Exploring Indonesia: 15 Must-Visit Islands and How to Get Around
If you are planning a trip to wonderful Indonesia and are looking for the top places to visit, you have come to the right place, because I have uncovered fifteen amazing Indonesian islands for you to discover.
I spent six weeks in Indonesia and had some incredible experiences exploring some of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia. From watching the sunrise over Mount Bromo in Java to seeing Komodo dragons in Flores, swimming with turtles in Gili Air, and enjoying authentic experiences in Lombok and Bali, it has been a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
With over 17,000 islands in the Indonesian archipelago, there is plenty to see, but it's often confusing which island to choose when planning a trip to Indonesia. For this reason, I have written this post detailing the top Indonesian islands to visit, with input from fellow travel experts who have visited some I have yet to experience.
The must-see main islands of Indonesia, including Bali, Java, and Lombok, offer visitors a mix of traditional and cosmopolitan experiences. But head off the beaten track to places like the Banda Islands and Flores, and you'll find an authentic side of Indonesia alongside incredible natural features and bucket-list wildlife experiences.
Whichever Indonesian island you choose, you will have the holiday of a lifetime.
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Map of Indonesia
Quick Guide: The 15 Best Places to Visit in Indonesia
Java – best for temples and volcanoes
Flores (Komodo) – best for nature and wildlife (Komodo dragons and manta rays)
Bali – best for a first-time trip to Indonesia
Nusa Penida – best for stunning views and secluded spots
Lombok – best for fewer crowds and deserted temples
Sumatra – best for seeing orangutans
Sulawesi – best for cultural interactions
Togian Islands – best for diving and cultural sea tribes
Karimunjawa – best for snorkelling
Gili Air – best for a beach escape
Belitung Island – best for island-hopping
Banda Islands – best for an off-the-beaten-track experience
West Timor – best for natural geographical wonders
West Papua – New Guinea – best for scuba diving
Indonesian Borneo – best for wildlife experiences
Java - best for temples and volcanoes
Java was the first place I visited in Indonesia, and at first I was overwhelmed by how dirty and crowded it was, as well as the stark poverty so apparent on the outskirts of the main towns. I didn't like it at first, but after spending a week in Java, it became one of my favourite places in Indonesia for its authenticity.
Java lies between Bali and Sumatra and is a major highlight of travel in Indonesia. I chose to visit Java for its impressive volcanoes, mountains, and cultural sites, including two temples in Yogyakarta. We travelled to Java in May, and the weather was hot and humid with scattered showers. It's not the norm for this time of year, but with climate change, weather patterns are no longer predictable.
Java is extensive, so we were able to experience some incredible sights. Its infrastructure does not match that of Indonesia's more touristy islands, such as Bali; however, with good planning, we were able to travel around by train and private road transfer. There are also good train connections to Java's capital, Jakarta.
| For more in-depth information, please read my ultimate one-week Java itinerary for a full breakdown of what to do and the best places to visit. |
Must-see Prambanan and Borobudur temples
Prambanan, the largest Hindu temple complex in the country, is an impressive landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its architecture reminded me of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. I also loved my visit to Borobudur, the world's largest Buddhist temple complex. These temples make Yogyakarta one of Indonesia's important cities.
Java has numerous impressive natural wonders, such as the active volcano, Mount Bromo, which at sunrise is an incredible sight as the light of a new day rises across the top of Bromo and its four neighbouring peaks. Also, in East Java, the sulfur volcano of Ijen, where you can see blue flames rising from the summit and take some unforgettable hikes.
Accommodation in Java
Plataran Heritage Borobudur - a heritage hotel with terrace views of the temple, beautiful rooms, a fabulous pool and delicious food.
The Phoenix Hotel in Yogyakarta - a heritage hotel in the perfect spot by Malioboro, Jogja's main street.
The Shalimar Boutique Hotel in Malang - If you're taking the sunrise tour from Malang to Bromo, this is a beautiful hotel to stay at.
Plataran Bromo - the closest you will get to Mount Bromo for an early sunrise tour. Located at a mountain summit, this luxury resort is superb.
| Angie's Top Tip Head to Yogyakarta, which has made a name for itself as the cultural capital of Java, and it makes my list of the top 10 cities in Indonesia. Visit the Sultan's Palace and watch the time-honoured tea ceremony each morning. Join a Yogyakarta street food tour and try local dishes, including cow skin and charcoal coffee, then walk along the winding back streets by the Taman Sari water castle to see the local street art. |
| Recommended Java Tours |
|---|
| Prambanan Temple Tour With Local Guide And Entry Ticket. |
| Yogyakarta Guided City And Food Tour. |
| Merapi Volcano On Hilltop Viewing. |
| Borobodur And Prambanan Temple Tour With Climb. |
Flores (Komodo) - best for nature and wildlife
| As of April 2026, the government has limited daily visitor capacity on Komodo, Rinca, and Padar to 1000, on a first-come, first-served basis. If you don't book your boat trips well in advance, there's a good chance you'll miss the dates you want to visit. This action has been taken to reduce tourism pressure on the fragile ecosystem of Komodo National Park and support ongoing conservation efforts. |
Flores Island may not be on the tourist radar in Indonesia, but this hidden gem offers a different side of the country compared to popular mainstays like Bali or Lombok.
