Indonesia is a stunning archipelago of around 17,504 beautiful Indonesian islands nestled in the heart of Southeast Asia. Indonesian islands are the true paradise for nature lovers and adventurers as it has crystal clear water, golden sandy beaches, and lush green forests. It is the perfect travel destination due to its mild climate which clearly distinguishes between the rainy and dry seasons. With its stunning culture, oriental cuisine, and natural beauty, it attracts tourists from all over the world.
Top Indonesian Islands
If you are wondering where is Indonesia, then Indonesia is located in Southeast Asia and bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the east and the Indian Ocean on the west. Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and Timor Leste are the countries near Indonesia. There are many who do not know how many islands in Indonesia, then here we have a list of some breathtaking Indonesian Islands that can be perfect for your next Indonesia Vacation.
1. Bali
Bali is the most beautiful island among the Indonesian Islands located in the western part of the Lesser Sunda Islands. It is also the most popular tourist destination from all over the world. This enchanting island is known for its unique beauty and culture which showcased the traditional Balinese Hinduism. You will be amazed by its natural beauty as it is captivating with dense jungles, terraced rice paddies, and active volcanoes. It has a bustling range of beaches like Kuta Beach and its serene spot Nusa Dua. There, you will get to explore the best restaurants and cafes.
Top Attractions in Bali- Uluwatu Temple, Tanah Lot, Kuta Beach, Nusa Lembongan, Sukawati Art Market, and Ling Ling Bali
How to reach Bali- Fly from Ngurah Rai International Airport, it is connected to various cities around the world including Asia, Australia, and the Middle East.
Best time to stay in Bali- June to August
Best restaurants in Bali- Mamasan Bali and Spice Mantraa Indian Cuisine
2. Ubud
Are you looking for the most beautiful Indonesian islands? then you must visit Ubud. It is a small town that is located on the Indonesian island of Bali in Ubud District. This well-known destination is also known as the cultural hub of Bali as for a very long time, it has been a home to the royal families of Bali. The surroundings of the town are made up of rice paddies, farms, agroforestry plantations, and many more. Due to its natural beauty, it is developed as the top tourist places in the world. This beautiful destination is full of attractions like Tegalalang Rice Terraces, The Holy Spring Water of Pura Tirta Empul, Monkey Forest Ubud, and many more. If you are a foodie, there are some of the best restaurants and cafes.
Top Attractions in Ubud- Ubud art market, Amed Beach, Tanah Lot Temple, Pod chocolate factory and cafe, Blanco Renaissance Museum, and Royal Palace Cultural Night Performances.
How to reach Ubud- Just take a flight to Denpasar Airport and then you can take a bus from there to reach Ubud.
Best time to stay in Ubud- July to September
Best restaurants in Ubud- Uma Cucina and Padi Fine Dining
3. Raja Ampat Islands
Raja Ampat Islands is a part of the southwest Papua of Indonesian Islands. It has more than 1500 small islands including Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo. This has breathtaking views as it is far from the congested jungles, traffic, endless noises, and unnecessary crowd. When you visit there you will find yourself in the arms of Mother Nature. You will likely have the best popular sports for scuba diving, snorkeling, and bird watching. Here you will also have the incredible wildlife of Raja Ampat, as there are many jungles within the islands. You can still find numerous bird species such as spectacular cendrawasih or the bird of paradise. Despite water activities, there are more attractions including Batu Pensil, firwen Beach, and Pasir Timbul where you can explore yourself.
Top Attractions in Raja Ampat Islands- Wayag Island, Jellyfish Lake, Kabui Bay, Harfat Peak, Star Lagoon and Komodo.
How to reach Raja Ampat Islands- You can take a flight to Sorong and after reaching Sorong, you can take a ferry to Waisai in Raja Ampat Islands.
Best time to stay in Raja Ampat Islands- October to April
Best restaurants in Raja Amat Islands- Warung Cahaya Bone Waisai Raja Ampat and Rumah Makan Pondok Lesehan.
4. Gili Islands
This Indonesian islands is another paradise for scuba divers. It is also the most famous tourist destination, especially for honeymooners. When you visit Gilli islands, you will spot several resorts on each island consisting of a vast variety of collections of huts for tourists, a small pool, and restaurants. Gili Islands has two best sites, Gili Trawangan and Gili Air. They both are well known for surfing, scuba diving, and relaxing, but if you want to go for a romantic holiday then you must visit Gili Meno. It is a perfect spot for those who want to spend their quality time with their partners. Here you can have the best shopping in the night market and watch the Stick Fight tournament.
Top Attractions in Gili Islands- Mount Rinjani, Gili Gede, Pongkor, Gili Trawanga, Gili Meno beach and Nusa Penida
How to reach Gili Islands- Fly to Lombok’s airport and after that, you can take a taxi to Gili Islands
Best time to stay in Gili Islands- September to November
Best restaurants in Gili Islands- Kayu Cafe and Karma Kayak
5. Banda Islands
Banda Islands are a volcanic group of ten small volcanic islands in the Banda Sea which is located in South Maluku. It is one of the best Indonesian islands and is popularly known as spices. This amazing island was under the dominance of Portuguese, Dutch, and Britishers. Because of this, it has a unique culture. Here you will explore various activities like hiking and other water sports including surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. Apart from its adventurous activities, it has the best things to do like the best marine life, visit the marine natural reserve, the tiny palace of Neira, and Sun Tien Kong Temple. Here you can have their traditional cuisines such as gado gado, grilled fish, and nutmeg jam.
Top Attractions in Banda Islands- Fort Belgica, Dive Bluemotion, Hatta Island, Naira Dive, Natsepa Beach and Merah Putih Bridge
How to reach Banda Islands- First you need to reach Ambon then from there you can take a fast ferry and reach the Band Island in 5-6 hours.
