The BEST Beaches in Sumatra – Snorkel, Swim & Surf in Paradise

Looking for the best beaches in Sumatra? Keen for a snorkelling, diving, or surfing adventure or just want to laze a few days away napping on a sun lounger? You’re in the right place – Sumatra has incredible tropical islands and idyllic beach locations that put even Bali to shame!

Sumatra may be most famous for its steamy jungles and cultural discoveries, but there is no shortage of jaw-dropping beach destinations to delight even the pickiest beach-lover – from the snorkelling heaven of Pulau Weh in the north to the surf breaks of Krui in the south.

Some of the most beautiful Sumatra beaches are found on tiny hidden islands that take a bit of time to get to, but there are some incredible paradise beach spots in more accessible areas, too.

You’ll find everything from deserted, palm tree-laden islands to fancy resorts complete with cocktails and swimming pools.

In this blog, we’ll introduce you to the absolute best beaches in Sumatra from North to South. We’ll help you decide which one fits in with your Sumatra itinerary and travel style and tell you everything you need to know to plan the tropical island holiday you’re dreaming of.

Let’s hit the beach!

Contents

A Quick Guide to the Best Beaches in Sumatra

Sumatra's Most Beautiful Beach Destinations - Sumatra Beach Map

Pulau Weh (Weh Island) - Aceh

BEST FOR: Snorkelling, diving, scooter adventures

Pulau Weh (sometimes known as Sabang, after its main town) is one of the better-known Sumatra beach locations and probably has the best tourist infrastructure of them all. It’s also relatively easy to reach.

This little gem sits in the middle of the Indian Ocean, off the northern coast of Aceh. At only 121 square km (46.7 sq mi), it’s the perfect size for exploring. You can easily get around it in a day via scooter, but it’s big enough to provide visitors at least 2-3 days of adventures.

By far the best thing to do when visiting Weh Island is to get into the water. Pulau Weh is arguably the best beach in Sumatra for snorkelling, with small reefs and swimmable beaches dotted around the island.

The best beaches for snorkelling are around Iboih and Gapang, although some of the smaller beaches and resorts make for a nice ocean adventure too. There’s even an underwater volcano where you can swim a few metres down to feel the warm water seeping out of cracks in the ocean bed – imagine being able to say that you swam in an underwater volcano in Sumatra!

Rubiah Island, just a brief boat ride across from Iboih Beach, has a vibrant coral garden and is a fantastic spot to spend a day with the colourful marine life.

Pulau Weh is also the best place in Sumatra for diving. Iboih Beach and Gapang Beach boast a good selection of dive schools, such as Lumba Lumba and Bubble Addict.

The island itself is fantastic for exploring. Hire a scooter for around IDR100,000 and follow your nose. Stop off at deserted beaches, pop into the inland volcanic area, and visit Kilometer Nol – the northernmost point of Indonesia.

Looking for more inspiration on Pulau Weh? Read this blog:
The 6 Most Awesome Things to Do in Pulau Weh

Important Things To Know In Pulau Weh

Pulau Weh is part of Aceh province, which is a conservative Muslim area. While the island is a little more relaxed than the mainland, it’s important to understand and respect the local customs.

Tourists should dress modestly, even on the beach. Unless you are staying at a resort with a private beach area and are given the okay, bikinis and swimsuits are not acceptable. Stick to shorts and T-shirts when on the sand or in the water.

This is definitely not a party island. Alcohol is not readily available: you’ll only find it at a handful of Western-owned or oriented guesthouses, and it should be consumed discreetly.

Who Should Visit Pulau Weh?

Families, especially those with younger children. Great safe family vibe with good infrastructure.

Solo Travellers. Pulau Weh is relatively easy to get to compared to most of the other islands on our list, and affordable for a single budget.

Couples. Chill at a beautiful guesthouse, watch the sunset after a day of snorkelling, and explore the island together via scooter. Pulau Weh is a great Sumatran beach destination for a romantic getaway.

