Indonesia is a tropical paradise archipelago where you can have the holiday of a lifetime.
With many stunning islands to visit, world class scuba diving, mountain hiking, white and pink beaches, Indonesia has something for everyone.
If you want to explore the Spice Islands known for their impressive history, check out the Komodo dragon at Komodo National Park, or scuba diving with the majestic manta ray, Indonesia has it all. A blend of rich culture, unique sea life, white sand beaches, and impressive volcanoes, Indonesia is a must-visit Country.
Whether you want to watch an unforgettable beach sunset, walk amongst the palm trees, hike a volcano or view cultural heritage sites, Feet Do Travel share 7 of the best islands to visit in Indonesia.
With many stunning islands to visit, world class scuba diving, mountain hiking, white and pink beaches, Indonesia has something for everyone.
If you want to explore the Spice Islands known for their impressive history, check out the Komodo dragon at Komodo National Park, or scuba diving with the majestic manta ray, Indonesia has it all. A blend of rich culture, unique sea life, white sand beaches, and impressive volcanoes, Indonesia is a must-visit Country.
Whether you want to watch an unforgettable beach sunset, walk amongst the palm trees, hike a volcano or view cultural heritage sites, Feet Do Travel share 7 of the best islands to visit in Indonesia.
Bali - Tanah Lot temple is beautiful and unique
1. Bali
Bali is top of most people’s list when they are thinking of visiting Indonesia, and the island of Bali is the ideal destination for your next holiday! Known as one of the world's most beautiful islands, this tropical paradise has been attracting travellers from all over the globe since its discovery back in the early 16th century by European explorers.
The landscape features mountains and lush rainforests, and an endless blue ocean reaching out to meet far-away lands like Australia and New Zealand. There are many activities available such as scuba diving the USS Liberty, one of the world’s best wrecks, or hiking Mount Batur volcano which offers amazing views from the summit. Spend your day walking around markets, visiting one of the many Hindu Temples, or sample delicious Indonesian dishes. If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a bike and explore this tropical paradise. There are many hikes available if you want to be close to nature including waterfalls, rice paddies, and rivers. Bali is the ideal location to make lifelong memories!
Bali is top of most people’s list when they are thinking of visiting Indonesia, and the island of Bali is the ideal destination for your next holiday! Known as one of the world's most beautiful islands, this tropical paradise has been attracting travellers from all over the globe since its discovery back in the early 16th century by European explorers.
The landscape features mountains and lush rainforests, and an endless blue ocean reaching out to meet far-away lands like Australia and New Zealand. There are many activities available such as scuba diving the USS Liberty, one of the world’s best wrecks, or hiking Mount Batur volcano which offers amazing views from the summit. Spend your day walking around markets, visiting one of the many Hindu Temples, or sample delicious Indonesian dishes. If you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a bike and explore this tropical paradise. There are many hikes available if you want to be close to nature including waterfalls, rice paddies, and rivers. Bali is the ideal location to make lifelong memories!
Sumatra - visit the home of the Orangutan
2. Sumatra
Sumatra is an amazing Indonesian island overlooking the Indian Ocean, and a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, which includes volcanoes and rainforests. The beautiful orangutan can only be found on two Indonesian islands, Sumatra is one of them. The culture in Sumatra is also different from other countries in Southeast Asia, for example it has many animistic beliefs: locals believe there are spirits which inhabit objects like trees and rocks.
This large island also has many traditional dances unique to the region which tourists can see performed in different locations. Interestingly, this island has the widest variety of natural resources and ecosystems on the planet, with a diverse topography ranging from towering mountains to vast plains.
Sumatra is an amazing Indonesian island overlooking the Indian Ocean, and a popular tourist destination due to its natural beauty, which includes volcanoes and rainforests. The beautiful orangutan can only be found on two Indonesian islands, Sumatra is one of them. The culture in Sumatra is also different from other countries in Southeast Asia, for example it has many animistic beliefs: locals believe there are spirits which inhabit objects like trees and rocks.
This large island also has many traditional dances unique to the region which tourists can see performed in different locations. Interestingly, this island has the widest variety of natural resources and ecosystems on the planet, with a diverse topography ranging from towering mountains to vast plains.
Flores - see Komodo dragons for yourself
3. Flores
The beautiful island of Flores is Indonesia’s second-largest island, and the climate ranges from tropical to subtropical because of its geographical location. As you explore this island, you will find a variety of different cultures, as well as many natural wonders such as Mount Kelimutu National Park with its three volcanic cones or Komodo National Park which has a variety of beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife including the popular Komodo dragon.
