Bali, Java, Sulawesi... Which island to choose in Indonesia?

Bali : Why We Keep Coming Back

As soon as you set foot in Bali, you feel a special atmosphere.
The daily offerings, the smiles of the locals, the smell of incense, the ever-present jungle…
Bali is an island of contrasts. Very touristy in some areas, yet still deeply authentic as soon as you move away from the ultra-instagrammable spots.
We always end up coming back, even after years. It’s not the wildest island, but it has everything you need for a successful first trip, perfect for feeling truly immersed while still traveling comfortably.

What we love

✅ Easy to explore without any hassle
✅ A lot of diversity in a short amount of time
✅ Accommodations for all budgets
✅ A unique Balinese culture you won’t find anywhere else

What we love less

‍⚠️ Mass tourism in many areas
⚠️ Prices can rise quickly in trendy spots

Perfect for

‍People visiting Indonesia for the first time or looking for a smooth combo of comfort beaches and temples
Families traveling with kids
Couples on a honeymoon who want breathtaking hotels without breaking the bank

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Lombok : The alternative to Bali for a different way to travel in Indonesia

Lombok is often overlooked, right next to Bali. And yet, it’s a real gem.
Incredible beaches, very little mass tourism, quiet villages, and a raw but much calmer atmosphere.

We loved riding around the island by scooter, discovering empty beaches and still-wild rice fields.
It’s less “instagrammable,” but much more relaxing. A great choice for a first trip if you want to avoid the crowds.

What we love

✅ Easy to explore (even on a road trip)
✅ Very few tourists, even during high season
✅ Perfect to learn surfing in a chill atmosphere

What we love less

⚠️ Fewer cultural sites to visit
⚠️ Less activity diversity if you’re not focused on beach and nature

Perfect for travelers looking for a wilder version of Bali without the crowds or the must-see spots.

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Sulawesi : The most underrated island in Indonesia and our very first favorite

Sulawesi was the very first island we explored… and it completely changed the way we travel.
Since then, we’ve been back three times, and it won’t be the last.

For us, it’s the most underrated island in Indonesia.

Between deserted beaches, insane underwater life and Toraja traditions that challenge everything you think you know…
Sulawesi is a shock, a wonder, and a deeply human adventure.

Very few tourists, a feeling of being far from everything, and real discovery every single day.

The Togian Islands, reached after hours of road and boat travel, are among the most paradisiacal places we’ve ever seen:
wild beaches, little to no signal, simple but perfect accommodations…
we paid €23 per night to sleep in a small paradise.

In the center, the Toraja region delivers a cultural slap in the face:
a completely different vision of death, unique ceremonies and incredible hospitality.
It’s intense, unsettling, but deeply moving.

Not to mention the Banggai Islands, with their incredibly clear lake water and paradise beaches.

What we love

✅ One of the best diving and snorkeling areas in the country (Togians, Bunaken)
✅ Completely preserved spots
✅ A unique and powerful Toraja culture
✅ True disconnection: few people, little network, lots of emotions

What we love less

⚠️ Long and sometimes exhausting journeys
⚠️ Basic comfort: bring only the essentials
⚠️ For open-minded, curious travelers ready to be challenged
⚠️ Not ideal for short trips

Who is it for?

Those seeking a true escape, far from everything.Those who love sincere encounters, incredible diving, strong cultural experiences and places that remain authentic.Sensitive souls may want to skip Toraja.

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JAVA : Culture, volcanoes and traditions on Indonesia’s most intense island

Java is one of the islands we were most excited to discover.
We finally visited it this summer, and it largely lived up to our expectations.

The island is huge, full of contrasts, sometimes chaotic, but incredibly powerful.
It’s home to some of Indonesia’s most impressive volcanoes, iconic temples and spectacular landscapes.
Apart from 2 or 3 very well-known sites, most of the island remains largely unexplored, far from crowds and mass tourism.

What we love

✅ Diverse landscapes with volcanoes, waterfalls and rice fields
✅ Iconic temples
✅ Warm, welcoming and incredibly kind people

What we love less

⚠️ Long travel times between regions
⚠️ Transportation and logistics that require good planning

Who is it for?

Travelers who love breathtaking landscapes, hiking, and don’t mind a bit of effort in exchange for unforgettable scenery.

