Top 25 Stunning Indonesian Islands: Must-Visit Destinations in Indonesia

25 Beautiful Indonesian Islands To Visit

1. Bali Island

Bali is certainly Asia’s favorite vacation destination! While Bali is a stunning location for both luxury and budget travelers, it has unfortunately suffered from overtourism for years. Nevertheless, adventure enthusiasts can find easy access to breathtaking waterfalls, lush jungles, majestic cliffs, and active volcanoes. For those preferring a more relaxed experience, Bali offers beautiful beaches, historical temples, lush rice terraces, and an array of excellent dining options.

Bali attracts over 6 million tourists annually, making it an incredibly busy island, yet its charm endures.

• Things To See: Ubud, Kintamani, Uluwatu, & More
• How To Get There: Fly to Bali’s international airport (DPS)
• More Info: Bali Travel Guide

2. Nusa Penida Island

The stunning island of Nusa Penida is just 25 kilometers from Bali and can be visited as a day trip or, better yet, for several days for deeper exploration.

With picturesque sights like Kelingking Cliff and Diamond Beach, Nusa Penida offers a unique escape with fewer tourists.

• Things To See: Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach, Broken Bay, & More
• How To Get There: 1-hour boat trip from Bali
• More Info: Nusa Penida Travel Guide

3. Nusa Lembongan Island

This beautiful island boasts attractions like Dream Beach and the Devil’s Tears cliff, making it a great spot to relax and unwind.

• Things To See: Dream Beach, Devil’s Tears, & Mangrove Forest
• How To Get There: 1-hour boat trip from Bali

4. Nusa Ceningan Island

Nusa Ceningan is a small gem connected to Nusa Lembongan by a yellow bridge, offering beautiful beaches and a tranquil atmosphere.

• How To Get There: 1-hour boat ride from Bali

5. Lombok Island

Neighboring Bali, Lombok is less frequented but equally appealing, featuring stunning beaches and the impressive Mount Rinjani.

• Things To See: Mount Rinjani, Tiu Kelep Waterfall, Tanjung Aan Beach
• How To Get There: Fly to Lombok International Airport (LOP)

6. Java Island

Java, Indonesia’s most populated island, showcases magnificent volcanic landscapes, ancient temples, and cultural diversity.

• Things To See: Ciletuh Geopark, Kawah Putih, Prambanan Temple
• How To Get There: Fly to Jakarta (CGK), Yogyakarta (YIA), or Surabaya (SUB)

7. Flores Island

Flores is a wild and scenic island known for its picturesque landscapes and the breathtaking Kelimutu Lakes.

• Things To See: Kelimutu National Park, Koka Beach, Mount Inerie
• How To Get There: Fly to Ende (ENE) or Maumere (MOF) from Bali (DPS)

8. Komodo Island

Komodo Island is renowned for its unique Komodo dragons and incredible natural beauty in the surrounding marine biodiversity.

• Things To See: Komodo Dragons, Padar Island, & Pink Beach
• How To Get There: Fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) from Bali (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK)
• More Info: Komodo Travel Guide

9. Padar Island

Padar Island offers a spectacular viewpoint showcasing its stunning natural landscapes, including breathtaking bays with uniquely colored beaches.

• How To Get There: Fly to Labuan Bajo (LBJ) from Bali (DPS) or Jakarta (CGK)
• More Info: Padar Island Guide

10. Sulawesi Island

Sulawesi is a treasure trove of unique landscapes and vibrant cultural experiences, from volcanic formations to intricate traditional practices.

• Things To See: Rammang Rammang, Tana Toraja, Tangkoko Nature Reserve
• How To Get There: Fly to Makassar (UPG) or Manado (MDC)

11. Banggai Islands

The Banggai area is an underrated paradise of gorgeous islands like Peleng, which boasts stunning blue lakes and unique wildlife.

• Things To See: Paisu Pok Lake, Mandel Beach, Paisu Batongan Jellyfish Lake
• How To Get There: Fly to Luwuk (LUW) and take a ferry to Peleng or Banggai Laut

12. Labengki Island

Labengki Island is a hidden tropical paradise, perfect for those seeking seclusion and natural beauty.

• How To Get There: Fly to Kendari (KDI) from Makassar, then take a 3-hour boat ride to Labengki Island

13. Sombori Islands

The=SomboriIsland features pristine, unnamed lagoons and a wealth of wildlife, earning it the title of ‘the Raja Ampat of Sulawesi’ for its stunning resemblance to the famous islands in West Papua.

