Tarsiers and a Monkey Selfie
Komodo Dragon Hike in Rinca
Komodo, Flores, More Than Just Dragons
Jewels of Java - Borobudur & Prambanan
Indonesian Orangutan Adventure
Derawan & Sangalaki - Borneo's Hidden Gem?
Raja Ampat on a Budget
Are you a Scuba Diver? Check out these related links:
Scuba Diving the Gili Islands
Manta Madness
Diving Raja Ampat
Lembeh - A Magical Muck Diving Experience
USS Liberty in Bali - Highly Wreck-Ommended
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