Top 1: Kelingking Beach
My highlight and at the same time my nightmare was Kelingking Beach. I had seen so many pictures of the impressive rock formation on the famous beach. And it is indeed impressive in real life (or perhaps even more impressive). However, to fully enjoy the view, you should get here early! Because Kelingking Beach attracts a lot of tourists.
The beach itself is much emptier. This could be because it is not so easy to reach. You have to climb down a steep cliff path, some of which involves climbing. Once you reach the bottom, you are rewarded with a beautiful (and empty) beach and bright blue water.
The only thing is that the waves here are very choppy. Relaxing in the water is not possible here. Instead, you're more likely jump over the waves... if you go into the water at all. Or you spent your time saving your things from the waves. Because they can reach unrecognizably far onto the beach. And that brings us to my nightmare story: unfortunately, the waves caught my things and caused a water damage to my phone... When I wanted to climb back up, I logically had to take the same steep path again. Unfortunately, I had already used my water to clean my things and arrived back at the parking lot completely exhausted and somewhat dehydrated. Well, after a little refreshment, I still had to get home. My phone suddenly stopped working and I had to find my way back to the hotel without a GPS somehow...
My trip was a bit of an adventure. To make things better for yourself, you should definitely take care of your things (from the waves and the monkeys!) and have enough water with you! My little story about Kelingking Beach is not the only exciting one I've heard. So take care of yourself and don't underestimate the walk to and from the beach. It can be very strenuous, especially in the midday heat.
By the way: Kelingking Beach costs IDR 15K to enter.
Top 2: Diamond & Atuh Beach
Diamond Beach and the adjacent Atuh Beach are no less famous. You will have seen countless pictures of this beach on Instagram. Although I found the view of Kelingking Beach even more impressive, the views here are also stunning! In addition, the plateau from where you can look out over the coast is more natural than at Kelingking Beach, which I liked better.
The biggest plus point, however, is that Diamond Beach is much easier to reach. This is because there are steps leading down to the beach. Of course, it is also strenuous to walk up them again after your visit to the beach. In contrast to the climbing excursion at Kelingking Beach, however, this is only a small effort. The beach is also quite empty, so you can relax in peace and quiet!
Close to Diamond Beach and very popular is the Thousand Islands viewpoint. There is a small wooden hut from where you have a unique view of the coast and the rock formations. It also makes a good photo spot. But that's where we have a problem. Unfortunately, this is a tourist trap. You first pay an entrance fee for the park in which the wooden hut is located. Then you are allowed to join a long queue of tourists and take a photo at the hut for an extra fee. You can only avoid this if you come very early in the morning (just in time for sunrise). Otherwise, I would honestly leave it alone. Because then it's not worth it.
By the way: The entrance fee to Diamond & Atuh Beach is IDR 10K.