Most tourists visit Flores for its proximity to Komodo National Park, home to mysterious Komodo dragons, pristine pink beaches, and smouldering volcanoes that mass tourism has yet to reach.
However, that’s not everything there's to this part of Indonesia.
The good news is that Flores is a big island, and you could spend a few weeks getting off the beaten track here. However, most tourists only visit Komodo National Park for a few days before flying back to Bali or Jakarta.
Visiting the dragons on Komodo Island
Visiting Komodo National Park is possible only with an organised tour with an Indonesian guide who knows how to spot Komodo dragons and behave around them without jeopardising everybody’s safety. Komodo dragons reach up to 10 feet (or 3 meters) and can easily eat a full-size deer.
One of the most beautiful places in Indonesia is Pink Beach. The pink colour comes from the pigment produced by coral reefs, creating a stunning natural effect. Many tours provide snorkelling equipment to view the stunning coral within 10 feet of the beach. If you want to swim with manta rays, Komodo is also one of the best places in Indonesia to visit.
Another tourist hotspot is Padar Island, though I avoided the sunrise trek because I had heard it gets very busy, and I just didn't want to be surrounded by crowds.
Best time to visit Flores
I visited Flores in May and had an incredible time. The weather was hot and sunny, with temperatures in the 80s for most of the time.
This Indonesian island is relatively undeveloped, and most popular places can only be reached by an organised Komodo boat tour from Labuan Bajo, the island's capital. There are day trips and more extended 2-day/3-night Komodo cruises offering a more relaxed adventure.
| Angie's Top Tip: I stayed at SeaEsta Komodo Hostel and Hotel the night before my Komodo 3-night cruise and highly recommend it to all travellers! |
| Recommended Labuan Bajo Tours |
|---|
| 2 Nights Komodo Liveaboard on Phinisi Boat from Labuan Bajo. |
| Komodo Full Day Speedboat Tour From Labuan Bajo. |
| 3-Day / 2-Night Tour Of Komodo And Pink Beach. |
Bali - best for a first-time trip to Indonesia
I bet you’ve already seen thousands of pictures of Bali on Instagram and in travel magazines - I know I did! The whole island seemed like paradise based on the photos, so naturally, it was at the top of my bucket list for a long time.
Although Bali seems like a small island on the map, it’s pretty big. We stayed in different parts of the island to explore each area in depth.
Sadly for me, despite the beautiful temples, waterfalls, rice fields, and friendly people, Bali was way too busy and touristy for my liking.
Traffic in Bali can be overwhelming, so I wouldn’t recommend it if you don’t have prior experience. We saw many injured tourists bandaged and limping around Bali's tourist attractions. We hired private drivers instead, so we didn’t have to worry about transportation; it was the best choice!
Visiting Munduk and Ubud
We gave Bali a good chance to grow on us by first visiting northern Bali. This part of the island is unique, with a slightly different climate and lush green mountains and misty lakes. It is home to one of Bali's most beautiful resorts, Munduk Moding Plantation, where we stayed for 4 nights. I'd say this is one of the best places in Indonesia for couples looking for a luxury getaway.
We also stayed at the AnandaDara Resort in Ubud, the so-called spiritual centre of the country, but in my opinion, it is now the most touristy and busy, filled with content creators and a thousand motorbikes weaving past one another on the roads. Getting around Ubud isn't exactly enjoyable.
Visiting Uluwata
After Ubud, we headed to the surfing capital of Uluwata for a spiritual retreat. While our accommodation at The Asa Maia Resort met our needs, the town of Uluwata was heading in the same direction as Ubud, with roads clogged up with motorbikes, trendy eateries, designer shops, and much building work replacing traditional Balinese warungs and rice fields. It wasn't the simple, laid-back surfing community we had expected, although our visit to Uluwata Temple was its saving grace. As our host told us, the country has changed dramatically over the last 10 years, and we had come too late to see the authentic Bali.
Visiting Sanur and Nusa Dua
Other areas we stayed in included Sanur, a quiet coastal town frequented more by Balinese than tourists, which was nice, but the beach wasn't so nice, littered with plastic and piles of debris. Despite the beach not looking like the dreamy photos featured online, I would say Sanur is probably one of the best places to visit in Indonesia with family if you book a villa with a pool, as I did. There's a mall and many restaurants, plus easy access to the airport and to boat trips.
