15 Best Islands in Indonesia to Visit Before They’re the Next Bali

Bali may be a go-to tropical travel destination for many, but there’s much more to see beyond its beautiful shores.

For years, Indonesia has been my annual escape. The epic landscapes and warm people keep drawing me back. My first trip may have ended with a scooter accident in Sumatra, but despite that, I couldn’t stay away.

Over the years, I’ve returned again and again, spending months exploring more than a dozen of Indonesia’s 17,500 islands (though even the government doesn’t have an official count!).

The incredible thing about Indonesia is that each island I’ve visited feels like a whole new country. I’ve experienced an elaborate cremation ritual, taken on fiery volcano hikes, and found the best surf spots.

I urge anyone visiting to venture beyond Bali, so here are 12 of my favorite and best islands in Indonesia worth adding to your bucket list.

1. Nusa Penida, Bali

Nusa Penida’s rising popularity isn’t just hype; it’s got numbers and crowds to back it up. This island, about 45 minutes from Bali by boat, boasts Kelingking Beach, whose sharp cliff view is one of the most photographed in Indonesia. The other incredible beach option is Diamond Beach, on the eastern side of the island.

Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool, might have one of the coolest names and views you’ll ever see. With another 5 minute walk, you can see Broken Beach, a cliff with a natural arch that you can walk across.

Curious about marine life? Come face-to-face with the giant Mola Mola in the cold waters of late summer, or let the manta rays swim right up to you.

2. Padar Island, East Nusa Tenggara

Padar Island may not be the biggest in the Komodo National Park, but it’s the one with that epic viewpoint. From the hiking viewpoint, you can see three beaches, each with different colored sand. One is white, one is black, and the other is pink.

Climbing to the viewpoint takes about 30 minutes, but the scenery makes you want to take out your camera every 2 minutes.

While Padar’s beaches aren’t ideal for swimming due to the rough currents, they’re perfect for taking selfies just in time for the sunrise. And, no dragons here; those guys exist only on Rinca and Komodo, leaving Padar as a slightly less terrifying option.

3. Bali

Bali is obviously Indonesia’s most famous island. From the chaotic surf of Kuta Beach to the jungle vibes of Ubud, a Bali bucket list caters to spiritual yogis, party people, and beach lovers alike.

Romp around the steep rice terraces and purify yourself at temples like Tirta Empul. Meanwhile, the nightlife in Seminyak is for anyone who doesn’t mind overpriced cocktails with a side of sunset. Bali’s temples, like Uluwatu and Tanah Lot, have ridiculous cliffside views that even the most jaded traveler will appreciate.

Head to north Bali to hike the active volcano Mount Batur, then snorkel the Tulamben shipwreck in East Bali.

4. Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

Lombok is often called “Bali’s chill cousin.” It certainly has fewer crowds and equally epic waterfalls and landscapes at a fraction of the price.

For starters, you’ve got Mount Rinjani, the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. The volcanic ashy trek to the summit was surprisingly tough, but the crater lake views are worth every blister.

Down at sea level, Kuta Lombok has the best beaches without the chaos of its Bali counterpart. If you don’t plan on making it to Komodo National Park, head to the lesser-known Pink Beach, whose rosy-hued sand is more than Instagram-worthy.

5. Java

Java is home to Jakarta, the capital, but the city is not what you would come for. On the east side, Mount Bromo is a must-see, especially at sunrise when the sky turns all kinds of fiery colors.

Often paired in one trip, Kawah Ijen is another show-stopper, with its electric blue fire near the world’s most acidic lake.

In Yogyakarta, Prambanan and Borobudur are among the most impressive ancient temples in the world. If you’re willing to make the drive, I thought the beaches of Gunung Kidul were even more impressive than in Bali.

6. Flores, East Nusa Tenggara

Adventurous Flores is the gateway to Komodo National Park, but it has plenty of attractions on its own. First, the Kelimutu Volcano, with its three multi-colored crater lakes, is unreal. They change colors throughout the year, sometimes green, blue, or even red.

The island itself is lush, and driving through its winding roads offers one scenic view to another. Labuan Bajo, the jumping-off point for trips to Komodo, has turned into a mini-tourist town with fancy restaurants and larger resorts. But the real beauty lies beyond the town, snorkeling at the 17 Islands Marine Park or staying overnight in Wae Rebo Village for an authentic tribal experience.

7. Gili Islands, Lombok

The Gili Islands (Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air) are small but packed with things to do. Gili T is the largest and most lively, known for its parties and beach days snorkeling with the turtles. Your transportation options are limited to bicycles or horse-drawn carts, as cars aren’t allowed here.

Gili Air is the laid-back sibling, ideal for those wanting a quieter vibe. Gili Meno falls somewhere in between. It is famous for its Underwater Statues, a circle of submerged sculptures.

