8 Islands You Must Visit in Indonesia

For a nation comprising over 17,000 islands, it's no surprise that Indonesia is home to some pretty spectacular spots. Indonesia has an incredible mix of bucket list islands and some lesser-known gems, making it the ideal destination for all types of tropical getaways. Although it's seen as a go-to spot for relaxing beachside or jungle retreats, Indonesia's islands also offer adventure, culture, and unparalleled natural beauty. If you've been pondering an island escape, this list will be the inspiration you've been looking for! You could spend a lifetime exploring this Southeast Asian hotspot and still barely scratch the surface, but these are eight islands you won't want to miss.

Bali

Indonesia's most famous island of all, Bali, has been at the top of many travelers' must-see lists for decades. In recent years, Bali has boomed and cemented itself as one of the most desirable vacation destinations in the world. The lush green jungles, magnificent Hindu temples, and cascading waterfalls have drawn visitors in droves. Though it's unsurprisingly more commercialized than most other Indonesian islands, plenty of less-visited areas like Sideman, Munduk, and Amed offer a more authentic experience. Tourist hubs like Ubud, Canggu, Seminyak, and Uluwatu are perfect if you'd prefer to stay somewhere more central and close to amenities - just prepare for some traffic jams along the way!

Gili Trawangan

Gili Trawangan is the largest of the three Gili Islands. Don't let this fact fool you, however, as Gili Trawangan is tiny, and it takes less than an hour to cycle around the entirety of this car-free island. It's gained a reputation as a party destination, and there are plenty of beachside bars and pub crawls for those hoping to dance the night away. During the day, however, the island is the ultimate tropical paradise. Think swimming with turtles in crystal-clear waters, lounging on cozy hammocks, and horseback riding on the beach. While you're here, catch a boat to Gili Air and Gili Meno, the two smaller, more peaceful islands in the archipelago.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida has become an Instagram-famous island thanks to the iconic Kelingking Beach. The T-Rex-shaped cliff encircling this beach may have become a tourist magnet in recent years, but vast swathes of the island remain untouched. It's best to dedicate a few days to this wild and wonderful island, as there's so much to see and do, and the scenery is out of this world. If you have the time, check out Diamond Beach, Angel's Billabong, and Tembeling Natural Springs. Those of you on a more limited schedule can also visit Nusa Penida on a day trip, as it's less than an hour by boat from Bali.

Lombok

Lombok is an up-and-coming destination for visitors to Indonesia, but it's still significantly quieter than neighboring Bali. Like Bali, Lombok has incredible surf spots, jaw-dropping waterfalls, and superb hiking trails, but with a fraction of the crowds. Not only does Lombok have fewer tourists, but the beaches here are arguably more scenic and often much cleaner. If you want a more low-key vacation and are keen to get a little off the beaten path, Lombok will be just what you're looking for.

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is quite possibly one of the most stunning destinations you'll ever see, yet its remote location means it's relatively unspoiled. In reality, Raja Ampat is an archipelago with over 1,000 landmasses, and visitors can stay at any of the four larger islands. It's worth making the journey just to admire the surreal beauty of this pocket of Indonesia, but it's the wildlife that really lures travelers here. Across each island are little-known bird species, reptiles, and amphibians, while the vibrant blue waters boast whale sharks, dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. Getting here requires multiple flights or a mix of flights and boats, but you'll be rewarded for your efforts with extraordinary landscapes and biodiversity.

Komodo Island

Komodo Island has striking scenery, majestic viewpoints, and a famously pink beach, but its intriguing residents are what put this place on the map. This island and a handful of the small surrounding islands are the only places in the world where you can cast your eyes on Komodo dragons. These creatures can grow up to three meters long and stand as the largest lizards on earth. Visits to Komodo Island are usually part of multi-day boat excursions, but flying to a small domestic airport and taking a ferry from there is also possible.

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is just a hop, skip, and jump away from Bali. It's an ideal place to experience another side of Indonesia without venturing too far, as it's a mere 30-minute boat ride away. The diving conditions are excellent, as Nusa Lembongan has sparkling turquoise waters brimming with lobsters, eagle rays, and reef sharks. If deep-sea adventures aren't your thing, the secluded beaches and mangrove forest might be more your speed. A small suspension bridge links Nusa Lembongan with nearby Nusa Ceningan, allowing you to explore two islands in one!

Thousand Islands

The name Thousand Islands can be a little misleading, as the actual number of islands here is thought to be slightly over a hundred. All that aside, this chain of islands is much more popular with locals than tourists, making for a more immersive and unique travel experience. Kickback, unwind, and soak up the blend of beauty and culture during your stay here. Should you tire of sunbathing and island-hopping, many islands have fantastic hikes, quaint villages, and diving spots to uncover. These islands are scattered just north of Jakarta, and boats frequently depart from the city to buzzing spots like Pari, Ayer, and Pelangi.

Discover Paradise With These Dreamy Indonesian Islands

Embrace your spirituality in Bali, explore life beneath the sea at Raja Ampat, marvel at wildlife in Komodo, or catch some waves in Lombok. No matter your travel style, there's sure to be an Indonesian island that matches your tastes and interests. Chances are, you'll find that narrowing down your options can sometimes be the biggest challenge of all!