Indonesia is a story for itself. It’s a stunning archipelago consisting of 17,000 beautiful islands, most of them being uninhabited and at the most remote locations. Many places are still unknown to tourists, so if you plan to visit Indonesia this year, this is your chance to explore these enchanting gems and enjoy their beauty.
Bali is the synonym for Indonesian culture; however, it has recently become a place of increased tourism and overdevelopment. Thus, a trip beyond the beautiful island of Bali is definitely worth the trouble!
If you travel to the other islands in Indonesia, you will see pink sand beaches, exotic wildlife, smoking volcanoes, breathtaking sceneries, sulfur lakes, and tropical rainforests. And so much more than that.
Ride with us on a journey of island-hopping and exploring the beautiful islands of Indonesia. Here’s a complete list of the islands you should visit beyond Bali!
Nusa Penida
Nusa Penida is a wonderful island located 25 kilometers from Bali, part of the Bali province. It’s home to some of the most exotic beaches worldwide and beautiful sceneries scattered throughout the archipelago.
One way to get to this island is to book an Indonesia cruise ship holiday. Most cruise lines have multiple islands included in the itinerary, so check their packages and choose one of your fittings.
Another way to visit Nusa Penida is on a day trip from Bali, where you can spend a couple of days and see the top attractions like Broken Bay and enjoy a cocktail on Diamond Beach or Kelingking Beach.
Copyright: Fajruddin Mudzakkir on Unsplash I License: CC0 Public Domain
- Nusa Ceningan
It’s another Nusa island and the smallest one of the three. While you’re at Nusa Penida, you can take a stroll to this small, cute island and visit the seaside cafes or drive across the iconic yellow bridge.
- Nusa Lembongan
The third in the Nusa group, this island has famous sights like the white sand beach, often referred to as “Dream Beach,” or the cliff spots where you can admire nature and the crashing waves. This spot is known as “Devil’s Tears,” and it’s worth a visit!
Java
You’ve probably heard about Java island in Indonesia and its famous volcanic landscapes. Did you know that the Java programming language got its name from this island? Kim Polese, a product manager, wanted a name for the programming language her company has been developing that will be the essence of the technology: fun, lively, dynamic, and revolutionary. Thus, the connection to this Java island. And that’s why the logo of this language is a cup of coffee.
Enough about technology; we’re here to learn more about the islands beyond Bali. Java is the home of several smoking craters on Kawah Ljen, Kawah Putih, and Mount Bromo, which became popular tourist attractions over the years. This is a great spot to pick up some Indonesian souvenirs while you’re there.
In the east part of the island, you can visit ancient temples that resemble the temples of “The Jungle Book.” There are also dozens of waterfalls where you can take a stroll and enjoy their beauty.
The top attractions to visit in Java are Prambanan Temple, Dieng Plateau, and Mount Bromo are the top attractions to visit in Java.
Lombok
Lombok is located east of Bali and fosters incredible sceneries and several small cities. The city of Mataram is the home of the 18th century Taman Mayura palace, a Hindu temple that was turned into a park where the residents and tourists can relax and drink a cup of coffee.
If you visit Lombok and you don’t go to Kuta, a thriving beach with amazing surfing spots, it’s like you’ve never been to Lombok.
Flores
The Spanish and Portuguese translation for Flores is “flowers.” It’s an island with undeniable beauty and a known getaway to the Komodo Islands. Some of the highlights of your trip can be:
- A trek to Wae Rebo Village – it’s located in the central highlands where there are a lot of traditional villages and picturesque panoramic views;
- Visit the Kelimutu National Park;
- Visit to rice paddies;
- Hike along Padar Island;
Komodo Islands
The Komodo Islands are home to the Komodo Dragon, a lizard that can reach up to 10 feet in length. Their life expectancy is up to 30 years, and it’s common to find them sunbathing on the shores.
The highlights of your journey to the Komodo Islands can include: swimming with manta rays, relaxing in idyllic white-sand beaches, enjoying spectacular views from the top of Padar Island, etc.
Copyright: David Clode on Unsplash I License: CC0 Public Domain
Learn More
Visit our blog to learn more about Indonesia, how to get around, which top attractions to visit, what to pack, or how long your journey should be to get the ultimate Indonesian experience.
Also, don’t forget to bring your camera and capture all of those memories!