32 Most Beautiful Islands to Visit in Indonesia

What makes Indonesia such a unique country? It is a lot of things, from its culture, religion, tradition, food, hospitality and of course, its beautiful landscape. Indonesia is one of the largest archipelagos in the world and is made up of at least 17,000 islands. Being the biggest archipelago country in the world, Indonesia possesses thousands of islands, from the big one where thousands of people live together to the teeny and inhabitable one. Those islands stretch from west to east across the equator, and with so much diversity in it, it is little wonder that you will find lots of beautiful spots tucked away in those islands. If you are looking for an island adventure, then you have certainly come to the right place. Here are the 32 most beautiful islands you should consider visiting in Indonesia.

1. Komodo

Komodo Island is part of the Komodo National Park, with a surface area covers 390 square kilometers. It is also the home to approximately 2,500 Komodo Dragon, the most giant lizard on earth. The island is surrounded by some of the most tempestuous waters in Indonesia, fraught with riptides and whirlpools. Yet, as home to one of the world's richest marine environments, divers, scientists, and photographers from around the world come to this national park to experience the astonishing biodiversity. The main attraction of this island is spotting the Komodo Dragon. But, you can also do other activities here, such as climbing Mount Ara (538m) to overlooking the expansive and beautiful view from the top. Or, exploring Kampung Komodo, a friendly Muslim Bugis village.

2. Karimunjawa

Located in the north of the capital city of Semarang, Karimunjawa one of the hidden gems in Indonesia. There are plenty of things offered on this island. Its pristine beach and sea are home to coral reefs that scatter in an 80 km wide area where you can find some protected biota species. The place is also famous for its exquisite panoramic views and preservation. Enjoy the mesmerizing white sand beaches spread over several points and the unique culture of the local community. Karimunjawa boasts of a massive collection of marine flora and fauna, ranging from tropical fish to the birds you can see flying above the archipelago.

3. Lombok

Located in West Nusa Tenggara province, Lombok is an island with about 1,743 square miles. It is also surrounded by smaller islands locally called Gili. The provincial capital city is Mataram which also takes the most prominent area on the island. As a neighbor island with Bali, Lombok also shares a similar size, density, and cultural heritage. With divine beaches, the majestic Mt. Rinjani, and spectacular marine life to discover, Lombok has no shortage of attractions in and out of the water. It's no wonder that Lombok has become one of the most popular destinations in West Nusa Tenggara.

4. Gili

The Gili Islands are an archipelago of three small islands or Gili island triplets — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — just off the northwest coast of Lombok, Indonesia. Each island has several small resorts, usually consisting of a collection of huts for tourists, a small pool, and a restaurant. Most local inhabitants live on Trawangan in a township stretching along its east side just inland (which is also where most recent development is taking place). Automobiles and motorized traffic are prohibited on the islands by local ordinances, so the preferred method of transportation is by foot and bicycle, or the horse-drawn carriage called a Cidomo. Scuba diving and free diving in and around the Gilis are also popular due to the abundance of marine life and stunning coral formations. The most famous diving spots are Shark point, Manta point, and Simon's reef.

5. Belitung

Belitung might look a little slumber compared to its neighbor, Bangka island. But, this tiny island located in east Sumatra should be on your weekend getaway bucket list. The reason is none other than the natural beauty Belitung has. As well as how the island will bring peace and serenity to your getaway. Its main island's beaches, including Tanjung Tinggi and Tanjung Kelayang, are known for their rounded granite boulders, fine sand, and calm waters. The island's largest town, Tanjung Pandan, features Dutch colonial architecture and a colorful harbor. Pulau Lengkuas, one of many small offshore islands, has a 19th-century lighthouse and snorkeling among its coral reefs.

6. Padar

Padar is the third-largest island of Komodo National Park and attracts many people because of the colored sand of its bays' beaches. One is pearly white, another charcoal black, and a third is a very rare baby pink. Padar is also a savannah-covered, mesmerizing landscape fringed by bright green-capped mountains. As well as surrounded by turquoise bays. Padar is home to a remarkable array of wildlife, especially for its size. There are six species of shark, and two manta rays, and many different reptiles.