Our last stop was in Nusa Dua at the Sofitel Bali, which could have been anywhere in the world: a lovely beach and coastline, huge pools and amenities, but a bit soulless.
Find the secret spots in Bali
But please don't let this put you off visiting Bali; this is just my honest (and disappointed) opinion of an island I thought would be amazing, but which I left feeling underwhelmed.
It still has a few hidden spots left, like a small rice field I stumbled on, away from the tourist ones like Teggalalang, where I saw a humble farmer wearing a traditional conical hat and cutting his rice with a scythe. He looked at me, waved, and called out hello - this was the Bali I had wished for, and for one magical minute, I found it. No Instagrammers in floaty dresses, no content creators scrambling over a sacred site for the best video, no one else but me - Perfect!
We visited the island at the beginning of May, technically the start of the dry season, but we experienced some heavy downpours during our stay in Munduk and Ubud. Further south, the weather was hot and humid with plenty of sunshine.
| Angie's Top Tip: Don't miss staying at Munduk Moding Coffee Plantation in the north; they have an epic infinity pool, and the whole property is beautiful. It's one of the unique places in Indonesia for coffee lovers and offers a quieter experience than the busy resorts in the south. |
Stay connected in Asia with the Holafly eSIM
Nusa Penida - best for stunning views and secluded spots
Nusa Penida, located near Bali, is my favourite island in Indonesia. I have visited twice and will return on my next visit to this part of the world; that's how much I love Nusa. I visited Penida Island from Bali, along with Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, two smaller nearby islands.
The first time I travelled to Nusa Penida was in May, and the weather was perfect – blue skies and 30 degrees Celsius. The second time was at the end of the rainy season in March, and I had a few cloudy days with some rain.
I initially visited this Indonesian island to see the famous viewpoints at Kelingking Beach, Broken Beach and Angel Billabong, but Nusa Penida turned out to be much more!
The best way to visit the island is to hire a scooter and go around to see all its epic spots – and there are quite a few!
Must-see spots on Nusa Penida
Some must-see places include Diamond Beach, where visiting Rumah Pohon Tree House at sunrise lets you fully appreciate its jaw-dropping scenery, and swimming in the Tembeling natural pool, which is a little off the beaten track.
My favourite activities were boat tours and swimming with manta rays.
One of the best places to stay in Nusa Penida is Crystal Bay, and I stayed in La Roja Bungalows, an excellent hotel with hostel-style rooms.
Nusa Penida is relatively small, but you need at least two days to explore most of its epic places. There is an excellent ferry service between the islands.
| Insider Top Tip: Make sure you go to Penida Colada Beach Bar, which is super cute and has fantastic vegetarian food and if you own a drone, visit Teletubbies Hills! |
| Recommended Nusa Penida Tours From Bali |
|---|
| From Bali: Best of Nusa Penida Full-Day Tour by Fast Boat. |
| East And West Highlights Full Day Tour. |
| Nusa Penida Private Snorkelling Tour With Lunch. |
Lombok - best for fewer crowds and deserted temples
The island of Lombok is similar in size and population to Bali, but much quieter. I had heard that Lombok was like Bali 30 years ago, so I wanted to experience it and enjoy the slower pace of a less developed island.
It offered an interesting cultural contrast to Bali's Hindu tradition, as most locals in Lombok are from the predominantly Muslim Sasak cultural group. The call to prayer was something I had become accustomed to after previously visiting Java and Flores.
In addition to enjoying Lombok's best white-sand beaches, I also snorkelled, tried local dishes, practised yoga, visited a textile and weaving cultural village, and explored temples. Other activities available include hiking to waterfalls and, for the very adventurous, climbing and trekking around the active volcano of Mount Rinjani.
Don't miss out - visit both the north and south of Lombok
I split my week in Lombok between the north and the south, staying at The Oberoi Beach Resort in the north.
Then I travelled South to Somewhere Lombok in the mountains surrounding Kuta.
I finished at the Rascals Adults-Only Hotel in Kuta Town.
In the North, I visited temples, abandoned palaces and the island of Gili Air. In the South, I enjoyed downtime by my hotel pool and strolling through the main town, browsing in the artisan craft shops.
My trip to Lombok took place in May, and the weather was consistently dry, warm and sunny. Getting to Lombok from Bali was straightforward by public ferry, and the sunsets in Lombok were phenomenal. I can confidently say that if you are looking for one of the best places to visit in Indonesia, the laid-back island of Lombok should be high on your list.
| Angie's Top Tip: Gili Air, Gili Trawangan and Gili Meno are closer to Lombok than to Bali, so it is a good idea to stay in northern Lombok if you want to visit them without actually staying on one of the islands. |
Sumatra - best for seeing orangutans
When I visited Indonesia, one thing I wanted to do was an Orangutan trek.