If you're looking for something more than just a tourist destination, Flores Island is awesome for adventure lovers. Some locals on Flores Island's are among the last on earth who still speak a language derived from proto-Malay. They have also preserved an ancient burial tradition which involves placing corpses in caves or niches carved into rock faces facing east. Special in every aspect, Flores Island is a perfect choice for people looking to see impressive nature and wildlife, but also learn more about the interesting history and culture.
The beautiful island of Flores is Indonesia’s second-largest island, and the climate ranges from tropical to subtropical because of its geographical location. As you explore this island, you will find a variety of different cultures, as well as many natural wonders such as Mount Kelimutu National Park with its three volcanic cones or Komodo National Park which has a variety of beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife including the popular Komodo dragon.
If you're looking for something more than just a tourist destination, Flores Island is awesome for adventure lovers. Some locals on Flores Island's are among the last on earth who still speak a language derived from proto-Malay. They have also preserved an ancient burial tradition which involves placing corpses in caves or niches carved into rock faces facing east. Special in every aspect, Flores Island is a perfect choice for people looking to see impressive nature and wildlife, but also learn more about the interesting history and culture.
Lombok - Pink beach is a well hidden gem
4. Lombok
Lombok is often referred to as Bali’s sister island, because of its location northeast of Bali. Boasting a rich history of art and culture, this amazing Indonesian island is a great place to visit, with many different things to do and try. It’s a favourite among honeymooners, but also people looking for a more intimate and laidback holiday.
Not overly crowded, Lombok has far fewer parties than neighbouring Bali so tourists can totally relax. You can see unique traditional dances, enjoy wonderful waterfalls, and try out culinary delights. From hiking Mount Rinjani (Indonesia’s second biggest volcano) to beautiful white and pink beaches, there is something for everyone in this tropical paradise! Rent a bike and roam around freely, exploring one beach after the other!
It’s an awesome choice if you are looking for an island offering more affordable prices and less crowded streets.
Please note: Lombok and most of Indonesia are Muslim islands, and once a year, Ramadan is observed. Patience and understanding needs to be applied during that time. If you wish to learn more about period of fasting and spiritual exploration, read Ramadan Explained.
Lombok is often referred to as Bali’s sister island, because of its location northeast of Bali. Boasting a rich history of art and culture, this amazing Indonesian island is a great place to visit, with many different things to do and try. It’s a favourite among honeymooners, but also people looking for a more intimate and laidback holiday.
Not overly crowded, Lombok has far fewer parties than neighbouring Bali so tourists can totally relax. You can see unique traditional dances, enjoy wonderful waterfalls, and try out culinary delights. From hiking Mount Rinjani (Indonesia’s second biggest volcano) to beautiful white and pink beaches, there is something for everyone in this tropical paradise! Rent a bike and roam around freely, exploring one beach after the other!
It’s an awesome choice if you are looking for an island offering more affordable prices and less crowded streets.
Please note: Lombok and most of Indonesia are Muslim islands, and once a year, Ramadan is observed. Patience and understanding needs to be applied during that time. If you wish to learn more about period of fasting and spiritual exploration, read Ramadan Explained.
Related post: 12 Best Things to Do in Lombok
Padar Island - breath-taking views above and below the water
5. Padar Island
This exotic island is guaranteed to take your breath away! It has a lot to offer, including an abundance of amazing natural wonders to experience. If you're looking for an isolated place with some of the most untouched beaches, Padar Island might just be what you've been looking for!
Everything about this island is fastidious, however there is no accommodation, the closest place is in Labuan Bajo unless camping is your preferred choice!
Padar Island in Komodo National Park is one of the best places in the world to scuba dive with manta rays, and a liveaboard is an awesome way to explore this island. A liveaboard is a big boat which you live on (hence the name), and has cabins, equipment for snorkeling, cooking, scuba diving, etc. Choosing this option means you won’t need to transit from Labuan Bajo every day, and you will be at the base of the island to enjoy it from sunrise to sunset!
This exotic island is guaranteed to take your breath away! It has a lot to offer, including an abundance of amazing natural wonders to experience. If you're looking for an isolated place with some of the most untouched beaches, Padar Island might just be what you've been looking for!
Everything about this island is fastidious, however there is no accommodation, the closest place is in Labuan Bajo unless camping is your preferred choice!
