11 Best Island For Perfect Holiday In Indonesia

Bali’s idyllic beaches may be pretty – but with 17,000-plus islands in Indonesia, you ain’t seen nothing yet.

As the world’s biggest archipelago, no other country has as many island destinations as Indonesia. Stretching far and wide across the equator, Indonesia’s islands boast limitless charms. Some are renowned surf destinations, while others are famed for fascinating endemic species. Panoramic natural beauty is almost always guaranteed — beautiful ocean views paired with lush hills, thriving wildlife, charming cultural heritage and in many cases, all of the above. Here are the 11 best islands in Indonesia.

* Belitung

This exotic island east of Sumatra is represented best by the glorious granite boulders hemming its white-sand coast. While a lot of tourists here spend most of their time taking pictures of and on the idyllic beaches, this island also has charming colonial architecture and a quaint old harbour. Tourists can venture off its offshore islands, including the famed Lengkuas Island with its iconic 19th century lighthouse overlooking the translucent sea.

* Lombok

Often dubbed Bali’s more laid-back sister, Lombok has beauty to more than match its world-famous sibling. In fact, over the years Lombok’s popularity has quickly risen as more tourists attest to its satisfying escape from Bali’s crowds. The island hosts a wide array of attractions, including mountains, beaches, forests, temples and even historic cities. Many of its beautiful beaches are a surfers’ paradise, especially for those who prefer a more intimate atmosphere. Avid hikers come to this island to conquer the beautiful Mount Rinjani, with its iconic blue lake on top.

* Gili Islands

The Gili Islands consist of three small islands. Gili Trawangan, the biggest of the three, is the most modern, known for vibrant nightlife and chill seaside cafés. Gili Meno on the other hand is far more serene and quiet, making it a popular honeymoon destination. Gili Air is an adventurer’s paradise, with an impressive underwater world hiding some of the planet’s rarest and most dangerous marine species. Even though the three islands have such contrasting features, tourists can visit all in one visit due to their close proximity.

* Flores

Flores, named after the Portuguese word for ‘flowers’, is a gorgeous small island in East Nusa Tenggara. Although the island features many natural charms — mountains, beaches, and the tri-coloured Kelimutu lake — perhaps the most intriguing quality is its culture. Flores is home to many different ethnic groups, each with their own unique cultures and customs. Staying with the locals and living their lifestyles is a popular, horizon-expanding activity, especially in well-known villages like Wae Rebo, which is prized for its beautiful mountain vista and quirky traditional houses.

* Komodo Island

Jurassic Park comes to life on this Indonesian island. The island in East Nusa Tenggara is home to the komodo dragon, a famous giant lizard known to hunt prey as big as water buffalo. Aside from this fascinating creature, Komodo’s natural landscape of hills and beaches alone could justify its recent fame as a hip island destination. Lavish accommodations and liveaboard boats are also present, leading to adventure and tranquility in one place.

* Padar

Padar is part of the expansive Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara. But in contrast to its famed sister island, this uninhabited islet appears completely quiet and serene, with nothing but stretches of beautiful hilly landscape. A big part of this island is still uncharted territory, but a certain viewpoint embracing three magnificent bays in one scene has quickly become a coveted panorama, bringing more people to this island for the Instagram potential.

* Bali

You may not need Culture Trip to tell you how Bali is one of the most beautiful islands to visit in Indonesia – but it’s a world-acclaimed island paradise for a reason. Over the years its charms have been refined by newly discovered attractions, passionate expat communities and top-class establishments. Welcoming millions of international tourists yearly, Bali is used to providing something for every taste, be it natural features, food, cultural workshops, art, shopping and more. Even those who come frequently keep finding new things to see and do, while many others decide to stay and make a life on the island, engaging in the never-ending adventure it provides.

* Nusa Islands

This string of three islands off the coast of Bali is an up-and-coming destination, with natural attractions that many argue outshine the famed mainland. Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan each have their own specialty, but all three offer splendid underwater scenes beneath the ocean’s calm, translucent surface. These islands are perfect for diving, snorkeling and water sports, with other favorite activities including cliff-jumping in Nusa Ceningan, crossing the yellow bridge between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, and admiring the iconic Kelingking Beach at Nusa Penida.

* Mentawai Islands

This archipelago off the coast of West Sumatra is a world-famous surfing paradise. Surfers of all skill levels flock here for the big waves, ranging from two to 15 ft tall. The Mentawai Islands also keep a treasure chest of rich and vibrant marine biodiversity below the waves, including dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles. If you insist on staying dry, there are still plenty of things to do: from relaxing on quiet beaches, trekking through thick tropical rainforest, to exploring the villages and discovering the fascinating Mentawai tribe.

* Weh Island

Constituting Indonesia’s westernmost point, the remote geography of this beautiful island has protected it from too many tourists. But with idyllic white-sand beaches and translucent water, the journey is still very much worth taking. The island has splendid diving and snorkelling spots with thriving, undisturbed wildlife. The unspoiled condition doesn’t mean this island is underdeveloped – tourists will be welcomed with charming cottages and beachside restaurants to enjoy sunsets while feasting on fresh seafood.

* Bintan Island

This resort island is a popular getaway from Singapore, accessible via a one-hour ferry ride. Despite the foreign establishments and English-speaking crowd, Bintan Island is a beloved part of Indonesia’s Riau Province. Thanks to its popularity abroad, this paradise is a distinguished tourism gem untypical of a Sumatran island. Lavish resorts, fun modern attractions and avant-garde activities can be found all over. We’re talking Southeast Asia’s first seawater lagoon, a flying club that lets you ride an open cockpit seaplane, and more.