Indonesia’s got a treasure trove of breathtaking spots, and let’s not forget about its marine wonders!
Quoting from the official website of the Documentation and Legal Information Network of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, marine tourism is basically all about exploring the coastal areas and seas, including beaches, seascapes, and underwater wonders.
It’s one heck of a way for both local and foreign tourists to soak in the beauty of Indonesia’s oceans.
Ready to make marine tourism your jam on your next vacation? Check out these cool spots in Indonesia that are perfect for some oceanic adventures.
Marine Marvels in Indonesia
Get ready to be wowed by these marine gems in Indonesia.
Natuna Islands
Ever heard of Natuna? It’s one of the districts in the Riau Islands province. According to the official website of the Natuna District Tourism Office, these islands are way up north in the Karimata Strait.
Natuna district is packed with natural wonders, including marine treasures. You can hop around various islands in the Natuna Islands, like Senua Island, surrounded by pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters where you can peek at the ocean floor.
Then there’s Sahi Island, a tiny uninhabited paradise you can reach by foot when the tide is low. The sea around it boasts gorgeous coral reefs. You can dive into swimming, snorkeling, or fishing here.
Labuan Bajo
When it comes to marine adventures, Labuan Bajo is the name that pops up in everyone’s mind. The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy even declared Labuan Bajo as a super hot spot. It’s located in the Komodo District, West Manggarai Regency, East Nusa Tenggara Province (NTT).
One of the top spots in Labuan Bajo is Pink Beach. The water is blue and clear, and as the name suggests, the sand here is pink. This hue comes from tiny critters and reddish coral bits along the shore.
In Labuan Bajo, you can also check out Komodo National Park. It’s a cluster of islands including Komodo Island, Rinca Island, Padar Island, and a few others. Here, you can come face-to-face with Komodo dragons, those massive lizard legends unique to Indonesia.
Bunaken
Ever been to Bunaken? It’s an island up north of Sulawesi Island, part of Manado city, the capital of North Sulawesi province. Bunaken Island is within Bunaken National Park, a sanctuary teeming with underwater wonders.
According to the official website of the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, there are at least 4 diving spots and 2 snorkeling spots here. You’ll be awestruck by the colorful array of tropical fish and coral reefs.
Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat rings a bell? It’s a regency in Southwest Papua province, boasting a whopping 610 islands, most of which are tiny, unnamed gems.
One of the island clusters here is the Raja Ampat Islands, a diving paradise. The underwater world here is incredibly diverse and well-preserved.
Since receiving the Blue Park Award in 2022 from the Marine Conservation Institute, Raja Ampat has been recognized for its stellar marine conservation efforts.
Wakatobi
Ever heard of Wakatobi? It’s a regency in Southeast Sulawesi province, home to the Wakatobi National Park, a haven for marine biodiversity.
According to its official website, there’s tons of stuff to do here, from exploring remote islands like Cowo-Cowo Island to diving at Sombu Dive, a popular spot known for its midnight snapper fish.
Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan, ever been there? It’s one of the three Gilis: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, off the west coast of Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara.
According to the official website of the West Nusa Tenggara Provincial Tourism Office, Gili Trawangan boasts stunning white sands and mesmerizing blue waters. Diving and snorkeling are big here, but you can also surf, kayak, or release baby turtles into the ocean.
Derawan Islands
Last but not least, Derawan Islands! It’s a cluster of islands in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan.
According to the official website of the East Kalimantan Provincial Tourism Office, these islands are home to various coastal ecosystems and protected species, including green turtles, hawksbill turtles, whales, dolphins, dugongs, and barracudas.
With famous islands like Derawan, Maratua, Sangalaki, and Kakaban, there’s no shortage of adventures here, from cycling around Derawan to swimming with manta rays around Sangalaki.
So, there you have it, folks! 7 awesome marine destinations in Indonesia where you can dive, snorkel, or just chillax by the sea and soak in all that natural beauty.