How to Get to Pulau Weh

Get yourself to Banda Aceh. There is an airport in the city that caters to domestic and international flights, or you can catch a bus (around 12 hours) or rent a car for a long road trip from outside the province.

Head to Ulee Lheue Port (Pelabuhan Ulee Lheue) and catch the slow (2-ish hours) or fast (45 minutes) ferry across to Pulau Weh.

Ferries leave on a regular schedule every day of the week.

Best Places to Stay in Pulau Weh

Casa Nemo Beach Resort & Spa – Higher Budget

SeaGate Bungalows – Medium Budget

Santi Garden Bungalows – Low Budget

See More Amazing Pulau Weh Guesthouses and Resorts here: Best Hotels in Pulau Weh

Pulau Banyak (The Banyak Islands) - Aceh

Best For: Snorkelling, kayaking, island-hopping, beach lazing, surfing

Sumatra’s Banyak Islands are the ideal place to live out your deserted tropical island fantasies. This island chain off the west coast of Aceh features around 99 small islands within a 308 square km area (119 square miles).

This idyllic archipelago is home to some of the prettiest white-sand/turquoise water combos you’ve ever seen, complete with coral reefs and palm trees.

Pulau Banyak is not the place to go for luxury resorts and cocktails on the beach: it IS the place to go if you want long lazy days of beachcombing, snorkelling and island hopping. Depending on the time of year that you travel, you may even find that you’re the only guests on the island. When else in your life could you hire an entire tropical island all for yourself? Talk about living like a VIP.

The Banyak Islands aren’t just home to some of the best beaches in Sumatra – they’re also host to some of the best waves! There are a few surf camps in the region – all within reach of some world-class uncrowded breaks such as Treasure Island (Pulau Bangkaru), Cobra, Gunturs (the Bay of Plenty) and Dindos. Surf charter boats also operate in the area.

Nearly 8000 people live on the Banyak Islands, most of them in villages on Pulau Tuangku, Pulau Baguk and Pulau Balai. The majority of the islands are uninhabited or home to just one or two small guesthouses. Infrastructure is basic. The islands that you’ll likely be staying on won’t have shops, bars, or restaurants. Some only have electricity for a few hours in the evenings, and WiFi is unlikely.

Photo from Tailana Island: https://www.facebook.com/tailanaisland

Which Island is Best in Pulau Banyak?

Palambak Island

One of the largest of the Banyak Islands. MB Camp Palambak reportedly has the best bungalows in the region and amazing food. Expect beautiful sunsets and great snorkelling at a small island nearby.

Stay at MB Camp Palambak or The Palambak Dream

Tailana Island

Amazing snorkelling right on the beach. Ideal for island hopping. Bungalows and food are basic but tasty. Reportedly, there are fewer mosquitos on Tailana.

Stay at Tailana Bungalows or Paradise Island Tailana

Tuangku Island

The largest island.

Stay at Banyak Surf Resort

Panjang Island

Most famous among locals, therefore can be a bit busy on the weekends. Also the most developed.

Stay at Kimo Resort Pulau Banyak

Sikandang

Great for swimming and sunbathing. Has snorkelling spots nearby.

Stay at Ninas Bungalow or The Coral Sikandang.

Tambarat

This is one of the quietest islands in the region (out of those that have guesthouses). It has basic but comfy bungalows.

Stay at Ira Bungalows

Asok

This is the best spot for camping as apparently there are no mosquitos! For a really authentic tropical island experience in Sumatra, you can rent camping gear from local guesthouses.

Important Things to Know When Visiting the Banyak Islands

There are no ATMs on the Banyak Islands. Take cash from the ATMs back in Singkil and bring enough for your trip.

Other than populated islands like Balai, you won’t find any shops or stores. Bring enough insect repellent, sunscreen etc. to last your trip.

WiFi isn’t present on the islands, but many of them do have a decent mobile signal, including Tailana and Palambak.

