The best islands of Indonesia - Bali and beyond

The largest in the world, the Malay Archipelago consists of more than 17 thousand islands. Many remote areas of land are still uninhabited, and have not even been explored. There are an incredible number of places in Indonesia that will be ideal for adventure. Choose yours from the list of “Best Islands in Indonesia” and go on an unforgettable journey.

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Holidays in Bali

Bali is the visiting card of all Indonesia. This island has been heard all over the world as a paradise for relaxation and spiritual rebirth. Its old temples, pristine nature of green peaks and pristine beaches are not to be missed. Bali perfectly combines a beach holiday with active travel through the jungle and authentic places.

The best resorts in Bali

In the south of the island, the most stunning beaches, with a wide coastline and a lot of recreational activities for tourists. Surfers have chosen the southern coasts, as the best spots can be found here all year round. The tourist infrastructure of the resorts is developed at a high level. Bali, as a world tourism center, offers an excellent choice of accommodation - from budget hostels to comfortable villas. It remains only to choose a direction.

• Kuta beach. Historic Bali. In Kuta, a few decades ago, it was already crowded, and the infrastructure developed at the right pace. The beach of the central part of Kuta is always in demand, but due to its size, the influx of tourists is not so noticeable. A wide sandy coast with a gentle sunset and surfer waves, a large number of coastal restaurants and an equally diverse selection of hotels. In addition, Kuta offers a convenient location - only 3 kilometers from the Ngurah Rai International Airport.
• Seminyak. To the north of Kuta lies the more tranquil resort area of Seminyak. With the same beautiful beach, but in a more relaxed environment. There are many cozy establishments, water equipment rentals and shops. Beautiful and well-groomed coast with sand and equipped areas.
• Jimbaran. A relatively young beach resort in Bali, which is developing in a small fishing village. The beach is amazing, the infrastructure is appropriate. Jimbaran has a good selection of accommodations, plenty of waterfront restaurants, and an authentic fish market.
• Canggu. Holiday village with a certain Balinese atmosphere retreat. Paradise for expats in Bali . Beautiful coastline with volcanic sand, beach infrastructure, hotels, entertainment and restaurants. Canggu is distinguished by the greenery of the surrounding rice fields and picturesque landscapes.
• Nusa Dua. There are no Balinese on the coasts of this tourist area. Recreation conditions are created exclusively for tourists. Beautiful coastline with fine golden sand, a string of luxury hotels, gourmet restaurants, tennis courts, and even a major shopping mall.
• Sanur. A suitable corner for universal relaxation. Sanur has all the conditions for active tourists and for seekers of a peaceful environment. Surf schools, cozy cafes, a colorful market and a measured atmosphere of a seaside resort.
• Ubud. The most amazing city in Bali. If you are looking for exotic on the islands - you are here. The nature and culture of this place create special conditions for a moral and physical reset. Balinese dances, traditional crafts, local art, ancient temples and the nature of the pristine tropics attract many seekers of romance and peace to Ubud.
• Amed. This is a cozy town with a 10-kilometer coastline, which is located in the northeastern part of Bali, 85 kilometers from Denpasar. Compared to the south of the island, this is a rather quiet and peaceful place, where recently the tourist infrastructure has been rapidly developing. Housing offers in Amed are no less than in Ubud. Black volcanic coast, calm sea, picturesque streets and unique mountain routes in the vicinity of Agung volcano.
• Lovina. Beach area on the north side of Bali. As in Amed, it's great here
• tourism is developed, and prices are much lower than in the southern resorts of the island. Dark uncrowded beaches, verdant landscapes, great selection of cafes, spas and hotels. Be sure to pay attention to diving and a trip to hot springs.

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Vacation islands near Bali

Through Bali, you can get to several remote, but no less beautiful places in Indonesia.

Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida is located 12 kilometers off the southeast coast of Bali. Water communication with it is excellently established. The island has all the infrastructure and many options for accommodation. People come here to admire the pristine waterfalls and jungles, rocky bays and pristine beaches. Among the most popular places in Nusa Penida is the Goa Underground Temple Giri Putri (Suana village). Holidays in Nusa Penida will be both measured and eventful. This is the same Bali, but with more secluded beaches and stunning rocky coastlines.

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Nusa Ceningan

Between Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan there is a very small but very picturesque Nusa Ceningan . The island of the amazing Blue Lagoon and deserted coasts. Infrastructure for guests is limited to a few bars and shops. The island has a couple of dozen hotels for a secluded holiday. It is convenient to get here from Bali.

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Nusa Lembongan

The third island of the Nusa region. Here you will find exotic nature with pristine bays and tropical forests. Travelers this corner of Indonesia opened relatively recently. However, Nusa Lembongan today has a good selection of hotels and cozy establishments. The island is famous for its dive spots, surfer spots and the serene atmosphere of wild coasts. Private boats and sightseeing boats sail here from Bali. To get to know the beautiful island better, stay here for a couple of nights. There are many tourist routes along Lembongan.