The obvious place everyone mentions is Borneo; however, what put me off was that most tours were over-invested, making them more expensive. After speaking with other travellers and doing some research, I decided on Sumatra Island instead.
Sumatra is the largest island entirely within Indonesian territory; however, my focus was on seeing orangutans in the wild. One of the best places to see them is near Bukit Lawang in the island's north.
I travelled throughout Sumatra during July and August. Although it was mostly warm and sunny, there were also daily downpours. I was in the rainforest, so it rained a lot; however, even at night, it wasn't cold.
The town of Bukit Lawang is a bit of a challenge to reach, which is why Orangutan tours are quieter than on Borneo Island.
How to get to Bukit Lawang
The nearest airport is in Medan, 86 km away. From there, it takes more than 4 hours by taxi to reach Bukit Lawang. The roads are slow and bumpy, but it's a great way to get a glimpse into local life as you pass through many small towns. You can take a public bus from Medan; however, it will take a full day to make the connections.
Once in Bukit Lawang, you'll find a small cluster of houses and accommodations straddling the Bahorok River, which runs through the centre. It's situated in the heart of the jungle, near palm plantations. Bukit Lawang is a gateway to seeing orangutans, as it's just a stone's throw from the UNESCO-listed Gunung Leuser National Park.
Although Bukit Lawang has some basic shops and facilities, it's best to bring everything you need for the jungle from home. Waterproofs, bug repellants, and quick-drying clothes that cover your arms and legs will protect you from mosquitoes, flies, and leeches.
| Insider Top Tip: In some parts of the jungle trek, you will have to wade through shallow rivers, so take shoes that can get wet and swimwear to bathe in the rivers at the camps. |
Sulawesi - best for cultural interactions
Sulawesi is one of the largest Indonesian islands and an excellent choice for travellers who want to get off the beaten track. It has everything, from stunning beaches and lush jungles to incredible culture and food.
Visiting the island has been an incredible experience for me; away from it all, I discovered a few places where the culture is truly unique.
There are some ferry routes to the island, but your best option is to fly to Manado or Makassar. The weather is pretty consistent year-round, typically hot and humid.
The island is massive, so factor in transportation time when planning your Sulawesi itinerary; you'll likely lose a day when travelling from one place to another. You can travel by public transportation with relative ease, though renting a car can be more comfortable.
Must-see locations on Sulawesi
If you want a lovely beach and great diving, head to Bira, a laid-back town with a quiet atmosphere. For unique cultural experiences, take a boat tour on Lake Tempe and visit a traditional floating village. Be sure to visit Tana Toraja, where people have unique burial traditions you won't see anywhere else on Earth.
I stayed at Salassa Guesthouse in Bira Beach. The place was basic but conveniently located, and the owners were friendly and helpful. They also served delicious food.
To get a more off-the-beaten-path experience, head to Lore Lindu National Park, where you can trek to see many endemic bird species and centuries-old megaliths.
| Insider Top Tip: Make sure to try Pisang Ijo and Mi Titi, some of my favourite Indonesian dishes from Sulawesi. |
Togian Islands - best for diving and cultural sea tribes
The Togian Islands are among the most remote and off-the-beaten-path islands in Indonesia, comprising a 56-island archipelago in the Gulf of Tomini, near the island of Sulawesi.
The islands are dreamy, with crystal-clear water, powder-white beaches, and tropical jungles. The untouched coral reefs and clean water create fantastic diving conditions.
My mission to explore the best dive sites in Asia and my curiosity to visit an authentic 'sea gypsy' settlement took me here. I visited this tropical island paradise in late May, during the dry season, which runs from March to December. This is also a good time for diving.
The highlights of scuba diving from Kadidiri were the spectacular, untouched reefs and diving on the wreck of a B-24 bomber plane that crash-landed during WWII, now covered in marine life.
The Bajo settlement of Pulao Papan is an unforgettable cultural experience. Here, we see how these ocean-dwelling "sea gypsies" in Indonesia and Malaysia have lived a nomadic life at sea for centuries. We stayed in their village, built on stilts above the water, and joined them for spearfishing, wearing wooden goggles and traditional gear.
Incredibly, these unique islands remain off the main tourist trail; however, travelling to the Togian Islands is not easy and takes two days by ferry and speedboat. I stayed on the small island of Kadidiri at Black Marlin Dive Resort, an excellent place with lovely accommodations, a restaurant and a dive centre.
| Insider Top Tip: Swim in the jellyfish lake, Mariona lake, where the unique jellies have lost their poisonous sting. This activity can only be done in a handful of places in the world. |
Karimunjawa - best for snorkelling
Karimunjawa is the largest island in the Karimun Jawa archipelago, which consists of 27 islands, some of which are part of a marine protected area.
I travelled to Karimunjawa in early October, when the weather was pleasantly warm, with a few rain showers.