Keep in mind that the Banyak Islands are still part of the Aceh region, and many of the residents are conservative Muslims. When you’re on a deserted beach, you’re fine in a swimsuit or bikini, but if you’re passing through villages, remember to dress modestly.

Rumour has it that there are crocodiles in the area – not on all the islands, but something to be aware of! Avoid mangrove and marsh areas, and be more cautious on Matahari or Tuangku Island.

Who Should Visit Pulau Banyak?

Couples – who better to be stuck on a deserted island with than your love? This is an excellent place to get away from it all together and have some real quality time on some of the most beautiful beaches in Sumatra.

Families – days spent snorkelling, exploring the beaches, swimming, kayaking and lazing

How to Get to Pulau Banyak?

The boats heading to Pulau Banyak depart from Singkil on the West Coast of Aceh. Singkil is about 8-10 hours by car from Medan, or 5-6 hours from Lake Toba.

Because of the ferry schedules, you’ll probably need to spend a night in Singkil before catching a boat.

Stay in Singkil at MB Camp Singkil.

The large public ferry across to Pulau Balai only leaves on Thursdays, Fridays and Mondays. It takes approximately 4 hours to get there. (The schedules change often, so double-check with your accommodation to make sure).

You can also get a ride on the smaller daily local ferries, if the weather is favourable. From Balai, you’ll then need to take a charter boat to get to your final island destination.

The fastest way to get from Singkil to your island of choice is with a private speedboat. This takes around 1.5 hours, depending on where you’re going. While convenient, it’s also the most expensive way: you’ll be looking at anything from 1.5-2 million IDR.

Best Places to Stay in the Banyak Islands

Tailana Island Resort (Tailana Island) – Higher Budget 

MB Palambak Island Resort (Palambak Island)  – Higher Budget 

Ira Bungalows (Tambarat Island) – Medium Budget 

For Surfing: Banyak Surf Resort (Tuangku Island) 

Plan Your Dream Sumatra Trip with Our North Sumatra Travel Guide & Itinerary Planner!

Nias Island (Pulau Nias) - North Sumatra

Best For: Surfing, diving, cultural experiences

Nias Island is found about 120 km off the west coast of North Sumatra. Not just the name of the region’s largest island, Nias also refers to an area of 5 square kilometres around Nias Island, including dozens of smaller islands.

Pulau Nias is much bigger than you might expect for an offshore island. At 120 km long and 45km wide, it’s bigger than Indonesia’s Lombok Island, and almost as big as Bali.

Most foreigners who make their way to Nias go for the surf: this Sumatran island is world famous amongst surfers, boasting some of the world’s best breaks. The island even hosts international surfing competitions from time to time.

But there’s plenty here to captivate non-surfers too. White-sand beaches stretch along more than half of the coastline, offering plenty of opportunities for sunbathing and snorkelling.

South Nias is the most popular area for foreign tourists, with most heading down to Sorake and Teluk Dalam.

There’s plenty to do onshore here too: Nias has a unique culture virtually unaffected by outside influences for centuries. Getting on a scooter here and taking a few days to explore the island would be an adventurer’s dream.

If you have time, make sure to check out the incredible islands dotted around the Nias region too. Just south of Nias lies Telos (Batu Islands), full of pristine coral reefs, tiny surf resorts, and deserted beaches.

There are many other breathtaking islands to discover in the Nias region – from tiny atolls with divable shipwrecks to pristine breaks for hardcore surfers. This website covers a few of the best:
Go Nias Tours 

Nias is an absolute treasure trove for beach lovers, with simply too many incredible spots to cover here. If you’d like to know more, the Visit Nias Island website is a valuable resource to help you plan your trip.

Photo From Jamburae Lodge Nias

Important Things to Know When Visiting Nias

The population of Nias are mostly Christian, so there are no strict rules as you might find up in Pulau Weh. However, the Nias culture is still pretty conservative, as with most parts of Sumatra, so keep that in mind.

