10 Must-Visit Islands to Visit in Indonesia

Indonesia, located in the southeast of Asia, has the world's largest archipelago. Near the equator, the island country is encircled by the Pacific Ocean and the Indian Ocean, with abundant tourist resources, including crystal-clear water, long beaches, and many species of wildlife. In addition, the country features prominently over 17,000 islands. With such a vast number of islands, Indonesia has a treasure trove of stunning natural beauty to offer. Here we recommend the top 10 islands in Indonesia that you should consider visiting. Each of them is rich in not only fascinating nature and cultural heritage but also unique experiences. Let's begin with the world-famous Bali Island.

Bali Island

Bali is perhaps the most famous island in Indonesia, known for its picturesque landscapes, rich culture, and friendly locals. The island is home to many famous tourist attractions and activities. Bali has stunning beaches, endless rice terraces cultivated by local inhabitants, and active volcanoes. The picturesque beach and seascape are inspiring sights to view. You can go trekking around the foot of an active volcano like Mount Batur or Gunung Agung, exploring ancient Hindu temples in the mountain. Bali is also a popular destination for yoga and wellness retreats, making it a perfect place to unwind. Besides, the island has many spots for sports enthusiasts to enjoy diving, snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and fishing. The town of Ubud is an ideal place for culture lovers to make cultural explorations of Hindu religions and galleries. The globally known island can be filled with tourists, but its extraordinary natural beauty and colorful entertainment will make you ignore the crowds.

Bali Island

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Flores Island

Flores Island is known for its outstanding beauty in landscapes. Flores Island offers tourists rugged hills, majestic waterfalls, and breathtaking crater lakes. If you want to explore Komodo Island, you must visit Flores first. The island is a gateway to Komodo Island, where you can catch sight of a precious species of animal, Komodo dragons. It's a nice experience to explore the island's pristine beaches, mysterious savannah mountains, and dazzlingly attractive coral reefs. and hiking trails. Perhaps the most appealing fascination on Flores Island is the Kelimutu volcano and its three famous crater lakes, each with a distinct color. The three lakes change color frequently as a result of mineral and chemical changes caused by volcanic gas. In addition to its remarkable nature, the island teems with predominantly native inhabitants. You can get along well with locals by observing their unique customs. Flores Island has many arrays of natural and cultural attractions that could easily flood your eyes.

Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are a group of three small islands, called Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, located off the west coast of Lombok. The islands are known for their pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and laid-back atmosphere. Gili Trawangan is a wonderful destination for both vitality and peace. You can try scuba diving and surfing, enjoy the vibrant nightlife and parties with locals, or relax with yoga. Gili Meno and Gili Air are romantic places for couples to go for their special honeymoon. More fun on the islands includes underwater diving to explore the beautiful coral reefs as well as the small marine life there. Gili Islands offer the unspoiled beauty of the landscape and a relaxed pace of life. The islands are home to only hundreds of local residents and are car-free, making them a perfect place to relax and disconnect from the world.

Sulawesi

Sulawesi is a large island located in the center of Indonesia. The island is roughly in the shape of an English "K". Sulawesi is known for its diverse culture, stunning landscapes, and rich marine life. The thrilling waterfalls, unsearchable deep lakes, and soft sand beach can satisfy your intense curiosity about the pristine island. Manado, the head city of Sulawesi, is a worldwide popular shrine for diving and snorkeling, with several world-class dive sites located around the island. You can make adventurous explorations under the clear, green water. The Bunaken National Marine Park is another relaxing site to watch many species of marine life at close range. The island is also home to the traditional Torajan villages, where visitors can see the local culture and customs up close. It is pleasant to sit with the natives, enjoying sweet fruit juice and tasty fried bananas. Art and traditions are essential parts of indigenous culture in Sulawesi. Local residents produce an exquisite range of pottery and fabric with elaborate patterns. Also, you can admire the distinctive local storytelling dance.

Kalimantan Island

Kalimantan Island is the Indonesian portion of the island of Borneo, which is the third-largest island in the world. The island is divided among three countries, with the Indonesian portion covering approximately 73% of the island's land area. The tropical climate gives Kalimantan Island large areas of lush forests where you can take guided tours to explore the exotic flora and fauna and search for wildlife such as sun bears, proboscis monkeys, and orangutans. The large island is inhabited by a wide range of ethnic groups, including Dayaks, Malays, and Chinese Indonesians. You can try to talk with indigenous tribes, and you'll have your fill of entertaining events about local handicrafts, traditional dances, and music. One of the most interesting activities in Indonesian Kalimantan is going on a river cruise across the island. You can spot some unfamiliar vegetation and wild animals like crocodiles and dolphins. Though a lesser-known part of Indonesia, Kalimantan Island offers a unique blend of adventure, culture, and nature, making it an excellent destination for adventurous tourists.