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Raja Ampat & Misool : The most beautiful islands in Indonesia and how to get there

Raja Ampat is one of the most beautiful archipelagos in the world.
And Misool is the even more isolated, wilder and more preserved part.

Here, no beach bars or paved roads: just turquoise lagoons, insane snorkeling, stilt villages and the feeling of being alone in the world.

It’s not as complicated as it used to be though.
Since 2023, there are direct flights from Bali to Sorong, and homestays keep improving every year.
It’s not only for extreme adventurers: you just need to love nature and plan a bit ahead.

What we love

✅ Some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world
✅ Unreal landscapes with islets, karst peaks and lagoons
✅ Very few people, even during high season

What we love less

⚠️ Flights and transfers require some planning
⚠️ Limited comfort (shared showers and simple food most of the time)
⚠️ Not ideal for short trips

🇫🇷 The best hidden gem in Raja Ampat: Misool

✨ What to expect in Misool

No one around we were only two couples in the homestay and we never saw anyone else during our excursions
Landscapes that feel straight out of Avatar
Incredible snorkeling with untouched colorful coral reefs
One downside some beaches had quite a bit of plastic brought in by the tides

⏱️ How many days should you stay?

Five nights is ideal and now possible thanks to a second weekly ferry from Sorong

💡 How to get there?

Everything you need to plan your trip ferry info accommodations itinerary tours tips contacts diving… it is all in the guide.

Who is it for?

Those looking for true disconnection who love underwater adventures and want to experience something far from mainstream tourism

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Sumatra : A wild island to explore off the beaten path

Sumatra is a mix of postcard Indonesia and raw wilderness.
It’s a huge, green and powerful island where everything feels more intense: roads, people, volcanoes, jungle.

We went there to see orangutans and came back with unforgettable memories: jungle treks, deserted beaches and the Mentawai culture.

It’s not the easiest island to explore, especially if you want to go beyond the classics.
It requires time, some budget and a taste for adventure.

On the Mentawai Islands, on Siberut Island, we lived one of the most powerful experiences of our lives.
For several days, we shared the daily life of a tribe still completely disconnected from the modern world.

The “Flower Men” live in harmony with the forest, where they always find what they need to survive.
This tribe still exists for now, but younger generations increasingly choose to live in villages.

I still hear the shaman telling us before we left, “don’t forget.”
These memories are forever engraved in our hearts.

What we love

✅ Jungle trekking in Bukit Lawang and encounters with orangutans
✅ Completely wild beaches
✅ The unique Mentawai culture (Flower Men)

What we love less

⚠️ Long and often exhausting travel days
⚠️ Some activities and transport are expensive (guides, 4x4, boats…)
⚠️ Not ideal for short trips

Who is it for?

Those looking for deep nature immersion, far from everything, with enough time to explore without stress.

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East Borneo (Maratua Island) : To see orangutans and enjoy Maldives-like beaches

Borneo is for those craving deep wild green. No rice fields or temples here you step into another world ancient forests winding rivers wild orangutans and floating villages.

We did not venture deep into the jungle ourselves but if you plan to go we highly recommend researching carefully some tours do not respect wildlife so it is best to choose trusted operators.

We explored the Derawan Islands especially Maratua : a small paradise island with white sand beaches palm trees caves and famous dive spots. It is a bit far and not the cheapest but the atmosphere is truly one of a kind.

What we love

✅ Incredibly beautiful beach
✅ A lake with non-stinging jellyfish
✅ Preserved, little-known snorkeling spots

What we love less

⚠️ Borneo is huge: complex logistics and long distances
⚠️ Requires time and flexibility
⚠️ Hotel prices in Maratua are quite high

Who is it for?

Those dreaming of slow adventure, dense nature, wildlife and timeless moments.

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So which one will you choose?

You got it each island in Indonesia has its own universe. The goal is not to do it all but to pick the right combo based on what you are looking for culture nature beaches people or adventure. And most importantly do not get fooled by the clichés Indonesia has a thousand faces.

👉 If you want to save time avoid travel headaches and plan your trip with peace of mind we put together everything we wish we had when planning our first adventures in our Indonesia Pack :

• Our tried and tested itineraries
• Interactive maps
• All our favorite spots and places to stay
• Real up to date advice straight from the field‍‍

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