With over 18,000 islands, 300 ethnic groups, and around 750 languages and variants, Indonesia is a truly fascinating destination, especially for travelers who like to keep busy.
When it comes to Indonesia, the first thing that many people think of is Bali. Not surprisingly, many tourists want to venture out of the tourist trap to get the most out of Indonesia.
Below is a list of the 4 best islands in Indonesia other than Bali, don't miss it.
1. Karimun Java Islands
The Karivengeva Islands, located north of Semarang, the capital of Central Java, are full of biodiversity, rainforests, and coral reefs. Designated as a Marine National Park, this idyllic archipelago of 27 islands spread out across the calm Java Sea is perfect for photos.
Its long stretches of white sand and turquoise seas are a popular Instagram backdrop. The underwater flora and fauna of Karimunjawa are incredible.
The most important of these are 444 species of fish, 11 species of seagrass, and 9 species of seaweed. The most popular snorkeling spots are Gosong Island, Menjangan Kecil Island, Tengah Island, and Tanjung Gelam Island.
Only 5 of the 27 islands are inhabited and they are home to a variety of cultures - mostly Javanese, but also some Burkinis and Maduras.
2. Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is located within the Lesser Sunda Islands and consists of numerous islands, but mainly Komodo, Rinca, and Padar. More than 2,500 Komodo dragons - the largest species of lizards in the world are said to live on the islands, along with horses, deer, wild boar, snakes, and wild buffalo.
The famous pink beach is one of only seven beaches in the world with this special hue, which is very attractive. Although the increasing number of tourists has had a devastating effect on the destination, beaches are often littered with washed-up rubbish ashore.
Still, the waters surrounding the island continue to attract divers, with swarms of colorful fish, marine invertebrates, and glowing corals hidden beneath the waves.
3. Flores
Flores is one of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands and is often seen as a springboard to Komodo Island. The name Flores comes from the Portuguese word for "flower" and it is the homeland of the Portuguese Indonesians.
The most magnificent natural wonder here is the crater lake of Mount Kelimutu. The three lakes atop the volcano change color every day, from blue, green, and red to dark brown.
The dramatic change in color is thought to be caused by the interaction of volcanic gases with minerals in the water. In addition to this, there are great diving spots in and around Flores.
4. Lombok
In 1859, British scientist Alfred Russel Wallace realized he was on the brink of something unique after making a dangerous journey from Bali to Lombok.
Although the distance between Bali and Lombok is only 35 kilometers (22 miles), the flora and fauna between the two islands are quite different.
This prompted Wallace to draw the so-called Wallace Line, a boundary that separates the transitional ecoregions.
Today, Lombok is considered a quieter option than the tourist destination of Bali. Mawi Beach on the south coast is great for surfing, while the majestic Mount Rinjani in the north offers excellent multi-day hiking opportunities.
Despite being hit by a devastating earthquake in 2018, international tourists continue to flock to the island to appreciate its beauty and help spur the island's economic recovery.