I visited the Indonesian islands on a guided tour and stayed on this island for three days. One day was stormy, but there were only a few minutes of rain on the other two days.
My guide had never been to Karimunjawa before. However, he thought these secluded Indonesian islands would be fascinating because they are less touristy and more authentic than others in the region.
From my experience, Karimunjawa is excellent for snorkelling; this was my favourite part of the stay. I took a full-day trip to several nearby islands, where I saw coral reefs and sea life, had fresh fish for lunch, and watched the sunset from a swing on an uninhabited island.
There are some lovely white sand beaches, a few cute hotels, and just one small town where you can find a scooter rental, a small market, and a few cafes.
I travelled from Jepara on Java Island to Karimunjawa by ferry and returned by speedboat. I highly recommend the speedboat if your budget allows it.
| Insider Top Tip: Eco Casa offers cute accommodation in private huts, which you should consider for your stay. |
Gili Air - best for a beach escape
While the Gili Islands are a haunt for travellers looking for a laid-back island experience, only one of them really ticks this box, and it's Gili Air.
I travelled from Lombok to Gili Air by boat to snorkel with turtles, swim in the aquamarine waters, and relax on the beach. I was there in July, so the weather was great - hot with sunshine all day.
Travellers can easily reach Gili Air from the other Gili Islands in Indonesia and from Bali. Numerous speedboats and larger ferries operate multiple times per day between these islands.
If you are planning on staying for a few days on Gili Air, it offers everything that travellers may be looking for: sandy beaches, snorkelling and diving, nightlife, and great restaurants and hotels at low prices. It also provides a gym, cooking classes, a shopping street, and a yoga and meditation studio.
At only 5 square kilometres, Gili Air is one of the smallest Indonesian islands I've visited. You're never more than 30 minutes away from anything on foot or 10 minutes away by bicycle. Oh, and there are no cars on Gili; you get around by traditional horse-drawn carts called cidomos.
Snorkelling on Gili Air
My favourite activity on Gili Air was snorkelling with the turtles. I am glad I booked the activity with a guide, as the currents were very strong and I drifted over the turtle quickly, having to use all my leg strength to stay above it. There were several turtles, the biggest being a Hawksbill, which was gigantic. I have seen turtles in Mexico, but none this size. The tropical fish were also abundant, and it felt like swimming through a Finding Nemo scene.
| Angie's Top Tip: For a stay on Gili Air, book the Bel-Air Resort, which offers beautiful rooms at mid-range prices. Each room has a private courtyard and outdoor shower. The resort features a large pool and a restaurant, with complimentary breakfast served with ocean views every morning. |
| Boat Trips to Gili Air |
|---|
| Bali: Ferry Transfer to Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, Lombok. |
| From Lombok: Gili Islands Private Snorkelling & Turtle Tour. |
| Gili Islands: Private or Shared Snorkelling Boat Trip. |
Belitung Island - best for island-hopping
The main reason we visited Belitung Island was the boat tours. Belitung is surrounded by numerous small Indonesian islands and granite rock formations, making it a popular destination for island-hopping boat tours.
In July, we travelled to Belitung during Indonesia's dry season, but we still encountered a few rainy days. The island was slightly rainier than average for Indonesia, but we had planned some buffer days, and most of the weather on our trip was favourable.
The island of Belitung is located off the east coast of Sumatra and is about the size of Bali (4,800 square kilometres), but it's still relatively easy to navigate. The main town area is Tanjung Pandan, which has numerous hotels and restaurants, as well as an airport with flights to Jakarta, the Indonesian capital, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
There are many good things to see and do on Belitung Island by driving around, but our favourite activity was probably Indonesian island hopping. You can explore the island by car or scooter, and there's very little traffic on the roads outside of town. We usually avoid renting motorbikes, but the lack of traffic made this island perfect for scooters!
I stayed at the DK Belstar Hotel Belitung, which was friendly and affordable.
| Insider Top Tip: We enjoyed Lengkuas Island and the sunsets at Tanjung Tinggi beach. These are two of the most photogenic beaches on the island. |
Banda Islands - best for an off-the-beaten-track experience
The Banda Islands in Maluku province are a small Indonesian archipelago that is quite difficult to reach, but they are my favourite islands in Indonesia.
I visited the Bandas for incredible snorkelling and to see the historical legacy of Indonesia's colonial era. The Bandas indeed delivered! These islands have some of the best snorkelling on earth, and the Spice Islands of fame are peppered with colonial forts, mansions, churches, and VOC-era history.
The weather in Banda differs from that in the rest of Indonesia. While June to September is dry and sunny elsewhere, the Bandas experience the height of the rainy season. I came in July, and it was WET! It rained daily, with heavy, torrential downpours lasting a few hours before clearing.