Padar Island in Komodo National Park is one of the best places in the world to scuba dive with manta rays, and a liveaboard is an awesome way to explore this island. A liveaboard is a big boat which you live on (hence the name), and has cabins, equipment for snorkeling, cooking, scuba diving, etc. Choosing this option means you won’t need to transit from Labuan Bajo every day, and you will be at the base of the island to enjoy it from sunrise to sunset!
Nusa Penida - Kelingking Beach is a hot tourist spot
6. Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is the biggest of the three Nusa Islands just off mainland Bali, the other two are Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Each island offers a uniquely breathtaking landscape.
There are plenty of awesome things in Nusa Penida, but first, you’ll need to catch a ferry from Sanur. Although there are many different day tours from Bali, we recommend you spend a few days on the island to truly see what Penida has to offer. There is a variety of accommodation to choose from including luxury resorts, however we recommend Scuba Junkie Penida, who not only have beautiful rooms, but their scuba diving centre is first class. The owners are personal friends of ours so say hello to Dani and Matt when you book!
When visiting Penida, must-see Instagram spots are Kelingking Beach viewpoint, Angel’s Billabong and Rumah Pohon Tree House. There are also many stunning white sand beaches surrounded by big cliffs and impressive rock formations. For adventure seekers there is Peguyangan Waterfall which offers spectacular coastal cliff views of Manta Point. If you’re lucky you can see manta rays in the waters below. Do note this is not for people who are scared of heights or steep open stairs.
Nusa Penida is the biggest of the three Nusa Islands just off mainland Bali, the other two are Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. Each island offers a uniquely breathtaking landscape.
There are plenty of awesome things in Nusa Penida, but first, you’ll need to catch a ferry from Sanur. Although there are many different day tours from Bali, we recommend you spend a few days on the island to truly see what Penida has to offer. There is a variety of accommodation to choose from including luxury resorts, however we recommend Scuba Junkie Penida, who not only have beautiful rooms, but their scuba diving centre is first class. The owners are personal friends of ours so say hello to Dani and Matt when you book!
When visiting Penida, must-see Instagram spots are Kelingking Beach viewpoint, Angel’s Billabong and Rumah Pohon Tree House. There are also many stunning white sand beaches surrounded by big cliffs and impressive rock formations. For adventure seekers there is Peguyangan Waterfall which offers spectacular coastal cliff views of Manta Point. If you’re lucky you can see manta rays in the waters below. Do note this is not for people who are scared of heights or steep open stairs.
Related Post: Diving with Mola Mola, the Ocean Sunfish
Gili Air - relax with a real island vibe
7. Gili Air
Last but not least is the small island of Gili Air, part of the Gili Islands of the west coast of Lombok. We lived here for 15 months, and it truly was like living in paradise.
The island is only 5km around, and you can walk it easily in two hours. What makes Gili Air and it’s neighbouring islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno so special, is motorised transport is not allowed – that’s right, no cars, no motorcycles, no traffic noise. You either walk, ride a bicycle, or use one of the island “taxis”, a cidomo which is a horse cart.
Watch the sunset over Bali’s Mount Agung from a beanbag on one of the white sand beaches, swing in a sea swing, circumnavigate the island admiring cows amongst the palm trees, and see how the friendly locals live. If you are visiting Indonesia, Gili Air is a must-visit island in our opinion!
Last but not least is the small island of Gili Air, part of the Gili Islands of the west coast of Lombok. We lived here for 15 months, and it truly was like living in paradise.
The island is only 5km around, and you can walk it easily in two hours. What makes Gili Air and it’s neighbouring islands of Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno so special, is motorised transport is not allowed – that’s right, no cars, no motorcycles, no traffic noise. You either walk, ride a bicycle, or use one of the island “taxis”, a cidomo which is a horse cart.
Watch the sunset over Bali’s Mount Agung from a beanbag on one of the white sand beaches, swing in a sea swing, circumnavigate the island admiring cows amongst the palm trees, and see how the friendly locals live. If you are visiting Indonesia, Gili Air is a must-visit island in our opinion!
Related Post: 25 Best Things to Do In Gili Air
Final Thoughts
Indonesia is a gem of southeast Asia, full of endless white sand beaches, stunning mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and amazing underwater marine life, so it’s for these reasons we believe it’s an ideal destination for everyone. Whichever island you choose, ultimate enjoyment is guaranteed!
Indonesia is a gem of southeast Asia, full of endless white sand beaches, stunning mountains, breathtaking landscapes, and amazing underwater marine life, so it’s for these reasons we believe it’s an ideal destination for everyone. Whichever island you choose, ultimate enjoyment is guaranteed!
