A Guide To The Beautiful Indonesia Islands

* Initially printed in 2021, up to date in 2025 *

Indonesia is a rustic in Southeast Asia blessed with breathtaking pure magnificence and cultural range. With over 17,000 islands, it’s a land of contrasts from volcanic peaks and luxurious rainforests to infinite coastlines fringed with palm bushes. Add to {that a} wealthy cultural heritage with greater than 300 ethnic teams, and also you’ll discover a vacation spot that’s as fascinating as it’s stunning.

Travelling right here means stepping right into a world of selection. You’ll be able to hike energetic volcanoes, dive amongst coral reefs, wander by means of vibrant villages, or just stretch out on a quiet seashore with nothing however the sound of the waves. And for solo travellers, Indonesia presents each nature and journey. Among the islands make it simple to fulfill others, but in addition potential to seek out hidden corners to your self.

In case you’re planning to go to among the most stunning islands in Indonesia, this text covers the locations that aren’t solely breathtakingly gorgeous but in addition provide a lot extra than simply solar and sand.

1. Bali

Cultural, Ocean, Non secular and Wellness Woman in regards to the Globe

Bali is the island that captures hearts time and again. On my most up-to-date journey, I discovered myself falling for its allure throughout, from dawn strolls alongside Sanur’s promenade to lazy afternoons in Ubud’s rice terraces.

The island’s enchantment lies in its mixture of every little thing: seashores like Kuta and Seminyak for vigorous days by the ocean, religious temples like Uluwatu and Tirta Empul for tradition, and yoga retreats in Ubud for wellness. Surfers head to Canggu and Uluwatu’s breaks, whereas adventurers climb Mount Batur at midnight for a dawn price each step. Foodies may even be spoilt for selection, with every little thing from low-cost native warungs to high-end eating. And that is to not point out the seashore golf equipment too. 

Bali can be extremely simple for solo travellers. The infrastructure is great, locals are heat, and it’s top-of-the-line locations in Southeast Asia to fulfill fellow travellers, whether or not in a hostel, a co-working cafe, or climbing a volcano. 

2. Lombok

Journey, Eco, Ocean Woman in regards to the Globe

Lombok can be a bit bit much less developed than Bali, which suggests it has fewer vacationers whereas nonetheless having a few of identical actions that you’d discover in Bali. The very best factor about visiting Lombok is touring Mount Rinjani National Park.

Culturally, Lombok is totally different from Bali. It’s predominantly Muslim, and visiting conventional Sasak villages offers you an perception into weaving traditions and every day life. It’s quieter socially than Bali, however excellent for solos who get pleasure from nature and slower journey.

Lombok can be a fantastic vacation spot for adventurers and thrill-seekers. The island has limestone cliffs, palm bushes, lush rainforests and mountains with spectacular views of the ocean under. There are additionally loads of actions to get your adrenaline going.

The seashores are one other spotlight. Selong Belanak is ideal for newbie surfers, whereas Pink Seaside dazzles with its rose-coloured sand. Head north, and also you’ll uncover waterfalls like Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile, hidden deep throughout the jungle.

3. Komodo Island

Wildlife Woman in regards to the Globe

Komodo Island is likely one of the most original locations in Indonesia. Its well-known residents, the Komodo dragons, are cause sufficient to go to. Most individuals come right here as a result of they wish to see these superior creatures up shut and private. 

Seeing these big lizards in Komodo Nationwide Park is unquestionably a as soon as in a lifetime expertise (komodos can develop as much as three metres lengthy), particularly figuring out that they’ve been roaming right here for tens of millions of years. 

However the island has greater than dragons. Komodo National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, is a paradise for divers and those that love snorkelling. See the shimmers of Pink Seaside or go to Padar Island which has some of the iconic viewpoints within the nation after a steep however rewarding climb.

Most travellers discover the park from Labuan Bajo on Flores, becoming a member of liveaboard boat excursions that mix trekking, diving, snorkelling, and island-hopping. For solos, these excursions are a superb strategy to meet others and share the journey.