• How To Get There: Fly to Kendari (KDI), take a 3-hour boat ride to Labengki, then a 2-hour boat ride to Sombori

14. Bunaken Islands

Bunaken is renowned for its vibrant marine life, making it ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving enthusiasts.

• How To Get There: Fly to Manado (MDC) + 1 hour boat ride

15. Siau Island

Siau, a lesser-known volcanic island, is notable for its stunning nature and unique wildlife, including its very own species of tarsier.

• Things To See: Siau Island Tarsier, Mount Karangetang, Mahoro Island
• How To Get There: Fly to Siau (NAH) from Manado (MDC), or take the 4-hour fast ferry

16. Selayar Island

Selayar presents opportunities for snorkeling, island hopping, or relaxing on private beaches.

• How To Get There: Fly to Selayar (KSR) from Makassar (UPG)

17. Sumatra Island

Home to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake globally, Sumatra promises splendid wildlife and rich cultural diversity.

• Things To See: Lake Toba, Sumatra Waterfalls
• How To Get There: Fly to Medan (KNO) from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) or Jakarta (CGK)

18. Belitung Island

Belitung is a stunning island characterized by its beautiful landscapes and excellent island-hopping opportunities.

• How To Get There: Fly to Tanjung Pandan (TJQ) from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) or Jakarta (CGK)

19. Banyak Islands

The Banyak Islands are a cluster of almost untouched islands offering an authentic escape into nature.

• How To Get There: Fly to Medan (KNO), drive to Singkil, then take a boat to Pulau Banyak

20. Karang Island

Pulau Karang is a picturesque island perfect for a day trip to enjoy stunning beaches and a serene atmosphere.

• How To Get There: Drive to Singkil and take a short boat ride

21. Borneo Island (Kalimantan)

Borneo, known for its lush rainforests and rich diversity of wildlife, attracts nature enthusiasts seeking adventure.

• Things To See: Gunung Palung National Park, Tanjung Puting National Park
• How To Get There: Fly to Pangkalan Bun (PKN) or Pontianak (PNK)
• More Info: Tanjung Puting Travel Guide

22. Ternate Island

Ternate, a volcanic island in the North Maluku province, features historical significance and stunning views.

• Things To See: Ngade Lake, Mount Gamalama
• How To Get There: Fly to Ternate (TTE) from major cities like Jakarta and Makassar

23. Halmahera Island

Halmahera is known for its breathtaking volcanic landscapes and beautiful natural scenery.

• Things To See: Mount Dukono, Mount Ibu
• How To Get There: Fly to Kao (KAZ) from Manado

24. Seram Island

Seram is home to stunning beaches and rich biodiversity, including the beautiful Ora Beach resort.

• Things To See: Ora Beach, Manusela National Park
• How To Get There: Fly to Ambon (AMQ), then take a ferry

25. Ambon Island

Ambon serves as a gateway to explore the hidden gems in Maluku.

• Things To See: Telaga Pange Waterfall
• How To Get There: Fly to Ambon (AMQ) from major cities

How To Visit Indonesian Islands (That Are Not Bali)

When venturing into Indonesia’s hidden islands, consider the following practical tips:

• Infrastructure: Be prepared for limited amenities in remote areas like WiFi and air conditioning. Often, a traditional water scoop may replace showers, and some islands may lack electricity.
• Religion: Many Indonesian regions are Muslim majority; therefore, dress modestly and respect local customs.
• Safety: Indonesia remains one of the safest travel destinations with a low crime rate. Familiarize yourself with common safety practices while exploring.
• People: Expect to encounter friendly locals eager for photo opportunities and a warm welcome.
• Mosquitoes: Dengue fever and malaria may be present; consider taking preventive measures.

Best Time To Visit Indonesia

Your ideal visit depends on what you hope to experience:

• ☁ Rainy Season: November to April; warmer but less crowded.
• ☀ Dry Season: May to August; it’s the best weather for outdoor activities, but expect more tourists.

Indonesia Drone Video

Check out this 4K drone video filmed during our travels across Indonesia, showcasing various beautiful locations.

Thank you for exploring these best places to visit in Indonesia that are not Bali! We’re looking forward to discovering even more hidden gems in this incredible country.