6 charming islands in Indonesia

Table of Contents

Indonesia comprises over 17,500 islands, making it the largest island nation in the world. With such a number, how could you know which island is the right one for you? Characterized by a huge variety of cultural offerings, tropical rainforests, picturesque rice terraces and dream beaches in a variety of colors. Everything the traveler's heart desires. It continues with impressive volcanic landscapes, imposing temples and Indonesia's unique and diverse wildlife. Each island has its own charm and history. We have compiled a list of our favorite islands in Indonesia, where you are sure to find your dream destination, depending on your needs.

1. Raja Ampat: the diver's paradise

  • Why among the top 6? Insider tip, remote islands and great dive sites

Blue Lake Surrounded By Brown And Green Trees During Daytime

The Raja Ampat archipelago is located west of New Guinea and spreads over more than 1500 islands. The island landscape has a unique marine ecosystem and is therefore a very special destination especially for divers, but also for nature lovers. Due to its location in the middle of the so-called Coral Triangle, an area that has one of the largest marine biodiversity in the world, Raja Ampat is also one of the most impressive diving areas with incredible underwater world.
The somewhat adventurous journey across the sea is the reason why the archipelago has been spared from mass tourism until today. The island paradise is therefore a real insider tip for all diving enthusiasts!

Best time to travel: all year round
Best underwater visibility: November -April 

2. Bali: for lovers of leisure and culture

  • Why among the top 6? Hindu culture, nature and fun leisure activities

Brown And Green Temple Near Body Of Water Under Blue And White Cloudy Sky During Daytime

The star among the Indonesian islands must of course not be missing. Probably the best known and currently the hippest island is Bali, which annually attracts numerous tourists from all over the world. So Bali is definitely not an insider tip that will surprise you with empty beaches! However, there are a lot of other features that make the island so attractive. Some of them are the amazing Hindu temples, the delicious Balinese cuisine and the unique nature, such as the absolutely worth seeing rice terraces and the waterfalls around Ubud. So if you flew to Indonesia more for pleasure and long nights, you should definitely make a side trip to Bali to the party hotspots Kuta and Seminyak.

Best time to travel: May- October

3. lombok: for surf and nature lovers

  • Why among the top 6? Quieter and more pristine than Bali, top surf spots, natural diversity

Lombok: Very Well Known, Yet One Of The Quieter Islands In Indonesia

East of Bali lies the small volcanic island of Lombok. Although the island is only about 90 km away from the prominent Bali, a Lombok vacation seems like a stay in a completely "different world". The somewhat smaller island enchants its visitors with fantastic beaches, a fascinating variety of nature with mountains, tropical rainforests, waterfalls and volcanic lakes. Many visitors combine their Lombok stay with a short boat trip to the offshore Gili Islands, a real island paradise to relax. In addition, there are some bays and spots for surfing beginners as well as ambitious surfers, where a fun swell is generated with the right wind and weather.

Best time to travel: May- October
Best time to surf: Possible all year round, varying according to degree of difficulty

4. sulawesi: traditional and diver's paradise

  • Why among the top 6? Diving hotspot, untouched nature, existing culture

Brown Wooden House Surrounded By Green Grass Field During Daytime

The unusual shape of the island, which is oriented in all four directions, was created by a volcano. The volcanic activity, in addition to the shape of the island, also provided a real Eldorado for divers. Especially in the northern part of the island, in Sulawesi Utara. Sharks, sea turtles and corals in all colors can be admired here. Much of Sulawesi is untouched and new to tourism, with tiny islands and hidden corners that are difficult to reach. The so-called Orchid Island thus also scores with its unspoiled beauty and solitude, as well as enigmatic ancient cultures that still thrive.

Best time to travel: May- September

5. karimunjawa archipelago: for your relaxation vacation

  • Why among the top 6? White sandy beaches, nature, recreation

White Boat On Body Of Water Near Green Palm Trees

The Karimunjawa Archipelago, also known as the Maldives of Indonesia, is home to 27 islands located in the Java Sea. About 80 kilometers from the coast of Java you will reach a true island paradise far away from mass tourism, with crystal clear water and white dream beaches. If you just want to forget your everyday stress and relax under coconut palms in the white sandy beach, this is the right place for you. Besides the beach paradise and the tropical rainforest there, the underwater world around the archipelago is also unique. The Karimunjawa archipelago offers you the ultimate paradise to unwind, relax and make acquaintances with a variety of fish species.

Best time to travel: April- November

6. western New Guinea: for nature lovers

  • Why in the top 6? Incredible tropical forests, natural diversity and biodiversity

Sunlight Passing Through Waterfall During Daytime

If you want to see even more incredible natural wonders, you should definitely come to the equatorial island of New Guinea. The second largest island in the world offers incredible biodiversity in the tropical jungle, which is home to many birds of paradise, giant butterflies, tree kangaroos and much more. Besides the animal surprises, there are also incredible landscapes, such as the remains of a glacier. This sounds for many now probably paradoxical, a glacier of such a tropical island landscape? Once the glacier, with its 4862 meters was considered the second largest mountain in Oceania, however, the peak height has been greatly reduced by melting. A visit to the tropical island will certainly remain in your memory forever!

Best time to travel: May, August, September, October and November

You want to see the most beautiful islands of Indonesia live?

Indonesia is incredibly diverse due to its geographical location and there is a lot to discover. To explore as many islands as possible, island hopping by boat is highly recommended! Do you want to experience more of Indonesia and besides the enchanting islands also make animal acquaintances and dive into the cultural history of Indonesia? Then check out our Indonesia trip more precisely and come with us on an unforgettable island-hopping adventure!

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