The best islands to visit in Indonesia

Just one look at the green islands and turquoise waters of Raja Ampat and you’ll understand why it’s nicknamed ‘the last paradise on Earth’. This archipelago in West Papua has hundreds of islands featuring lush jungle, white sand beaches and blue lagoons. Waigeo, the largest island, is the best place for outdoor adventures. Its pristine coral reefs and rich marine life make scuba diving and snorkelling the main activities, while its forest interiors offer treks where you can spot birds of paradise, possums and giant monitor lizards. Accommodation options in Raja Ampat range from basic to luxury, but a liveaboard boat is the best choice for those who want to island hop.

The world’s most populous island, Java is an incredibly diverse place with a holiday for every type of person. Discover cities like Jakarta (Indonesia’s sprawling capital), Yogyakarta and Bandung, which are packed with thousands of years of history and culture. Away from the cities are World Heritage Sites like Borobudur and Prambanan, and national parks home to natural wonders such as smoking volcanos, waterfalls and mountain lakes. Looking to visit multiple places in Java? You’ll be pleased to know the island has an extensive rail network that’s clean, comfortable, punctual and affordable – this is by far the best way to get around Java.

The wild and rugged landscapes of Sumba are ideal for those wanting to get off the beaten track. Relax on quiet beaches, swim in crystalline lagoons and towering waterfalls, or watch the sun go down over the island’s gently rolling hills. To see traditional architecture and purchase handicrafts such as ikat weavings, visit villages such as Ratenggaro and Prai Ijing. Sumba is a large island, with attractions spread all around – so, it’s best to split your time between the west and east. If you’re visiting around February and March, it’s well worth catching the Pasola Festival, a spear-fighting competition to celebrate the arrival of harvest season.

One of Indonesia’s major islands, Sulawesi boasts a wide range of spectacular landscapes, including jungle, beaches, volcanoes and karst caves, home to some of the earliest human paintings. Bunaken National Marine Park in the north and Wakatobi National Park in the south have some of the most biodiverse waters in the country, with abundant marine life, including whales, dolphins and turtles. In the highlands of Sulawesi is the Tana Toraja region, where the main draw is the people themselves. They have highly decorative houses and ancient traditions centering around life and death, making their village one of the most interesting cultural destinations in the country.

Sulawesi is rather irregularly shaped, divided into four peninsulas: north, south, south east and central. Ferries and buses are the most common way of getting around, although it’s much faster to fly between the major cities.

To the east of Bali is Lombok, a laid-back island that’s often likened to what Bali was like 30 years ago. Outdoor enthusiasts can discover the island’s rainforests, paddy fields and waterfalls, or take the challenging climb up Mount Rinjani. At 3,726 metres, Indonesia’s second-tallest volcano is no walk in the park.

Those who prefer to spend their holidays horizontal can choose from a wealth of stunning beaches, from powdery white in the south to black volcanic in the north. Meanwhile, culture vultures can visit weaving and pottery villages, shop for bargains in the markets of Ampenan and Cakra, and try all kinds of mouth-watering street food. A word of warning – Lombok’s food is known to be very spicy. In fact, the name ‘Lombok’ itself means ‘chilli’ in Indonesian.

Located off the coast of Lombok, the Gili Islands are the ideal destination for a beach holiday. The largest is Gili Trawangan, popular with backpackers and younger travellers looking for a lively nightlife scene. In the middle is Gili Meno, the least-visited of the three. Known as the ‘honeymoon island’, this is the place to disconnect and enjoy white-sand beaches all to yourself.

Gili Air is the ideal blend of the two. There are just enough bars to enjoy a good night out, but it’s also easy to find empty stretches of beach to have to yourself. The Gilis are a great place for watersports, especially snorkelling and scuba diving. There are also plenty of yoga studios and spas if you’re looking for some downtime.

Komodo, Padar and Rinca are the three main islands in the Komodo National Park. These islands are one of Indonesia’s most unique destinations, where you can combine wildlife watching with island hopping, scuba diving and trekking. The park is the natural habitat of the mighty Komodo dragons, the largest reptiles in the world. They can grow up to 3 metres in length and have a venomous bite, so you’ll want to go with a guided tour for this one. The park is also known for its vibrant coral reefs, making snorkelling or scuba diving a must. A boat tour or liveaboard will take you to all the best spots, including the scenic viewpoint on Padar Island and the beautiful Pink Beach.