Believe it or not, many of the best places to visit in Indonesia are still practically unknown to tourists. With more than 17,000 islands spanning the archipelago, the vast majority of this tropical paradise is still waiting to be explored.

Everyone goes to Bali, which is a fantastic vacation spot—don’t get me wrong. But the island has been suffering from overtourism and overdevelopment for years. If you venture beyond Bali, you will find a wild world of smoking volcanoes, sulfur lakes, pink sand beaches, dense rainforests, and exotic wildlife.

Because Indonesia is my second home (and my wife’s actual home!), we’ve been privileged to explore some of the most far-flung and beautiful corners of this country. Here is your ultimate guide to the best Indonesian islands that aren’t Bali.

The Ultimate Indonesia Island Bucket List

1. Bali Island

The undisputed favorite for newcomers. While it gets crowded (hosting over 6 million tourists in 2024), it truly offers something for everyone: from luxury resorts and world-class restaurants to waterfalls, surf breaks, and historic temples.

• Top Sights: Ubud, Kintamani, Uluwatu, Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, Mount Batur.

• Getting There: Fly into Denpasar International Airport (DPS).

2. Nusa Penida Island

Located just 25 kilometers from Bali, this smaller island holds some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the country. It is famous for its massive cliffs and unique rock formations.

• Top Sights: Kelingking T-Rex Cliff, Diamond Beach, Broken Beach.

• Getting There: A 1-hour speedboat ride from mainland Bali.

3. Nusa Lembongan & 4. Nusa Ceningan

Connected to each other by an iconic yellow bridge, these two tiny islands neighbor Nusa Penida. They offer a much more laid-back, slow-paced café culture alongside beautiful coastal views.

• Top Sights: Dream Beach, Devil’s Tears, Blue Lagoon.

5. Lombok Island

Bali’s direct neighbor is similar in size but sees a fraction of the crowds. It is highly developed but retains its raw natural beauty, dominated by the towering Mount Rinjani volcano.

• Top Sights: Mount Rinjani trekking, Tiu Kelep Waterfall, Tanjung Aan Beach.

• Getting There: Fly to Lombok International Airport (LOP) or take a boat from Bali.

6. Java Island

The most populated island in Indonesia features some of the most surreal, otherworldly volcanic landscapes on earth, alongside massive ancient temples.

• Top Sights: Mount Bromo, Kawah Ijen sulfur crater, Prambanan Temple, Dieng Plateau.

7. Flores Island

A long, rugged island best explored via an overland road trip. It serves as the gateway to pristine traditional villages and unique volcanic lakes.

• Top Sights: Kelimutu Lakes (turquoise crater lakes), Wae Rebo traditional village, Goa Rangko Cave.

8. Komodo Island & 9. Padar Island

Part of the UNESCO-designated Komodo National Park, this region looks like a real-life Jurassic Park. It is the only place on earth where you can see Komodo dragons in the wild, alongside striking multi-colored beaches.

• Top Sights: Komodo Dragons, Padar Island Viewpoint (where you can see white, black, and pink sand bays at the same time), Pink Beach.

• Getting There: Fly into Labuan Bajo (LBJ), then book a boat tour.

10. Nuca Molas Island

A remote, lesser-known island off the coast of Flores featuring striking central peaks, a lighthouse, and empty white sand beaches.

11. Misool Island (Raja Ampat)

A true remote paradise in West Papua. It features breathtaking limestone karst formations, heart-shaped lagoons, and a lake where you can swim with thousands of harmless, stingless jellyfish.

• Top Sights: Balbulol Lagoon, Lenmakana Jellyfish Lake.

12. Sulawesi Island

One of the most culturally and geographically fascinating islands in the country. It features unique wildlife, karst mountains, and the deeply unique funeral traditions of the Tana Toraja region.

• Top Sights: Rammang Rammang karst village, Tana Toraja, Tangkoko Nature Reserve (for Tarsier spotting).

13. Banggai Islands

An underrated archipelago in Central Sulawesi home to Paisu Pok Lake—one of the clearest, most vividly blue lakes in the world.

