Not sure which islands in Indonesias to visit? Check out these four.
Looking for the best islands in Indonesia can be overwhelming because Indonesia, a beautiful country, has over 18,000 islands comprising a massive archipelago and a vast variety of ethnic groups. There’s certainly no shortage of places to visit, and something like a charter cruise is a great way to experience the most exotic locations.
Of course, you couldn’t possibly visit all the islands in Indonesia (and there’s no reason to, over half of them aren’t inhibited) so you should certainly be a bit more selective. With that in mind, if you’re going on a cruise and want to make the most of it, which are the islands you should definitely head to?
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Bali
Of course, we’re kicking things off with Bali, probably the most popular of islands in Indonesia. It’s the go-to location for anyone who’s keen on experiencing Indonesia and everything it has to offer.
The island is a tourist hotspot, and it has everything from bustling nightlife to sandy beaches that offer plenty of relaxation in an overall stunning location. And while sure, it’s perfect for people who don’t mind crowds, it doesn’t get you too much intimacy.
If you want to check out something that makes Bali different, you should consider the vast variety of temples that are dedicated to Balinese Hinduism. Religion is a big deal in Bali, and that’s going to become immediately apparent the moment you step on the island.
And if you want to make the most of it, you should definitely find a method of transport that’s going to get you throughout Bali as quickly as possible.
A tuk-tuk is your best bet, but if you’re feeling adventurous, by all means, get a scooter. The traffic is insane though so make sure you stay safe and know what you’re doing.
Lombok
If you’re keen on a Bali-like experience but don’t really want to bother with tourist crowds, Lombok is one of the best islands in Indonesia that offers all the privacy in the world.
In many other ways, the island is similar to Bali, but it gives you a great spot for a honeymoon experience and a location where you can just relax for a few hours.
Lombok consists of a couple of smaller cities, but Mataram is the one you’ll want to explore.
Culture-wise, it is incredibly packed, just look at the Taman Narmada complex. It’s a complex with a few different temples, and it’s going to leave you in awe every step of the way.
It’s not all about Mataram, though, because Lombok has some staggering surfing spots. It’s considered one of Indonesia’s … scratch that, one of the world’s prime surf locations, and you have a vast variety of beaches.
Kuta and Ekas are two that are commonly recommended for beginners, while more experienced surfers can head straight to Desert Point.
Raja Ampat
Rather than a single island, Raja Ampat is an archipelago that consists of over 600 small islands. Do a bit of research, though, and you’ll find that the name means “Four Kings”, and it was given to the four largest islands of the group – Waigeo, Misool, Bantanta, and Salawati.
Raja Ampat is an absolute paradise and a place you just have to explore if you’ve got a bit of time.
If you’re physically prepared, you should certainly grab a kayak. Yes, it’s a bit of work, but a kayak allows you to get incredibly close to some of the best islands in Indonesia and check them out up close.
The water is absolutely crystal clear, and the limestone karsts are a sight to behold.
But Raja Ampat has another trick up its sleeve, and that’s the fact that the coral life is insane. There’s a lot of variety, and when you factor in the fact that it’s a place not that well discovered by tourists, you can have a lot of fun underwater.
Maluku Islands
Also known as the Spice Islands, the Maluku Islands hide some of Indonesia’s most interesting history. After Vasco Da Gama discovered the sea route to India, it was also discovered that the Maluku Islands are the world’s only source of nutmeg.
This is why they got the nickname Spice Islands and is also why wars were fought for years in order to establish control over the islands. The trade monopoly was a big deal back then.
But it’s not just nutmeg that makes the Spice Islands an interesting location. They combine some of Indonesia’s best nature and culture, and both aspects are unspoiled thanks to the fact that tourists don’t visit the island too often.
The Dutch domination left a lot of stunning architectural objects that are in surprisingly great shape nowadays, and visiting them is going to give you an interesting back in time experience.
And of course, we must also mention the coral life on the Maluku Islands, which is why this is one of the best islands in Indonesia. There are diving spots, snorkeling spots, and whichever one you prefer, you’re going to have a fantastic time.
Hope this post helped you figure out the best islands in Indonesia. Which one of these looked the most exciting to you?
Thanks for stopping by! See you soon.
~Sarah
@sarchetrit (Instagram, TikTok)
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