4. Gili Islands

Ocean, Celebration, Wellness Woman in regards to the Globe

Simply off Lombok’s coast, the Gili Islands are car-free, laid-back, and unforgettable. Every of the three islands has its personal persona.

As a fast abstract, Gili Trawangan is the liveliest, identified for its events, seashore bars, and hearth exhibits below the celebrities. Gili Air is extra balanced. There’s yoga, snorkelling, and relaxed cafés, with simply sufficient nightlife to maintain it fascinating. Gili Meno is the smallest and quietest, ideally suited if you’d like peace and lengthy walks on empty seashores. 

Snorkelling right here is unbelievable, with sea turtles usually noticed simply offshore. The sunsets are magical too, with swings arrange over the water for these picture-perfect moments.

Relying on the time of 12 months that you simply go to Gili Meno, you’ll discover loads of actions for any solo. For ocean lovers, the island is right for fishing, deep-sea diving, boating and swimming. For individuals who want to maintain their ft on the bottom and delve into social actions, then visiting markets within the village or taking a conventional Balinese dance lesson with one of many locals may be just right for you! No matter your choice of exercise, this small island positively has one thing to maintain you energetic in your journey. 

Gili Air is a extra laid-back island than the opposite two islands and is common for its enjoyable actions. One in every of these is snorkelling within the blue waters for dazzling tropical fish, noticed sharks, vibrant coral reefs, and luxurious sea turtles, and at instances you could even cross paths with playful dolphins.

There are lots of things to do on the island. You may as well attempt your hand at fishing, lay on the seashore below a shady palm tree or dine in one of many eating places providing menus with worldwide delicacies from Asian to Mediterranean dishes.

Gili Trawangan is the place you see extra backpackers enjoyable on the seashore than on every other island within the area. The favored get together scene normally takes place round Billy’s Bar at night time time whereas listening to reside music or watching hypnotic hearth exhibits. 

One other good cause for visiting these stunning islands is to get pleasure from a delicious recent seafood lunch at one of many many eating places that supply nice service. Gili Islands are additionally scenically excellent, with lush vegetation akin to banana palms and lovely watercolour sunsets.

5. West Papua (previously Irian Jaya)

Cultural, Tribal Woman in regards to the Globe

West Papua is one in every of Indonesia’s most distant areas, and travelling right here can really feel like stepping again in time. Its landscapes are spectacular, from the Baliem Valley’s lush highlands to the marine paradise of Raja Ampat, usually known as the most effective diving vacation spot on the earth. The coral reefs listed here are pristine, teeming with marine life, and draw divers from across the globe.

The cultural facet is simply as fascinating. Simply because the mainland: Papua New Guinea, the place I visited the Skeleton and Mudmen tribe in 2025), West Papua can be dwelling to tons of of tribes, every with its personal language and traditions. Visiting villages with an area information presents a uncommon glimpse into historical methods of life.

That stated, Papua isn’t the simplest or most secure vacation spot. Components of the highlands have skilled tribal conflicts and unrest, making unbiased journey tough. Because of this, most travellers give attention to Raja Ampat or be part of organised excursions for trekking within the Baliem Valley. It’s not ideally suited for first-time solos, however for skilled travellers, it’s unforgettable.

6. Sumba Island

Cultural, Ocean Woman in regards to the Globe

Sumba is rugged, uncooked, and superbly genuine. In contrast to a lot of Indonesia’s better-known islands, it hasn’t been overtaken by tourism, which is precisely why it has such an untamed enchantment. The island is quietly gaining a popularity amongst surfers. Its southwestern and southeastern coastlines catch constant swells all through the dry season (Could to October). One of many world’s most acclaimed waves, Occy’s Left, breaks simply offshore at Nihiwatu but it surely stays unique, reserved for visitors on the luxurious Nihi Sumba resort. 

Off the crushed path, Sumba rewards explorers with its cultural depth. Conventional villages akin to Wainyapu, identified for its megalithic dolmens, provide a uncommon glimpse into customs that stay rooted in ancestral spirituality and communal life. It’s the form of place the place ceremonies, weaving traditions, and village rituals are woven into on a regular basis life, not simply staged for guests.