14. Buka Buka Island

A tiny, private eco-island in Central Sulawesi. Perfect for a quiet getaway, snorkeling, and living a comfortable version of island life at the Reconnect Resort.

15. Labengki Island & 16. Sombori Islands

Often called "The Raja Ampat of Sulawesi," these incredibly remote, untouched islands feature spectacular hidden lagoons, sea caves, and dramatic jungle-covered cliffs completely free of tourist crowds.

17. Buton Island & 18. Muna Island

Neighboring islands in Southeast Sulawesi that offer pristine waterfalls, ancient prehistoric cave art (some of the oldest in the world), and clear blue sinkholes reminiscent of Mexican cenotes.

19. Bunaken Islands

A world-renowned marine park located in North Sulawesi, famous for its dramatic coral drop-offs and incredible scuba diving and snorkeling.

20. Siau Island

A remote volcanic island north of Manado dominated by Mount Karangetang, one of Indonesia's most active volcanoes.

21. Selayar Island

A long, narrow island south of Makassar offering excellent white sand beaches, sea arches, and pristine diving reefs.

22. Sumatra Island

The largest island entirely within Indonesia. It features the largest volcanic lake in the world and serves as a vital sanctuary for critically endangered wildlife.

• Top Sights: Lake Toba, Sipiso Piso Waterfall, Bukit Lawang (where you can trek to see wild Orangutans).

23. Belitung Island

A stunning island surrounded by calm turquoise waters and massive, smooth granite boulders. It is a world-class island-hopping destination.

• Top Sights: Tanjung Tinggi Beach, Batu Berlayar.

24. Banyak Islands & 25. Karang Island

Located off the coast of Sumatra, these islands are the definition of a remote, Robinson Crusoe lifestyle. Expect basic bungalows, swaying palm trees, and empty beaches.

26. Borneo Island (Kalimantan)

The Indonesian portion of Borneo (Kalimantan) is a massive haven for nature lovers. Taking a traditional riverboat cruise here is the best way to spot wild Bornean orangutans.

• Top Sights: Tanjung Puting National Park.

27. Halmahera Island & 28. Ternate Island

Located in the remote Maluku archipelago, these islands are defined by incredible volcanic history. Halmahera offers a chance to hike right up to active, erupting craters like Mount Dukono.

29. Seram Island

A wild, uncharted paradise in Maluku that features massive limestone cliffs and the stunning Ora Beach, which looks exactly like a landscape out of Bora Bora.

Honorable Mentions

• Bangka Island: Belitung's larger neighbor, filled with beautiful granite boulder beaches like Siangau Beach.

• Ambon Island: The bustling capital gateway to the Maluku province, featuring hidden gems like the turquoise Telaga Pange waterfall.

How to Travel Indonesia Outside of Bali: What to Expect

Traveling to the remote islands of Indonesia is an incredible adventure, but it requires a different mindset than a vacation in Bali. Here is what you need to know before you go:

1. Limited Infrastructure

In remote areas, luxury amenities are rare. You may experience limited or non-existent Wi-Fi, fan-only cooling, and traditional bak mandi (water scoop) setups instead of western showers. Some islands rely entirely on evening generators for electricity. Embrace the ruggedness—it's the price of seeing untouched paradise!

2. Cultural & Religious Differences

Unlike Hindu-majority Bali, most of Indonesia's other islands are predominantly Muslim. The local communities are incredibly welcoming, but the culture is significantly more conservative.

• Dress Modestly: Cover your shoulders and knees when traveling through villages.

• Alcohol: Alcohol can be very difficult to find outside of resorts.

• Pack Earplugs: You will likely be staying near local mosques with morning calls to prayer; earplugs will guarantee a good night's sleep.

3. Excellent Safety

In terms of crime, Indonesia is incredibly safe. It maintains a remarkably low violent crime rate—well below the global average—making it a welcoming environment for adventurous independent travelers.

Have you explored beyond Bali? If you have a favorite Indonesian island that didn't make this list, drop it in the comments below and tell us what makes it special!