When planning a trip to Indonesia, Bali is the first destination that comes to mind for most people. This is for good reason, as Bali has beautiful beaches, ancient temples, and many top-notch resorts.
But if you’ve tired of Bali’s crowds and attractions meticulously packaged for tourists, Indonesia has countless other islands waiting for you to explore. As the world’s largest archipelago, its islands are vast and diverse, ranging from towering active volcanoes and lush, wildlife-rich rainforests to pristine, untouched beaches.
So, we’ve compiled a list of the best islands to visit in Indonesia, each with its own unique culture, cuisine, and scenery. If you’re searching for the absolute island in Indonesia for you, the answer might just be one of these 10 hidden gems.
How Many Islands in Indonesia
Indonesia officially counts 17,508 islands, with approximately 6,000 inhabited, making it the world’s largest archipelago nation. With so many islands to choose from, we will highlight destinations offering unique experiences, including world-renowned diving spots and historical sites.
Best Islands to Visit in Indonesia Besides Bali
From the bustling island of Java to the remote coral islands of Raja Ampat, with so many islands in Indonesia, how do you choose? Don’t worry, simply select the one that best matches your interests from our carefully curated list below.
1. Manado 
Manado has been rated as the world’s premier diving destination. Its most renowned attraction is Bunaken National Marine Park, featuring over 70 dive sites. And diving here, you’ll witness healthy and vibrant coral reefs. The park comprises five small islands: Bunaken, Manado Tua, Siladen, Montehage, and Nain.
Beyond diving and water sports, Manado offers a wealth of activities. You can take a boat trip to chase dolphins near Ganga Island and Siladen Island. Or explore Lake Linow, a volcanic sulfur lake that displays five distinct colors under the sun.
Don’t miss the Yesus Memberkati Statue in downtown Manado, the largest Jesus statue in Asia and the second largest in the world.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season lasts from May to October, with average temperatures ranging from 26 to 30°C (80 to 86°F), offering the calmest seas and best visibility for diving and snorkeling.
2. Komodo 
It’s composed of several rugged, mountainous islands, including Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. Komodo is home to the world’s largest lizards, the Komodo dragons. Komodo National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Indonesia’s most worthwhile destinations to visit.
Beyond the dragons, the area is visually spectacular. You’ve probably seen photos of the iconic viewpoint on Padar Island, where three crescent-shaped bays meet, each with a different colored sand beach. The famous Pink Beach, Pantai Merah is also located here, its rosy hue created by microscopic red organisms in the coral. The diving and snorkeling are phenomenal, giving you a chance to swim alongside giant manta rays.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season from April to December sees average temperatures ranging from 28 to 33°C (82 to 91°F). The peak tourist season falls between June and August, offering ideal conditions for outdoor activities and diving.
3. Lombok 
If you prefer a quieter version of Bali, then Lombok is the perfect choice—and it’s right next door. Here you’ll find equally excellent surf breaks, white sand beaches, and lush rice fields.
Here you’ll also find Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. Hiking to its summit is the most popular activity, offering views of waterfalls, crater lakes, and breathtaking valleys along the way. Be sure to hire a local guide and prepare proper mountaineering gear. Don’t overlook Lombok’s beaches either, especially the bustling Senggigi Beach with its many restaurants. For a quieter option, head to Kuta Lombok Beach.
For a more tranquil setting and relaxing experience, head to the Gili Islands, including Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, where you can snorkel, scuba dive, go boating, or cycle around the islands.
Best Time to Visit: During the dry season from May to September, average temperatures range from 27 to 32 °C (approximately 80 to 90 °F), offering ideal weather for beach relaxation and volcano hiking.
4. Sumatra 
Sumatra is one of Indonesia’s five main islands, boasting a large landmass with pristine natural landscapes and abundant wildlife. Here, you can encounter majestic wild orangutans in the tropical rainforests of Gunung Leuser National Park. You’ll gain a unique jungle trekking experience.
It is also home to Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake. Staying on the central island of Samosir offers the best vantage point for viewing the lake. For water activities, the pristine beaches of Pulau Weh on the west coast offer a tranquil setting with vibrant coral reefs and abundant marine life.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season from May to September sees average temperatures ranging from 24 to 32 °C (75 to 90 °F). However, due to its large size, Sumatra experiences some regional climate variations.
5. Java 
Java Island is known as the heart of Indonesia, not only as the location of the capital Jakarta but also as the most populous island. It has culture, history, and monumental architecture, making it the top destination for first-time visitors to Indonesia.
For a cultural journey, start with Yogyakarta, home to two of the world’s most spectacular ancient temple complexes: Borobudur and Prambanan. For nature enthusiasts, Mount Bromo offers breathtaking vistas. Witness the sunrise from the Penanjakan viewpoint, then ascend to overlook the crater lake and sea of sand. Another volcanic wonder, Ijen Crater in East Java, is famous for its blue flames. Night treks to the crater rim reveal the mesmerizing blue sulfur flames and the unique sight of sulfur miners at work.
As for modern cities, the capital Jakarta will surprise you. Visit landmarks like the National Monument and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah to learn about Indonesia’s history. Plus, with Java’s excellent train system, you can easily travel between cities.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season from April to October features average temperatures ranging from 29 to 32 °C (approximately 84 to 90 °F), making it an ideal time to visit the volcano.