Nias has decent infrastructure because of its size. You’ll find ATMs, plenty of stores for supplies, a good range of accommodation, and even an immigration office should you need one (there’s also one on the mainland at Sibolga).

Outside of the more popular tourist regions in South Nias, there isn’t a huge range of accommodations or tourism infrastructure. It is still possible to find the odd guesthouse in lesser visited parts of Nias Island, or you can arrange to stay with a local family in a homestay situation.

Who Should Visit Nias?

Couples, Families, and Solo Travellers will all find plenty to keep them busy on Nias, but bear in mind you’ll need a bit of time to explore the island fully.

How to Get to Nias

Nias Island is one of the few on the list that has an active airport, making it relatively easy to reach these enticing Sumatran beaches.

Flights travel to and from Medan to Gunung Sitoli (the main town on Nias) daily.

For a more budget-friendly option yet time-consuming option, make your way to the coastal town of Sibolga in North Sumatra (around a 10-hour drive from Medan, or 5-6 from Lake Toba). From there, you can catch a ferry across to Gunung Sitoli. If you’re coming from Aceh, you can also get to Nias from Singkil.

The ferries are both overnight services, taking up to 8-12 hours to complete the trip. From Sibolga, the ferry leaves at 8pm every day except Sundays; from Singkil, it only operates on Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Photo From Oseda Surf House Nias

Best Places to Stay in Nias

Jamburae Lodge Nias – Higher Budget 

Grace Wave Resort – Medium Budget 

Oseda Nias Surf House – Medium Budget

Salty Dog Hostel Nias – Low Budget

The Mentawai Islands - West Sumatra

Best For: Surfing, island-hopping, cultural immersion, luxury resorts

The Mentawai Islands are one of the more well-known island chains in Sumatra. Dotted around the ocean about 150km off the coast of West Sumatra, the Mentawai region is most famous for the indigenous tribes living on Siberut island, the largest island in the regency.

Also known as the “flower people,” the Mentawai people provide a glimpse into the past, living in sync with nature and maintaining the traditions of shamanism as they have for hundreds of years.

Uniquely, the Mentawai people have welcomed tourists into their midst. Small groups join a guide to live with Mentawai families in the middle of the jungle, immersing in local life and learning how to live in sync with nature.

The 70-ish islands of the Mentawais are also a popular destination for surfers. The waves here are considered some of Indonesia’s most consistent. Dozens of surf resorts are available throughout the area, although most of these are definitely not budget-friendly and cater specifically for those looking for a surf-centric resort experience.

Covering around 3,800 square km (about 1,500 square miles), Siberut is by far the largest of the Mentawai Islands.

Of course, with 100 or so islands to choose from, there are some excellent surfing and snorkelling spots for those willing to search them out. The best way to do this is to rent a boat and spend a day (or more) island hopping. You’ll be rewarded with deserted beaches, crunchy white sand and the clearest water you’ve ever seen.

Head to Tuapajet on Sipora Island for a home base, then explore from there.

Pulau Masokut (also known as Nyang Nyang) is a popular island for independent travellers on a budget. There are several local accommodations here suitable for budget travellers.

We love this YouTube video by SideTripLife about Mentawai Island Hopping

And this fantastic blog about Mentawai for Non-Surfers

Photo From FB: Hollow Tree's Resort Mentawai

Important Things to Know When Visiting the Mentawais

There is reportedly a risk of contracting malaria on the islands. Make sure to wear insect repellent, sleep with a fan, and use mosquito nets. Consult your doctor about whether or not you need to take anti-malarial medication.

There are no ATMs in the Mentawai Islands, so bring enough cash to cover your trip.

Outside of the fancy surf resorts, facilities and accommodations tend to be more basic. You won’t find a great deal of shops to buy supplies at, so bring everything you need.

When searching online for accommodation, you’ll mostly find expensive resorts and retreats. If you’re looking for a more low-key, budget-friendly stay, we recommend getting in touch with a local guide for recommendations.

Who Should Visit the Mentawai Islands?

