Volcanic, tropical, remote – yet surprisingly accessible – its main tourist islands have been wowing travellers for decades, while its upcoming isles give intrepid explorers the off-the-beaten-track experience they crave. Here are just a few of our favourite Indonesian islands. 

                                         BALI

A destination quite distinct from its motherland, Bali is a longstanding favourite on the beach bum’s travel circuit. With a well-developed infrastructure built up over decades of tourism, the island yet offers pockets of seclusion. With ancient temple sites, UNESCO-listed rice terraces, spiritual centres, surf beaches, snorkelling, night clubbing and luxury spa retreats, Bali covers every base. With an international airport, it’s the easiest holiday isle to get to.

                                   LOMBOK

East of Bali, and roughly the same size, this comparatively untouched island boasts dramatic volcanic landscapes, blissful deserted bays, waterfalls, a pink coral-sand beach, white beaches with turquoise waters and the unique Sasak culture. Far less touristy than Bali, Lombok’s laidback pace and pristine natural areas are perfect for more active travellers. Cycle, hike Mount Rinjani, surf Kuta Beach, then visit the Gili Islands… 

                              GILI ISLANDS

The Gilis are three tiny islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – off the northwest coast of Lombok. Each has its own personality, yet all sport the same idyllic waters and quiet beaches. They’re all quite well-developed, with accommodation options that range from rustic to deluxe. Snorkel, dive, swim, spa, party or simply relax on sunsoaked shores.

                                RAJA AMPAT

Gaining in popularity for its pristine coral-filled seas and striking emerald-coloured limestone islands, the Raja Ampat group in West Papua remains a fairly exclusive destination. Located in the Coral Triangle, renowned for its diversity and richness of coral and marine life, Raja Ampat is a diver’s paradise, and ideal for island-hopping cruises. The luxurious Alila Purnama, a traditional phinisi boat, offers such a journey in refined, pampered style. AFDADF

                         FLORES & KOMODO

Komodo National Park was awarded World Heritage status as a Man and Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 1986. The indigenous home to the komodo dragon, this archipelago boasts a rich marine environment with more than 1,000 fish species, dugongs, manta rays, whales, dolphins, turtles and more in its waters. Travellers usually visit Komodo and Flores Island, to its east, in one trip, matching explorations across rugged natural terrain with cultural encounters, as well as diving, sailing and beach-combing.

                           TOGEAN ISLANDS

In the Gulf of Tomini, under the northern arm of Sulawesi, the Togean Islands serve up raw and surreally beautiful nature. Swim in a clear-blue lake with stingless jellyfish, visit sea gypsy villages on stilts over coral reefs, wade in transparent, gin-coloiured bays, eat freshly caught local seafood, dive, visit volcanic islands and just enjoy being well off the grid.

                       KALIMANTAN, BORNEO

For wild nature and spectacular safaris, there’s no better island than Borneo. The Indonesian part of it, Kalimantan, is home to lush jungles and mangroves, traditional tribal villages and, of course, orangutan sanctuaries. Go on a river safari and see proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills and pygmy elephants, stay overnight in a traditional longhouse and even swim with whale sharks off the east coast’s Derawan Islands.

For more about Indonesia and its islands, see all our tours and experiences !