There are a few guesthouses and warungs, and that's about it. No cars are on the island; you can walk around it in a few hours. It is truly a quiet, off-the-beaten-path experience.
The snorkelling in the Banda Islands is out of this world and the best I've ever experienced. If you're looking for big fish, such as Napoleon or barracuda, Karaka Island is the place to be. For the best coral, sheer amount, and variety of fish, get a boat to take you out to the lava flow on the side of the volcano. Climbing to the top of the volcano gives you a sweeping view of the entire island group.
I reached the Bandas by the twice-monthly ferry from Ambon, then continued on to the Kei Islands.
| Insider Top Tip: Ribka's Hotel in Bandaneira is a great place to stay, and their nutmeg jam pancakes are fantastic! |
West Timor - best for natural geographical wonders
Let's talk about a lesser-known Indonesian island destination: West Timor. Located on the western half of the island of Timor in the East Nusa Tenggara province, West Timor is easily accessible but not on the regular tourist path.
I flew into Indonesia from overseas and changed to a domestic flight in Jakarta. Once in Indonesia, you can fly to Timor from Sumba, Flores, Java, and Bali. There are also ferries from Flores and Sumba to Timor.
Of course, there are beautiful beaches, but I visited to see the other unique natural wonders of West Timor. Some free natural wonders in and near the capital city, Kupang, include an underground lake (Goa Kristal or Crystal Cave), waterfalls, river caves, and a mountain.
When heading out of Kupang, I borrowed my friend's moped to experience the adventure of riding on the roads of West Timor! In Kupang, I walked and used 'disco buses' and local mopeds (motorbikes), which offer short rides for a fee. Visitors to Timor can also hire mopeds.
Christmas is an exciting and colourful time in Kupang, but it is also the wet season from December to April. If you're not a fan of the rain, it's better to travel from May to November.
| Insider Top Tip: I was lucky enough to have my friend cook Indonesian delights for me. If you don't have friends in Kupang, head to Cafe Tebing, near Bolok, for great food and views. |
West Papua - New Guinea - best for scuba diving
When it comes to scuba diving, it's hard to beat Raja Ampat.
Located east, just off the northwest tip of Bird's Head Peninsula in West Papua, Raja Ampat offers some of the best scuba diving in the world. With turquoise water, spectacular coral reefs and the chance to see giant Manta Rays, turtles, dolphins, whales, hundreds of fish species, and tiny creatures, such as stunning little nudibranchs, it's hard to beat.
Above water, Raja Ampat is gorgeous, with numerous jungle-covered islands, white-sand beaches, and tropical birds.
To get there, it's usually best to fly into West Papua and spend the night in Sorong before joining one of the many liveaboards for a week of boating throughout the islands.
Getting on a boat is practically the only way to enjoy this area, as most of the magic lies within the Raja Ampat archipelago, which was once used as a route to trade spices.
While it's undoubtedly a beautiful place to visit for any adventurer, there's a lot of magic under the water for those willing to strap an oxygen tank to their back. As someone who loves scuba diving, I found visiting Raja Ampat to be a bucket-list opportunity.
As a budget traveller, I chose Wicked Diving, a budget liveaboard diving cruise around Indonesia.
| Insider Top Tip: It's a fabulous year-round Indonesian destination, but for Raja Ampat diving, the best months are September to April, when larger numbers of Manta Rays can be seen. |
Indonesian Borneo - best for seeing orangutans
When I planned our three-week trip to Indonesia, I couldn't wait to take my four children and my husband to Borneo to see orangutans in the wild. It was my dream to see these endangered, majestic creatures in their natural habitat.
I booked four days at the Rimba Orangutan Ecolodge in Tanjung Puting National Park, Borneo, at the end of March. It was hot and muggy but bug-free.
Borneo is Asia's largest island and the world's third-largest island. It is divided into Indonesia, Malaysia, and Brunei, with Tanjung Puting National Park located in Indonesian Borneo.
Tanjung Puting National Park covers 1,174 square miles of swampland and rivers that connect to the Java Sea.
It is the world's most significant and diverse coastal tropical heath and peat swamp forest. In addition to orangutans, it has a remarkable array of wildlife, including nine primate species, hundreds of bird species, and snakes and crocodiles.
How to get to Tanjung Punting National Park
It isn't far from Bali, but getting there isn't as easy, as there are no direct flights from Indonesia to Pangkalan Bun airport in Borneo.
Instead, you will have to take two flights, totalling 2 ½ hours. If you're flying from another island, like us (we flew from Ende Airport on Flores), you'll need to take four flights and stay overnight in Bali due to flight timing. Each flight was only 1-2 hours long, but they added up.
Once you land in Pangkalan Bun, it is a 30-minute drive to the port and then another 2 ½ hours on a Klotok, a type of floating houseboat, to reach Rimba EcoLodge, located at the boundary of Tanjung Punting National Park.