7. Bintan

Situated just a ferry ride away from Singapore or Johor Bahru in Malaysia and its neighboring Batam Island, Bintan is the largest island in the Riau Islands province. This island offers the perfect getaway with its high-end resorts, world-class golf courses, and a refreshing coastal atmosphere. In recent years, Bintan has also become a world-class Sport-Tourism destination attracting thousands worldwide to compete in its marathons, triathlons, extreme sports, and golf challenges. The Bintan Resorts have been a home for the world-renowned yearly Triathlon in the past years. There are several attractions in Bintan that might capture your interest. Including, Bintan Lagoon Resort, Penyengat Island, Trikora Beach, and Senggarang and Sebung Village.

8. Labuan Bajo

Labuan Bajo once was a small fishing village, but now it has become one of Indonesia's most favorite tourist destinations. The island is a gateway for trips across the nearby islands, such as Komodo Island dan Rinca Island which part of Komodo National Park. Other than being a stopover, the island has many interesting discoveries, including several waterfalls, trekking facilities, and many diverse beaches. Labuan Bajo is also known as the island of sunset, where you can find plenty of vantage points to enjoy a spectacular sky every day.

 

Meanwhile, you can also explore The Mirror Cave, a site found in 1951 by Dutch, concluding that this island was once located underwater. There are three majorities of ethnic groups, namely the Manggarai, Bima, and Bugis. You can meet some of the locals in their beautiful village of Labuan Bajo. The Melo village in West Manggarai is known as one of the tourism villages that travelers would come by. Welcoming ceremonies and traditional dances will greet you warmly upon your visit.

9. Bali

Also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity. It is also famous as a surfers' paradise! Bali enchants with its dramatic dances and colorful ceremonies, arts and crafts, luxurious beach resorts, and exciting nightlife. And everywhere, you will find intricately carved temples.

10. Mentawai

The Mentawai Islands are a chain of about seventy islands and islets approximately 150 kilometers (93 miles) off the western coast of Sumatra in Indonesia. Take a trip into the wild with an adventure to the Mentawai islands. Be surrounded by tropical rainforests and immerse yourself in the traditions of the local people. While the physical distance between the mainland and Mentawai is not great, this remains one of the most isolated places in Indonesia and is only subject to outside influences at the start of the 20th century. A long way from the world of shopping malls and theme parks, this is where travelers come to get a truly off-the-beaten-track adventure.

11. Raja Ampat

The Raja Ampat Islands are a series of four islands adjacent to and located in the western part of the Bird's Head (Vogelkoop) of the island of Papua. Administratively, this cluster is under Raja Ampat Regency, West Papua Province. The islands are now the destination of divers who are interested in the beauty of the underwater scenery. The four islands are Waigeo Island, Misool Island, Salawati Island, and Batanta Island. The waters of the Raja Ampat Islands, according to various sources, are one of the 10 best waters for diving sites throughout the world. In fact, it might also be recognized as number one for a complete underwater flora and fauna at this time. Unique species can be found when diving here. Some of them are dwarf seahorses, wobbegongs, and Manta Stingrays. There are also endemic fish of Raja Ampat, namely Eviota Raja, a type of Gobbie fish. On Manta point, located in the Dampier Strait Arborek, you can dive with several tame Manta Stingrays.

12. Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is located in the southeast of Bali, which is separated by the Badung Strait. Near this island, there are also other small islands, namely Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan. The Nusa Penida waters are famous for their diving areas, including Penida Bay, Manta Point, Batu Meling, Batu Lumbung, Batu Abah, Toyapakeh, and Malibu Point. Major tourist destinations on the Nusa Penida island are in the western part of Nusa Penida, such as the famous Klingking beach and Broken beach. Major tourist destinations on the Nusa Penida island are in the west part of Nusa Penida, such as the famous Klingking beach and Broken beach.

13. Weh

Weh Island (or We) is a small volcanic island located in the northwest of Sumatra Island. The island was once connected with Sumatra Island but was later separated by the sea after the last volcanic eruption in the Pleistocene era. This island is located in the Andaman Sea. The largest city on Weh Island, Sabang, is located in the westernmost part of Indonesia. This island is famous for its ecosystem. The Indonesian government has set an area of 60 km² from the island's edge both in and out as a nature reserve. Big-mouth sharks can be found on the beach of this island. In addition, this island is the only habitat for frogs with threatened status, Bufo Valhalla (Bufo genus). The coral reefs around the island are known as the habitat of various species of fish.

