While it’s impossible to see every Indonesian island out there in one trip – although we dare you to try! – there are a few that are ideal for tourists to get a taste of this beautiful country.

Each island has its own wonders and benefits, so the ones you choose to visit really depends on your personal preference and the type of holiday you’re after.

Don’t sweat, Traveloka is here to help with a guide to these stunning islands.From Bali and Lombok to Java and  Sulawesi, we’ve rounded up some of the best islands to tick off the to-do list during your trip to Indonesia.

Best for: Those wanting a touristy experience at an affordable price

As one of the most popular holiday destinations for Aussies, it’s likely that Bali needs no introduction. For the uninitiated, this Indonesian island attracts travellers every year thanks to its affordable price, stunning beaches, lively atmosphere at bars and restaurants, incredible culture as well as the wide range of wellness experiences such as yoga and spas available. Bali has something for everyone whether it’s relaxing or surfing at Kuta and Seminyak or visiting traditional Balinese temples.

Best for:  Travellers looking for an authentic Indonesian experience.

Lombok is an easily accessible Indonesian island – you can catch a ferry from Bali to get there – and is well regarded for providing an authentic, traditional Indonesia vibe. Unlike some of the more touristy islands, which can be incredibly busy in peak seasons, Lombok is generally more laid-back but still has much to explore.

Best for: Those wishing to explore volcanoes and cultural sites

Indonesia has almost 130 active volcanoes – and the Indonesian island of Java is home to about 45 of them, making  it an incredibly interesting destination to visit from a geography sense alone. Tourists are allowed to visit many of these volcanoes, including the jaw-dropping Mount Bromo and Mount Ijen. As well as volcanoes, Java also plays host to sites that are rich in culture. Among these are UNESCO World Heritage sites like Borobudur (the largest Buddhist temple) and Prambanan (a grand Hindu temple complex).

It’s a pretty big island with a few major airports, and you can fly direct from Australia to Jakarta. If you’re heading to Mount Bromo, it may be best to grab a connection to Surabaya. To see Borobudur and Prambanan, fly to Yogyakarta.

Best for: Travellers wanting to immerse themselves in nature and wildlife

To get to the Komodo Islands, you’ll need to go via Labuan Bajo, but the effort to get here is well worth it. The Komodo Islands is famous for its rich natural landscapes and the surrounding waters which is just Mother Nature pulling off some of her best work. The unique Komodo dragons also call these islands home, so if you’re a wildlife lover, you will appreciate this area of Indonesia. 

Most hotels and accommodation are not on Komodo Island itself but nearby at Labuan Bajo.

Best for: Travellers searching for a serene and tranquil trip

Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan are the three beautiful islands that make up the Nusa Islands. The islands provide some of the most stunning natural landscapes for travellers to soak up during their getaway, with clifftops, pristine white beaches and some of the most exquisite marine life in Indonesia. The Nusa Islands are ideal for anyone who has their eye on relaxation and tranquility. To get here, you’ll need to fly to Bali and catch a ferry over.

Best for: Honeymooners or travellers wanting a romantic getaway

The beautiful Gili Islands incorporate multiple areas, including Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. All these spots have a lot to attract to travellers and the place most ideal to stay at depends on what you value most during your visit. If you are looking for a honeymoon destination or romantic escape, pick  Gili Meno. For a bustling atmosphere with plenty of restaurants, bars and accommodation options, go for Gili Trawangan. Gili Air provides a slice of both.

To get to the Gili Islands, you can either fly to Bali and catch a ferry over, or fly to Lombok (with a stopover) for a shorter boat journey.

Best for: Diving and snorkelling adventures

Sulawesi is just brimming with natural beauty, and the Indonesian island is most famous for its impressive diving and snorkelling opportunities. Diving off Sulawesi's volcanic northern peninsula is considered particularly epic for the sheer beauty you’ll encounter. As well as its diving scenes, Sulawesi contains thick jungle as well as a rich traditional culture that is fascinating to learn about.

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