Southeast Asian Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, making it a prime travel destination for anyone interested in seeing the region’s islands. For decades, the stunning islands of Indonesia have enticed vacationers. There’s a lot to see in Indonesia, with the country’s 17,000 islands and all, but choosing which one to visit might be a challenge.
Nearly everywhere travelers go, breathtaking vistas of the coast and rolling hills teeming with wildlife welcome them. Some islands are well-known for their waves, while others are renowned for their unique and rich history and culture. Whatever a visitor’s preference, they’ll find their ideal island in Indonesia, and these are just a few of the best.
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Nusa Penida Island
Amazing Nusa Penida, part of the Bali province and only 25 kilometers from Bali is one of Indonesia’s most attractive islands. The island boasts some of Indonesia’s most stunning natural beauty. While a day trip from Bali is possible, we recommend staying a few nights on the island to take in its many natural wonders, such as the dinosaur-shaped Kelingking Cliff and the aptly called Diamond Beach.
Belitung Island
Located east of Sumatra, Belitung boasts marvelous beaches, including Tanjung Tinggi and Tanjung Kelayang, which are famous for their smooth granite pebbles, soft sand, and tranquil seas. Snorkeling among the coral reefs and a lighthouse from the 19th century awaits travelers on Pulau Lengkuas, one of the several small offshore islands. Tanjung Pandan, the island’s largest town, is notable for its colorful port, beautiful hotels, and Dutch colonial buildings.
Java Island
Stay in Java, found between Bali and Sumatra, and a must-see destination for any visitor to Indonesia. The island is rich in cultural landmarks and natural wonders like volcanoes and mountains. Over sixty percent of Indonesia’s population of more than 130 million people calls the island of Java home. The Buddhist temple complex Borobudur and the Hindu temple complex Prambanan are worthy of any traveler’s time and attention.
Lombok Island
The island of Lombok is one of many that form Bali’s immediate vicinity. It’s the same size as Bali but attracts a fraction of the visitors, despite having similar sceneries and modern infrastructure. Mount Rinjani, the island’s most prominent landmark, draws most visitors. Lombok is also renowned for its stunning resorts, beaches, and waterfalls, many of which have yet to be discovered and are less crowded than their more popular Bali counterparts.
Flores Island
The beautiful East Nusa Tenggara island of Flores gets its name from the Portuguese term for flowers. Flores’ culture is undoubtedly the most remarkable aspect of the island, which also boasts beautiful mountains, beaches, and the tri-colored Kelimutu lake. Flores is home to various cultural and linguistic groups, all of which have developed distinctive traditions. Staying in famous villages like Wae Rebo, renowned for its stunning mountain scenery and unique traditional buildings, with the inhabitants is a common and enriching way to broaden one’s perspective.
Komodo Island
Komodo Island is a popular tourist destination because it is home to the fierce Komodo dragons, the world’s largest lizards. The only spot on Earth where people can get up and personal with a Komodo dragon is in the UNESCO-recognized Komodo National Park, which features hundreds of islands with white and pink sand beaches, stunning highlands for climbing, and coral reefs for diving. Labuan Bajo, the area’s entry point, is conveniently located just a short flight from Bali.
Bintan Island
Travelers can take a ferry from Singapore to this island resort in about one hour. Bintan Island, located in Indonesia’s Riau Province, is loved despite its prevalence of international businesses and English speakers. As a result of its international fame, this paradise is an exceptional tourist destination. Tourists across the island may find luxurious hotels, exciting new attractions, the region’s first seawater lagoon, and more.
- Where to stay: The ANMON Resort Bintan
- Address: Jl. Raja Ali H. Km 1 Tourism Area, Teluk Sebong, Lagoi, Bintan Regency, Riau Islands Province 29155 Indonesia
- Amenities: Free parking, Free WiFi, Pool, Free Breakfast, Water sport equipment rentals, Canoeing offsite, Children’s Activities
Labengki Island
The island of Labengki in Indonesia is the best-kept secret in the country. This unspoiled tropical paradise in Sulawesi is one of the most alluring destinations. Neither Labengki nor its surrounding areas have been overrun by tourists just yet, and as a result, its lagoons, caves, and jungle-covered beaches are still in all their natural glory. It’s in a somewhat out-of-the-way location, so getting there will take some time and effort, but it’ll be well worth it, so book a hotel nearby.
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Ternate Island
A rich source of spices, Ternate was a major stop on the colonial-era international commerce route and now lies in a less-visited region of eastern Indonesia. Many fascinating villas, castles, and other historic structures on the island date back to that period. The island’s cultural landmarks are interesting, but the island’s natural allure is what draws visitors. Ternate has many excellent diving locations since large swaths remain pristine and undeveloped, protecting a rich marine biodiversity.
Bali Island
Among these is, of course, Asia’s most popular island destination. It’s a tourist’s dream, with options for those looking to splurge and those on a tight budget. Waterfalls, jungles, cliffs, volcanoes, and other natural wonders are all within easy reach in Bali, making the island an ideal destination for adventurers. The most laid-back among us can choose from countless resorts and spas, restaurants, and massage parlors, not to mention numerous beaches, temples, and rice terraces.