14. Misool

Misool Island is directly adjacent to the Seram Sea. This area is located at the head of West Papua and close to the city of Sorong. Misool is divided into two parts, southeast Misool, and West Misool. This area is also famous for its cultural diversity, customs, sea, and land. Misool Island, including the world's coral triangle area and dozens of ornamental fish found in the ocean, around 75% of the world's ornamental fish and coral triangles are also seen. This area also has a vast sea that becomes a crossing path for large animals such as whales and octopuses. Misool Island also has potential for coal mining of around 7.222 million tons.

15. Waigeo

Among the beautiful Raja Ampat Islands, Waigeo is the largest of the archipelago's four main islands. Waigeo is home to a wide range of attractions. It is also the most accessible island to reach by public transport, though exploring its full diversity remains a challenge. Waigeo Island offers diving, rock islands, scenic bays walled in by towering cliffs, a jungle interior offering good birdwatching, and the cheapest accommodation options in all of Raja Ampat. All in all, it's the perfect place to start your exploration of the Raja Ampat cluster. Waigeo has a wild and jungly interior, much of which is still largely unexplored and inaccessible.

16. Derawan

Derawan Islands is an archipelago located in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan. Here, there are several charming marine tourism objects; one of them is Underwater Park in demand by foreign tourists, especially world-class divers. Several coastal ecosystems and small islands, namely coral reefs, seagrass beds, and mangrove forests. In addition, many protected species are in the Derawan Islands, such as green turtles, hawksbill turtles, whales, dolphins, clams, dugongs, barracuda fish, and several other species.

17. Wayag

Wayag Island is one of the islands within the Raja Ampat district in the province of West Papua. The island is known for its beautiful atolls and amazing underwater life, covering a total area of 155,000 hectares, about 383,013.3 acres. Here, you find pristine beaches with unique Karst islands that look like mushrooms sprouting out from the sea. Along these beaches, tourists can see fairy tale panorama, more captivating than Leonardo DiCaprio's getaway in "The Beach." The crystal clear waters around Wayag Island appear like unreal windows to various flora and fauna that live underwater.

18. Morotai

Morotai Island is located on the north side of Halmahera, North Maluku Province, and is the northernmost island in Indonesia. The island was a hive of military activities during World War II, with tens of sorties roaring daily from air crafts taking off and landing at airstrips along Daruba Bay, endless stamping of thousands of military boots marching across the island, and navy ships anchoring daily carrying supplies and reinforcement. Unfortunately, with its location and the more vague history of World War II, Morotai island is almost obscure among Indonesian citizens.

 

Even so, Morotai Island actually holds so many charms that can steal anyone's heart. That is what makes the government plans to build various sectors on the island. Hope to make Morotai Island an economic hub in Indonesia by developing many potential aspects, such as fisheries, tourism, and trade. The island of Morotai has also now been designated as one of Indonesia's Top Priority Tourist Destinations for intense resort development.

19. Tidung

Tidung Island is one of the villages in the South Thousand Islands sub-district, Thousand Islands Regency, Jakarta, Indonesia. It is divided into two, Tidung Besar Island and Tidung Kecil Island. The use of the area on this island develops towards marine tourism such as diving and research on coral reefs. Tidung Island consists of Tidung Besar and Tidung Kecil, connected by a long bridge called the Cinta Bridge with a distance of approximately 3 hours drive from Muara Angke by boat. At the end of the connecting bridge to the coast of Tidung Kecil Island, there is a mangrove plantation area. This area has a beautiful view and can be enjoyed by cycling through a path filled with weeds and white sand beaches view. Watersport is available in the western part of Big Tidung Island.

20. Sumba

The terrain on Sumba – Nusa Tenggara is quite different from its neighboring islands; undulating hills replace the typical volcanic landscape in Indonesia with many areas in the North and East of the island resembling dry savannahs, while central highlands are covered in native Alang-Alang grass, and the mountains in the South extend down into lush tropical vegetation. The World Wildlife Fund categorized Sumba as a deciduous forest ecoregion for its unique flora and fauna. Sumba's isolation has helped preserve one of Indonesia's most fascinating cultures, particularly in its more remote western half, home to about two-thirds of the island's 400,000 people.

