Tabuhan Island
A pristine, uninhabited island paradise in Banyuwangi with white sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More boat trips available
Tabuhan Island
Best Time
More boat trips available
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A pristine, uninhabited island paradise in Banyuwangi with white sands, crystal-clear waters, and vibrant marine life.
"Tabuhan Island is a small, quiet, and beautiful island with amazing diving and snorkeling spots."
🚤 Boat Trip Essentials
Book boat trips from Banyuwangi, often combined with Menjangan Island.
🍎 Pack Your Own Food
Limited food stalls; bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Crystal Clear Waters
Experience water so clear it rivals the Maldives, perfect for swimming and spotting marine life.
Vibrant Snorkeling & Diving
Discover colorful coral reefs and a diverse array of fish just beneath the surface.
Pristine White Sand Beaches
Relax on soft, white sands on this secluded, uninhabited island paradise.
Spectacular Sunsets
Witness breathtaking sunsets painting the sky with vibrant colors over the ocean.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Island Access & Boat Trips
Pack Smart for Paradise
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚤 Boat Trip Essentials
Book boat trips from Banyuwangi, often combined with Menjangan Island.
🍎 Pack Your Own Food
Limited food stalls; bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
High SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must for a full day out.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Take all your trash with you to preserve the island's beauty.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚤 Boat Trip Essentials
Book boat trips from Banyuwangi, often combined with Menjangan Island.
🍎 Pack Your Own Food
Limited food stalls; bring lunch, snacks, and plenty of water.
☀️ Sun Protection is Key
High SPF sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses are a must for a full day out.
♻️ Leave No Trace
Take all your trash with you to preserve the island's beauty.
🤿 Snorkel Gear Provided
Many tours include snorkeling gear, fins, and even GoPro rentals.
🐢 Dolphin Spotting
If you're lucky, you might spot dolphins during your boat trip!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Tabuhan Island is praised for its stunning natural beauty, featuring pristine white sands and crystal-clear waters ideal for snorkeling and diving. Visitors appreciate the tranquil, uninhabited atmosphere and the breathtaking sunsets. However, some note the limited facilities, including restrooms and food options, and the potential for rough seas during boat travel.
"Pulau Tabuhan is a small, quiet, and beautiful island with amazing diving and snorkeling spots. If you’re lucky, you might even spot dolphins! The sand is white, the water is crystal clear, and the whole place is super clean. You can also go kayaking here. There are a few small warungs selling gorengan, indomie, bakso, and fresh coconut water. Remember to keep the island clean — take your trash back with you!
Psst… the sunset here is absolutely stunning!"
Lucy Lea
"A small island with no people live here but you can find some food stalls to buy some snacks and coconut. White sands with clear torquise water. Visited this island during my surface interval."
Audrey Tanzil
"If you ever find yourself on the remote eastern edge of the Java, maybe you just visited Ijen Crater or maybe you plan to ferry across to the island of Bali from Banyuwangi, you must hire a boat to this little island of paradise! Everything you would imagine as a beautiful, untouched tropical island, is what Tabuan is! White sandy beaches, majestic snorkeling, beautiful aqua blue water! Hire a boat from Banyuwangi and prepare for a short 20 minute ride to the island. Plan to stay for a few hours and enjoy paradise! Make sure and pack some lunch and plenty of sunscreen."
Billy Bean
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Tabuhan Island, you'll need to hire a boat from Banyuwangi. Many tour operators offer combined trips to Tabuhan and nearby Menjangan Island. The boat ride typically takes about 20 minutes.
No, there are no public ferries. Access is exclusively via private boat hire from Banyuwangi.
Yes, Tabuhan Island is a popular destination for day trips from Banyuwangi, often combined with other nearby attractions.
The journey to Tabuhan Island from Banyuwangi by boat is relatively short, usually around 20 minutes.
Some tour packages offer pick-up and drop-off services from cities like Surabaya or even Bali, though these will be longer trips.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While there isn't a specific 'entrance fee' for the island itself, the cost is primarily covered by boat hire and any tour package you choose.
