Indonesia is the world’s largest archipelago, with 17,508 islands, 6,000 of which are inhabited! Many travelers assume that Bali is all that Indonesia has to offer, but in fact, there is SO much more to this beautiful nation. If you’re planning a trip to Bali and want to take an adventure off the beaten path, check out this guide to four amazing islands in Indonesia that will not disappoint!
I loved exploring Indonesia and getting to know each island’s unique personality, so I hope this guide inspires you to do the same!
Planning a trip to Indonesia? Check out my other travel guides: Uluwatu Bali Travel Guide, Nusa Penida Day Trip Guide, How to Visit the Komodo Islands, 48 Hours in Gili Trawangan
PLACES TO VISIT IN INDONESIA THAT AREN’T BALI
1. KOMODO ISLANDS
The Komodo Islands are truly one-of-a-kind. With pink sand beaches, unreal landscapes, Komodo dragons and an abundance of marine life, the Komodo Islands are a great side trip to take if you’re wanting to take an adventure and cruise around the different islands to explore, hike, snorkel and scuba dive. Check out my full travel guide on How to Visit the Komodo Islands to discover more!
2. JAVA
Java is the most populated island in Indonesia with 141 million inhabitants, mostly located in the nation’s capital of Jakarta. This island is often overlooked as a travel destination and avoided by tourists, however I do recommend a trip here! Java is the second largest Indonesian island and has a ton of natural beauty to explore beyond the densely populated capital. If you’re seeking out serene buddhist temples, insane waterfalls, colorful villages and hikes through rugged volcano landscapes, look no further than Java!
If you’re planning a visit to the island, know that it is divided between four provinces from East to West, Banten, East Java, Central Java, and West Java and the special regions of Jakarta and Yogyakarta. I spent most of my time exploring Central Java and West Java, visiting the natural and spiritual wonders of the regions like the world’s largest Buddhist Temple at Borobudur, Sewu Waterfall, Mount Bromo Volcano and the aqua blue Ijen Crater.
3. GILI ISLANDS
The Gili Islands are often mistaken as a part of Bali, though they are actually part of Lombok. I loved taking a quick trip from Bali to the Gili Islands, exploring the sandy beach stretches, beach clubs, tropical alleyways and snorkeling and diving spots. The Gili Islands are very laid back and can be easily explored in a couple of days for much needed rest and relaxation, plus there are a ton of instagrammable spots on the island! Check out my travel guide on 48 Hours in Gili Trawangan for all of the details.
4. RAJA AMPAT
Raja Ampat is one of the most obscure destinations I have ever visited and probably an area that you have never heard of unless you’re into marine diversity. This area is an archipalego of islands located in the far east of Indonesia in West Papua. Why would you want to venture off to such a remote location? Raja Ampat is home to the largest marine biodiversity in the world and the islands themselves are raw representations of truly untouched nature. This means that Raja Ampat has some of the best scuba diving and snorkeling in the world and it is the perfect spot to unplug and get away from it all.
Raja Ampat is largely undeveloped and most of the islands here are only accessible by boat. After connecting flights, ferries and a private boat to your hotel, you will finally reach this epic destination that is full of adventure. Despite the journey, it’s worth the remote access! The beaches are sublime, the scuba diving is unlike any other, and the stunning rock islands are certainly a site to see!
