With its unparalleled natural beauty, unique charm that varies from east to west, and cultural diversity as vibrant as the scenery, there’s no better wanderlust adventure than exploring the Indonesian islands – and if you’re looking for an alternative to Bali, you’ve come to the right place!
We’re giving you not just one, but a list of ten islands in Indonesia to explore on your next travels. Discover hidden gems in Indonesia, rich in nature and culture, as well as classic beauties and luxury options.
We’ve done all the research, so you don’t have to. So get comfy and settle in for a virtual journey through the best islands to visit in Indonesia!
Table of Contents
Belitung Island
Belitung is a picturesque Indonesian island located to the east of Sumatra. It is renowned for its stunning beaches, such as Tanjung Tinggi and Tanjung Kelayang, which are characterized by smooth granite boulders, soft white sand, and tranquil waters. The island’s main town, Tanjung Pandan, showcases Dutch colonial architecture and a vibrant harbor scene. Just offshore, Pulau Lengkuas—one of many small surrounding islands—is home to a 19th-century lighthouse and offers excellent snorkeling opportunities among its coral reefs.
On the northeast shore of Belitung, you’ll find Tanjung Kelayang Reserve. This place has been built with conservation at its heart, using repurposed materials and a solar-powered facility. It shelters endemic and endangered wildlife, and travellers can join an educational nature trail guided by the resident biologist through the gorgeous forest and honey farm. It’s a real haven for those looking to reconnect with the beauty of nature.
Experience the charm of island living at Tanjung Kelayang Reserve with Sheraton Belitung Resort, where nature is right at your doorstep. Nestled along the pristine coastline, the resort offers easy access to the region’s iconic granite-strewn beaches and personalised boat excursions to explore the surrounding islets, including the picturesque Pulau Lengkuas. Spend your days snorkelling over vibrant coral reefs, kayaking in crystal-clear waters, or discovering the cultural and natural beauty of Belitung’s main island. After a day of adventure, retreat to the serene comfort of your beachfront hotel, where the peaceful rhythm of the sea and the gentle breeze of the coastal reserve promise true relaxation.
Komodo
Home to one of the best sunset spots in Labuan Bajo, alongside stunning snorkelling and diving locations in East Nusa Tenggara, Komodo Island is a nature lover’s dream destination. Located within a biodiversity hotspot (Komodo National Park), this beautiful island offers travellers the unique opportunity to observe Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat. You’ll discover even more wonders when you set foot on the island’s pretty pink beaches, or from your boat as you hop between smaller islands. A fun alternative for travellers looking to get away from it all is to jump aboard a stylish yacht experience, such as those operated by AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach.
Raja Ampat
Although positioned farthest east compared to other island destinations on our list, Raja Ampat is nonetheless one of the most stunning destinations in the entire archipelago. For those searching for “the path less travelled,” this group of islands in West Papua rewards adventurers with colourful marine ecosystems in a secluded slice of tropical heaven. Raja Ampat is a full-on diver’s paradise, with some of the best diving sites in Indonesia showcasing over 1,500 species of reef fish ready to say hello. The stunning palette of turquoise and emerald in Raja Ampat’s lagoons and waters is even more gorgeous off-camera. It’s not uncommon to spot harmless blacktip reef sharks near your overwater accommodation in Raja Ampat! Whether you choose to unplug amongst raw nature or opt for the high-end comfort of boutique eco-resorts and luxury liveaboards, Raja Ampat delivers an unforgettable Indonesian island escape.
Gili Islands
The Gili Islands are serving up true island-style living just a splash away from Bali and Lombok. Consisting of three main islands, the appeal of snorkelling in the clear waters is a major draw, and you won’t be short on tourist attractions in the Gili Islands to explore!
As the largest of the three islands, Gili Trawangan pulses with beachfront bars, resorts and a lively nightlife. Sunset Point is where to head to witness magical sunsets whilst sipping refreshing drinks as the golden hour hits. The island of Gili Meno is perfect for finding your inner peace, and beneath the surrounding waters, you’ll spot the iconic underwater statues (or the Nest Sculpture), so be sure to have your cameras ready! Lastly, the island of Gili Air is always a great pick for those who want to slow down and get familiar with the local culture through interactions with the welcoming locals.
