8x most beautiful places in Indonesia
Indonesia has completely captured us! With over 16,000 islands on the map, we’ve checked off quite a few places. First round: three months of backpacking from Sumatra to Flores. Each one, beautiful in its own unique way. A year later, back in that direction, this time to Sulawesi. And in 2023? That’s when we unpacked our backpacks in Lombok for a whopping four months. Our love for Indonesia is indescribable, even though we still have a whole lot of islands to discover, these are our most beautiful spots in Indonesia.
#1 Togian Islands, Sulawesi
Rarely have we seen such crystal-clear water and beaches as white as these. But many will wonder, ‘Togian what?’ Not because these gems aren’t amazing, but because they are somewhat hidden. Yes, it takes some travel time. Yes, it can sometimes be a hassle. But seriously, every bumpy boat ride and sweaty bus trip are part of the unforgettable experience. In short: the
Togian Islands must absolutely be added to your
Sulawesi itinerary. There are beaches, and then there are these beaches, of a completely different caliber. The water is so crystal clear that you might wonder if you’ve secretly ended up in a bottle of Evian. And those sandy beaches? Dazzlingly white. Tanjung Aan is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful islands in Indonesia.
#2 Bangka Islands, Sulawesi
Welcome to Bangka Island, the ultimate island life! Palm trees, pristine white beaches, and a diving spot that takes your breath away. This place is like a hidden treasure in Sulawesi. Few people know about it, but underwater, it’s teeming with life while above water, it’s wonderfully peaceful. Not much hassle here, just pure paradise!
#3 South Lombok
Filling your days in South Lombok is easy! Tear around on your scooter, discover a new beach every day, catch some waves, and there you go! If you stay a few days in Kuta Lombok, you can explore the breathtaking coastline of this island. Surf at Tanjung Aan, snorkel at The Secret Gili’s, or take an awesome road trip to Selong Belanak. South Lombok is so addictive that we ended up staying there for months. For us, Lombok definitely ranks among the most beautiful places in Indonesia.
#4 Karimunjawa
A paradise on earth. The island is hardly visited by tourists, so you can drive around peacefully without encountering anyone. The beaches are wonderfully quiet. Set up some bamboo bars and bean bags, and you can enjoy the whole day here. Karimunjawa has more than just beautiful white beaches and crystal-clear water; it features a small village, mangroves, and a stunning green environment.
#5 Flores
Flores is one of those places where you just can’t choose, so why bother? Everything on this island is amazing! The diving? Incredibly beautiful. Giant mantas, turtles, sharks, and a whole school of other fish. You’ll feel like you’ve suddenly landed in an episode of National Geographic. And the inland? Breathtaking. The people are incredibly friendly (we were even invited to a wedding), and it’s still authentic and pure here.
#6 Bukit Lawang
It definitely should not be missing from the list: Indonesia’s jungle. Spotting orangutans in the wild was truly one of the most extraordinary experiences in my life. The two-day jungle trek in Bukit Lawang was a series of highlights. We came face to face with various orangutans and slept right in the heart of the jungle. An absolute top experience.
#7 Siladen
Siladen, a true paradise next to Bunaken Sulawesi, enchants with its white beaches and crystal-clear water. In just a short thirty-minute walk, you can traverse from the north to the south. The serene tranquility of the island increases the chances of having the beach all to yourself. Here, too, a magnificent coral reef surrounds the island. Several resorts and hotels are available for overnight stays.
#8 Tetebatu
It all started with plans for the Rinjani climb, but due to various circumstances, that adventure fell through. No worries, we thought: let’s head to Tetebatu! This small village near the volcano turned out to be a hidden gem. Surrounded by the lushest rice fields, hidden waterfalls, and a forest where you might just spot black monkeys. Ultimately, it was still a fantastic experience!
But also Yogyakarta, the Gili Islands, Secret Gilis, Nusa Lembogan, Ijen volcano, and many more places, we absolutely loved. We are huge fans of Indonesia.