
Pulisan Beach
Discover Pulisan Beach, a unique Indonesian paradise with three sandy sections, clear turquoise waters, and exotic rock formations.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a private beach experience.

Pulisan Beach
Best Time
Enjoy a private beach experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Pulisan Beach, a unique Indonesian paradise with three sandy sections, clear turquoise waters, and exotic rock formations.
"A beautiful serene beach for snorkeling, with affordable homestays and a unique landscape."

🚤 Boat to Snorkel Spots
Rent a boat for ~100k-150k IDR to reach prime snorkeling areas like 'Virgin Beach'.
💰 Budget-Friendly Stays
Affordable homestays are available, making Pulisan Beach a great budget option.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Three-Part Beach
Pulisan Beach
Discover a unique coastline with three distinct sandy sections separated by dramatic rock formations.

Crystal Clear Waters
Pulisan Beach
Swim, snorkel, or simply relax by the tranquil, turquoise sea that invites you to dive in.

Exotic Rock Formations
Pulisan Beach
Marvel at the striking grey rocky outcrops that add a dramatic and exotic flair to the landscape.

Snorkeling Paradise
Near Pulisan Beach (boat trip)
Explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life just a short boat ride from the shore.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Serenity
Snorkeling Adventures Await
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚤 Boat to Snorkel Spots
Rent a boat for ~100k-150k IDR to reach prime snorkeling areas like 'Virgin Beach'.
💰 Budget-Friendly Stays
Affordable homestays are available, making Pulisan Beach a great budget option.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the Beach
Arrive by 6-7 AM on weekdays for a peaceful, almost private beach experience.
🚗 Car Entrance Fee
Expect a small entrance fee for cars, around Rp15,000.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Boat to Snorkel Spots
Rent a boat for ~100k-150k IDR to reach prime snorkeling areas like 'Virgin Beach'.
💰 Budget-Friendly Stays
Affordable homestays are available, making Pulisan Beach a great budget option.
⏰ Early Bird Gets the Beach
Arrive by 6-7 AM on weekdays for a peaceful, almost private beach experience.
🚗 Car Entrance Fee
Expect a small entrance fee for cars, around Rp15,000.
🐠 Beginner Snorkeler Friendly
Good spot to build confidence for beginner snorkelers and divers.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pulisan Beach is praised for its unique geography, clear waters, and affordability, making it a great budget-friendly destination. Visitors enjoy the distinct sandy sections separated by rock formations and the opportunity for snorkeling, though some note that the sand quality might be better elsewhere. The beach can get crowded on weekends, but weekdays offer a more serene experience.
"a beautiful serene beach for snorkeling, you should take a boat for about 100k 150k rupiah per boat to go to snorkeling spot called ‘virgin beach’ and askes the boatman to pick up whenever you want to go back"
ismurtyanto t. nugroho
"Pay is only 50,000 to 100,000 rupiahs per cottage. Pisang goreng is around 20,000 to 25,000. Shore is without corals, but probably about 20 meters away from shore, you'll see them.
I also saw one coral snake here but wasn't able to take a photo. Was too scared so I tried to swim away from it as fast as I could."
Esobel Jaen
"If you're looking for a budget friendly beach in Likupang with affordable homestays. Pulisan beach would probably suit your taste. A lot of activities to do like beach hopping, hiking, canoeing, and banana boat. If you're a beginner diver/snorkeler/freediver this is a good place to build your confidence.
The beach can be a bit crowded during the weekends and tend to be an extreme opposite during the weekdays."
Maui Fernando
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pulisan Beach is approximately a 2-hour drive from Manado. While public transport options might be limited, renting a car or hiring a private driver is a common and convenient way to reach the beach.
The beach is well-known in the Likupang area. Following signs for Likupang and then asking locals for directions to Pulisan Beach should lead you there without much difficulty.
For exploring Pulisan Beach and other nearby attractions like Paal Beach, renting a motorbike or car is recommended for flexibility. Taxis or ride-sharing services might be available in Manado but less so in the immediate Likupang area.
Yes, there is a small entrance fee. For cars, it's around Rp15,000. The exact price for individuals might vary but is generally considered very affordable.
Absolutely! Pulisan Beach is a popular day-trip destination from Manado, offering a refreshing escape with its beautiful scenery and activities. Just be prepared for the 2-hour travel time each way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee is quite affordable. For cars, it's approximately Rp15,000. Individual entry fees are also minimal, making it a budget-friendly destination.
No, advance booking is generally not required for Pulisan Beach. You can pay the entrance fee upon arrival.
Pulisan Beach is typically open from early morning until late afternoon or early evening. For the best experience and to avoid crowds, arriving early is recommended.
While specific packages aren't widely advertised, you can arrange boat trips for snorkeling or to nearby islands directly with local boatmen at the beach. Prices are negotiable.
