Best Islands in Indonesia
Indonesia is a paradise for island lovers, boasting over 18,000 islands, each with its own unique charm and character. Exploring them all would take more than a lifetime.
Bali is perhaps the most renowned of Indonesia’s islands. Many travelers dream of experiencing their own “Eat, Pray, Love” journey here, with its stunning beaches, cultural villages, and terraced rice paddies. However, Bali is just one of many incredible islands worth visiting in Indonesia.
On Java, you can marvel at the ancient ruins of Borobudur and explore the bustling capital, Jakarta. Komodo Island offers a chance to see the world’s largest lizards, while Sumatra invites you to swim in a volcanic lake. Gili Trawangan is perfect for snorkeling with sea turtles, and Flores is known for its multicolored lakes. There’s so much to discover across this diverse archipelago.
Here are some of the best islands to include in your itinerary:
1. Bali
Prepare to be enchanted by Bali’s world-class beaches. This honeymoon hotspot features everything from surf-ready waves and silky white sands shaded by palm trees to sparkling black beaches with tranquil turquoise waters and dramatic ocean-battered cliffs.
Bali’s renowned resorts are destinations in themselves, offering meticulously landscaped grounds, private plunge pools, luxurious beds, and impeccable service. You’ll feel like royalty in these accommodations.
Beyond its beaches, Bali has a rich cultural scene and breathtaking inland scenery. Visit Ubud, the creative heart of Bali, to shop for handicrafts, enjoy local music, and explore temples. Don’t miss the Ubud Monkey Forest, home to over 1,000 playful primates.
Ubud is also a great starting point for hikes through the postcard-worthy terraced rice paddies, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With so much to do, you’ll want to spend plenty of time in Bali.
2. Java
Just west of Bali, Java offers a different experience for travelers. Dive into the vibrant city of Jakarta, where you can shop at over 170 malls, indulge in street food, and discover clothing from Indonesia’s emerging fashion designers.
Jakarta also has its relaxing side, with activities like lounging on the grassy lawns at Merdeka Square, sightseeing in the old town of Kota, and visiting museums such as the contemporary art-focused Museum MACAN.
After exploring Jakarta, head to Yogyakarta in central Java. This city celebrates Javanese cultural heritage, including puppetry, batik textile-making, gamelan music, and traditional dance. You can also visit the Kraton Palace, home to the Sultan of Java.
No trip to Java is complete without seeing Borobudur at sunrise. This 9th-century Buddhist archaeological site, with its hundreds of statues, looks like a dramatic movie set when bathed in the early morning light. Arrive early to avoid the crowds.
3. Sumatra
Sumatra, located adjacent to Malaysia, is home to one of Indonesia’s top attractions: Lake Toba. This is the world’s largest volcanic lake, nestled in the caldera of a supervolcano, offering a serene and picturesque setting perfect for a weekend getaway. The warm, crystal-clear waters are surrounded by traditional sloped-roof homes and quiet hotels with beautiful gardens, creating a deeply relaxing atmosphere.
While in Sumatra, you can explore Medan, one of Indonesia’s largest cities, known for its vibrant culinary scene. Don’t miss local specialties like Soto Medan (a local chicken soup), Rendang (spicy beef), and Nasi Padang (a banquet-style spread of rice with various toppings).
For wildlife enthusiasts, a visit to Bukit Lawang is a must. Here, you can see protected orangutans being fed daily and enjoy hiking in the nearby Gunung Leuser National Park.
4. Gili Trawangan
Gili Trawangan is a top destination in Indonesia, known for its stunning white-sand beaches. It’s the largest and most developed of the three Gili islands and has a fascinating history. The name “Gili Trawangan” comes from the Indonesian word for “tunnel,” referring to a cave tunnel built during World War II by the Japanese. You can even dive to a sunken Japanese patrol ship near neighboring Gili Air.
Today, Gili Trawangan is famous for its lively backpacker scene and inviting hotels. Spend your days biking around this car-free island, snorkeling with sea turtles, and soaking up the relaxed atmosphere.
5. Tidung
Tidung, part of the Thousand Islands chain, is a favorite escape for residents of Jakarta looking to get away from the city’s hustle and bustle. This off-the-beaten-path destination offers picturesque scenery and a peaceful retreat from the heavily developed areas of Java.
The main attraction on Tidung is the Jembatan Cinta (Love Bridge), which connects the main island to a smaller one known as “Little Tidung.” Walking across the bridge is a pleasant activity, and if you’re feeling adventurous, you can join the local teens in jumping off the bridge into the sea.
