In the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the sea, there lies a little island that is hidden to many. For a few hours a day, when the tide is low, this little island emerges out of the ocean. This is Pasir Timbul in Raja Ampat, which literally translates into “emerging sands” beach.
Pair Timbal, Raja Ampat – the most beautiful beach I’ve seen
I spent around one hour in Pasir Timbul and trust me when I say this – I went a little crazy here when I saw the beauty. It felt like the “travel Gods” rewarded me with this beach to help me with my search of the most beautiful beach in the world.
Where is Pasir Timbul
Pasir Timbul, Raja Ampat, Indonesia – my photo by Noah Stammbach (zeebachi)
Pasir Timbul is in Raja Ampat and is a 20-minute boat ride from Arborek village, or 30 minutes from Wisai. Raja Ampat is in West Papua Island in Indonesia.
How to reach Pasir Timbul
The easiest way to reach here is by booking a boat from Arborek village or Wisai, capital of Raja Ampat. You can ask your resort / guesthouse to book it for you. Due to the water levels, the boats can’t reach the sand patches. The point where the boat stops, you need to swim or walk to the sand patches.
First View – Pasir Timbul from the boat. This is where we jumped into the water to head to the beach
Note: The little islands of Pasir Timbul are only visible for a few hours. Make sure you double check with your tour operator to find out if they are aware of the specific times to visit. You can book a tour now by sending an email here – marketing@pantaisariringgung.com
Pasir Timbul, Raja Ampat – the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen
Pasir Timbul, Raja Ampat – the most beautiful beach
You can call it an island or a beach, but these are literally sand patches that emerge out of the ocean when the tide is low.
My friends Val, Hanni and Fikri on a sandbar on Pasir Timbul
The sand here is sugary white and soft. The water is crystal clear and very blue. It is so clear that it is possible to see the bottom of the sea. You don’t even need to carry a snorkel here because the visibility is amazing. But I do recommend you carry one to see the underwater beauty. These sand banks don’t have any animals or vegetation that is visible.
Just look at that water! – Pasir Timbal, Raja Ampat, Indonesia
The time when I visited, there were 3 sand patches, two of which were connected via a sandbar. The biggest sand patch was kidney shaped and the smaller one was triangular. These islands (or sand patches) were perhaps only about 100-150 square meters big. The waves were visible on all the three sides. The shapes of these islands change regularly because they get covered by water and emerge out a little different than before.
At this time I went a little crazy with joy – Pasir Timbal, Raja Ampat
01 | Carry a Waterproof Camera – In all likelihood, you will end up going through waist deep water to reach the sand patches. You should definitely not carry gadgets that aren’t waterproof. Get a GoPro or a waterproof case for your camera because you’re going to make a lot of photos here.
Me with my GoPro when the tide was high on Pasir Timbal beach – photo by Najii
02 | Extra Sun Protection – There is no vegetation on Pasir Timbul beach and hence no shade. Extra sun protection by wearing a lot of sunscreen, a wide brimmed hat and a pair of sunglasss will keep you comfortable.
03 | Clothes and Swimsuit – Don’t wear a lot of clothes because they will weigh you down and make you tired in case you need to swim back to the boat. Wear a comfortable swimsuit.
04 | Drinking Water – There are no cafes on this beach, so carry water and light snacks on your boat.
05 | Waterproof Bag – For those that don’t have waterproof cameras or GoPro cameras, buying a simple waterproof bag can solve all your problems.
Raja Ampat’s Pasir Timbul is the most beautiful beach that I have ever seen.
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Pasir Timbul really reminds me of a Virgin Island near Bohol in the Philippines.
I really want to explore more of Indonesia, so I am definitely bookmarking this post. Thank you!
Wow you are absolutely right this is beautiful! When people think of the prettiest beaches in the world they think of the Maldives, Seychelles and others, but never Pasir Timbal. I think your post has changed that perspective. What I really like about Pasir Timbal is its uniqueness that you described about the sand bars always changing. It also looks like this beach is very secluded and not touristy. Another plus! Great post.
Oh. My. Stars! I’ve never seen a beach so beautiful!! Wow you’re so lucky to hve visited! The nicest beach I was ever on was in Cuba but after reading this post, I think I’ll have to head East! 🙂
Pasir Timbul looks absolutely amazing and I love how it has less crowds. I also find it interesting that you have to swim to the sand pathes at where the boat docks. Did you do it on a day-trip or there are accommodations on the beach or nearby?
Namaste, Guten Tag!
I'm Sonal from India, living in Germany and exploring Europe. I've been writing about my travel adventures since 2015. I often travel alone (and sometimes with my husband & our toddler).
I love nature, adventure, hiking to viewpoints, Yoga, and road trips. I love creating itineraries and in-depth travel guides which will help you make the most of your trip.
That sure is a beautiful sandbar! And it looked like you were the only ones there! like a private island!
Yes, we were the only ones there when we visited. I went a little crazy there haha
Pasir Timbul really reminds me of a Virgin Island near Bohol in the Philippines.
I really want to explore more of Indonesia, so I am definitely bookmarking this post. Thank you!
I love Bohol too! I fell in love with the beaches there. 🙂
Wow you are absolutely right this is beautiful! When people think of the prettiest beaches in the world they think of the Maldives, Seychelles and others, but never Pasir Timbal. I think your post has changed that perspective. What I really like about Pasir Timbal is its uniqueness that you described about the sand bars always changing. It also looks like this beach is very secluded and not touristy. Another plus! Great post.
Thank you! Oh yes it’s not touristy yet. It’s in Raja Ampat, Indonesia which is not visited much.
Oh. My. Stars! I’ve never seen a beach so beautiful!! Wow you’re so lucky to hve visited! The nicest beach I was ever on was in Cuba but after reading this post, I think I’ll have to head East! 🙂
I’d love to visit Cuba too! 🙂 But yes, the countries in South East Asia and South Asia have some of the best beaches that I have seen.
Pasir Timbul looks absolutely amazing and I love how it has less crowds. I also find it interesting that you have to swim to the sand pathes at where the boat docks. Did you do it on a day-trip or there are accommodations on the beach or nearby?
No, there’s no place to stay here and you can only visit this spot when the tide is low. 🙂
Indeed. You landed in paradise. I am flying to Indonesia in July. This definitely going in my list.
Hey, have fun in Indonesia! Where all are you going?
This is so pretty! reminiscent of a beach I visited 2 yrs ago. So relaxing just looking at the pics!
Glad you like it 🙂 Where was the beach that you visited 2 years back?
looks amazing! very beautiful! Its on the bucket list! thanks for providing the tour guide email 🙂
You’re welcome. Hope you enjoy your time there 🙂