Yes, cottages are available for rent at Pulisan Beach, with prices around 50,000 to 100,000 Rupiah per cottage, making it an affordable option for longer stays.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Pulisan Beach offers a variety of activities including swimming, snorkeling, beach hopping, hiking, canoeing, and banana boat rides. You can also rent a boat to visit nearby private islands.
While the immediate shore has limited corals, taking a boat trip (around 100k-150k IDR) to spots like 'Virgin Beach' will provide excellent snorkeling opportunities with vibrant marine life.
Yes, Pulisan Beach is considered a good place for beginners to build confidence in snorkeling, diving, and freediving due to its generally calm waters.
While Pulisan Beach has beautiful sandy shores, some visitors note that Paal Beach might have slightly better sand quality. However, Pulisan offers unique rock formations and a different charm.
Yes, there are local houses near the beach where you can use facilities for bathing after swimming, and some cottages also provide amenities.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You can find local food stalls and small eateries at Pulisan Beach offering Indonesian dishes. Popular snacks like 'Pisang Goreng' (fried bananas) are also available for around 20,000-25,000 Rupiah.
Bringing your own food and drinks is generally allowed, which can be a good option for budget travelers. However, supporting local vendors is also encouraged.
While the immediate beach area has local food stalls, more extensive dining options can be found in the nearby Likupang town or back in Manado.
Pisang Goreng (fried bananas) is a commonly available and delicious local snack that visitors often enjoy.
There's no specific mention of BBQ facilities, but if you are staying in a cottage or homestay, you might be able to arrange for a BBQ with the hosts. Otherwise, relying on local food stalls is the norm.
📸 📸 Photography
The unique three-part beach with its separating rock formations, the clear turquoise waters, and the expansive savanna landscape offer stunning photographic opportunities. Don't miss the exotic rock formations.
Early morning, around sunrise, offers soft light and fewer crowds, making it ideal for capturing the serene beauty. Late afternoon also provides beautiful golden hour light.
While not explicitly prohibited, it's always advisable to check local regulations regarding drone usage before flying. The open savanna and coastal views would make for spectacular drone footage.
The elevated areas overlooking the beach, particularly the savanna landscape mentioned in some descriptions, likely offer excellent panoramic viewpoints.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and rock formations. A waterproof camera or action camera is ideal for snorkeling shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the main beach is good for casual swimming, consider a short boat trip for snorkeling if your children are comfortable with it, as the underwater world is quite engaging. Ensure you have easy access to restrooms and changing facilities, which are available through local homestays near the beach.
💰 Budget Travelers
Entrance fees are minimal (Rp15,000 for cars), and while boat trips for snorkeling incur an extra cost (100k-150k IDR per boat), they offer significant value. Consider packing your own snacks and drinks to save even more.
couples
Consider renting a boat to explore secluded spots or enjoy a private snorkeling session together. The tranquil atmosphere, especially outside of peak times, makes it an ideal setting for relaxation and quality time.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Pulisan Beach's Unique Geography
Beyond the immediate shoreline, the area surrounding Pulisan Beach features a vast savanna landscape. This unique combination of beach and grassland offers a different kind of natural beauty, perfect for exploration. Visitors can enjoy the expansive views and the feeling of open space. The sea here is generally not too rough, making it suitable for various water activities.
For those seeking underwater adventures, the real magic lies just offshore. While the beach itself might not be teeming with corals, a short boat trip will transport you to prime snorkeling spots. These areas boast vibrant coral reefs and a diverse array of marine life, offering an unforgettable glimpse into the underwater world.
Budget-Friendly Adventures at Pulisan Beach
Food is also reasonably priced, with local eateries serving Indonesian dishes and popular snacks like Pisang Goreng (fried bananas) for about 20,000-25,000 Rupiah. Bringing your own food and drinks is also a viable option to further manage costs.
Activities like beach hopping, hiking, canoeing, and banana boat rides are accessible. The most significant additional cost might be for boat trips to snorkeling spots, which are typically around 100,000 to 150,000 Rupiah per boat. However, the overall experience remains highly cost-effective, especially when compared to more developed tourist destinations.
Snorkeling and Marine Life Encounters
Expect to see stunning coral reefs and a variety of vibrant fish in these offshore locations. The clear waters provide excellent visibility, making it a rewarding experience for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Some visitors have even reported sightings of unique marine creatures, though caution is advised as the ocean can hold surprises, like the mentioned coral snake.
For beginner snorkelers and divers, Pulisan Beach and its surrounding waters are an ideal place to build confidence. The generally calm conditions and accessible reefs allow for a comfortable learning experience. It's a great opportunity to get acquainted with the underwater world before venturing to more challenging dive sites.






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