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Menjangan

A few kilometers off the northwest coast of Bali is the small island of Menjangan, which is part of the Bali National Park Barat. It is uninhabited, so there are no amenities for tourist recreation here. But there is the incredible beauty of the wild island and unique places for scuba diving. The living reefs around Menjangan have the richest underwater ecosystem. Snorkeling tours and safaris in the park will bring a lot of impressions.

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Serangan

At the southern tip of Bali, there is a paradise island for turtles and surfers. There are no protected forests on Serangan, this is an ideal place for beach and water activities. It is connected to Bali by a bridge. As an excursion destination, the island is chosen to get acquainted with green turtles, which are bred in local ponds. Also on Serangan is the Sakenan Temple, a place of pilgrimage during religious celebrations. The eastern coasts of Serangan are suitable for surfers and divers who will appreciate the local reefs.

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Lombok Island

Lombok is one of the best places to experience authentic Indonesia. It is located not far from Bali, but radically differs in the culture of the local people. In addition to the same incredible nature, there are all conditions for recreation. The center of attention of tourists in Lombok is most often Rinjani volcano, one of the most picturesque in all of Indonesia. Trekking lovers will have something to do. Journeys for several days start from the villages of Sembalun and Senaru. Homestays and lodges are open here for a break. Routes with guides are laid through ancient gorges, waterfalls and dense jungle. For a relaxing holiday in the nature of Lombok, you can also choose the village of Tetebatu. There are many hotels and hostels on the best beaches of the island - in the regions of Senggigi, Tanjung , Medan and Kuta, so there are no problems with choosing housing.

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Gili Islands

There are three small islands of Indonesia in the northwest of Lombok - Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno. Experienced divers, these tropical coasts of Indonesia are on a separate list, and they have definitely decided which are the best islands in Indonesia. There are many dive spots, the best diving schools and a rich marine ecosystem.

• Geely Trawangan. The largest and most populous of the trinity of the Gili Islands. The infrastructure is developed at a decent level. There is a seaport, enough hotels, cafes, restaurants, shops and water equipment rentals. The beaches on Trawangan are incredibly instagrammable - with white sand and endless azure sea. People come here for entertainment on the water and on land, as well as for bright diving.
• Geely Air. Air is considered to be the calmest among the Gili Islands. The infrastructure is no worse, and there are plenty of bounty beaches with stunning landscapes. The island is ideal for a romantic getaway in seclusion. Of course, diving and snorkeling is worth a visit here. You will encounter majestic manta rays, green turtles, sharks and other underwater creatures.
• Geely Meno. An island for meditation on deserted coasts, stingray diving and relaxing holidays. If retreat is to your liking, feel free to choose the small but picturesque Gili Meno.

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Java - the best resort areas of the island

Java is one of the main islands of the Malay Archipelago and Indonesia. It is the cultural, historical and tourist center of the country. In Java, you will find a colorful mix of megacities and wild jungles with authentic settlements. Exotic nature and active volcanoes are the main reasons for the attractiveness of Java in terms of tourism. The island involves mega-active leisure. Where to go for the best vacation in Java?

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Jakarta

There are many attractions in the capital of Indonesia, despite the fact that for many it is just a transit point. A few days in Jakarta will allow you to enjoy unusual shopping in the old flea markets and in the most modern shopping centers, walking around the old city of Batavia and visiting the main Indonesian museums. In the capital itself, many sightseeing objects are concentrated in the area of Fatahila Square. While in Jakarta, spend a day or two on the Thousand Islands Beach Tour (Pulau Seribu). You will discover all the charm of the island nature of Indonesia.

What to visit in Jakarta:

• Istana Presidential Palace Merdeka.
• Monas Tower is a symbol of Indonesian independence (Merdeka Square).
• Istiklal Mosque ( next to Monas Tower).
• Beautiful park Mini Indonesia.
• National Museum of Indonesia.
• Zoo Ragunan.

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Bandung

The "Flower City" of Java, which is also called the local Paris, for its European architecture and atmosphere. In Java, Bandung is considered the most popular city among Javanese and tourists. It is surrounded by volcanoes, rice cascades and coffee plantations. Besides, Badung is a city of students. Universities here, in total, about a thousand. Amazing green nature with mountain landscapes, a cozy city with sights and great places for shopping.

Staying in Bandung for a couple of days is not difficult. The city has housing of all available categories.

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Lembang

A beautiful place in the mountainous Parahyangan region, in the center of West Java, 15 kilometers north of Bandung. This is the starting point for many tourist routes, where there are excellent resorts with thermal springs and an indescribable atmosphere of local color. Active tourists usually go along the scenic trails of the Tangkuban Prau volcano. Lembang is spread out on its slope, at an altitude of 1300 to 2084 meters.

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Malang

A modern center and point of departure for eco-tourists. Unlike Bandung, Malang is the Paris of East Java. During colonization, Europeans often rested here. Malang has many places worth visiting. But still, the Bromo volcano is the central object of research. A one day tour from Malang to meet the sunrise on Bromo is not very time consuming, but very inspiring. Excursions on SUVs in the mountains and hiking trails in natural areas will also bring a lot of pleasure.

