“Pink beach?” we hear you cry? Yes, you read that correctly. If you’re looking for a way to spice up your travels, then it could be time to think outside the traveling box and head to Pantai Merah for the world’s most stunning pink beach.

Earning its name

Of course, it might not be tough to see how the Pink Beach, or Pantai Merah as it is also known, earned its name after seeing snaps of this incredible land. The sand looks as though it’s blushing thanks to the incredible pink color that shines through. As if that wasn’t enough, the beach is surrounded by crystal clear water that makes this breathtaking location even more appealing to many. In fact, the pink beach is so beautiful that it has become a romantic hotspot for many couples from all around the world.

Creating the color

So what is that gives the Pink Beach it’s color? That’s all thanks to a microscopic organism called foraminifera. These live on the coral in the waters and help to give them their bright red color. However, when the coral reaches the end of its lifespan and breaks down, it is left with nowhere to go but the water all around. The coral eventually breaks down into tiny pieces and is washed up on the shores. Here, it mixes with the rest of the sand until it turns bright pink. From far away, it can seem as though the entire beach is a new color.

Plenty to see

As if Pink Beach wasn’t enough already, there are also plenty of other things to see across the island. The beach is found on Komodo Island – the home of the Komodo dragon. This is the largest lizard in the world and was named after it was discovered on the island. Plus, there are plenty of hiking trails that take visitors to the top of the hills. Here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding land, and snap some once in a lifetime photos of Pink Beach.

Heading underwater

Perhaps you want to see what lies beneath the water? The sea around the island is crystal clear, meaning people can take in the pink sand in a whole new way. Plus, the inviting waters make it an excellent spot for scuba diving and snorkeling. It’s great for beginners as the waters tend to be calm, and there are many guided dives just to be extra safe. If you want to keep your hair dry but still want to get out there on the water, then it could be time to enjoy some of the local watersports, such as kayaking or boating.

There are a handful of pink beaches around the world, but Pink Beach has views and surroundings unlike any others in the world. In fact, a trip here can often feel as though you’ve stepped off our planet and straight into somewhere from a fairytale. It seems as though magic really can happen.