And whereas infrastructure could also be fundamental with thatched-roof homes, distant coastal roads, and native guesthouses, Sumba’s remoteness is precisely a part of its allure. Now, it’s additionally turning into identified for wellness with spa safaris and equine yoga experiences towards gorgeous pure backdrops

7. Nusa Penida Island

Journey, Nature Woman in regards to the Globe

Only a brief boat trip from Bali, Nusa Penida feels wilder and extra dramatic. The island’s cliffs drop into turquoise seas, and viewpoints like Kelingking Cliff which is formed like a T-Rex, are among the many most photographed in Indonesia.

Different highlights embrace Angel’s Billabong, a pure infinity pool, and Damaged Seaside with its spectacular sea arch. You’ll be able to take a snorkelling journey to swim with manta rays (a bucket-list expertise). Different stunning locations on the island embrace Damaged Seaside, Crystal Bay and Tembeling Seaside.

The roads are steep and bumpy, so exploring right here looks like an journey. Many individuals come on day journeys, however staying in a single day means you’ll get quieter mornings and sunsets with out the crowds. For solos, it’s finest to rent a driver or be part of a tour except you’re very assured on a scooter. 

8. Flores Island

Cultural, Nature Woman in regards to the Globe

Flores is one in every of Indonesia’s hidden gems, filled with selection and allure however much less busy than Bali. The island is most well-known for Kelimutu volcano, whose three crater lakes shimmer in several colors; emerald, turquoise, and even deep black (relying on the minerals within the water). Seeing them at dawn is magical.

However Flores is extra than simply volcanoes. In Wae Rebo, a mountain village of cone-shaped homes, you may spend the night time and expertise every day life with native households. Elsewhere on the island, there are waterfalls, caves, and quiet seashores ready to be found. Offshore, swimming with whale sharks is an unforgettable journey.

Labuan Bajo, on the western tip, has grown right into a vigorous city and a launch level for Komodo Nationwide Park. It’s additionally a fantastic place for solo travellers to fulfill others earlier than heading out on a ship journey. 

Sensible Ideas for Solo Travellers in Indonesia

• When to go: The dry season (April to October) is finest for sunshine and out of doors adventures. July and August are busiest, so attempt Could, June, or September for good climate with out the crowds. I re-visited Bali in late November and it was wet season however I used to be nonetheless in a position to go to the seashore. 

• Getting round: Flying is the quickest strategy to cowl lengthy distances. Quick boats join close by islands like Bali, Lombok, and Nusa Penida. On land, scooters are widespread, however hiring a driver is safer in the event you’re not assured.

• Visas: Many nationalities can get a 30-day visa on arrival, extendable as soon as. If you’re travelling between the mainland and an island, you could have to pay for one more 30-day visa although even in the event you’re solely transiting (this occurred to me flying from Timor Leste through Bali to Jakarta). There’s additionally an e-VOA possibility if you wish to apply on-line earlier than your journey.

• Security: Indonesia is usually protected for solo feminine travellers. Bali, the Gilis, and Flores are particularly snug. Take additional care on Nusa Penida’s cliffs and roads. West Papua requires warning so stick with guided excursions or Raja Ampat in the event you do go.

• Cash: The forex is the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). ATMs are simple to seek out in vacationer areas, however convey money for smaller islands.

• Assembly others: Hostels, yoga retreats, dive colleges, and boat journeys are excellent for connection. Even in quieter areas, locals are pleasant and sometimes eager to talk.

Remaining Ideas 

Indonesia is such a shocking a part of the world. One second you’re sharing a seashore with sea turtles, the subsequent you’re studying about historical rituals in a mountain village. Every island has its personal flavour, its personal tempo, and its personal story.

Whether or not you’re a Wellness Woman in regards to the Globe heading for yoga in Ubud, a Celebration Woman dancing below the celebrities on one of many Gili islands or an Eco Woman chasing waterfalls in Flores, there’s an island right here that’s excellent for you.