All three islands are super close to each other, and it’s easy to island-hop via a quick boat ride on a Lombok itinerary.

8. Sulawesi

Sulawesi doesn’t get as much love as Bali, but this K-shaped island structure has wildly different landscapes and bizarre cultural practices.

It sounds a bit morbid, but the island’s star attraction is Tana Toraja, where you’ll find elaborate funeral rituals and traditional boat-shaped houses known as Tongkonan.

For divers, Bunaken National Park offers some of Indonesia’s most vibrant coral reefs and marine biodiversity. If you’re more into hiking, Lore Lindu National Park provides trails through lush landscapes with ancient megaliths scattered throughout.

If you’re on the hunt for a remote beach, Togean Islands are hard to reach but totally worth it.

9. Raja Ampat, West Papua

If there’s one place to splurge in Southeast Asia, it’s Raja Ampat. Known for its mind-blowing biodiversity, it’s been labeled the best diving spot in the world more times than we can count.

The archipelago consists of over 1,500 small islands, and the best way to see them is from a diving liveaboard.

The coral reefs here are second to none, and the clear waters let you see everything from manta rays to pygmy seahorses. Above water, the scenery is equally insane. The Wayag Islands are like something out of a dream, with their jagged green peaks rising out of the ocean.

10. Belitung, Bangka Belitung Islands

Belitung is known for its clear waters, giant granite rock formations, and peaceful beaches. Tanjung Tinggi Beach is the most famous, with boulders as big as houses scattered along the coastline.

Lengkuas Island, with its iconic old Dutch lighthouse, is a great day trip option. You can even climb to the top for a killer view. Check out the Kaolin Lake for a stunning blue lake formed by an old mining site.

11. Rinca or Komodo Island, East Nusa Tenggara

Rinca and Komodo Islands are home to the infamous Komodo dragons, and let’s just say you’ll want to keep a safe distance. These guys can grow up to 10 feet long and aren’t shy about being the apex predator on the island.

Rinca tends to be less crowded than Komodo, but both islands are part of the same national park. Guided tours take you on dragon-spotting hikes where you might encounter one of these prehistoric-looking creatures up close.

Beyond the dragons, you won’t be able to stop taking pictures around Pink Beach on Komodo Island, and the corals there are some of the most vibrant in the region. Padar Island is close by, so you can easily visit multiple islands in one trip.

12. Sumatra

Sumatra is big. Like, really big. It’s also incredibly wild and one of the least developed islands in Indonesia.

The jungles here are some of the most biodiverse on Earth, with Gunung Leuser National Park a place to spot critically endangered orangutans. Head west to Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, and boat out to Samosir Island, right in the middle of it.

If you’re after something more intense, Sumatra’s active volcanoes, like Mount Sinabung or Mount Kerinci, make for excellent (if slightly risky) hikes.

13. Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara

Sumba is still off the radar for many tourists, but it’s starting to attract those who want a little luxury mixed with wild landscapes. The beaches here, especially Nihiwatu, are pristine and perfect for a quiet escape. In fact, CNN ranked Nihiwatu the 17th best beach in the world.

Weekuri Lake is a natural saltwater lagoon with colors so vibrant, it almost looks photoshopped. But what really sets Sumba apart is its traditional villages, where you’ll still find locals living in Uma Mbatangu, traditional Sumbanese houses.

14. Nusa Lembongan & Ceningan, Bali

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan are the quieter neighbors to Nusa Penida, just a short boat ride away from Bali. The Yellow Bridge connects the two islands and is an iconic Indonesian landmark for photos.

On Lembongan, the Devil’s Tear is a favorite spot. Here, waves crash against the cliffs with such force that the spray can reach several feet into the air. You’ll also find beautiful beaches like Dream Beach and Mushroom Bay.

Over on Ceningan, check out the Blue Lagoon, where the water in the heart-shaped bay is so clear it’s hard to believe it’s real.

Renting a scooter to explore both islands is easy, and with hardly any cars, it’s a relaxing ride. Just check to see if it’s in good shape—mine was so broken it cracked in half!

15. West Timor, East Nusa Tenggara

West Timor is definitely not on most traveler’s radar, but as it’s the only land border, it’s a perfect excuse to visit and do a visa run to East Timor. The capital, Kupang, is your starting point, but the adventure begins once you leave the city.

West Timor’s real draw is its culture. Most villages in the countryside still follow traditional customs and live a life largely unchanged by modernity. A local opened her arms to me, and I was hosted by her beautiful family for nearly a week. I went to an Indonesian wedding, saw a dog rotisserie (yes, you read that right), and attended a local pole-climbing festival.

If you drive through the oceanside on the southwest coast, the water is so blue it’s milky, just like the water on Australia’s famous beaches, but with no crowds.