Beaches in Asia
The Gilis, as they are called, are three small palm fringed islands with long sandy beaches. They are surrounded by warm turquoise water with descent corals and excellent marine life, making it a world class dive spot, with equally good snorkeling with chances to see turtles right from the shore. The three islands all have a different vibe; Gili Air is the local island with more traditional life than the others, Gili Meno is the smallest and for those who want to chill, while Gili Trawangan is the party island with something for everybody. There are no cops nor traffic on any of the islands, beside horse carts and bicycles, and very little Bob Marley. Sounds like paradise on earth? Well, it is pretty darn close.
Why would anyone go to Kuta? It's touristy, the town is ugly and the beach is not even that nice! Well, because Indonesia's most famous beach area is pleasure zone. There is something for everybody, whether they seek style or sleaze. Potbellied, beer drinking Australians are rubbing shoulders with tattooed surfer dudes and blonde, Scandinavian girls on holiday fun. Even families on vacation are crowding up the narrow lanes that are packed with endless supplies of t-shirts, pirate DVDs and tacky souvenirs (like wooden penis bottle opener, why?). But it is Kuta, and that is how Kuta is!
As an alternative to stay inside noisy Padang, you can stay at some of the beaches both north and south of town. Long wide beaches stretch as far as the eye can see, only fringed by tall coconut palms. Thatched huts, used by locals for weekend picnics, are scattered in the palm shades. Simple beach accommodation and food can be found, but don't expect much company - besides fishermen and cheeky children, you will pretty much have the whole place to yourself.
Pangandaran is the beach place on Java. The dark sandy beach is wide and seems almost infinite. There are lots of small guest houses along with bigger hotels, as Pangandaran is popular with local tourists. Luckily, most of these only come here during the weekends and holidays, leaving room for a cool travel and surf vibe at the beach bars during the quiet times. Beside chilling at the beach, there are lots to do in the Pangandaran area. The countryside is a green blanket of rice paddy fields dotted with small villages. You can either go exploring on your own on rented scooter, or go on a self-drive tour with a guide to Green Canyon and Green Valley, which will also take you through the beautiful scenery.
The Togean Islands are a handful of jungle covered islands surrounded by aquamarine water and coral reefs. They are as pretty and postcard perfect as one would imagine with secluded white beaches and shady coconut palms. Thankfully, it takes a long time to reach the Togean Islands, so the Bali crowd haven't found their way here (yet). There are small fishing villages on the islands, but most resorts and guest houses lie isolated with their own beach and reef. The main things to do are snorkeling, diving, and, of course, lying in a hammock, but you can also go on excursions. There are sea gypsies living on the sea, the odd Jellyfish Lake full of harmless jellyfish, hordes of hornbills, and you can even climb volcano Gunung Colo on Pulau Una Una.
Not far from American Village is this artificial city beach with facilities like toilets, parking spaces, enclosed swimming area with lifeguards. It's part the Araha Park, which also includes a basketball court, a playground (with a life size pirate ship), and a promenade for running and cycling.
Another popular beach in Okinawa. It's located right after the bridge from Yagaji Island, which offers tremendous views over both islands (and Kouri Beach). The beach has the usual setup with an enclosed supervised swimming area, but for the bad asses, you can cross the road and swim unguarded at a smaller beach. No matter which side you choose, the water is same tempting shades of turquoise. There are parking, icecream shops and cafees on the opposite side of the road.
A lot of things are going at Mibaru Beach. Small fishing boats are pulled onto land, glass bottom boat tours are taking off, and kite surfers are gliding over the calm water within the outer reef. The beach is a bit rough with lots of broken corals, and there are no lifeguards to tell you where to swim (some will appreciate this freedom). Out in the water at the far right end stand some photogenic outcrops of limestone, which also can provide some shade (much needed during summer).
When you approach popular Sesoko Beach from the paid parking lot, you will pass the usual Japanese setup with lockers and venders of floating toys before standing on a beautiful white beach with views over the aquamarine waters. To the left people crowd with parasols and beach tents in front of the enclosed swimming area with lifeguards informing over the loudspeakers to stay within the designated area. However, to the right the beach is almost empty. A few people have taken cover in the shade of some limestones. Further to the right the limestone boulders get bigger. Here some overhangs the beach providing paradiselike pockets of shaded privacy with views of only the blue sea.
Kuwait City has some surprisingly nice city beaches. Along the corniche, Arabian Gulf Street, all the way down to Messilah Beach are several public beaches. Some has jet skis rentals, others are flanked by fastfood joints or cafes, but all are nice sandy beaches on a pretty backdrop of Kuwait City skyline with the Kuwait Towers in the distance. Local men and kids playing in the sea, but if you are a female, you better off using one of the private beaches – some even have Ladies' Days (what ever that means).