Best time to stay in Banda Islands- November to March
Best restaurants in Banda Islands- Mukusu Restaurant and Green View Restaurant
6. Yogyakarta
Now, if you are bored of beach activities, then you must visit Yogyakarta. This Indonesian islands is famously known for its cultural aspects. It is the south-central part of the island of Java. Yogyakarta is the only royal city that is still ruled by a monarchy and is considered the important center for classical Javanese fine arts and culture including ballet, batik textiles, literature, music, poetry, and visual arts. Here you will likely experience Yogyakarta’s vibrant cultural crafts and delicious food. When you visit there, you will lost in its beauty. Not only its historic culture but there are some of the best unique ancient temples and the stories of their legends that will come alive through their art.
Top Attractions in Yogyakarta- Sewu temple, Tmang beach, the Taman Sari, Merapi volcano, Pinus Pengger, and Kalibiru National Park
How to reach Yogyakarta- Take a flight to Bali and then reach Sumatra Island to get to Yogyakarta
Best time to stay in Yogyakarta- May to October and December
Best restaurants in Yogyakarta- Mediterranea Restaurant and Milas Vegetarian Resto
7. Ternate Island
Ternate Island is also known as the city of Ternate in the Indonesian province of North Maluku. It is the sole supplier of nutmeg, mace, cloves, and many more rare spices. Ternate Island is one of the best Indonesian islands that has breathtaking landscapes, but when you visit there you will have the best beach vibe at the Sulamadaha beach and spot the volcano Gamalama. If you are a history enthusiast then you are in the right place, as there you can indulge yourself in the colonial reminiscences of Portugal, Dutch, and Spanish regions. You can also taste its best food such as Gohu Ikan also known as Ternatean sashimi and raw pieces.
Top Attractions in Ternate Island- Sulamadaha Beach, kalamata fort, fort tolukko, Maitara island, sultan ternate mosque and kastela beach
How to reach Ternate Island- take a direct flight to Jakarta and from there you need to take a flight to Ternate Island.
Best time to stay on Ternate Island- October to May
Best restaurants in Ternate Island- Restoran Floridas and Royal’s Resto
8. Flores Island
Flores Island is situated east of Sumbawa the Komodo islands west of the Solor Islands and the Alor Archipelago and to the southeast is Timor. In the south, it crosses the Sumba strait which is also Sumba Island, and to the north, it is beyond the Flores Sea Sulawesi. All these islands contain Indonesian territory and it is most famous after Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Bali, New Guinea, Madura, and Timor. It is also the 10th biggest island of Indonesia. This Indonesian Islands has top attractions including Komodo National Park which gives the tourist a sneak peak into the true nature. Another attraction is Mount Kelimutu on Flora island which is the changing colors of water in the crater lakes. For its natural beauty, it is known as the most beautiful Indonesian island among all the Indonesian islands.
Top Attractions in Flores Island- Kanawa Island, Rango Cave, Padar Island, Koka Beach, Wae Rebo Village, and Maumere
How to reach Flores Island- to reach Flores Island, you need to get into Ngurah Rai Airport in Bali, and from Denpasar you can take a direct flight to Labuan Bajo
Best time to stay on Flores Island- Mid April to Mid October
Best restaurants in Flores Island- La Cucina and Happy Banana Komodo
9. Bangka-Belitung Islands
Bangka Belitung Islands are the most outstanding Indonesian islands in Indonesia. It is located off the southeastern coast of Sumatra and the province comprises two main land masses that are Bangka and Belitung. It also contains a vast number of smaller islands. This island is full of top attractions including the virgin beaches which are the top tourist places and pug marks of Dutch Colonialism which shows the highlights of its architecture and the lighthouses which were built in the 19th century. Here you can also taste its most delicious food.
Top Attractions in Bangka-Belitung Island- Puri Tri Agung, Tongaci Beach, Kaolin Lake-Belitung, Bangka Botanical garden, Pantai Matras and Pulau Leebong.
How to reach Bangka-Belitung Island- Reach Jakarta or you can take a direct flight from Singapore and Malaysia Tanjung Pandan in Belitung
Best time to stay in Bangka-Belitung Island- February to March and October to November
Best restaurants in Bangka-Belitung Island- Restaurant Dynasty and Rumah Makan Fega
10. Wakatobi Islands
Now, this is another amazing beach destination in the Indonesian Islands. Wakatobi Islands is located in the Sulawesi Tenggara Province and this regency is the perfect spot for all the travelers in the world. It is one the best islands in Indonesian islands and is most popular for all divers and snorkelers. There is no shortage of top attractions as you can visit Pulau Tomia which provides the best staggering marine life whereas in Pulau Hoga, you will get to explore its vibrant coral reefs. Indulge yourself in its unique food and culture and don’t forget to participate in the refreshing activities.
Top Attractions in Wakatobi Islands- The Bajo Tribe, Hoga Island, The Kahyangan summit, Lakasa Cave, Anano Beach, and Sombano Lake
How to reach Wakatobi Islands- You can take a flight to Bali or Jakarta and then fly to Wangi-Wangi Island. When you reach Wangi-Wangi Island you can take a ferry ride or private boat to Wakatobi islands.
Best time to stay in Wakatobi Islands- March to December
Best restaurants in Wakatobi Islands- Ampupu Beach Resort, and Warung Makan D’Bantea
Apart from these beautiful Indonesian Islands, you can also visit the Indonesian capital Jakarta. There you will see some of the best attractions including the national monument, Istiqlal mosque, Ancol Dreamland, and many more. If you see a map of Indonesia you will find some beautiful places nearby where you can explore more such as Malaysia and Singapore.
