Indonesia – sightseeing tours around the best islands
Indonesia, a picturesque archipelago consisting of over 17 islands, is a fascinating place full of contrasts, where many cultures, ethnic groups and religions coexist. It is a land of extraordinary geographical diversity - from mountain peaks, through dense tropical forests, to vast beaches and underwater coral reefs. It is also a place with a rich history that has transformed the archipelago into a treasure trove of monuments.
Stretching from continental Asia to Australia, Indonesia is the sixth largest country in the world in terms of area and the fourth largest in terms of population. Each of its islands has a unique character and offers something different. From densely populated urban areas like Jakarta and Surabaya to isolated villages deep in the jungle. Today's Indonesia is home to over 300 ethnic groups speaking over 700 languages and dialects.
Indonesia is also a country with an extraordinary natural heritage. It has one of the greatest species diversity in the world, including many endemic species such as the Bornean orangutan and the Komodo dragon. It is also home to the greatest coral biodiversity in the world, making it a unique place for divers.
Indonesia is a country full of contrasts - a place where antiquity meets modernity, tradition mixes with innovation, and the diversity of culture and nature never ceases to amaze. This unique mosaic creates an amazing experience that is revealed at every step while discovering all the nooks and crannies of Indonesia.
The most interesting, beautiful and unusual islands of Indonesia for your dream vacation:
1. Bali - the heart of Indonesian culture and nature
Bali is the most widespread and recognizable part of Indonesia. This small, exotic island is the heart of Indonesian culture and nature. It is known all over the world for its spectacular beauty, spirituality, hospitality of its inhabitants, as well as unique culture and traditions. Bali offers many tourist attractions. The coast of the island is full of beautiful beaches with golden sand, which are an ideal place for sunbathers, surfers and divers. The central part of the island is mountainous areas with active volcanoes and green rice terraces. Moreover, there are many Hindu monuments on the island, such as the famous Uluwatu Temple and the Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Water Temple.
Ubud it is the cultural capital of Bali and a thriving center of local handicrafts and crafts; this is definitely an extremely attractive and real part of the island. The most famous artists live there, which you can easily see while walking through the atmospheric and picturesque streets. There you will find many art galleries and studios where you can meet artists at work: painters, sculptors and goldsmiths. Situated in small mountains, the Ubud region surprises at every step with intricately carved temples full of flowers and gifts. The most famous of them is the Hindu temple of Goddess Saraswati (goddess of knowledge) in beautiful gardens with a pond and lotus flowers.
Bali's culture is extremely unique among the Indonesian islands. Hinduism predominates there, which is rare in a country where Islam dominates. This religious difference is clearly visible in the everyday life of the inhabitants of Bali. It is also reflected in traditional dances and singing. They often tell about myths and legends from Hindu epics. These are inherent elements of the island's culture that arouse particular interest among tourists. Bali is a place full of life and vibrant with culture. This is where the most important Hindu holiday takes place - Nyepi, or the Day of Silence. This event, which falls on the Balinese New Year, surprises guests with almost absolute peace - no lights and noise, closed airport, no traffic on the streets. This absolute silence is broken only by the celebration of Holi - the Festival of Colors, which is an explosion of joy and colors, a celebration that remains in the hearts of its participants once and for all.
2. Lombok – the pearl of the Indonesian archipelago
Lombok, the pearl of the Indonesian archipelago, is a small island that surpasses its more famous neighbor, Bali, when it comes to untapped tourist potential. Immersed in tropical greenery, overgrown with palm trees and surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, Lombok is a true paradise on earth for every traveler.
The most important places to visit in Lombok include Mount Rinjani. This third highest peak in Indonesia, with a height of 3726 m above sea level, is an active volcano. Mount Rinjani is crossed by numerous trails that allow you to traverse it on foot, and its steep slopes are covered with dense tropical forests. The main attraction of Mount Rinjani, however, is its crater, which houses the amazing, blue-blackish lake Segara Anak. The difference in its color makes the lake one of the most recognizable spots on the island.
In the central part of the island there are the "Pearls of Lombok" - traditional Sasak villages. This is where the authentic, undisturbed local culture comes to the fore. It is based on traditional agriculture and crafts. Travelers who spend their holidays on Lombok choose Sade Village or Rambitan Village, a place that allows them to experience what traditional life on the island was like from the beginning of its creation.
3. Java - the historical center of Indonesia
Java is the historical and cultural center of Indonesia. There are many monuments, places of worship and tourist attractions on its territory, which are testimony to the transformation of the island. The capital of Indonesia - Jakarta - is located in the center of Java. When visiting this place, it is worth visiting, first of all, the National Museum of Indonesia and the Old Town (Kota Tua), which is characterized by colonial architecture from the Dutch times.
In the east of Java, near the city of Surabaya, there is the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. Apart from the wonderful nature, it is a place where you can admire a spectacular view of the sunrise over the Bromo volcano, while in the central part of Java, near the city of Yogyakarta, there is Kraton - the seat of the sultans, which functions to this day. This is the true heart of Javanese culture, a place where you can admire traditional dance and learn about ancient customs and traditions.