21. Wakatobi

Heralded as one of the best diving spots in the world, Wakatobi boasts some of the best reefs and most beautiful underwater views you can find. Wakatobi, an acronym of the four central Tukangbesi Islands: Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko, is home to the Wakatobi National Park, which comprises 1.4 million hectares, of which 900,000 hectares are decorated with different, colorful species of tropical coral reefs.

 

An intimate and eco-friendly resort called Wakatobi Dive Resort is the only fully license dive tourism operator situated on a small island called Onemobaa, next to Tomia Island, one of four major islands covering an area of 821 sq. km. The beautiful resort is built directly at the seaside, with all bungalows spaced along an exquisite beach.

22. Pulo Cinta

A perfect blend of turquoise and blue sea stretching as far as the eye can see. Feel the calming whisper as the wind breeze as you admire the heart-shaped shoal. Breathe the reviving smell of the sea. Drown in the endless horizon around you. Blue as far as the eye can see. Wake up to the sunlight and gentle sound of the waves, a morning in Pulo Cinta is a magical moment you wouldn't want to miss. Enter an incredible journey in the islands of Boalemo. Walk off the beaten path and discover a world of exotic beauty in Celebes' hidden corners. Nestled among the inhabited islands of Tomini Gulf – a sea rich in biodiversity, a land blessed with lush rain forest and pristine beaches. Indulge in Indonesia's hidden paradise. Revive in the luxury of nature and own life-changing experiences of your own.

23. Bunaken

Bunaken is an island of 8 km², part of the Bunaken National Marine Park, at the northern tip of Sulawesi, Indonesia. It belongs administratively to the municipality of Manado. Scuba diving attracts many visitors to the island. Marine National Park is one of the most beautiful marine parks in the world, famous for its beautiful coral formation. This marine park is home to more than 3000 species such as the Lolosi yellowtail fish (Lutjanus Kasmira), fish Gusumi horse (hippocampus and horses), Goropa (Epinephelus Spilotoceps), White Oci (Seriola Rivoliana), and many others as well have a diversity of endemic aquatic species such as dolphins, dugongs, and also beautiful ornamental fish.

24. Bangka

Bangka is an island lying east of Sumatra, administratively part of Sumatra, Indonesia, with about 1 million. It is the 9th largest island in Indonesia and the central part of Bangka-Belitung Province, being one of its namesakes alongside the smaller Belitung across the Gaspar Strait. The provincial capital, Pangkal Pinang, lies on the island. The island is administratively divided into 4 regencies and a chartered city. The largest town is Pangkal Pinang which also serves as the capital of Bangka-Belitung Province. Sungai Liat is the second-largest city on Bangka island. Mentok (formerly called Muntok) is the principal port in the west. The other vital towns are Toboali in the southern region, Koba, a vital tin mining town located in the south part of the island, and Belinyu, a city famous for its seafood products. There are 4 seaports in Bangka; Mentok on the far west, Belinyu on the far north, Sadai on the far south, and Pangkal Balam which is in Pangkal Pinang. It was intended that a nuclear power station be built there.

25. Banda Neira

Banda Neira or Banda Naira is one of ten volcanic islands in the Banda Archipelago in the Maluku province in eastern Indonesia. Known as a charming island and a historically significant destination. A sparkling, sapphire sea surrounds these already incredible islands, brimming with exquisite corals and abundant ocean life, making the Banda Islands a historically significant destination and an internationally recognized diving spot. To reach Banda Neira, you can take a domestic flight to Pattimura Airport, Ambon.

26. Nusa Lembongan

In the Balinese language called Nusa Lembongan, Lembongan Island is a small island adjacent to Nusa Ceningan and 2 km northwest of Nusa Penida and is located in the Badung Strait to the southeast of Bali. Lembongan Village has exciting places for tourists to visit, such as white sand beaches, unique natural and artificial caves, challenging sea cliffs, mysterious swamps, and much more. Attractive and well-known beaches in Lembongan Village, including Tanjung Sanghyang Beach, Dream Beach, Selagimpak, Selambung, Sunset Beach, Pemambat, Lebanon (seaweed center beach), etc. Other places visited by tourists include the Gala-gala Underground House, Batu Melawang Sarang Cave, Buanyaran Art Shop Center, Pegadungan Rawa-Rawa, Romantic Place Kolong Pandan Sunset Park, etc.

