1. Bali, the island of gods
Bali is the most popular destination in Indonesia, which gives endless attractions. It’s a must-see on any trip through this Asian country. But at the same time, many people travel to Indonesia only for the sake of this island, and that is totally worth it because one can see and do so much in Bali.
You may think, What is so magical about Bali that it has captured this many minds? Well, one of the things that no other island offers is Balinese Hinduism, the main religion on this island. To see the island’s daily religious customs is something special; you will also get to visit some of the great temples during the tour.
But beyond its rich culture, Balinese nature stands out. The island harbors awesome rice terraces, waterfalls, and different types of beaches.
When planning a trip to Bali, consider visiting places like Ubud, Uluwatu, Canggu, Amed, or the north side of Bali during your stay. These areas house the main attractions and they also are some of the best places to stay in Bali.
2. Nusa Islands: Penida, Lembongan and Ceningan
The Nusa Islands, an archipelago located just a few kilometers from Bali, are part of the province of Bali itself. This group consists of three main islands: Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Thanks to their proximity to Bali and their breathtaking natural beauty, they have become some of the most popular destinations to visit in Indonesia.
Many travelers opt to visit Nusa Penida as a day trip, but I highly recommend spending at least one night on the island, and even more if possible.
Two must-see spots in Nusa Penida are Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach—both are absolutely stunning. Additionally, the island offers the incredible experience of swimming with manta rays. If you decide to visit the island, plan carefully how to get to Nusa Penida and research thoroughly which area is the best to stay in.
In contrast, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are more peaceful, making them perfect for those seeking a few relaxing days by the sea, with plenty of beachfront restaurants and tranquil beaches to enjoy.
3. Lombok, a surprising island to see in Indonesia
Lombok is the island that lies due east of Bali. A close neighbor to Bali, though a world in difference to its neighbor on many counts.
Just like Bali, there are plenty of things to see and do in Lombok. You can make your way through some beautiful rice fields, swim under some pretty great waterfalls—namely Tiu Kelep and Benang Kelambu—relax on stunning beaches with great surf, and even hike up Mount Rinjani, the island’s active volcano.
More precisely, what differentiates Lombok from Bali is that it is very quiet and not built out. It is nowhere near as crowded as this neighboring island, with far fewer clogged traffic arteries and a much more relaxed atmosphere.
While Bali has a strong cultural fabric steeped in Balinese Hinduism, expressed through temples, offerings, and daily ceremonies, Lombok follows Islam, just like the greater part of Indonesia. That means different cultural experiences without finding the same strong Hindu traditions and spiritual sights that can make Bali so iconic for its visitors.
When planning your visit, you can divide your days between Kuta, in the south, and Senaru, in the north. These are the two main areas to stay in Lombok.
The last time I came to Indonesia, I visited Lombok. Much as I had expected, Lombok was indeed very untamed and peaceful.
4. Gili Islands: Trawangan, Meno and Air
The Gili Islands are one of the best places to visit in Indonesia. This archipelago, consisting of Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air, is part of the Lombok province and is easily accessible from Bali, located to the northeast of the island.
Tourists flock to the Gili Islands for their stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters, the opportunity to swim with turtles, and the breathtaking sunsets. These experiences may seem simple, but they embody the essence of the Gili Islands—enjoying the small pleasures of life.
Another noteworthy feature of these islands is that there are no motor vehicles, allowing visitors to spend a few days without the noise of motorcycles or the stress of traffic jams, which adds to the islands’ charm.
I must also mention the local gastronomy, which you are sure to enjoy:
5. Java Island (especially East Java)
On the island of Java is the capital of the country, Jakarta. This is not very attractive, although if you are going to use the city as a gateway to Indonesia, it may be interesting to take a walk around it. However, Java is huge and does hide some very interesting places to include in a tour of Indonesia. For example, the incredible temples of Prambanan and Borobudur, both located just outside Yogyakarta.
However, most of Java’s attractions are located in the eastern part of the country. For this reason, the province of East Java has become a tourist destination that continues to gain popularity year after year. Among the places not to be missed are the colorful village of Jodipan, the Tumpak Sewu waterfall, Mount Bromo, and Ijen, a volcano in whose crater there is a deep blue lagoon.
6. Raja Ampat
If you love underwater life, one of the best places to visit in Indonesia is Raja Ampat. It is an archipelago formed by four main islands and more than a thousand islets. Imagine the scenery! In its waters, it is possible to discover a whole world of corals, fish, and other marine species. You can enjoy it by diving or snorkeling.
In addition to its spectacular diving sites, Raja Ampat offers breathtaking landscapes above sea level. The islands are dotted with rugged rock formations, lush rainforests, and white sandy beaches, creating a perfect backdrop for activities such as kayaking and hiking.
Of course, before you decide to visit Raja Ampat, you should know that it is a very remote place and therefore prices are quite high, at least compared to the rest of the country.
