List of beaches in Indonesia
Beaches in Indonesia are extensive, characterized by coral reefs, deposits from volcanoes, rich marine biodiversity, strong ocean currents, and associated with diverse cultural traditions.
With around 17,500 islands,[1] Indonesia has an intricate coastline of over 80,000 km (50,000 mi),[2] the fourth longest in the world.
Sandy backshores are colonized by coastal vegetation, notably Ipomoea pes-caprae and Spinifex littoreus, then coconut and casuarina trees.
Owing to their strategic location during World War II, some of the northern beaches contain bunkers and concrete pillboxes constructed by the Japanese troops.
Notable beaches of North Sumatra province are on the island of Nias and are surfing destinations.
[11] Bangka-Belitung Islands are known for their white sanded beaches with clear blue water and granite boulders.
[11] The northern coastline of South Sumatra is mostly covered in mangrove forests with rare well-formed beaches.
The water carry large sandy deposits, forming a deltaic plains in the river mouth.
[11] The beaches of the southeast coast in the Sunda Strait were affected by the historical volcano blast of Krakatau in 1883.
The beaches of the northern coast are known for its calm water due to the low wave-energy of the Java Sea.
[9] Some beaches on the southern coast are considered sacred due to their association with Nyai Roro Kidul.
[8][9] The Samudra Beach Hotel, one of the first resort of Indonesia in Pelabuhan Ratu Beach, keeps one of its room, room 308, furnished with green colors as part of the sacred reservation for Nyai Roro Kidul, a sacred figure believed to be the ruler of the Southern Sea.
The water of Jakarta Bay is relatively polluted, the result of the poor living condition of the majority of people living along the bay, as well as nutrient inputs from agricultural runoff, industrial pollution, and waste water.
A procession of the labuhan alit (giving an offering by throwing out certain things to the sea) is done annually on the beach.
Several beaches on the southern coast are considered sacred due to their association with Nyai Roro Kidul.
The island's southern coast is affected by the swell of the Indian Ocean and produces large waves popular with surfers.
[11] The beaches of North Sulawesi are known for their high level of biodiversity due to their location within the Coral Triangle, making them a popular destination for snorkeling and diving.
[114] The beaches of Southeast Sulawesi are well known for marine biodiversity and are notable spot for scuba diving.
The largest island of Maluku, Halmahera, has a yet unexploited potential for diving and beach tourism.
The sea around Raja Ampat contains the highest recorded marine life diversity on Earth.
The southern coast of Papua is mainly covered in extensive swamps and beach formations are limited.