27. Lembeh

Lembeh Island is part of the Bitung administrative area in North Sulawesi. The island is famous for its untouched and almost-perfect diving spot. Many unusual habitats and exotic organisms live under Lembeh Island, like coral skeletons, colorful nudibranchs, mandarin fish, gosh pipefish, frogfish, rhinoplasty, shrimps, blue-ringed, mimic octopus, and rare pygmy seahorses. It is a fantastic dive area for underwater photographers, and the diversity of smaller creatures ensures many unique photo opportunities. There are several undeveloped beaches on the shoreline of Lembeh Strait, which are excellent for swimming and snorkeling.

28. Seram

One national park, namely Manuela National Park, is famous for its many endemic animals and plants. This place can be reached through Yaputih or Hatu Village in Tehoru District, approximately 100 km from Masoli. In the North Seram section, it could also be through Wahai Village, whose route passes through several villages, namely Hoaulu, Kanikeh, and other small villages. Seram Island is remarkable for its high degree of localized bird endemism. Of the 117 species of birds on the island, 14 are endemic, including the Eclectus parrot, Purple-naped lory, salmon-crested cockatoo, Seram masked owl, lazuli kingfisher, sacred kingfisher, Grey-necked friarbird, and Moluccan king parrot.

29. Bawah Reserve

Enveloped by lush tropical greenery and azure blue ocean, Bawah Reserve rests in sheltered carefree seclusion 160 nautical miles (300km) northeast of Singapore in Indonesia's remote Anambas Archipelago. Surrounded by clear turquoise waters, blue lagoons, and coral reefs, this pristine and previously uninhabited marine conservation area caters to outdoor adventurers with an appetite for indulgence as well as paradise seekers looking for relaxation. Bawah offers the true meaning of sustainable luxury.

30. Tanjung Bira 
Tanjung Bira has located about 40 km from the city of Bulukumba of 200 km from the city of Makassar, with a travel time of about 3-4 hours. Not only known for the charm of the beauty of its beaches, but Tanjung Bira is also a traditional South Sulawesi shipbuilding house, and visitors can see the shipbuilding process on the shore.

 

There are many things visitors can do in the tourist area of Tanjung Bira. One of them is snorkeling or diving while enjoying the beauty of the underwater in several spots here. Spot in the Liukang Loe Island range, a small island located on the western side of Tanjung Bira, is one of the best spots. Visitors can also spend time off at Tanjung Bira by just sunbathing in the sun while enjoying the fresh breeze that blows and watching the charm of the sunrise and sunset.

31. Rote

Rote Island is an island of Indonesia, part of the East Nusa Tenggara province of the Lesser Sunda Islands. The Rote Island has many historical relics, including delicate antique Chinese porcelain and ancient arts and traditions. Several prominent Indonesian figures were born here. A popular music instrument, Sasando, is made of palm leaves. In the eastern part of the island is a pond in Landu Village that has non-poisonous jellyfish. The pond also has a white sandy beach.

32. Cempaka

Cempedak is a 17-hectare private island 9km off the east coast of Bintan, Indonesia. Located 91km from Singapore, the travel time from Tanah Merah ferry terminal is approximately two and a half hours. Surrounded by unspoiled islands, it is one of only a handful of private islands along this beautiful coast. Cempedak is ringed with beautiful white sandy beaches and studded with magnificent white granite boulders. Height of 40 meters, the island boasts a rain forest that provides sanctuary to a diverse population of local birds, including hornbills, eagles, and kingfishers. Other residents on the island include the critically endangered pangolin and a family of otters.

Wrapping It Up

I hope this article gives readers the information they need to know what islands to visit in Indonesia. Many beautiful islands in Indonesia and Jakarta Yacht Club can provide the boating service for you to visit these places. For more information, you can simply contact one of Jakarta Yacht Club's staff, and they will be happy to help you arrange your perfect vacation. Contact Jerome (+62) 878 8522 8039 for more information!