As an uninhabited island, there are no set operating hours. Access is determined by boat availability and tour schedules, typically during daylight hours.
Boat trip costs vary depending on the operator, inclusions, and whether it's a private or open trip. Prices can range from IDR 275,000 to IDR 495,000 or more, often including lunch and gear.
It's highly recommended to book your boat trip or tour package in advance, especially if you plan to visit on weekends or public holidays.
The main restriction is to respect the natural environment and take all your trash back with you.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, and simply relaxing on the white sandy beaches. The island is also known for its beautiful sunsets.
Absolutely! Tabuhan Island is renowned for its excellent snorkeling spots with clear waters, colorful coral reefs, and abundant marine life.
Restroom facilities are very limited or non-existent, as it's an uninhabited island. It's best to use facilities before you depart or be prepared for basic conditions.
Yes, kayaking is a popular activity, and some tours may even include kayak rentals.
Crowds can vary. Weekends and public holidays tend to be busier, while weekdays offer a more serene experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are a few small stalls (warungs) on the island selling basic snacks like Indomie, bakso, fried bananas, and fresh coconut water. +1
It's highly recommended to pack your own lunch and snacks, as food options on the island are very limited.
Yes, you can usually buy fresh coconut water and other basic drinks from the small stalls.
No, there are no formal restaurants on Tabuhan Island as it is uninhabited.
The stalls typically offer simple Indonesian snacks like instant noodles (Indomie), fried snacks (gorengan/bakwan), and meatballs (bakso). +1
📸 📸 Photography
The entire island is photogenic! Focus on the white sandy beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, vibrant underwater scenes while snorkeling, and the stunning sunsets.
Yes, many tour packages offer GoPro rentals, which are perfect for capturing your underwater snorkeling or diving adventures.
Mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons are ideal for capturing the magical sunset.
The entire coastline offers beautiful vistas. Walking around the island will reveal many picturesque spots.
Drone usage regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and obtain any necessary permissions before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there are no playgrounds or extensive facilities, the simple joy of playing on the white sand beaches and swimming in the calm sea is often enough for a memorable family day out. Remember to pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and sun protection, as options on the island are limited. Consider a private boat trip for more flexibility with younger children.
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Spend your day snorkeling hand-in-hand, kayaking along the coast, or simply relaxing on the pristine beaches. The island is particularly magical during sunset, offering a breathtaking backdrop for a romantic evening. Pack a picnic to enjoy a private meal on the sand.
💰 Budget Travelers
+1 These trips usually include boat transport, snorkeling gear, and sometimes lunch. To save further, consider packing your own food and drinks instead of relying on the limited stalls on the island. Comparing prices from different local tour operators in Banyuwangi can also help you find the best deals for your island adventure.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Tabuhan Island: Beyond the Beach
+1Beyond lounging on the beach, Tabuhan Island is a haven for underwater enthusiasts. The surrounding waters teem with vibrant coral reefs and a diverse array of colorful fish, making it an exceptional spot for snorkeling and diving. Many visitors report seeing a variety of marine life, contributing to the island's reputation as a top marine tourism destination in the region.
While the island itself lacks extensive facilities, a few small stalls offer basic refreshments like coconut water and instant noodles. The real magic of Tabuhan lies in its natural beauty and the opportunity to disconnect. Remember to pack essentials like food, water, and sun protection, and always practice responsible tourism by taking your trash with you to preserve this paradise.
The Tabuhan Island Experience: What to Expect
Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by the island's stunning natural beauty. The soft white sand and transparent waters are immediately captivating. It's an ideal location for activities like kayaking, swimming, and simply soaking in the serene atmosphere. The lack of permanent inhabitants contributes to its peaceful ambiance, making it feel like a private slice of paradise.
Many visitors highlight the spectacular sunsets as a major draw. As the day winds down, the sky often erupts in a display of colors, creating a memorable end to your island visit. While facilities are minimal, the experience of being surrounded by such natural splendor is unparalleled. Remember to book your boat trip in advance, especially during peak seasons, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit