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Indonesia seems synonymos with Bali for many travelers. And while Bali is definitely worth a trip, there is so much more to explore when putting together an Indonesia itinerary. After all, there are over 16,000 islands to explore!
Indonesia is a great place if you are looking for adventure, unspoiled nature, culture, food, and scuba diving (honestly one of the best things to do all over the country).
There is no ‘best time’ to visit Indonesia as the country spans three time zones and is considered the 14th-largest country in the world. Depending on when you want to travel you will find some great islands to explore.
To say that I have seen a lot of Indonesia would be an overstatement, but I have visited a few islands and will share a little bit – my favorite destinations you should put on your Indonesia itinerary!
The ultimate INDONESIA itinerary
The Island of JAVA
Chances are your Indonesia itinerary will start in Jakarta, the capital known as the Big Durian (New York – Big Apple, Jakarta – Big Durian, get it?!). Booking a flight to Jakarta is often the best way to start your Indonesia trip as international flights tend to be a lot less expensive if you fly into the capital. It is also the easiest way to get to many other destinations in Indonesia if you hop on a domestic flight in Jakarta.
To be honest, I don’t think Jakarta itself is worth a lengthy stay. The city is too loud and crowded for my liking however, some people love it and have compared it with Bangkok which in my book is a good thing as I adore Bangkok.
That said, many other places in Java are definitely worth a visit like Yogyakarta. From here you can easily explore the Borobudur Temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples, and Prambanan Temple, one of the largest Hindu temples in the world.
If you are more into nature and adventures you should head towards East Java to see some of Indonesia’s active volcanoes up close. First comes Mount Bromo in the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park where you can hike to the top (or take a jeep). It is probably Indonesia’s most famous active volcano.
If you head even further east you will get to Ijen. These volcanos are known for their acidic crater lake where sulfur mining takes place and the blue fire that eerily lights the landscape if you dare to hike into the crater at night.
Nusa Islands
If you wanted to add Bali to your Indonesia itinerary now is your chance because once you have hit East Java all you need is a short ferry ride to get to Bali.
For those looking to get off the beaten track, I recommend making your way along the North coast. From Menjangan, via Lovina, you can get to the East in a few hours, and see some local villages and rice terraces on the way. Of course, there is so much to do and see in Bali, I won’t blame you if you decide to stay a few days during your Indonesia itinerary.
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The international airport in Denpasar is also a great spot to connect to many other places in Indonesia if you have already left Jakarta.
If you are in the mood for beach life and/or scuba diving you should head to Nusa Penida or Nusa Lembongan from here. The islands are known for some of the best diving in Indonesia if you like to see Manta Rays and some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. Various boat companies will take you from Bali to either of these islands. Once you are there your best bet is to get around by motorbike or settle in one area and explore on foot.
TANJUNG PUTING, BORNEO
If you want to add a proper adventure to your Indonesia itinerary you have to go to Borneo. Borneo belongs in parts to Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei.
Borneo is one of two places (the other one is Sumatra, yet another Indonesian island to be explored) where you can see orangutans in the wild. Head to Tanjung Puting to jump on a jungle/river cruise on the Sekonyer & Black River – one of the things to do in Indonesia.
On your way, you will see hornbills, crocodiles, and Proboscis Monkeys from a humble but fun abode while cruising. All this before you even stepped into the jungle to discover orangutans in one of the many conservation camps in Borneo.
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MAKASSAR, SULAWESI
Makassar is a great stop-over destination if you are headed to Wakatobi or Raja Ampat, as direct flights are hard to come by.
I have spent quite a few nights at their airport hotel because flights to Sorong always seem to be in the middle of the night. If you dread flight times like these, why not have a layover instead and explore a bit more of Indonesia while you are at it?!
The city of Makassar is known for its port, but I recommend you head out of town and towards Bantimurung National Park. Part natural waterpark, playground for the local school, and butterfly zoo, it is a great location to spend an afternoon. Join the kids on the natural stone slides or hike further into the park to hidden lakes, caves, and springs for eternal youth.