We paid a flat rate per person for our accommodation, food, transportation, and daily tours. The lodge does not sell alcohol, but you are welcome to bring your own.
Our experiences were simply extraordinary. We boated along the river and saw wildlife everywhere. We hiked into the jungle, saw dozens of orangutans, and learned about nature, trees, and their life-saving medicinal benefits.
| Insider Top Tip: Make sure you bring proper enclosed walking shoes for jungle trips and wear cotton clothes. It's very humid in the jungle. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Travel in Indonesia
How do you get around Indonesia?
This is a frequently asked question by travellers planning to visit Indonesia, and one that confused me at times while planning a six-week trip across the country. I can now give you the answers.
Road Travel in Indonesia
Grab/Gojek: Much like the UBER app in Europe, you can hail a Grab taxi or an Ojek motorbike in Bali (where you ride as a passenger) for very little cost by using the GRAB app.
DayTrip.com offers long-distance transfers within Bali, Java, and Indonesian Borneo, with options for sightseeing stops along the route. I have used them several times in Indonesia and Malaysia, and I find their service good.
Read more here: Getting Around Java By Car With Daytrip.
Motorbikes: Hiring a moped in Indonesia is popular, especially in Bali; however, roads are congested, and accidents are common. Note that hirers must hold an international driving license to legally rent a moped/motorbike in Indonesia.
Train Travel in Indonesia
Train travel in Java is good. I wasn't expecting much from my 4-hour train journey between Yogyakarta and Surabaya, but it turned out to be very impressive. Clean, comfortable, and spacious seating, with a hostess circulating through the cabins with refreshments. It was actually better than the services in the UK!
There are a few local networks on Sumatra, but they are nowhere near as reliable or comfortable as Java's trains.
I used the website Rail Ninja to book my tickets.
Overnight Buses
If spending hours on a bus isn't a concern, you can book an overnight bus in Bali, Sumatra, Java, and Lombok. Yes, it will take much longer than other modes of transport, but you can sleep overnight and forgo a hotel room, which is great if you are trying to stay within a set budget. Just remember, drivers are often reckless (especially in Java and Bali), and roads are often in poor condition, making night journeys uncomfortable and, in some instances, dangerous.
OMIO is good for planning bus journeys in Indonesia. You can also plan other modes of transport in this app.
Ferry Travel in Indonesia
Indonesia comprises over 17,000 islands, so getting around by boat is the most common mode for locals and travellers. No matter which island you are on, you can get somewhere else by sea.
I took the ferry between Ketapang, Java, and Gilimanuk, Bali, and it cost me only 50p. It was a battered ferry with rusty holes in places where holes really shouldn't be, but it got us there in under one hour. I also used a high-speed ferry from Bali to Lombok, which I thought was excellent: clean, fast and comfortable - not what I was expecting, so I was pleasantly surprised.
Flights in Indonesia
Internal flights within Indonesia are easy to book, but some airlines, such as Lion Air, have poor reviews, so you may want to avoid them (I did, opting for a 6-hour car journey instead of a 30-minute flight with them in Java). Other airlines, such as AirAsia, are reliable and offer competitive pricing. I have used AirAsia throughout Southeast Asia and have not encountered any issues.
You can search for the best flight prices in Indonesia on Skyscanner. You can also set an alert to notify you when prices drop, so you can book the best deals.
Airports in Java, Lombok, and Bali serve international travellers from Singapore and Malaysia.
What is the currency of Indonesia?
The official currency of Indonesia is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR), often abbreviated as Rp. Because of its high nominal value, you will quickly become a "Rupiah Millionaire"—as of early 2026, $1 USD is approximately Rp 16,900. While it is currently ranked among the world's lowest-valued currencies, the Indonesian economy remains one of the most stable and vibrant in Southeast Asia.
Why Indonesia is good for Budget Travellers
Because the exchange rate is so favourable for Western travellers, your money goes a long way here. Indonesia offers some of the best value-for-money experiences in the world:
- Dining: You can enjoy a delicious local dish (Nasi Goreng) at a traditional Warung for as little as Rp 15,000-Rp 30,000 ($1–$2 USD).
- Accommodation: While luxury resorts like Munduk Moding are relatively expensive, comfortable guesthouses can be found for Rp 200,000 ($12 USD) per night.
- Transport: Using local ride-sharing apps like Gojek or Grab for short scooter trips often costs less than Rp 10,000 ($0.60 USD).
Is Indonesia a Muslim country?
While Islam is the predominant religion practised in Indonesia, you will also find Hindu, Catholic, Christian, and Buddhist religions here. Java is the largest Indonesian island and is predominantly Muslim, where you will hear the call to prayer several times a day from its mosques. In Bali, the main religion is Hinduism, so temples are more common than mosques.
