Your 2025 Guide to Island Hopping in Indonesia

Planning an island-hopping trip to Indonesia often begins with a delightful dilemma. Where do you even start? There are more than 17,000 islands1 to choose from, and each has its own charm! 

Shall it be Bali with its blend of culture, arts and crafts, and temples, or perhaps Lombok, with quieter beaches and hiking trails? Oh, there’s also Komodo, with its one-of-a-kind meet-and-greet experience, one that involves komodo dragons amidst rugged beauty. Wait, there’s also Raja Ampat with its mesmerising diving sites.  

So, really… the challenge isn’t whether to island hop, but how to choose the right ones for you. From bustling cultural hubs to remote tropical escapes, Indonesia’s islands invite you to hop on a journey that’s as adventurous or as laid-back as you want it to be. But first, let’s embark on a journey of discovery of island hopping in Indonesia. We’ll try our best to help you out here! 

So, what are the best islands to visit in Indonesia?

Somehow, that feels like a trick question, simply because the answer depends on what you’re looking for! Here’s a quick take on that:

  • For first-timers: Bali is a natural starting point, with its ancient temples, lush rice terraces, and vibrant nightlife. 
  • For diving and untouched nature: Raja Ampat tops the list as a diver’s dream. It is renowned for its rich marine biodiversity and surreal karst landscapes.
  • For volcano treks and heritage sites: Java delivers, with Mount Bromo, Borobudur, and Yogyakarta’s cultural heart.
  • For pink beaches and “dragons”: Komodo and Flores are where you’ll find the Komodo dragons and other unique landscapes like the Pink Beach. Diving at Manta Point is also recommended. 
  • For laid-back vibes: Lombok and the Gili Islands offer a more relaxed pace. Lombok is a surfer’s paradise, while the Gilis are known for their laid-back vibe and excellent diving. 

There are also the Nusa Islands (Nusa Penida, Nusa Lembongan, and Nusa Ceningan), and each offer a distinct vibe a short boat ride away.  

  • For rock formations: Belitung and Bangka stand out with their unique granite rock formations and exceptionally clear waters. 
  • For villages and secluded beauty: Sumba offers traditional villages, untouched beauty, and waterfalls, appealing to those with a deep sense of discovery. 

The Komodo and Nusa islands are arguably the best for concentrated island hopping as they are part of a compact archipelago. From Labuan Bajo, you can easily access Komodo National Park’s main islands like Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. Trips range from single-day tours to multi-day cruises, offering access to the park’s highlights such as seeing Komodo dragons and hiking to viewpoints on Padar Island. 

 There isn’t one “best” island to visit in Indonesia. It’s more about matching the island to your travel style. 

 

How to Travel Between Islands in Indonesia

Moving across Indonesia’s vast sea of islands is part of the romance, and some say, adventure. Let’s explore how you can island–hop in Indonesia. 

Domestic flights:

Obviously, this is the quickest way to travel longer distances. For example, Bali to Labuan Bajo takes around an hour and fifteen minutes, while flights to Sorong (gateway to Raja Ampat) from Jakarta takes about four to five hours. 

For island that are close to one another, fast ferries and public ferries offer an affordable, if sometimes slower, way to travel. Popular ferry routes include Bali to Lombok and Jakarta to the Thousand Islands.

For the ultimate multi-island multi-day exploration, liveaboard cruises let you travel between islands, dive among pristine reefs, and immerse in the experience fully, without packing and unpacking at every stop. Boats departing from Labuan Bajo or Lombok offer various itineraries, from classic island stops to diving excursions. 

However you choose to island-hop in Indonesia, the key to smooth travel is advance planning, especially during peak seasons. Many local tours and packages offer an all-in-one service where they include transport and activities. That might sound like a dream for some! 

Island-hopping itinerary? We got you.

To help you with a decision, here’s a 10-day itinerary for your island-hopping trip in Indonesia. 

Why this route works? Each cluster (Bali + Nusa, Gili Islands, Komodo) is compact enough that you minimise long-haul transfers. Therefore, you won’t be spending more than a few hours moving between destinations, which leaves you with more time to enjoy the islands. 

This itinerary is best for first-timers who want temples, culture, and island-hopping, all within short boat rides. 

Bali → Nusa Islands → Gili Islands → Labuan Bajo & Komodo

Days 1 to 3: Bali for Culture, Beaches & Temples

Start your journey in Bali, where you can balance relaxation with cultural immersion. Spend a day exploring Ubud’s rice terraces, temples, and art markets, then head south to Seminyak or Canggu for beaches and sunset cocktails.  

Don’t miss a visit to Tanah Lot Temple, one of Bali’s most photographed sea temples. With Bali as your entry point, it’s easy to connect to nearby islands without long travel days. 