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park, a UNESCO world heritage site and home to the famous Komodo dragon, is one of the best destinations in Indonesia. Komodo is actually not one island but the park consists of part of Flores (where you will find the main airport of the region in Labuan Bajo) and some smaller islands like Komodo island, Rinca and Padar.
The Komodo-dragon-to-people ratio in the area is equal and lush green hills will make you feel like you have stepped into Jurassic Park. Or in The Land Before Time. Or Lost.
From Labuan Bajo, you can do a day trip to explore Komodo and the surrounding islands by boat. There are not only dragons to be discovered, but peaks to be hiked, and bats to be watched.
If you need to chill after lots of adrenalin I recommend a nap on Komodo’s pink beach, one of the best beaches in Indonesia, or cooling off with a sunset view from the water after a manta ray dive. Komodo is considered one of the scuba diving destinations in the world.
WAKATOBI & HOGA
If you want a truly unique island and diving paradise I recommend you head to Wakatobi. It is not a UNESCO Marine Biosphere Reserve for nothing and Wakatobi diving is amazing. While I was probably too nervous to fully enjoy my first dive in half a year, the amount of marine life here is incredible.
If you want even more seclusion head to Hoga Island, a two-hour boat ride away. Robinson would have a field day here: turquoise water, looooong, white beaches, and fresh coconuts – the perfect place to learn the art of doing nothing and one of the best beaches in Indonesia.
Mind you, if you are seeking a bit more interaction after spending your days with the fishes, head towards the Bajo villages in the area. Here you can learn more about life above water, make Kasumi (a steamed root dish), and practice your best Snapchat faces with the kids after school.
The Gili Islands, Lombok
Another favorite destination in Indonesia if you are coming from Bali is the Gili Islands, namely Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno which are just off the coast of Lombok.
It seems like people go there when they need a vacation from their Bali vacation. Mind you, getting there from Lombok is a lot faster and cheaper.
The three islands offer something for every island hopper: parties in Trawangan, diving in Air, and romance and solitude in Meno. While the islands have been badly hit by the last tsunami and have become quite touristy, I still enjoy them. Gili Air is without a doubt my favorite and if you are looking for the perfect, easy-going holiday in Indonesia this is the island for you!
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Raja Ampat
I purposely kept the best for last. Raja Ampat is not one of those names that come up often when you ask people what to see in Indonesia. That is unless the person is a diver. For everyone else, Raja Ampat is too remote, too tricky (and expensive) to get to, and too little developed. You won’t find the best beaches in Indonesia here, there are no smoothie bowls for breakfast, and chances are very good that not even your Indonesian SIM card will give you reception.
Mind you, for some that is all part of the appeal. You will at least need to take one domestic flight and a somewhat lengthy boat ride but then you will find yourself quite literally in paradise. Islands dotted around in turquoise water, palm trees, and a real-life aquarium surrounding it all.
That said, Raja Ampat belongs on any Indonesia itinerary if you are a nature lover because its huge bio-diversity shows above and below the surface.
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How to get to the best places in Indonesia
Some transport options in Indonesia are super easy, others not so much. A great way to get around are domestic airlines like Lion Air, Garuda Indonesia, and Kalstar. Flying in Indonesia is easy and cheap.
If you want to minimize flying obviously boats are the way to go in a place that is home to over 16,000 islands. I guess you can consider ferries a mode of public transport in Indonesia and is the way to go if you don’t mind a longer travel time and want to feel a sense of adventure. Smaller islands like Bali, Lombok, Gilis, and Nusa Islands are easy to reach via speedboat.
On the islands themselves, your best option is usually a taxi or a private car, or a scooter. However, roads can be interesting, to say the least, and you should be an experienced driver.
If you are unsure how to get around you can check 12Go for the best connections and book your tickets.
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2 comments
I didn’t know about Wakatobi et Hoga, never hear about it before. I already visit Komodo, Mentawaï and Lombok but definitely I’ll had it to my list for the next trip. Thanks for sharing gem other than Bali
I mean there are around 16000 islands in Indo 😉 so I don’t think you need to know all of them. I haven’t heard of Mentawai either lol