Bangka-Belitung Islands

In the middle of Karimata Strait, the Bangka-Belitung Islands are located off the east coast of Sumatra. The archipelago is made up of two main islands, Bangka and Belitung, as well as numerous smaller islands. The islands boast some of the most pristine beaches and turquoise waters. Some of the island's beaches reach for miles, and they are pleasantly uncrowded. The fantastic picture of white sand and clean water makes frequent appearances in Indonesian movies like "Laskar Pelangi". The scenic coastal landscape also offers a range of activities, such as swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. If you're not satisfied with natural beauty, you can visit historical sites and cultural attractions, such as museums and traditional villages. Locals will show warm hospitality to visiting tourists. It's wonderful to savor the delicious local foods, including fresh seafood, Belitung-style noodle soup, and spicy chili sauce. The enchanting archipelago will give you a special time in Indonesia.

Wakatobi Islands

Wakatobi Islands is an Indonesian archipelago located in Southeast Sulawesi. The name "Wakatobi" is derived from the names of the four main islands in the archipelago: Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. The islands abound with a diverse range of marine species, including turtles, manta rays, and dolphins, as well as large areas of coral reefs and atolls that encompass coastal waters. Along the shore grow distinct mangrove forests, which is a surprising view against the backdrop of clear waters. Inland, it's wonderful to explore hidden coves and lush forests. One of the most attractive highlights of Wakatobi is its world-class diving and snorkeling sites. You can fully go diving with fewer crowds. When visiting Wakatobi, be sure to try the local cuisine, which features fresh seafood and traditional dishes such as nasi goreng (fried rice) and gado-gado (vegetable salad with peanut sauce). You can also immerse yourself in the local culture by attending traditional dances.

Lombok

Lombok is an island located just east of Bali. It takes around 3 hours for you to reach the island from Bali by yacht. Lombok is known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and majestic active volcano. vibrant marine life. The island is home to the majestic Mount Rinjani, one of the tallest active volcanoes in Indonesia, which provides a stunning backdrop to the island's landscape. It is a special experience to hike around the volcano to explore its imposing crater. Lombok boasts many must-visit beaches: Senggigi for sublime sunsets, Kuta for clear green water, Selong for surfing, and Sunut for impressive pinkish-red sand. Lombok is also known for its rich cultural heritage, which can be seen in the traditional Sasak villages scattered throughout the island. It's a nice opportunity to try Sasak food in Lombok. If you want more experiences, you can visit Lombok's largest city, Mataram, where you can find Taman Mayura, a gorgeous 18th-century palace, and a historical park, Taman Narmada, previously a Hindu temple.

Lombok

Komodo Island

Komodo Island is famous for its resident Komodo dragons, the world's largest lizards. The island is also home to stunning landscapes, including rugged hills, savannahs, and pristine beaches. Visitors can take a guided tour to see the Komodo dragons in their natural habitat, as well as hike to the top of the island's hills for breathtaking views of the surrounding area. You must visit the Komodo National Park, formed by a group of small islands like Padar Island, Kelor Island, and Rinca Island. You can hike to the highest point of Padar Island and be captivated by its glorious four-color beach of red, white, black, and yellow. You may get an overlooking view of the island and its remarkable sunset. Moreover, the long, pinkish beach must be an enchanting sight for ladies. Komodo Island is also a paradise for many kinds of diving sports. You have great potential to go diving with lively marine creatures. Komodo Island has a diverse range of wildlife and marine life, a dramatic seascape, and a mountainous landscape to see. It's valued for its original ecology.

Komodo National Park

Ternate Island

Ternate Island is a bewitching part of the Maluka Islands, which were previously referred to as the Spice Islands because many types of valuable spices like cloves, nutmeg, and mace grew in abundance there. Although the Maluka Islands are now largely popular among overseas tourists, Ternate Island has historical significance to offer. Historically, a number of fortresses had been built to protect Ternate as the pivot of the lucrative spice trade, so the small island has several worth-seeing fort ruins. One of the most significant landmarks is the Fort Tolukko, which is a 16th-century Portuguese fortress that served as a strategic military base during the colonial period. You can visit the fort and learn about its history and significance to the island's past. Ternate Island also provides visitors with beautiful beaches and a fascinating mountainous view. You can take a relaxing sunbathe or hike to the summit of the volcano if you like. Besides, the local markets are well worth a visit. There are a variety of spices, handicrafts, and local foods to choose from.

So if you have a fondness for the landscape of islands, Indonesia is an eminently ideal destination, with a diverse range of islands to suit all interests and imagination. Whether you're looking for pristine beaches, vibrant culture, or an exciting underwater world, Indonesia's islands will satisfy your expectations. If you're planning a tour to Indonesia, please get in touch with us. We're happy to make a customized itinerary for you. Odynovo will guide you to the beauty of the islands and wonderful Indonesian experiences. Traveling with us around Indonesia will leave you awe-struck and inspired.