Couples looking for an authentic cultural adventure will LOVE spending time amongst the Mentawai tribes on Siberut. It’s also the best location to soak up some sun and stroll along those empty beaches hand in hand.

Solo travellers also have an opportunity to experience life with the flower people. Contact one of the experienced local guides to ask if they have any groups you can join. Or head to one of the excellent Sumatra Travel Groups on Facebook to find travel buddies.

How to Get to the Mentawai Islands

To make your way across to the Mentawai Islands, you’ll need to first head to Padang, the capital city of West Sumatra. There is an international airport here, accepting flights from Kuala Lumpur or domestic flights from other parts of Sumatra/Indonesia.

Multiple ferries make the trip to the islands from Muara Harbour in Padang, but there are different schedules for different islands, and not all leave daily.

Because of the early morning ferry departure, you’ll need to arrive in Padang the day before you plan to go to to the Mentawai Island.

It takes 3-4 hours to get from Padang to Siberut or Tuapejat and costs around 350,000 per person.

This Facebook Page has all the details on the fast ferries, so check it out closer to your trip to make sure your dates line up.
Mentawai Fast

There is also a slow ferry to the islands, but this can take more than 12 hours!

You can find more detailed info on the ferries here:
Mentawai Fast Ferry

Photo from FB: Mentawai Bagus

Best Places to Stay in the Mentawais

Mentawai Surf Camp (Siberut) – Luxury Budget

Hollow Tree’s Resort (South Sipora Island)– Higher Budget 

Crow’s Nest Mentawai (Jatti Beach Tuapejat, Sipora Island) – Medium Budget

Mentawai Bagus (Tuapejat, Sipora Island) – Medium Budget

Arthur Homestay Telescope (Pantai Mapaddegat, Sipora Island) – Low Budget

Find more excellent lower budget accommodation in this fantastic blog:
Mentawai Budget Accommodation

Krui - Lampung

Best For: Surfing

Krui is located in the southwestern province of Lampung. Very few foreign tourists venture to this part of Sumatra, other than keen surfers looking for the perfect wave along the 100 km of beautiful coastline.

Krui is one of those hidden gem destinations that ought to be far more famous than it is. This is the spot to come to for a taste of authentic Indonesian village life. Tourist infrastructure is basic, with small surf camps and guesthouses dotted along the coastline. It’s one of those places that feels like travel did back in the good old days of the 80s and 90s.

Most surf camps are located at Tanjung Setia, around 30km to the south of Krui. Mandiri Beach, about 20 minutes to the south of Krui has a smattering of villas and guesthouses right on the beach.

Of course, Krui has more than just surfing to offer. Take a fishing trip with a local fisherman, go trekking in Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park, or take a boat trip to gorgeous Banana Island (Pulau Pisang) to find more of Sumatra’s best beaches.

Important Things to Know When Visiting Krui

This area is pretty rural, with limited tourism development. Expect basic amenities, fewer English speakers, and a true local vibe.

The township of Krui has a decent offering of stores, including pharmacies, restaurants and even a surf shop. There are ATMs here, but you are unlikely to find them outside of town.

Photo From FB: Krui Surfing

Who Should Visit Krui

Intermediate or experienced surfers looking for pristine waves. According to the experts, there are no nice, soft waves for beginners to get started on. As much as this is an out-of-the-way destination, the surfing aficionados warn that even in the “secret spots,” waves can get crowded during great swell between April and October.

Adventure travelers and backpackers who yearn for off-the-beaten-path destinations.

Nature lovers will also be right at home here: the Bukit Barisan Selatan National Park is right on the doorstep.

How to Get to Krui

The best way to reach Krui is to fly into Radin Inten II Airport in Bandar Lampung. If you’re visiting by road from other parts of Sumatra, you’re in for a very long road trip.

From Bandar Lampung, you’ve got a 6-8 hour drive along the coast to reach Krui.

Best Places to Stay in Krui

BeOcean Krui – Higher Budget but includes meals, SUP use, and much more!