When visiting Java, you cannot forget to visit Candi Borobudur, a monumental monument built over several hundred years, which is the largest Buddhist building in the world and included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Near Borobudur there is the second great monument - the Hindu temple of Candi Prambanan.
4. Lebuan Bajo – gateway to adventure
Hidden on the western tip of the Indonesian island of Flores, Labuan Bajo is a quiet fishing town that attracts travelers with its incredible charm and, above all, fantastic adventure opportunities. This is where the journey to the land of dragons - Komodo - begins. It is truly a gateway to countless adventures.
The crystal clear, turquoise waters surrounding Labuan Bajo are a paradise for divers. By diving below the surface, you can discover another, fascinating world full of colorful coral reefs, exotic fish species and various types of marine fauna and flora. However, in this place, adventures lurk not only under water. Labuan Bajo is also an ideal starting point for trips to nearby islands and visiting the huge national park. The brave ones can enjoy trekking in the inaccessible jungle, observing wildlife and, of course, meeting the unique Komodo dragons.
5. Komodo – the largest lizards in the world
Komodo is a sparsely populated island located between Sumbawa and Flores, in the Lesser Sunda Islands Archipelago. Pulau Komodo is inhabited by only about 2000 people and most of them live in one fishing village. The island is home to an endemic species of dragon, commonly known as the Komodo dragon. This largest lizard in the world attracts visitors eager for adventure like a magnet. Komodo National Park was created to protect these endangered reptiles (PKA Balai Taman Nasional Komodo). Monitor lizards take about 5 years to reach 2 meters in length. Currently, it is estimated that only about 4500 individuals of this species live in the wild. Individual specimens can also be found on the island of Flores and other islands in the area. Some lizards can grow up to 3 meters and weigh 150 kilograms, but most of them reach about 2 meters and weigh 60 kilograms.
Pulau Rinca is slightly smaller than neighboring Komodo and is equally popular for several-hour trekking, during which we have a great chance to admire dragons. Other important tourist attractions of Komodo National Park are paradise, unpopulated beaches, deserted islets, crystal clear sea and diving, especially in the waters of the Lintah Strait. The waters around the islands are rich in intact reefs, corals, schools of colorful fish, manta rays, dugongs, sea turtles, sharks, many species of dolphins and whales, and other underwater creatures.
6. Sumba – the undiscovered treasure of the Archipelago
Sumba is one of the few places in Indonesia that has retained the spirit of its original culture and tradition to this day, making it seem as if time had stopped there. One of the most striking aspects of this area is its architecture. The villages are full of houses typical of this island, called "uma mbatangu", with high, arched roofs, which, according to local mythology, show the ancestors the way to heaven. The island's inhabitants are diverse ethnic groups that differ in traditional costumes, rituals, dances and music. Their economic life is strongly connected with nature, agriculture and horse breeding. A real treasure in folk art are 'ikat' made by women, worn as everyday and ceremonial clothes.
However, Sumba is not only rich in culture. This place has picturesque beaches lined with palm trees, perfect for surfing, as well as wonderful lakes and breathtaking waterfalls - Mataraba and Lapopu. Sumba is definitely one of the least polluted by mass tourism and the most authentic islands of Indonesia.
7. Borneo – the wild side of Indonesia
Borneo is one of the most interesting islands in the world. This corner of the world belongs to three countries, the largest fraction of which is owned by Indonesia. It is an extraordinary place, breathtaking thanks to its charm. The island of Borneo is a paradise for biodiversity lovers. It is famous for its incredible diversity of flora and fauna - it is home to tens of thousands of species of plants and animals, including many endemic, i.e. those found only in this place. The rainforests located on this piece of land hide hundreds of species of trees that can reach up to 50 meters in height and 2500 species of orchids. They also provide a habitat for animal species such as orangutans, Sumatran rhinos, Asian elephants and nebulosa leopards. Kota Kinabalu National Park hides many other surprises, such as 600 species of ferns and the world's largest flower - rafflesia.
Borneo is also a place where you can meet unusual indigenous tribes, such as the Dayaks, who have successfully preserved their traditions and customs for centuries. Visiting hard-to-reach villages deep in the jungle allows you to learn about their extraordinary culture and understand how inextricably linked they are with the natural environment.
The island also offers many natural attractions, such as the majestic Mount Kinabalu, picturesque rivers and lakes, stunning coral reefs perfect for diving, and countless caves to explore.
8. Celebes - a unique cultural phenomenon of Indonesia
Celebes, an unusual island also known as Sulawesi, represents one of Indonesia's greatest treasures in terms of diversity. Sulawesi's culture is known for many unique characteristics that distinguish it from other parts of Indonesia. Its current communities consist of approximately 15 different ethnic groups, each with their own language, traditions and cultural practices.