  • Ubud → Explore Tegallalang Rice Terraces, wander through the sacred Monkey Forest, and stop by Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave). 
  • Seminyak/Canggu → Chill at Seminyak Beach or surf at Echo Beach (Canggu), or stay overnight here, where nightlife and trendy cafes await.  
  • Day trips → Head south to Tanah Lot Temple (one of Bali’s most famous sea temples), and continue to Uluwatu Temple for sunset and a dramatic Kecak dance), or make your way to Tegenungan Waterfall, the largest waterfall by volume and the closest to the tourist enclaves, including Seminyak, Legian, Kuta and Sanur. 

Bali works well as your base to soak up culture and beaches before hopping to nearby islands. 

From Bali, take a 30- to 45-minute speedboat to the Nusa Islands. These islands are close to each other, making them ideal for short island hops. 

  • Nusa Penida → Visit Kelingking Beach (iconic T-Rex cliff), Manta Point (snorkel with manta rays), Angel’s Billabong (natural pool with clear waters, close to Broken Beach), and Broken Beach (unique natural archway). 
  • Nusa Lembongan → Explore Dream Beach, watch the waves crash at Devil’s Tear (sunset waves), and kayak through the Mangrove Forest. 
  • Nusa Ceningan → Cross the Yellow Bridge to Nusa Ceningan for cliff-jumping at Blue Lagoon or lounge at Secret Beach. 

They’re geographically small enough that you can cover highlights in just two days, while keeping travel light. 

Take a fast boat to the Gili Islands, which is approximately 2 to 3 hours from Bali. Settle on Gili Trawangan and you can rent a bicycle (no cars here!), chill on the beach, or snorkel. 

  • Gili Trawangan → Snorkel at Turtle Point (witness green sea turtles in their natural habitat), watch the sunset from “swing-in-the-sea”, and enjoy the vibrant night market. 
  • Gili Air → Snorkel off the east coast, join a yoga class, relax at the cafes, visit the turtle sanctuary, and take a cooking class!  
  • Gili Meno → Visit the underwater statues (known as Nest, an environmental attraction featuring a circle of 48 life-size statues on the seabed, off the coast of Gili Meno), swim in calm lagoons, watch the sunset, and explore the island on foot or bicycle. 

 The Gilis are just minutes apart by boat, so you can stay on one and take a day-trip to the others. 

You can fly from Lombok (near Gilis) or Bali to Labuan Bajo, Flores. Then, explore the harbour town by taking a stroll along the marina, enjoy a seafood feast at the night market, and prepare for your Komodo adventure. 

  • Komodo Island → Take a guided trek to spot Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. 
  • Rinca Island → This is quieter than Komodo, but it also has dragon-spotting treks. 
  • Padar Island → Enjoy sunrise/sunset hike for panoramic views of three-coloured beaches. 
  • Pink Beach → As the name suggests, this beach is famous for its blush-coloured sand, and also great for snorkelling. 
  • Kanawa Island → Coral reefs are just off the beach, with calm waters for swimming 
  • Labuan Bajo town → Explore the local fish market, and seafood restaurants along the waterfront. 

You can base yourself in Labuan Bajo and take day trips or opt for a 2D1N or 3D2N liveaboard  to cover multiple islands without rushing. 

Is there a best time to visit these Indonesian Islands?

Yes, April/May to September/October is prime island-hopping season. It’s the dry season across most regions, so seas are calmer with better visibility for diving and snorkelling. Avoid December to February, when rains and rough waters can disrupt travel, especially in eastern Indonesia. However, the peak dry season for Raja Ampat is October to April. 

7 quick tips for an unforgettable island-hopping trip

  1. Cluster islands smartly: Stick to islands near each other to maximise exploring, not commuting. 
  2. Mix it up: Pair adventure (trekking, diving, snorkelling) with downtime (spas, lounging on the beach, light activities).
  3. Pack light: Boats and ferries aren’t big-luggage friendly.
  4. Book in advance: Especially for dives at Raja Ampat or liveaboards for your Komodo adventure.
  5. Stay flexible: Weather can affect ferry schedules. So, adopt a flexible mindset, and go with the flow.
  6. Packing essentials: Sunscreen, dry bag, mosquito repellent, reusable utensils, and cash (many remote spots don’t provide access to ATMs).
  7. Responsible travel: Support local communities, volunteer for reef programmes, and leave only footsteps.  

Enhance Your Island-Hopping Experience

Whatever your itinerary for island-hopping in Indonesia looks like, finding the right accommodations can be challenging. With a Club Wyndham Asia membership, you gain access to a network of resorts across Indonesia and beyond. Knowing there’s a welcoming stay after your adventures brings peace of mind, and yes, exclusive perks don’t hurt either. 

Whether relaxing in Bali, exploring Lombok, or venturing into Komodo, having reliable resorts to return to elevates your trip.  

Start mapping out your journey, book your holiday!

Indonesia truly is the archipelagic dream, where you can snorkel with manta rays, relax on multiple calm beaches, and wander the pristine green spaces—all in one journey.  

So, why wait? Start planning your route, book your accommodation, flights and boats, and let the seas of Indonesia unravel before you!