Nusa Penida
Sure, it’s part of Bali, but situated off the mainland, Nusa Penida deserves its moment in the spotlight amongst all the other Indonesian gems! This heavenly Bali neighbour is easily reachable from Sanur by boat in around 35 to 40-minutes. Showcasing Mother Nature’s finest, visitors can explore the island’s striking Kelingking Beach with its T-Rex-shaped cliff, Angel’s Billabong, and the mystical Goa Giri Putri, or dive into its crystal-clear waters. Nusa Penida offers an array of stunning marine life, including manta rays, mola-mola and turtles, which harmoniously exist alongside Bali’s cultural experiences. This island is a fantastic choice for travellers desiring a more rugged and untamed getaway from Bali’s buzz.
Tip: Check out our complete guide to exploring Nusa Penida here!
Sumba
A small island in East Nusa Tenggara that’s big on character, Sumba features vast grasslands, the intriguing Walakiri Beach with mangrove trees, and Tanggedu Waterfall known as the “Grand Canyon” of the island. The richness of Sumba’s landscape is mirrored in its traditions. Local crafts and traditional houses provide opportunities for hands-on, meaningful experiences. Visitors can join an Ikat textile weaving workshop, create wooden carvings to bring home, or learn about natural dyeing techniques and clay crafts. What’s more, Sumba’s unique Pasola Festival ranks amongst the most exciting annual events in the Indonesian calendar. Plus, if you have a soft spot for wildlife, the world’s best resort, NIHI Sumba lets you witness wild ponies doing their daily beach runs along their famous golden sands!
Flores
Beyond its Komodo Island tourism and renowned beaches, Flores Island unveils a compelling wealth of culture in Wae Rebo Village, tucked away in the lush highlands. This remote, traditional region is inhabited by the Manggarai tribe and is distinguishable by the tall, cone-shaped Mbaru Niang houses covered in thatch roofing. Your journey there may be challenging, but this enchanting area is often veiled in a mysterious mist, unlike the rest of mainland Flores, making for a totally unique experience. The landscapes are rich in storytelling, amplified by local ceremonies and traditional music. For a deep appreciation of one of Indonesia’s most well-preserved cultures, a visit to Wae Rebo Village is certainly one for the memory books!
Weh Island
Weh Island is a small volcanic island marking Indonesia’s western frontier in Sabang, Aceh province. Despite its location, Weh has a decent infrastructure, with guesthouses and dive resorts welcoming backpackers. The island is also reachable from main cities like Jakarta, Medan and Kuala Lumpur, via a combination of air, land and sea travel.
You can explore Weh’s must-see spots in a day with a scooter, hopping from Pria Laot Waterfall to sunset beaches and geothermal fields. As another dream destination for divers in the archipelago, Weh features a safe-to-dive volcano site beneath the surface that’s worth exploring with plenty of underwater surprises. If a slower pace of travel is your jam, Weh Island is calling!
Wakatobi
A luxe, conservation-focused destination in South Sulawesi, Wakatobi Island stands out as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with world-recognised coral reefs. Wakatobi is also home to the Bajo people, who live in stilted wooden homes over the shimmering sea. While in Wakatobi, you can head to Mola Village on Wangi-Wangi Island to interact with the locals and get the lowdown on how they have lived in harmony with the ocean for generations. For a change of pace, join a local guide on a gentle trek through verdant forests for some prime birdwatching. If you love snapping pics or diving into different cultures, Wakatobi should certainly be on your list! For something a little more luxe, you can also opt to stay in a dive resort that offers private air charter service to get you to and from Wakatobi totally hassle-free.
Derawan
You might not realise you need a relaxed island escape in Indonesia until you discover the dreamy Derawan Islands in East Kalimantan with their mirror-like turquoise waters. Part of a larger group of islands, Derawan is wealthy in nature, along with charming homestays and jetties built above the waters. It’s also home to a vital sea turtle sanctuary, where you can witness hatchlings being released into the sea. Other activity options include exploring mangrove forests by kayak or heading to Kakaban Island within the Derawan archipelago to swim with stingless jellyfish, including the unique spotted species. Then when you’re done venturing, embrace those barefoot vibes on the beach. A Derawan adventure is a chilled chapter to include in your Indonesian travel itinerary!
Final Words
For stunning scenery and amazing experiences, look no further than the Indonesian islands, with each one offering its own unique charm. Your blissful archipelago escape is waiting!
