We use cookies to improve your website experience and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and through other media. By continuing to use this website, you agree to our use of cookies as explained in our Cookie Policy. Please read our Cookie Policy for more information on how we use cookies and how you can disable them.
Located off the coast of mainland South East Asia, Indonesia is recognized as the world’s largest archipelago, consisting of at least 17,000 islands!
What is an ‘archipelago’? An ‘archipelago’ is a group or cluster of islands, in a body of water, typically a sea or an ocean. These islands are volcanic in origin, from the volcanoes erupting from the sea/ocean floor.
So if you are looking for an island or beach vacation, Indonesia could be your preferred destination. Indonesia has something to offer for everyone – depending on your choice of budget and island preferences.
The main provinces of Indonesia are islands such as - Sumatra, Java, Lombok, and Bali. Jakarta – the capital of Indonesia - is based in the province of Java. Besides these large islands, there are many smaller islands, which are uninhabited. Indonesia also has many islands which are not too densely populated, and make perfect destinations for a relaxed beach and island holiday experience.
Many islands offer underwater diving and snorkeling, to allow you to enjoy some of Indonesia’s underwater beauty, while others offer exciting ocean surfing options. For those who enjoy the sights of nature and natural beauty – there are beautiful ocean views, with a backdrop of lush verdant green hills and bountiful wildlife.
Some of the islands we recommend are:
Located west of Java, Bali is well-known globally as, 'The Island of the Gods'!
For the international tourist, Bali needs no introduction. It is on the go-to bucket list of most international vacation/holiday travellers. Tourists in Bali get the opportunity to explore – the scenic rice terraces, fragrant cuisine, stunning beaches, and an abundance of rich culture and tradition. You have a variety of choices: ancient and ornate temples; serene yoga retreats; awesome beaches across its endless coastline, like Seminyak and Kuta; some of the world’s best coral reefs, like Tulamben; nature’s bounty of waterfalls; or the mountain peaks of Kintamani. Bali has, over the years, excelled in providing something for every taste, be it natural features, food, cultural workshops, art, shopping, and more.
The Gili Islands are a set of three small islands. Gili Trawangan is the largest and most modern of the three. It is known for its pulsating and active nightlife, and its loungey seaside cafes. Gili Meno is preferred by honeymooners for its serene and quiet setting. Gili Meno attracts those with a penchant for some risk and adventure, where some of the world’s rarest and most dangerous underwater species lay in hiding. Most famous diving spots are Shark point, Manta point, and Simon's reef. One can visit all three islands in one visit, since they are located very close to each other.
Wakatobi islands are a mini-archipelago of four islands, south of Sulawesi. These islands are Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. The Wakatobi islands are world renowned for decades, for their diving spots. Each diving spot is assured to offer you a pleasurable and exciting journey into the underwater world, which is abundant with marine beauty such as colourful sets of corals, exotic fish and other marine forms of life. The islands are home to the Wakatobi National Park, which was formed to protect and preserve marine life. Jacques Cousteau, the famous marine explorer and researcher, labelled Wakatobi Islands as an ‘Underwater Nirvana’. The remoteness of these islands has ensured that they are relatively quiet, pristine and unspoiled by excessive commercialism.
You will find Mentawai’s seventy islands off the west coast of Sumatra island. Across the globe, Mentawai islands are known as the ‘Surfers’ Paradise’. The waves at Mentawai islands range from two feet to 15 feet tall. Like most other islands of Indonesia, Mentawai islands boasts of a rich marine biodiversity, which includes dolphins, dugongs and sea turtles. You could also choose to either chill out on secluded and quiet beaches, trek through thick tropical rainforests, check out the villages or get to know more about the charming Mentawai tribe. Alternatively, you can tour the islands on a boat, exploring the enticing coves and inlets.
Situated off the coast of Bali, Nusa Islands are a string of three islands – Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan. Water sports such as diving and snorkelling offer some wonderful underwater sightings of sharks, stingrays and turtles. Other go-to activities are cliff jumping at Nusa Ceningan, the yellow bridge crossing between Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan, and soaking in the iconic beauty of the Kelingking Beach, at Nusa Penida.
Amongst the Raja Ampat islands, you will find the Wai/Weh island. If you are looking for seclusion and privacy, Wai/Weh island is perfect for you, since it is one of the most remote islands in Indonesia. Considered as one of the most exquisite islands in Indonesia, it rests on a coral atoll, and is covered with sparkling white sandy beaches, which contrast beautifully with the azure seas, the blossoming coral reefs that abound with colourful fish and other exciting marine life. A visit to the island is incomplete without witnessing and experiencing the magnificent and breath-taking sunsets.
Pocketed in East Nusa Tenggara, is the gorgeous Flores island, with attractions such as mountains, beaches, and the famous tri-coloured Kelimutu lake. Many people visit Flores to soak in and absorb its unique cultures and customs of the local ethnic groups. Staying with the locals and living their lifestyles has been challenging and life-changing for many visitors to the Flores island. Villages like Wae Rebo are renowned for its scenic mountain views and quirky traditional houses.
The Komodo island is named after the famous giant lizards – the Komodo Dragons, who are the primary inhabitants of this island. Close to Flores island, it is one of the most famous islands in Indonesia. Lavish accommodations are available if you want to spend some nights on the island. The Komodo dragons carry toxic saliva. It is therefore advisable to keep one’s distance from them, so that you are not bitten by the dragon.
A one-hour ferry ride from Singapore makes Bintan island a holiday destination for many Singaporeans. It is part of Indonesia's Riau archipelago and an integral and beloved part of the Riau Province. It boasts of lavish and fun modern attractions such as South East Asia’s first seawater lagoon, a flying club that lets you ride an open-cockpit seaplane, and more. Some of its other attractions include, championship golf courses, secluded beaches, and diverse water sports.
East of Sumatra is a group of seven islands called the Bangka – Belitung Islands. Indonesians consider these islands to be the most beautiful islands in the Indonesian archipelago. These islands are frequented by Indonesians and foreign visitors. The Bangka – Belitung islands are scenic islands, with azure waters and clean sparkling sands, interspersed with picturesque rock formations. Boat tours allow you to hop across islands at your convenience and leisure, and experience the visual beauty of the tropical flora and fauna of the underwater world of these islands.
