Complete travel guide to visiting Pink Beach on Komodo Island, Indonesia.
I’m sure that I’m not alone when I say that Pink Beach on Komodo Island is one of my favorite beaches in the Komodo National Park, and perhaps in all of Indonesia.! Yes, it’s a pink sand beach, but truthfully, this epic location is so much more than that.
Here, you’ll experience amazing clear water views, top-notch snorkeling and diving, and a relaxing ambiance at one of the most unique soft pink color beaches in the archipelago! Find out how to get here, what to expect, and tips for what to do!
About Pink Beach on Komodo Island (Pantai Merah)
You might be surprised to hear that there are in fact a few pink sand beaches in the Komodo National Park. In fact, there are other pink beaches in the region, including one of the most popular beaches; Long Beach, which is also a permanent shade of light pink.
However, the beach that gets to take home the official title of "Pink Beach Komodo Island" is a small south-facing bay on the tip of the northeastern headland of Komodo called Pantai Merah.
The turquoise water color here is absolutely incredible. The way the pink sand contrasts with the blue waters got me super eager to launch the drone to capture it from above as soon as I saw it.
But it doesn't end on the beach or from the sky– Pink Beach is even more incredible below the surface. After diving at some of the best dive sites in the National Park, I still think that the outer reef slope of Pink Beach is just as good as the big names!
How to Get to the Pink Beach?
The Pink Beach is located on Komodo Island in East Nusa Tenggara, and the only way to get here is via boat. The majority of boat trips leave from nearby Labuan Bajo on Flores Island (Labuan Bajo Harbor).
From Labuan Bajo, your best bet is to book a Komodo National Park day trip. This is an island-hopping boat tour running daily and stops at the best attractions and beautiful nearby, including:
- Komodo Island - to see the famous Komodo Dragons
- Pink Beach - for snorkeling & swimming
- Padar Island - for an epic viewpoint hike
- Manta point - for a chance to swim & snorkel with Mantas
Alternatively, if you'd like to see more of the Komodo National Park on a multi-day liveaboard, you can book online from Labuan Bajo or from Lombok.
Getting to Labuan Bajo – You can grab a cheap domestic flight to Labuan Bajo (also known as Komodo airport – LBJ) with daily connecting flights to Denpasar in Bali for $50-$80.
RELATED: Exploring Batu Cermin Cave in Labuan Bajo
Komodo National Park Entry Fees
When booking a tour or even diving, it's commonplace to have to pay the Komodo National Park entry fees in addition to your tour price.
Since Pink Beach Komodo Island is a part of Komodo Island and therefore inside the Komodo National Park, you will need to pay 150 000 Rupiah per person, valid for the entire national park for 24 hours.
I've written a detailed summary of all the Komodo National Park fees in this guide to Komodo and Rinca Islands.
Things to Do at Pink Beach Once You Arrive
Pink Beach makes the perfect stop when exploring the incredible Komodo region. Step out into the shallow waters and explore this exceptional and unique beach!
1. Snorkeling off the beach
Did you know that the Pink Beach is actually one of the best snorkeling sites in Komodo National Park? The shores are lined with coral reefs, including soft and hard corals and plenty of sea life.
However, you'll need to swim out a little to reach the good stuff. Approximately 150 meters off the beach, there is a steep coral slope with incredible marine biodiversity. There's a magnitude of different coral species, and many species of fish, rays, and sea turtles in these amazing underwater gardens.
2. Pink Beach Viewpoint
After taking in the incredible underwater scenery on the outer slopes, head back to shore and walk up to the beach vantage point on either end of the pink sand beach.
Really, they're just small hills, and should only take a couple of minutes to walk up. Regardless, at the top, you'll have great views of the beach and panoramic views of turquoise seas beyond. Depending on the time of day, you can expect a soft pink tint or even a deep reddish sand color.
3. Relax on the Pink Sand
It goes without saying, pink sand beaches are very rare, and this particular one is even "pinker" than the other famous beach on Lombok and nearly as bright as the one in the Bahamas.
Since the island hopping trip usually stops by this beach near the end of the day, one of the best things to do here is just to relax, unwind, and enjoy the red sand and natural beauty of Indonesia's pink bach.
Why is the Beach Pink?
Similarly to the other pink sand beaches in the world, the pink hue is caused by microscopic organisms in coral named Foraminifera. These tiny fragments of red coral combine with the calcium carbonate (the white sand), causing it to be "dyed" pink due to its red pigment.
Where to Stay in Labuan Bajo
There are plenty of great accommodation options in Labuan Bajo. A good tip is to pick a place close to the port, especially if you're planning on taking some boat trips out to Komodo National Park. Below are the three top picks for various budgets.
- AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach - If you want luxury go no further than Ayana.This 5-star resort has everything from a fitness center, a private dock, and a kids club. It boasts 6 on-site restaurants which serve a range of delicious cuisines.
- Le Pirate Island - Experience Island life on the incredible Le Pirate Island just a short distance from Labuan Bajo. With glamping tents and incredible ocean views, this is one that shouldn’t be missed.
- Seaesta Komodo Hostel & Hotel - The best choice for backpackers wanting to watch the sunset whilst sipping a cocktail in the infinity pool. It has everything you would need for a great price.
More Indonesia Travel & Adventure Guides
I hope that you've enjoyed this short but useful guide to visiting the Pink Sand Beach on Komodo Island, Indonesia!
While you're still here, make sure to check out some of my other guides for more hidden gems and travel inspiration!