The Celebes phenomenon is clearly visible in its architecture. A number of unique structures, such as the so-called 'Tongkonan', or traditional Toraja houses, are an expression of ancient ancestral beliefs. These houses, rising majestically towards the sky, are a marker of social status and symbolize the eternal bond between the living and the dead. It is also a place full of crafts and handicrafts. It is dominated by richly decorated fabrics, such as 'Sarung Bugis', which are considered real works of art. Sulawesi is a place where culture still lives and develops in the rhythm of everyday routine, influencing everything from food to art. Despite external influences, this unique island has consistently retained its authenticity and unique heritage.
9. New Guinea – the Pearl of Indonesia
Among the thousands of islands that intricately make up the beautiful mosaic of Indonesia, the pearl that is New Guinea deserves special attention. Its territory contains one of the largest tropical jungles in the world, full of amazing flora and fauna. It contains previously undiscovered species, as well as specimens of birds, butterflies and lizards found nowhere else. The island's coast, with its sandy beaches and coral reefs, is equally fascinating. New Guinea's underwater world is home to thousands of species of coral fish, dolphins, sea turtles and other wonderful sea creatures.
Papua is a fascinating place from an ethnological point of view, as it is home to the world's most primitive cultures and diverse tribes that speak approximately 300 languages. The main ones are Malay, Tok Pisin, Hiri Motu, Indonesian and English. Traveling in New Guinea is like entering a world where humanity lives in harmony with nature. Local communities have preserved their traditional lifestyle, largely unchanged over the centuries. They live in harmony with nature, drawing everything that is best from it and taking care of every piece of land. The island is characterized by a low level of civilization development and has very few roads.
In Papua there is the highest peak in Indonesia - Puncak Jaya, with a height of 4884 meters, which is not easy to climb.
10. Anambas Islands – a paradise for divers
The Anambas Island Group is a small archipelago of 225 islands in the South China Sea, located on the northeastern coast of Indonesia. The Anambas are located 150 nautical miles northeast of Batam Island, between Singapore and the Netuna Islands. Geographically, it is part of the Tudjuh archipelago, and administratively it is in the Riau Islands province.
The archipelago is popular with divers for its pristine coral reefs. The most famous places in Anambas include the Tokong Berlayar, Tokong Malangbiru and Batu Katoaka underwater reefs. You can meet reef and whale sharks, barracudas and turtles here. The most luxurious hotel of the Anambas Islands is Bawah Reserve, perfect for the most demanding travelers.
11. Flores – the extraordinary Lesser Sunda Islands
The island of Flores in Indonesia is famous for its extraordinary landscape, including volcanic mountains, colorful beaches and deep valleys. It is part of the Lesser Sunda Islands, which are part of a larger group of islands in Indonesia located between Southeast Asia and Australia. This is the best place in Indonesia for diving. It is also the location of Komodo National Park, home to the largest lizards in the world. Culturally rich, Flores also impresses with its wonderful traditions, handicrafts and festivals, such as the Caci festival, famous for its traditional sword fighting.
12. Gili Islands – holidays in a tropical paradise
Gili Islands is a collection of three small islands - Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, located off the coast of Lombok, Indonesia. These places are very popular among tourists due to their beautiful beaches, clear waters and excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities. Importantly, there are no motorized vehicles on these islands, which creates an atmosphere of peace and natural beauty associated with these places. Each island has its own unique character - Gili Trawangan is the center of nightlife, Gili Meno exudes peace and romance, and Gili Air offers a harmonious combination of entertainment and relaxation.
Holidays in Indonesia - a country full of contrasts
Indonesia is a country full of contrasts. This place meets the need to learn about new species of animals and plants, as well as various cultures. Every travel enthusiast should go on a trip to Indonesia. The Indonesian Islands guarantee new experiences every time. The fascinating diversity of cultures, the balance between modernity and tradition, mountainous landscapes intertwined with tropical beaches, as well as enormous biodiversity make Indonesia an unfathomable place, full of fascinating experiences. It is a country that offers a whole spectrum of discoveries and feelings, from ancient temples and colorful markets to wild jungles and pristine coral reefs.
Which island in Indonesia is perfect for your dream trip?
Depending on your interests, it is recommended that people visiting Indonesia for the first time visit the Island of the Gods, i.e. Bali, and one or two additional ones, such as Lombok or Java. For seasoned travelers and diving enthusiasts, a visit to distant archipelagos such as Bawah and Wakatobi, Sumbawah and Flores will be an interesting experience. Holidays on several islands in Indonesia will never be boring or trivial!
Exotic expeditions, cruises and trips for divers - Indonesia with a travel agency
Holiday trips to Bali, Lombok or Komodo with a travel agency offer many possibilities. First of all, you can taste truly exclusive hotels in Bali and Java or the Anambas Archipelago, as well as visit hotels for divers on distant islands. The island of Sumba is a real mecca for surfers, and Komodo, Flores and Kalimantan are idyllic reefs and lagoons that are best explored from the deck of a yacht.
Author: Travel Agency CARTER