6. Penida 
Penida is a small island just a 45-minute speedboat ride from Bali. It boasts spectacular cliffs and secluded beaches, among which Kelingking Beach is the most popular. Due to its unique shape, it is often referred to as the “ Dinosaur Head” cliff.
Of course, Penida offers much more than this, it is also an excellent spot for snorkeling and diving. Especially at Manta Point, where you can swim alongside the graceful Manta Rays, a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Angel’s Billabong and Broken Beach are other popular attractions, where the ocean has carved unique natural pools and arches into the limestone cliffs.
Despite the island’s small size, you can also discover a mysterious spot: Goa Giri Putri Temple, a cave temple hidden within a rock formation. Access requires bending down to squeeze through a narrow entrance, making it a significant pilgrimage site for local devotees.
Best Time to Visit: During the dry season from May to September, temperatures are similar to Bali’s, ranging from 28 to 32 °C (82 to 90 °F) due to its proximity to the island.
7. Belitung 
Belitung, located off the east coast of Sumatra, is a hidden gem largely unknown to tourists. Its uniqueness lies in its granite monoliths, clear waters, and powdery white sand beaches. Surrounding the main island are dozens of uninhabited islets, making it perfect for private oneday island-hopping tours, each offering distinct marine ecosystems.
Tanjung Tinggi Beach is the island’s most iconic beach, serving as the filming location for the Indonesian movie Laskar Pelangi. Dotted with massive granite boulders, it’s also one of the best spots for diving.
For a unique photo opportunity, head to Kaolin Lake, an artificial lake formed from an old mining site. On clear days, the blue sky and white clouds reflect perfectly on the lake’s surface, creating a stunning mirror of the sky.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season from April to October features average temperatures between 28–31 °C (82–88 °F), making it ideal for island hopping and enjoying the beaches.
8. Flores 
Flores is Indonesia’s most diverse island, boasting volcanic lakes, traditional villages, and coral seas. It also serves as the gateway to Komodo National Park.
The volcanic landscape of Kelimutu National Park is unlike any other, with its three lakes being the most distinctive feature. These lakes display different colors of blue, green, and red, and their hues change over time. The best time to view them is at dawn.
The waters near Flores are exceptionally pristine and teeming with marine life. Diving at Kanawa Island or Seraya Island is highly recommended, where you can marvel at colorful coral reefs and schools of tropical fish. Traditional villages also highlight Flores’ distinct character, such as Waerebo Village, a Manggarai tribe settlement hidden deep in the mountains, accessible only by a 2 hour hike.
Notably, Flores is also a major coffee producer in Indonesia. Be sure to sample freshly brewed pour-over coffee at local cafes.
Best Time to Visit: During the dry season from May to October, average temperatures range from 27–32°C (80–90°F). The weather is clear and sunny, with stable waves ideal for various outdoor activities.
9. Raja Ampat 
Raja Ampat lies at the northwest tip of Indonesia. Frankly speaking, it’s quite remote, and getting there isn’t cheap. But the scenery here is truly unparalleled. As Indonesia’s most iconic archipelago, it comprises over 1,500 islands and has some of the richest marine biodiversity on Earth.
For diving enthusiasts, Cape Kri, Blue Magic, and Manta Sandy are among the best dive sites. You can swim alongside swarms of manta rays, sea turtles, and corals. You can also witness the colorful underwater world simply by snorkeling.
We all know this place has postcard views, with Pianemo and Wayag Island being the most worthwhile destinations. Pianemo is one of the landmarks, offering a view from the mountaintop lookout where you can see limestone islets dotting the emerald sea. Wayag features undulating karst islands and azure lagoons.
Raja Ampat also offers excellent conditions for birdwatching, with numerous rare bird species inhabiting the jungles. At dawn, visitors may have the opportunity to spot the Red Bird of Paradise, a symbol of Papua.
Best Time to Visit: Due to its proximity to the equator, the period from November to April is considered the best time for calm seas, minimal rainfall, and the highest visibility. Average temperatures range from 29–31 °C (approximately 84–88 °F), making it a unique exception among the other regions of the archipelago.
10. Karimun Jawa 
Karimun Jawa is a small archipelago in the Java Sea, surrounded by warm, calm waters. With only one village on the islands, it’s perfect for a simple, relaxing getaway.
At Karimun Jawa’s snorkeling spots, Pulau Menjangan Besar is a top choice where you’ll encounter schools of tropical fish and sea turtles. The island also boasts numerous beaches perfect for relaxation, such as Tanjung Gelam Beach and Pancuran Beach. Take a stroll along the white sands or spend time at one of the beachside cafes.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season from April to October features average temperatures of approximately 27–31°C (80–88°F). This period is ideal for various water activities and leisure vacations.
FAQ
What are the 5 main islands of Indonesia?
Sumatra, Java, Borneo, Sulawesi, and Papua are commonly regarded as Indonesia’s five major islands due to their size and population.
What is the most visited island in Indonesia?
To date, Bali has been the most visited island. It consistently attracts the majority of international tourism to the country due to its well developed infrastructure, rich cultural heritage, and captivating natural landscapes.
What is the safest island in Indonesia?
Bali is widely regarded as one of the safest destinations for tourists. Similarly, islands with well-developed tourism infrastructure, such as Lombok and Java, also offer a high level of safety.
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