5 Perfect Beaches Within Reach Of Jakarta

Urban dwellers are no stranger to the sudden urge to ditch their air-conditioned office and find themselves surrounded by palm trees, feet in the sand, face caressed by the ocean breeze. If you live or work in Jakarta, the fun beach getaway you’re dreaming of is not as far as you’d think. From the popular beach town to exotic islands, discover five perfect beaches within reach of Jakarta.

1. Ancol

Market

Covering the northern shores of Jakarta, this beach has both the natural charms of a coastline and continuing development of an urban area. The charming beach is lined with restaurants, shopping malls, and different amusement parks for the urban dwellers. That means a whole day of fun at Ancol may include a fantastic ride at Dunia Fantasi, lazing the day away with your feet in the sands, shopping for locally made crafts at the art market, having a scrumptious meal at the pier while enjoying the sunset view, and more.

Pantai Ancol, Ancol, North Jakarta City, Jakarta, Indonesia

Ancol Beach, Indonesia | © Everyone Sinks Starco/Flickr

2. Anyer Beach

For decades Anyer Beach has become the top-of-mind option for a quick beach getaway, especially during the weekend. The coastal region has been transformed into a well-developed beach town with luxe resorts, hotels, and fun activities to do. Accessible by less than a three-hour ride by car or bus, Anyer is close enough for a convenient getaway but with enough distance to escape from the bustling metropolitan for a while. Groups, couples, and families can enjoy a wide option of activities from diving, snorkeling, water sports, to getting a temporary tattoo or massage by the beach.

Pantai Anyer, Jalan Raya Anyer-Sirih, Sindanglaya, Serang, Banten, Indonesia

Anyer Beach | © Donald Man/Flickr

3. Bidadari Island

Cottages

Among the constellation of 110 isles in Jakarta’s Thousand Islands, Bidadari or Angel Island is among the easiest and nearest to reach from Jakarta. Just a 30-minute speedboat ride away, tourists can find themselves on an exotic small island boasting powder-white smooth sands and clean, translucent water. Bidadari Island makes a perfect destination for either a short day trip or a long weekend spent in one of its waterfront cottages. Beyond the idyllic beaches that surround the island, Bidadari Island also offers a fun exploration on land, where tourists can bike around the island or venture to find wartime ruins from the colonial era.

Pulau Bidadari, Untungjawa Island, Kepulauan Seribu Regency, Jakarta, Indonesia

Pulau Bidadari | © Jorge Láscar/Flickr | © Jorge Láscar / Flickr

5. Tanjung Lesung Beach

This beach is named after a traditional instrument to grind rice grains (lesung), which represents the shape of the indented coastline. The 15 km unspoiled white-sand coast is now getting ready for major makeover led by the government, as this beach was appointed as one of Indonesia’s ‘New Bali’. Between pristine shades of blues, stunning calm lagoons and tall shady coconut trees, tourists can also immerse themselves in local culture by interacting with the fishing community and watch traditional performances.

Tanjung Lesung Beach, Banten, Indonesia

Tanjung Lesung Beach, Indonesia | © willy hanafi/Flickr

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