The Best Times to Visit Indonesia
Indonesia has two seasons: a hot (dry) season and a wet (monsoon) season.
The best time to travel for dry weather is between April and September. If you are heading to Bali, try to visit during the shoulder months (April/May and September) to avoid the crowds that arrive over summer.
Avoid October to March as this is when the monsoon rains hit the islands.
Indonesia is tropical, and the humidity rarely dips below 80 per cent, so prepare to feel wet and sticky while you are here.
Is Indonesia in Bali?
Believe it or not, this question is asked a lot. And the answer is no, it's the other way around. Bali is an island within Indonesia.
Conclusion
Indonesia has a diverse range of languages and religions, from Hindus in Bali to Muslims in Java, Lombok, and Flores - it's a melting pot of cultures.
The country's natural beauty, from its rolling mountains and turquoise waters to its diverse wildlife, including mammals, fish, reptiles and birds, makes it an ideal destination for travellers seeking an escape to paradise.
Its delicious cuisine and friendly people make it an ideal all-around destination. Whatever your budget, island hopping in Indonesia remains a vibrant and dynamic experience worth exploring further. I stayed for six weeks in Indonesia; that's how much I loved it!
Need help planning your next holiday?
Please check out my curated Travel Resources Guide for the exact booking platforms, transport tools, and eSIMs I use on my travels.
Please Pin for Future Travel to the Indonesian Islands
HEADING TO INDONESIA? PLEASE CHECK OUT MY TRAVEL GUIDES ↓
Visiting Pink Beach Komodo: Everything You Need To Know
Komodo Dragons in Indonesia: The Ultimate Guide to Seeing the World’s Largest Lizards
Getting Around Java By Car With Daytrip
Java Itinerary for One Week: Borobudur, Yogyakarta and Bromo
Angela Price: is an accomplished travel writer bringing extensive expertise and passion to the world of travel.
With over 40 years of globetrotting adventures under her belt and with a keen eye for unique experiences, she has established herself as an authoritative voice in travel, offering invaluable insights for fellow adventurers seeking to uncover the delights of worldwide destinations.
Her motto is “live life wandering not wondering”. Read more about Angie.
Woow much needed article. I loved the way you described it in detail. Indonesia is in my bucket list for so long. Thanks for the post. Saving it
Indonesia is a must visit destination for everyone. The archipelago boasts of some stunning beaches, rice fields, forests and volcanoes. The street art of Yogyakarta is truly inspiring. The islands of Bali, Java and Sumatra as are home to some beautiful heritage sites.
Yes, the islands are very diverse in what they offer a traveller. I'm looking forward to heading back to explore them in the future.
We haven't yet been to Indonesia or the islands there but I have seen so many amazing photos that I just know we have to go there. I am wondering how much time will we need to visit all these places! Seeing the orangutans in wild would definitely be a dream come true to me!
I think you could visit a few of them by island hopping (similar to Greece) maybe over a couple of weeks. I too would love to see the orangutans.
Indonesia has so much too offer. I always hear about Bali and the Gili islands but it is great that you are showing way beyond this. Komodo and Borneo have been on my list for a while but you have given me even more.
Indonesia is undeniably well-known for its numerous and diverse islands. These beaches are all breathtaking! My top two choices, however, are Nusa Penida and Belitung Island. The orangutan trek also piqued my interest; it's pretty cool.
What a choice of islands to visit in Indonesia! I have not been to Indonesia yet but I am sure it is a paradise for those who love the sun, sand and sea. I love the turquoise blue of the water in these places. I would like to visit Java and Bali someday. 🙂
Indonesia is a great country to holiday, its different islands have so much to offer. I have been to Lombok, Nusa Penida, Gili islands and have such beautiful memories of the islands. I am really keen to explore the islands. From what I read - the stunning beaches and lush jungles of Sulawesi are luring me. I am keen to explore its incredible culture and food.
They are so diverse with each island offering the visitor a different experience from wildlife to diving, to culture and food - a fascinating selection of places to visit.
Any one of these beautiful Indonesian islands look perfect to me, but I especially love the sound of the Togian Islands. Crystal clear water, pristine white sand beaches, and coral reefs are right up my alley! That's exactly what I want my vacation to look like - undisturbed and peaceful. Although, an orangutan trek in Sumatra sounds pretty amazing, too!
I think I am with you - the Togian islands look like they've stepped straight out of paradise and like you, to add an orangutang trek to the visit would be amazing.
Indonesia has been on my wishlist for a while, primarily for the food and culture but gosh the beaches look stunning too! It's good to know you can find well-developed resorts as well as off the beaten track beaches. I'm really drawn to the recommendation of Munduk Moding Plantation, what a lush and green place to stay. And seeing sulfuric volcanos and Orangutans would be real highlights.
I like the choices you have made. Here's hoping that you get to see them in person in the future.