With over 17,508 islands in Indonesia, visitors to Indonesia are spoilt for choice. Bali has long been the “Go To” spot for a beach holiday in Indonesia.
While we still adore weekend getaways to Bali, sometimes you need an island holiday where you can just laze on the beach away from crowds. Here are our top five tropical islands outside Bali:
1. Lombok
Just a 20-minute flight away from Bali, Lombok is an idyllic hideaway. Promising a winding coastline adorned with ribbons of sublime beaches and an inland sea of luminescent green rice paddies. Not to mention with the towering Mt. Rinjani in the backdrop.
From its deserved reputation for sun-drenched sandy beaches and world-class swells off the south coast. Lombok is home to Gunung Rinjani Indonesia’s second largest active volcano and Segara Anak a lake atop the volcano.
On Lombok, visitors can get back to nature, trek to the summit, snake past emerald lakes and steaming volcanic vents. You will arrive at the top to soak up its majestic wilderness.
Highlights:
- Senggigi and Setangi beaches
- Mount Rinjani and Segara Anak crater lake’s dramatic natural scenery
- Pusuk Monkey Forest
- Kuta’s dream beaches of Mawun
- Tanjung Aan, Selong Belanak and Mawun Beach
- Selong Belanak Tanjung Aan Pink Beach
Best Spots:
- Senggigi Beach
- Desert Point
- Benang Kelambu waterfall
- Kuta-Lombok and Belongas Bay
- Pink Beach on the Ekas Peninsula
2. Flores
The island of Flores is ninety minutes from Bali by flight. Here, you’ll discover one of only seven pink beaches in the world, volcanic lakes and emerald waters with diverse marine life. There are 50 dive sites providing access to dolphins, turtles, and giant rays.
Kayaking is a popular way to explore Flores’ coastline and mangrove fringes. Ashore, the magnificent Kelimutu is a volcano home to three crater lakes, which change color according to the weather and climate. The Cunca Waterfalls on Flores’ west is a fabulous place for a refreshing swim in its rock pools after a hike through the mountain’s dense forest.
On the eastern tip of Flores is Larantuka. The perfect spot to imbibe local culture, where locals maintain the Easter Traditions by the Portuguese some 500 years ago. Then there is the “Flores Hobbit” a new species of ancient human remains, found in the caves of Liang Bua.
Highlights:
- Kelimutu volcano and its three sacred lakes
- Cunca Waterfalls
- Tado Ecotourism Village
- Liang Bua hobbit cave.
Best Spots:
- Love Hill (sunsets)
- Sano Nggoang Lake
- Wae Rebo traditional village
- Blue Stone Beach
3. Sumba Island
A two-hour flight from Bali, Sumba Island’s Tarimbang Bay is home to pristine white beaches and secluded surfing spots. Rich in culture, this island is also home to megalithic tombstones and Ikat weaving featuring textiles.
Sumba’s sparkling coastline’s is one of the surfing world’s best-kept secrets. However, surfing is not the only reason to add Sumba Island to your island itinerary. This tranquil island nurtures old-growth tropical forests, hills swathed in lush, and in Western Sumba, the picturesque Wainyapu Village showcases its traditional native houses.
Sumba Island is also home to the world’s best hotel, the amazing Nihi Sumba resort. This one-time surf lodge billionaire Chris Burch and renowned hotelier James McBride transformed it into a culturally immersive showcase of active adventure.
Highlights:
- Marosi Beach
- Air Terjun Lapopu waterfall
- Kampung Tarung
- Bandokodi village
- Megalithic tombs
Best Spots:
- Tarimbang
- Watu Malado and Mandorak Beaches
- Weekuri Lake
- Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park
4. Komodo Island
Komodo Island’s main attraction are its prehistoric Komodo dragons, the biggest lizards on Earth. However, its eastern coastline harbors some fabulous pink beaches, that are a result of pulverized red coral remnants.
Refresh with a swim and some sun baking on the beach after day hiking through the island with your guides in search of your first dragon sighting. Komodo is one of three islands comprising the Komodo National Park.
Most boats visiting Komodo Island dock at Loh Liang on the east coast, which is also the start point for guided walks and treks.
Highlights:
- Dragons!
- Sunsets off Pulau Kalong
- Pink beaches
Best Spots:
- Pink Beaches
- Kampung Komodo fishing village.
5. Gili Islands
Off the northwest coast of Lombok nestle three remote islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. Each ringed by white sandy beaches, fringing coconut palms and crystal clear turquoise waters. The islands have no motorized transport and villagers rely on bicycles, horses, boats, and walking to get around.
Gili Trawangan is the most popular destination thanks to the fast boats servicing it directly from Bali. It has hotels, luxury villas, and nightlife and is a center for snorkeling and diving.
Gili Meno, the smallest island is the perfect spot for a quiet day on the beach. Gili Air caters more to budget travelers. As you would expect, it has a rowdy nightlife to complement its superb snorkeling and diving.
Highlights:
- Fresh seafood at Pearl Beach Lounge
- Diving with turtles at Gili Trawangan
- Exploring tidal rock pools on Gilli Air
- No cars in sight!
Best Spots:
- Gili Trawangan for sunsets and bonfire by the beach at Casa Vintage Store
- Gili Meno’s Karma Beach for romantic escapes and mini turtle sanctuary