7. Tanjung Puting National Park (Borneo)
Borneo is an island occupied by the countries of Brunei, Malaysia, and Indonesia. One of its main attractions is its rich biodiversity. This island is home to an incredible variety of plant and animal species. The most famous of all is the Bornean orangutan. This mammal is the main reason why thousands of travelers choose to travel to this part of Indonesia.
Tanjung Puting National Park is famous for its orangutan rehabilitation programs. Here, visitors have the opportunity to observe these fascinating primates up close in their natural habitat while learning about conservation efforts to protect them. If you want a unique experience in the country, including Borneo on the route can be a fantastic idea.
8. Komodo National Park, next to Flores Island
Komodo National Park consists of the following islands: Komodo, Rinca, Padar, Gili Damasi, and Gili Motang. This corner of Indonesia is famous for being home to the Komodo dragon, the largest lizard in the world. Beyond this animal, which will take your breath away because of its size and behavior, Komodo has many other attractions, such as its incredible landscapes.
The easiest way to visit the national park is to fly to Labuan Bajo, located at the western end of the island of Flores (East Nusa Tenggara province). It is approximately one hour’s flight from Bali, which is why the National Park of Komodo is positioned as a very good destination to combine with other places in Indonesia.
Once in Labuan Bajo, the traditional way to visit this paradise is through a cruise of several nights. During the boat trip, you will have the pleasure of visiting incredible places such as the famous Pink Beach or the viewpoint of Pulau Padar, which you can reach by trekking. In addition, you will be able to see the Komodo dragons, of course, and snorkel.
9. Sumba, an island to see in Indonesia, little explored
Sumba is probably one of the islands in Indonesia that will gain more popularity in the coming years, at least among those travelers who like to get off the beaten track and prefer to explore lesser known and developed places. The island of Sumba, like Flores, is part of the province of East Nusa Tenggara.
In Sumba, you will also have the opportunity to get to know an island full of beautiful beaches, waterfalls, and jungle. However, what stands out most about this destination is its authenticity, which you can discover through its traditional villages and its people.
On the other hand, Sumba has several luxury hotels that are amazing, so this island can also be a great option for those who are going to celebrate their honeymoon in Bali and other Indonesian islands.
10. Taman Gunun Leuser National Park (Sumatra)
If seeing orangutans is a priority during your trip to this Asian country, you have options beyond the island of Borneo. You can also visit Sumatra, specifically the Taman Gunung Leuser National Park near Bukit Lawang. Here, you can embark on a jungle walking tour, where it’s common to encounter orangutans swinging through the trees.
While Borneo offers boat tours and more amenities, the experience in Sumatra is wilder, often involving multi-day treks. It’s important to consider what kind of adventure you prefer and what fits your budget, as the Sumatra experience tends to be more economical.
11. Banggai Islands (Sulawesi)
Sulawesi, also known in English as Celebes, is another of the islands that are part of Indonesia. It is one of the largest in the country, but I am going to focus on the islands known as the Banggai Islands, located in the central part of the island. I have not yet had the pleasure of visiting this corner of the world, but what I have seen of it makes it impossible not to include it in this list.
You only need to see a few photos of the Bangai Islands to realize that this place is a true paradise. Although everything that is fascinating about it is inaccessible. Getting there is not easy, but it will certainly be worth it to see with your own eyes places like Paisu Pok Lake, Mandel Beach and Oyama Beach, Paisubatango Lagoon, Kamumu Waterfall, Piala Waterfalls, and Kawalu Waterfalls.
Some of these places are located in Luwuk, a city you will have to reach to visit the surroundings and the Banggai Islands. Also, if you are a lover of marine life, you will be happy to know that this destination is very good for snorkeling and diving.
12. Mentawai Islands (Sumatra)
We return to Sumatra, this time to the eastern part, to propose a visit to the Mentawai Islands, an archipelago that is becoming more popular year after year. It consists of four islands: Pulau Siberut, Pulau Sipura, Pulau Pagai-Utara, and Pulau Pagai-Selatan.
In the Mentawai Islands, you will find crystal-clear waters, virgin jungles, and, of course, the Mentawi tribe, which has lived in isolation in the jungle. It is also a destination that stands out for its waves, perfect for surfing.
The Mentawai Islands are also difficult to access, so, as you can imagine, they can boast of being a quiet place free of masses of tourists.
💡 It’s important to take into account the entry requirements for Indonesia, including the several kinds of visas that are available, before organizing your trip. Additionally, don’t forget to purchase reliable travel insurance for Indonesia before going on your trip.
Map of places to visit in Indonesia
In the following map, I have marked all the places mentioned in this article, so you can get an idea of the location of all of them and assess the distances.
There are other places that are gradually attracting more tourists, such as the Bangka-Belitung Islands, some areas of Sumbawa, or Roti Island, although they are still largely unknown to most tourists.
I hope this article about the best places to visit in Indonesia has been very useful for you to explore the country beyond Bali, the Gili Islands, or Komodo. If you have any recommendations or want to tell me about your experience, I’ll read them in the comments.
