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 everything is softer the air the people the light. It is an accessible and colorful island where every village has its temple and every morning starts with a ceremony. Yes some areas are overcrowded but as soon as you step off the usual paths you find a unique kind of magic. We always end up coming back even after years. It is not the wildest or the most authentic island but it has everything you need for a successful first trip.

What we love

‍✅ Easy to explore with no hassle
✅ A lot of variety in a short time
✅ Accommodations for every budget
✅ The unique Balinese culture you will not find anywhere else

What we love less

‍⚠️ Mass tourism in many areas
⚠️ Prices rise quickly in trendy spots
⚠️ Hard to connect with locals if you stay in tourist zones

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 the forgotten one right next to Bali and yet it is a real hidden gem. Incredible beaches no mass tourism peaceful villages a rawer but much calmer vibe. We loved exploring the island by scooter discovering empty beaches and untouched rice fields. It is less instagrammable but way 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
✅ Few tourists even in high season
✅ Perfect spot to learn surfing in a chill atmosphere

What we love less

⚠️ Less visible culture with few temples
⚠️ Some roads and infrastructures still under construction
⚠️ Fewer activities if you are not into beaches or 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 first island we ever explored and it truly changed the way we travel. Since then we have been back twice and it definitely won’t be the last time. To us it is the most underrated island in Indonesia.

Between empty beaches breathtaking underwater life and the Toraja traditions that challenge everything you think you know Sulawesi is at once a shock a wonder and a deeply human adventure. You hardly see any tourists you feel far from everything and every day brings a new discovery.

The Togian Islands which you reach after hours on the road and boat are among the most paradisiacal places we have seen wild coves no signal simple but perfect places to stay… we paid 23 euros a night to sleep in a little slice of paradise.

In the center of the island the Toraja region is a cultural shock in the best sense a completely different way to view death unique ceremonies and incredible hospitality. It is intense disorienting but deeply unforgettable.

What we love

✅ Some of the best diving and snorkeling in the country Togians Bunaken
✅ Spots that are still completely untouched
✅ A unique and powerful Toraja culture
✅ True disconnection few people no signal and lots of emotion

What we love less

⚠️ Long and sometimes tiring journeys
⚠️ Basic comfort bring only the essentials
⚠️ Best for travelers who are open curious and ready to be shaken up

Perfect for those seeking true disconnection heartfelt encounters mind-blowing diving strong cultural experiences and places that still feel real and untouched sensitive souls might want to skip Toraja.

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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 remote wilder and more untouched part of it. There are no beach bars or paved roads here just turquoise lagoons epic snorkeling stilt villages and the feeling of being alone in the world.

But it is not as complicated as it used to be. Since 2023 there are direct flights from Bali to Sorong and the homestays keep improving every year. It is not just for hardcore adventurers you just need to love nature and plan ahead a bit.

What we love

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

What we love less

⚠️ Flights and transfers require a bit of planning
⚠️ Few infrastructures although it is improving quickly
⚠️ Activities and accommodations are quite expensive especially in Misool

🇫🇷 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.

Perfect for those looking for true disconnection who love underwater adventures and want to experience something far from mainstream tourism without giving up all comfort.

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Sumatra

A wild island to explore off the beaten path

Sumatra is a mix between postcard Indonesia and raw adventure. It is a massive lush and powerful island where everything feels wilder the roads the people the volcanoes the jungle. We went there to see orangutans and left with unforgettable memories jungle treks empty beaches and the culture of the Mentawai people.

It is not the easiest island to travel around especially if you want to go beyond the usual routes. It takes time a bit of budget and a love for adventure.

On Siberut Island in the Mentawai we experienced one of the most unforgettable moments of our lives. For several days we shared the daily life of a tribe still entirely disconnected from the modern world. These "flower men" live in harmony with the forest where they always find what they need sometimes hunting with bows. This tribe still survives for now although younger generations are increasingly choosing village life. I can still hear the Shaman telling us before we left don’t forget. Those moments are forever engraved in our hearts.

What we love

✅ Jungle treks in Bukit Lawang and encounters with wild orangutans
✅ Beaches that are still completely untouched
✅ The unique Mentawai culture flower men of the forest

What we love less

⚠️ Long and tiring journeys
⚠️ Some activities and transport can be expensive guide 4x4 boat
⚠️ Not the best island for short trips

Perfect for travelers seeking full immersion in nature far from everything with enough time to explore without pressure.

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East Borneo : Maratua Island

Borneo 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
✅ Harmless jellyfich lake
✅ Lesser-known snorkeling spots that are still pristine

What we love less

⚠️ Borneo is a huge island with complex logistics and long distances
⚠️ Few roads mean lots of boat rides and patience
⚠️ Requires time and flexibility

Perfect for those dreaming of slow adventure wild nature incredible 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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