The Mandiri Beach Club – Higher Budget but PLENTY of inclusions

Krui Surfing – Higher Budget

Kambuna Bungalow – Low – Medium Budget

Krui Saejadi Surf and Stay – Low Budget

Belitung - Bangka Belitung Islands

Best For: Swimming, island-hopping, snorkelling, luxury stays

The islands of Bangka and Belitung lie just off the eastern coast of South Sumatra. These two larger islands and surrounding smaller islands actually form their own Indonesian province – the Bangka Belitung Islands.

The beaches here are picture-postcard-perfect, with crisp white sand and crystal-clear waters. Surfing isn’t on offer, but the area is ideal for snorkelling, island hopping and sunbathing. Many of the beaches have gorgeous granite rock formations and giant boulders scattered around, making for some stunning photography opportunities.

Tanjung Tinggi is one of the most famous beaches for these boulder landscapes – it’s an absolutely stunning spot with blue-green water, white sand, and gorgeous green backdrops.

Belitung is the smaller of the two main islands. Just a touch smaller than Bali, it is more developed than the majority of Sumatra beach destinations on our list, and there is a good range of quality restaurants and accommodations. You can opt for a luxury stay at places like the Sheraton Belitung Resort or the Swiss-Belresort, or choose from one of the smaller local guesthouses.

Even with the good tourism infrastructure and obvious appeal, Bangka Belitung is pretty quiet, especially when it comes to foreign tourists. This is still a relatively hidden gem where you can spend time enjoying the peace and quiet away from the crowds of other hotspots like Bali.

Spend your days on an island-hopping boat tour, kayaking, fishing, stand-up paddleboarding or snorkelling. There’s even a jungle area where you can go trekking in search of some of the island’s unique wildlife, including tarsiers!

Check out this awesome travel vlog to see more of Belitung: Belitung: What To Do

Important Things to Know When Visiting Belitung

There are plenty of ATMs around Belitung, and WiFi is widely available.

If you’re adding Belitung to your Sumatra itinerary, note that there are no direct flights from elsewhere in Sumatra. You’ll likely have to transit in Jakarta.

Grab and GoJek operate in and around Tanjung Pandan, making getting around or ordering food very convenient.

Who Should Visit Belitung Island

Families – Belitung is ideal for families. It’s easy to get to with accessible beaches and calm waters for the kids to splash around in.

Couples – this is also an excellent destination for couples or honeymooners looking for a comfortable, relaxed beach holiday.

Solo travellers – the ease of access, decent infrastructure and range of accommodations make Belitung the ideal spot for solo travelers to get some beach time.

How to Get to Belitung

The easiest way to reach Belitung is to fly into the local airport at Tanjung Pandan. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights to Belitung from within Sumatra. You’ll need to fly to Jakarta first, then jump on a one-hour flight to the Belitung.

If you’ve got plenty of time and are feeling like an adventure, you can reach Belitung via ferry from various spots, although this is a lot more complicated than a simple flight!

Best Places to Stay in Belitung

Sheraton Belitung Resort – Luxury Budget

Fairfield by Marriott Belitung – High Budget

Rock and Wreck Dive Resort – Medium Budget

Tanjong Tinggi Cottage – Low-Med Budget

Urbanview Hotel Belitung – Low Budget

Don't Miss Out On Sumatra's Most Beautiful Beach Destination!

Sumatra really does have something for everyone. Along with those pristine jungle environments, the stunning volanoes, the idyllic highlands and lakes, Sumatra’s beaches are among the best in Indonesia!

The wide range of options mean you can find the perfect beach vibe for your Sumatra trip and get in some quality time in the sun before you head back to real life.

If you need a bit of help fine tuning your itinerary and squeezing in some quality beach time, check out our amazing North Sumatra Travel Guide & Itinerary Planner. This epic Sumatra eBook will walk you through every part of your Sumatra holiday and help you design the trip of a lifetime. 

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