Forget Bali! This 4.8-star beach in Lampung is fun and cheap, but has one major drawback…
qponx
2026-03-06
Looking for a Bali alternative without the hefty price tag? Check out Bensam Beach in Lampung! This highly-rated spot offers a private beach vibe on weekdays with calm waves and super cheap activities like canoeing. While the sand is clean, the main drawback is the murky water and muddy seabed. It’s the perfect destination for a chill, budget-friendly escape where a relaxed atmosphere is the main attraction, not pristine water clarity.
Lately, Jakarta's traffic has been driving me crazy 💥, so I just wanted to find a place to zone out. While scrolling through maps, I came across this place in Lampung called Bensam Beach. It had a super high rating of 4.8 on Google, and I was a bit curious, so I just went for it!
Honestly, the experience had its surprises and its downsides, and today, I'm going to lay it all out for you!
What's it like to have a whole sea to yourself?
I specifically chose a weekday to go, and it was so empty, Anjay! It felt like I'd spent a ton of money to book out the whole place, totally had the feel of a private beach[1]. The beach was swept very clean, and it was soft to walk on barefoot. What I loved most were the waves here; they were incredibly calm. I saw many local families with their kids splashing around by the water's edge, which was super reassuring.
Besides just lying around to Nongkrong, you can also rent a canoe for a paddle. It's only 35k Indonesian Rupiah[2] for an hour, the price is truly Mantap! When you get tired, you can sit down at the cafe by the beach. The prices are so good they could make you cry. I ordered a Kopi Hitam[3], and it actually tasted pretty good. Feeling the sea breeze, watching the sunset, this is the life~ 🌅
But hold on, here come the downsides!
But! Important point! Girls, if you have really high standards for water quality, this place might disappoint you. Although the beach is clean, the moment you get in the water... emmm... underfoot is this kind of black, soft mud[4], so the seawater doesn't look clear; it's a bit murky. For those of you who want to see "glass-like" clear water, you can probably give this a miss.
Oh, by the way, they also have those little villas that look very Instagrammable, but I took a peek, and the price for one night is over 1 million Rupiah[5]... Plus, during the day, it's full of noisy tourists outside, so it doesn't feel very private. Personally, I don't think it's worth the money.
Heart-to-Heart Guide (Save this!)
✅ Best Time to Go
Stick to weekdays! Stick to weekdays! Stick to weekdays! It's less crowded and peaceful, which doubles the experience. It gets crowded on weekends, and you'll have to fight for those gazebos[6].
✅ What to Do
Best for family outings or small get-togethers with friends. If you want to stay overnight, I highly recommend camping! You can bring your own tent or rent one on-site; it's only 50k[7] a night, way better than staying in that little villa!
✅ How to Spend
This place is the absolute king of value for money! The entrance fee is per vehicle: 25k for motorcycles, 50k for cars[8]. Once inside, food and drinks are all at food stall prices, so it's super easy on the wallet.
✅ How to Avoid Pitfalls
Let me emphasize again: the seawater isn't crystal clear, and the seabed feels like black mud. This place is all about a comfortable atmosphere and a budget-friendly Chill experience, not a top-tier diving spot with pristine water quality, so everyone, just manage your expectations
- Visit on a weekday to have the whole beach to yourself. Its clean sand and calm waves are perfect for local families and kids [1].
- Canoe for an hour for just 35k IDR [2], then grab a Kopi Hitam [3] at a beach cafe and watch the sunset.
- Camp overnight for only 50k IDR [4]. A smarter deal than pricey Instagram villas—unbeatable value
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