Sumatra is not an island you visit for beaches. That is what Bali, Lombok or the Gili Islands are for. But this is precisely why Sumatran beaches are so exceptional — they are not overrun, not built up and often you will have them entirely to yourself. If you decide to add the sea to a trip across Sumatra, you have several places to choose from that are worth an extra day or two.
Pulau Banyak — an archipelago at the end of the world
The Pulau Banyak archipelago lies off the western coast of northern Sumatra, southwest of Simeulue island. It consists of 99 islands, most of them uninhabited. White beaches, crystal-clear water, coral reefs and absolute quiet.
Pulau Banyak is not easy to reach — the journey from Medan takes two days (via Singkil or Tapaktuan, then by boat). Infrastructure is minimal: simple bungalows, food of fish and rice, electricity from a generator. But that is exactly the point.
Who it is for: Travellers seeking genuine remoteness who do not mind basic conditions. An ideal combination with a trek in Bukit Lawang and Lake Toba.
Tip: Pulau Banyak is part of our 21-day trans-Sumatra itinerary as a final rest after a demanding journey.
Pulau Weh — diving in the north
Pulau Weh is a small island at the very northern tip of Sumatra, reachable by ferry from Banda Aceh. It is one of the best dive sites in Indonesia outside Raja Ampat — clear water, healthy corals, manta rays, sharks and sea turtles.
Iboih beach is the main base for divers and snorkellers. Sumur Tiga beach on the eastern coast is quieter and less visited. Gapang Beach offers simple accommodation right on the sand.
Who it is for: Divers, snorkellers and those who want to combine the sea with a visit to Banda Aceh.
Tip: In Aceh, sharia law applies — dress conservatively off the beach (covered shoulders and knees). On Pulau Weh the atmosphere is more relaxed, but the rules are still observed away from the beach.
Mentawai Islands — surf and tribal traditions
The Mentawai Islands lie approximately 150 kilometres off the western coast of Sumatra, opposite Padang. They are world-renowned among surfers — the waves here are among the best on the planet. But Mentawai is much more than surfing.
On the island of Siberut lives the Mentawai tribe — one of the last isolated indigenous peoples in Indonesia. Visiting the tribe in the rainforest is an intense cultural experience unmatched anywhere in Southeast Asia.
The beaches on Mentawai are wild, untouched and empty. Accommodation is basic — surf camps or homestays with locals.
Who it is for: Surfers, ethnographic enthusiasts and travellers seeking an unfiltered experience.
Tanjung Tinggi, Belitung — granite and turquoise
Belitung island lies off the eastern coast of Sumatra, in the Java Sea. Technically it belongs to a group of islands between Sumatra and Borneo, but administratively it falls under the Bangka-Belitung province.
Tanjung Tinggi beach is iconic — white sand, enormous rounded granite boulders and crystal-clear turquoise water. It looks like a film set, and indeed it is — it was made famous by the Indonesian film Laskar Pelangi.
Belitung is more accessible than other places on this list — direct flights from Jakarta take about an hour. Infrastructure is more developed, but the beaches remain relatively quiet.
Who it is for: Those who want beautiful beaches without rough conditions.
Lampuuk Beach, Banda Aceh — a beach reborn
Lampuuk beach lies about 20 minutes from Banda Aceh. The 2004 tsunami destroyed it completely. Today it is restored and surprisingly beautiful — wide white sand, turquoise water and waves suitable for beginner surfers.
On weekdays it is empty. At weekends local families visit. It is a beach with a story and an atmosphere that reminds you how much this place has changed in twenty years.
Who it is for: Travellers visiting Banda Aceh who want to add a day by the sea.
Practical tips for beaches on Sumatra
- Season. The best conditions for beaches are from March to October (dry season). During the rainy season (November–February) boat connections may be unreliable and underwater visibility poorer.
- Equipment. On more remote beaches (Pulau Banyak, Mentawai) bring your own snorkel, reef shoes and a waterproof case for electronics. There are no rental shops.
- Sunscreen. Buy reef-safe sunscreen before your trip. On Sumatra it is available in limited supply and at higher prices.
- Currents. The Indian Ocean on Sumatra’s western coast has strong currents. Do not overestimate your swimming ability and ask locals about safe places to swim.
- Combining with the interior. Sumatran beaches work best as a complement to the main journey. Three days by the sea after ten days in the mountains and jungle is an ideal ratio.
Why not come to Sumatra just for beaches
If your main goal is a beach, there are simpler and more accessible destinations in Indonesia — Bali, Lombok, Flores, the Gili Islands. Sumatra is an island you visit for nature, culture and adventure. The sea is a bonus — but the best kind of bonus, because it comes without crowds and feels the way Indonesian islands looked thirty years ago.