At a Glance
- Local name: Pantai Merah ("red beach")
- Where: the east coast of Komodo Island
- Known for: pink sand and snorkelling right off the beach
- Time needed: 1–2 hours as part of a boat tour
- No facilities: bring your own water and shade
Pink Beach (Pantai Merah) is one of the few beaches in the world with naturally pink sand. It sits on the east coast of Komodo Island and features on almost every park boat route — people stop here to swim and snorkel after trekking to the dragons.
Why the Sand Is Pink
The colour comes from microscopic organisms called foraminifera, which have red-pink shells. Their fragments, mixed with bits of red coral and white sand, give the shore its soft pink tone. The pink is strongest at the waterline and on a clear, su
y day; after rain or under cloud it looks paler.
Snorkelling
The draw here isn't just the sand but the reef right off the beach. The water is calm and clear, entry is easy, and a few metres out the coral begins, with reef fish and the occasional turtle. Masks and snorkels are usually provided on the boat; fins help where there's a light current.
Good to Know
- Shade & water — there are no shelters or cafés; bring water, a hat, and sunscreen.
- When to visit — in the dry season April–December; on clear days the pink tone is more vivid.
- Protect the reef — don't stand on the coral, and don't take sand or shells home.
FAQ
Is the sand really pink? Yes, naturally — from red coral fragments and foraminifera; it's most vivid at the waterline in sunshine.
Can I swim and snorkel here? Yes — it's one of the best snorkelling spots in the park, with the reef starting right off the shore.
How do I get here? Only by water, as part of a park boat tour from Labuan Bajo.
Excursions visiting Pink Beach