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Semarang

The largest port city of Java is Semarang, located on the northern coast, at the mouth of the river of the same name. It is one of the main cities in the province of Central Java, an important commercial and industrial center of the island. Tourists will not be bored here. People go to Semarang for mountain walks among the amazing tropics of the mountainous region of Ungaran. In the city itself, you can visit the unique Archaeological Museum, which has no equal in all of Indonesia. Tours of local factories, tea and jasmine plantations are most popular.

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Yogyakarta

If you want to get to know the culture of Java more closely, you should visit Yogyakarta. The city is considered the center of arts and crafts. This is a fairly large tourist gathering point, from which many interesting routes emanate. The city itself is one of the first on the island. Its historical places fascinate with their color. Picturesque nature, palace vaults, temples, museums and bustling streets of Yogyakarta attract thousands of tourists. The cultural capital often hosts exhibitions and festivals.

What to include in your visit:

• The largest temple complexes in Indonesia are Borobudur and Prambanan.
• Volcano Merapi.
• Water castle Taman Sari.
• Jomblang cave.

There are many accommodation options in and around the city.

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Karimun Java Islands

An archipelago of 27 islands, which is located 80 kilometers from the coastal city of Jepara (Central Java). 22 of them are one of the best nature reserves in Indonesia - Karimunjawa Marine National Park (Karimunjawa). The places here are incredible even for the most experienced tourist: white sand beaches, mangrove forests, pristine coral reefs, where you can see more than 50 types of corals, and the extraordinary culture of local settlements. The Karimunjawa community differs from the Javanese in its traditions and customs.

The main island of Karimun has hotels and the necessary infrastructure. You can get to the protected archipelago through Devadaru airport, which receives flights from Surabaya and Semarang.

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Holidays in Sumatra

In terms of tourism, Sumatra is the third most popular island in Indonesia, after Java and Bali. Due to volcanic activity, amazingly beautiful dark sand beaches and crystal lakes have formed in Sumatra. It is near the shores of huge reservoirs that the mountain-climatic resorts of the island are concentrated. For example, on the largest lake Toba there are many places for recreation, including the prestigious Parapat resort. The island has an excellent choice of both luxurious hotels and small guest houses.

• In the northern part of Sumatra is Gunung Leser, one of the most stunning nature reserves in the country.
• Volcanoes of Sinabung and Sibayak beckons to go on an unforgettable journey through the best trekking areas of Sumatra.
• In the vicinity of the huge Kerinci National Park Seblat, which spans the four provinces of Sumatra, has stunning trekking trails and resort areas.
• The province of Jambi has the largest complex of Hindu-Buddhist temples, Muara Jambi.
• Padang is the capital and port of West Sumatra and can be reached by ferry from Jakarta. Atmospheric city, beautiful nature surroundings and excellent beaches.
• Lake Toba. Resort oasis of Sumatra. Colorful houses on the coasts, solitude and nature of Indonesia in all its grandeur.
• Lampuk. A resort village in the north of Sumatra, which is distinguished by picturesque sandy coastlines and the presence of good hotels.

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Batam and Bintan Islands

20 kilometers from Singapore are two islands that belong to the Indonesian province of Riau. These are places where the economic side of Indonesia is successfully combined with tourism. Surrounded by tropical nature, there is an industrial center, a modern infrastructure with luxurious resorts, gourmet restaurants and golf courses overlooking the sea coast. There are hotels with facilities for business meetings, combined with resort life.

Batam is home to Hang Nadim Airport, which receives domestic flights from major cities in Indonesia.

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Mentawai Islands

Distant and alluring Mentawai are rarely seen in travel brochures. This is their feature. Due to the difficulties with the transfer, the islands are not popular, but they are so attractive to those who seek curiosities and original places in Indonesia. Extreme seekers are not stopped by the absence of the usual amenities and hotels in search of the Mentawai culture and meetings with representatives of local tribes. Tours here can really be called the most exotic. The nature of the Mentawai Islands is as rich as in the entire Malay Archipelago. The main highlight is the traditions and way of life that have been preserved here since ancient times.

Mentawai are scattered in the ocean, 130-150 kilometers from the western side of Sumatra. The main islands include: Siberut, Sipora, Pagay Selatan and Pagay Utara. The largest and northernmost of these is Siberut. In addition to unforgettable encounters with the native Mentawais, here you will find deep jungles, lack of roads, electricity, internet and mobile communication places.

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Bangka and Belitung Islands

The province, located southeast of Sumatra, consists of several islands, the largest of which are Bangka and Belitung. During their history, they were part of several kingdoms and colonies, so you can find historical places here. The islands are characterized by an equatorial climate, dense forests and beautiful beaches. The tourist infrastructure is quite developed. You can find suitable hotels with maximum amenities.

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