End your day at Sunset Beach to enjoy a beautiful view of the sun setting over the horizon.
6. Komodo Island
Komodo Island is part of the Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is famous for being the natural habitat of the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard. These impressive creatures, which have a venomous bite, can be seen roaming freely in their protected environment.
In addition to the Komodo dragons, the island offers opportunities to snorkel with graceful manta rays, especially during the rainy season from November to March. Another highlight is Pink Beach, known for its unique salmon-colored sand, which gets its hue from crushed coral insects. The surrounding coral gardens are teeming with tropical fish, making it a great spot for snorkeling.
7. Nusa Lembongan
Nusa Lembongan is a hidden gem that offers a tranquil escape from the crowds of Bali. This island is home to a small community of seaweed farmers and features untouched sunset viewing spots, secret swimming areas, and vibrant coral reefs. The island’s budget-friendly bungalows are just steps away from pristine white-sand beaches, making it feel like your own personal paradise.
8. Flores
Flores is renowned for the Kelimutu Volcano, which boasts three brightly colored crater lakes that change hues due to the release of gases from the Earth’s interior. The lakes are usually blue, green, or red, and are a breathtaking sight to behold.
Flores also offers a rich cultural experience. In the village of Wae Rebo, travelers can stay in authentic homestays within unique conical houses, experiencing genuine Indonesian hospitality. Additionally, Liang Bua, also known as the “Hobbit Cave,” is where archaeologists discovered the remains of an ancient human species in 2003. A nearby museum provides more insights into this fascinating discovery.
9. Lombok
Lombok, often considered Bali’s more relaxed cousin, is a haven of natural beauty. With lush volcanic hills, palm-fringed coastlines, stunning waterfalls, and hidden beaches, it’s a visual feast.
For trekkers, Mount Rinjani offers one of Indonesia’s most legendary hikes. This 3,726-meter-tall volcano, the second highest in the country, is a sacred pilgrimage site for Hindus and the Sasak people. The challenging trek to the summit rewards hikers with breathtaking views.
If a strenuous hike isn’t your idea of a vacation, Lombok has plenty of other attractions. Relax with a fresh coconut at Selong Belanak Beach, enjoy a traditional Sasak massage at a local spa, learn about pearl farming at Autore Pearl Farm, or watch villagers weaving ikat fabrics in Sukarare.
10. Bintan Island
Bintan Island is a popular escape for tourists from Singapore, thanks to its plush resorts and serene beaches just a short ferry ride away.
Trikora Beach is one of Bintan’s main attractions, featuring four beaches with soft sand and large boulders. It’s also a top spot for kitesurfing, with prime seasons in July, August, September, and March through June. Local kitesurfing schools offer rentals and lessons.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy the courses at Bintan Lagoon Golf Club, Laguna Golf Bintan, and Ria Bintan Golf Club.
11. Belitung
Belitung, a small island off the coast of Sumatra, is known for its surreal landscapes. Its beaches are dotted with giant granite boulders, giving them a unique, rustic character. The best way to explore is by kayaking along the coastline.
Kaolin Lake, a former clay mine turned artificial lake, is another highlight. Its striking blue waters against the stark white land are reminiscent of Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, making it a photographer’s dream.
For thrill-seekers, Nek Santen Cave is a must-visit. This dark cave is home to thousands of bats, creating an experience straight out of a wildlife documentary.
12. Ternate
Part of the Maluku islands, Ternate is rich in beautiful scenery, historical sites, and cultural attractions. The island’s fertile volcanic soil made it a prime location for the spice trade for centuries. You can visit working clove and cinnamon plantations, see a famous 350-year-old clove tree, and explore forts that once controlled the spice trade.
After soaking in the culture and history, relax on one of Ternate’s popular black-sand beaches, such as Jikomalamo, Batu Angus, or Sulamadaha.
13. Wangi-Wangi Island
Wangi-Wangi Island is the gateway to Wakatobi Marine National Park, an underwater paradise with over 50 dive sites. The park is home to more than 900 species of fish and 750 types of coral. Dive agencies on the island can arrange your underwater excursions and rent out gear. Don’t forget your underwater camera to capture the vibrant marine life!
14. Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida offers a serene escape from Bali with its series of sandy beaches that feel like private oases. Although it lacks the tourist infrastructure of nearby Nusa Lembongan, it makes up for it with its natural beauty.
A must-visit is the Goa Giri Putri Temple, a Hindu temple inside a cave. On weekends, you can receive a blessing from a Hindu priest and witness ceremonies with over 100 devotees as bats flutter overhead.
