Indonesia is the perfect place for embarking on your next adventure. With more than 18,000 islands, it’s one of the largest archipelagos in the world; Java, Bali, Sumatra, and Lombok are among the most popular ones, to name a few.
A trip to Indonesia will take you on a journey through the Indian and Pacific Oceans, floating over the Equator and exploring remote locations.
While not all of the islands are inhabited, the majority of them are; around 6,000 islands have residents and indigenous people who still live the simple lifestyle.
If you’re cruising Indonesia and want to experience a portion of the “Eat, Pray, Love” novel, then these islands are a must-visit and should be added to your itinerary.
8 Places in Indonesia to add to Your Itinerary
Lombok
An Indonesia cruise will take you to the island of Lombok, a thriving beach destination and the home to Kuta.
Surfers and adventure seekers opt for this destination due to the high number of surfing, snorkeling, and diving spots and the incredible 18th-century temples.
You will see the Taman Narmada, a Hindu temple that embodies the core of Hinduism, where travelers, residents, and even kings come to relax.
So, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of royalties and indigenous tribes while exploring the area.
Sumatra
The island of Sumatra is near Malaysia, and it hosts Lake Toba, the largest volcanic lake in the world, located on the base of a magma chamber that once was the source of a volcanic eruption.
It’s perfect for spending the weekend since you’ll be surrounded by lovely gardens and nice, cozy hotels, which create a relaxing atmosphere.
And, in case the calm life bores you, you can visit the vibrant city of Medan, one of the largest in Indonesia and the embodiment of culinary paradise.
Try out specialties like Rendang – spicy beef, Soto Medan – a sort of chicken soup, and Nasi Padang – steamed rice topped with veggies.
Flores
The name of Flores island translates to “flowers” in Spanish and Portuguese, and it’s undeniably one of the most beautiful Indonesian islands with its scenic landscapes, stunning panoramic vistas, and pristine beaches.
The island is a common pick-up spot for tourists who want to visit the Komodo National Park and see the “hideous-looking creatures,” as Charles Darwin referred to them.
Wakatobi
The Wakatobi islands, located in the Sulawesi Tenggara Province, are known for their diving activities.
As a matter of fact, these islands are non-official top locations for diving, where divers can combine diving trips along Palau Tomia and Palau Hoga and enjoy the coral reefs and sea life.
Padar
Padar Island is one of the smallest in Indonesia, however, became famous due to its natural landmarks and breathtaking views. As a fun fact you can have in mind – the island is featured on the Rupiah cash note of 50,000.
The magnificent landscapes that give off the “Jurassic Park” vibe will get you speechless. Plus, the area is surrounded by 3 giant bays that host pink, white, and a black beach.
Each of the beaches is unique and special in itself, but you must visit all to witness that beauty.
The island Padar is located 30km from a small fishing town called Labuan Bajo, and it’s west of Flores Island.
You can also see the Komodo dragon on this island and explore the red, volcanic hills, stunning savannahs, and mesmerizing coral reefs.
It’s a pretty secluded island that challenges tourists to visit it. You can take a flight from Labuan Rojo from all of the bigger airports like Jakarta, Bali, or Lombok.
Then, booking a boat tour is the right choice since the trip from Labuan Harbor to the island is around 3 hours.
Whenever you visit Padar, make sure to hike to the famous viewpoint and enjoy the sunrise view!
Bali
A stay in Bali will change your perspective of culture, history, adventure, and religion. It’s the perfect honeymoon destination, with dazzling beaches and tranquil crystal clear waters.
If you want to take a bath in the lagoon-like waters, prepare your swimsuit and take a big dive!
Each beach has its charm and characteristics in Bali, from the limestone cliffs to the white sands along the coastline. But Bali’s beauty goes deeper than its beautiful beaches and landscapes.
The island is the home of traditional customs that people still practice nowadays. For example, they participate in the kissing festival known as Omed-omedan.
Ubud, the capital of Bali, is home to many temples, shops for handicrafts, the Ubud Monkey Forest, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, etc.
Java
Java is one of the islands that got pretty popular in the last couple of years due to the lush jungles, metropolitan cities, tea plantations, ancient temples, hiking trails, and breathtaking volcanoes.
Simply said, Java is the economic and cultural heart of Indonesia.
The first thing most tourists notice about Java is the beautiful scenery. Mount Penanjakan and Mount Bromo are popular sunrise sites.
And if you climb the mountains, you can take a 2-hour hike through the turquoise-colored crater lake and see the blue-flamed phenomenon.
On top of that, Java is also known for its UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Among these sites, one of the must-see attractions is the Prambanan Temple, the most significant Hindu compound.
Many such one-of-a-kind temples in Java attract hordes of tourists due to the intricacy of their architectural solutions. So it can get quite crowded during the peak seasons.
To avoid these crowds, you should visit the temples in the early morning.
Komodo Island
With its rugged volcanic landscapes, crystal clear waters, and ideal spots for diving, hiking, and snorkeling, Komodo Island ranks high on the bucket list of many tourists and visitors.
It’s the ultimate getaway to the unknown where you’ll be offered a set of activities and sightseeing opportunities to discover this beautiful island.
Komodo island is more than the Komodo dragon that lives on these lands. It’s an island that has been listed as one of the New Seven Wonders in Nature.
These creatures weigh 70 kilos and can grow up to 3 meters in length. They are menacing predators who want to rule their lands and wander freely on the islands of Flores, Rinca, and Gili Montag besides Komodo Island.
The island displays a wide range of rugged volcanic landscapes, raw nature, turquoise waters, and underwater activities.
One of those activities is diving with the rich marine life and enjoying the views of fascinating creatures underwater.
Komodo Island is part of the Coral Triangle, a biodiverse area between the Indian and Pacific Oceans which consists of 37% of reef fish and 76% of coral species.
Underwater enthusiasts can explore these areas and dive with turtles, reef sharks, and manatees.
And if you ever wanted to see a Komodo dragon live, this is your chance to book a cruise to Indonesia and explore this piece of wanderlust.
Get Ready to Cruise Indonesia!
As we’ve learned so far, Indonesia is a fascinating country with millions of tourists each year.
So if you want to dive into the Indonesian culture, cuisine, and overall experience, it’s time to book your trip and embark on an adventure of a lifetime!
