Introduction
Indonesia is home to over 17,000 islands — each one a world in itself. Beyond Bali’s familiar beaches and temples lie hidden gems, rugged volcanoes, lush forests, and seas so vivid they seem unreal. If you’re tired of the usual itineraries and want to discover islands that blend adventure, culture, and escape, here are some of Indonesia’s most beautiful, underrated islands to add to your travel list.
What Makes Indonesia’s Islands Special
- Natural diversity: volcanic peaks, coral reefs, crater lakes, jungles, mangroves, remote lagoons.
- Cultural richness: each island has its own language, traditions, cuisine, and history.
- Variety for all types of travelers: whether you want luxury, rugged backpacking, diving, hikes, sunset views, or quiet beaches.
- Less crowded alternatives: many islands away from Bali are serene, less commercialized, offering more authentic experiences.
Top Islands to Visit in Indonesia
Here are some amazing islands to explore, with highlights & travel tips.
1. Lombok
Just east of Bali, Lombok offers a quieter vibe alongside dramatic landscapes. Mount Rinjani dominates the skyline — a trek here rewards you with views, crater lakes, and sunrise above the clouds. Meanwhile, its southern and eastern coasts host pristine beaches, surf breaks, and waterfalls, often without the crowds.
2. Flores
Flores is long, but every stretch offers something special. Near the west, base yourself in Labuan Bajo and explore Komodo National Park. Inland, hike volcanoes like Mount Inerie, visit traditional villages like Wae Rebo, and witness the surreal, ever-changing colors of the Kelimutu crater lakes in central Flores.
3. Komodo & Padar
Famous for komodo dragons, the Komodo area also holds islands that seem made for postcards. Padar Island has one of the most striking viewpoints in Indonesia, where you can look out over bays with different colored sand beaches (white, pink, black) in one sweeping panorama. Nearby islands offer pink sand, coral reefs, and dramatic seascapes.
4. Misool (Raja Ampat Archipelago)
Remote and wild, Misool is part of the broader Raja Ampat area in West Papua. Expect crystal-clear seas, rich snorkeling/diving spots, hidden lagoons, caves, and islands fringed with lush vegetation. It’s ideal for those who want nature, peace, and marine life without much infrastructure.
5. Sulawesi & Banggai Islands
Sulawesi is as strange and beautiful as it gets — jagged coastlines, tarsiers, cave art, hot springs and volcanic landscapes. Also check out the Banggai Islands, including Peleng, for outstanding lagoons, beaches, caves, and aquatic life. Less visited, but deeply rewarding.
6. Labengki & Sombori
These islands are relatively unknown to many overseas travelers. Mangrove forests, turquoise lagoons, beach hideaways, and raw natural landscapes dominate. Travel here takes effort, but every step feels like a discovery.
7. Bunaken Islands
Close to Manado in northern Sulawesi, Bunaken Marine Park is a diver’s dream. Coral walls, clarity, vibrant marine biodiversity. If you stay on Bunaken Island, you’ll also get the chance to enjoy quiet beachside stays and easy access to snorkeling.
8. Siau Island
For something remote and off the radar, Siau in North Sulawesi offers active volcanoes (like Karangetang), wild nature, and fewer tourists. If you want something dramatic, intense, and authentic, this island is something to consider.
9. Sumatra
One of Indonesia’s largest islands, Sumatra has much more than its scale suggests. From Lake Toba (one of the world’s largest volcanic lakes) to orangutan trekking in rainforests, massive waterfalls, and dramatic highland landscapes — Sumatra is rich in experiences.
10. Belitung & Banyak Islands
For those who want beautiful beaches, limestone rock formations, white sand, calm water, and simplicity, these groups of islands are perfect. Belitung has photogenic landscapes and quiet coastal towns; the Banyak Islands are more rustic, isolated, perfect for relaxing and escaping.
11. Maluku (Ternate, Halmahera, Seram, Ambon)
The Maluku Islands (Spice Islands) are storied in history and rich in scenic beauty. Volcanic peaks like Mount Dukono or Mount Ibu, lakes like Tolire, colorful reefs, secluded beaches, rainforests with rare species — these places combine nature and tale. Travel can be harder, but the rewards are high.
Deciding Which Islands to Visit
Since Indonesia is vast, choosing islands depends on your interests, time frame, budget, and willingness to go remote. Here are some pointers to help you decide:
| Factor | Consider This |
|---|---|
| Time available | If you have 1-2 weeks, pick a region (e.g. Flores & Komodo or Sulawesi) rather than trying to cover too many far-apart islands. |
| Comfort vs adventure | Bali / Lombok / Flores have more amenities; places like Misool / Banyak / Banggai are more rustic. Be prepared. |
| Activities you prefer | Diving/snorkeling? Beaches? Hiking/volcano climbs? Culture and traditional villages? Wildlife? Pick islands that align. |
| Season & Weather | Dry season (roughly May-August) is generally the safest for travel, flights, sea conditions. Coastal & beach-activities are better then; waterfalls fuller just after rainy season. |
| Connectivity / Infrastructure | Some remote islands have limited transport, power, internet. Useful to plan ahead where you’ll stay, how you’ll move between islands. |
Travel Tips for Indonesian Islands (Remote & Not-so Remote)
- Transport: Flights between major hubs; boats / ferries for island hopping. Small local boats sometimes fluctuate schedules depending on weather. Always have buffer time.
- Accommodations: On well-visited islands, many options exist (resorts, guesthouses). In remote islands, expect basic lodging — sometimes fan rooms, simpler amenities. Book in advance where possible.
- Supplies & Essentials: Pack what you might need — mosquito repellent, sunscreen, medicines, snacks. Don’t assume remote places have a good pharmacy.
- Cultural Etiquette: Many islands are Muslim majority (outside Bali), so modest clothing in certain contexts; respect local norms. Also local transport/or markets may have different customs.
- Safety & Health: Be aware of malaria / dengue risk in some regions; check local health advisories. Also respect weather — stormy seas can postpone ferries.
- Leave No Trace: Many of these islands’ ecosystems are fragile. Reduce plastic waste, don’t disturb coral, be mindful about wildlife.
Best Times to Visit Indonesia’s Islands
- Dry Season (May-September): Best for clear skies, calmer seas, ideal for beach time, snorkeling, diving, trekking. More tourists on popular islands.
- Rainy Season (November-March / April in some areas): Green landscapes, dramatic waterfalls, fewer crowds. But expect rainfall, especially in afternoons; some boats/ferries unpredictable.
- Some islands (in Eastern Indonesia) have different timing; always check the region-specific climatological forecasts.
Suggested Island Combos & Itineraries
To help you make the most, here are a few combo ideas depending on your pace and interests:
- Adventure + Wildlife (10 Days): Fly into Sulawesi → Tangkoko Reserve → Banggai Islands → Siau or remote Sulawesi islands.
- Beaches + Relax + Culture (10-12 Days): Lombok → Flores → Komodo → Padar → Belitung.
- Remote Paradise (7-9 Days): Banyak Islands → Pulau Karang → Misool (if time/budget) or Seram.
- Volcano + Scenery (7 Days): Java (Bromo, Ijen) → Flores (Kelimutu) → Maluku (Halmahera / Ternate).
Conclusion
Indonesia offers a world of islands — some famous, many still waiting to be discovered. Beyond Bali, there’s an entire universe of seas, cliffs, cultures, and landscapes that can surprise and enchant you. Travel with curiosity, flexibility, and respect — and any of these islands could become a place you never forget.