Comprising over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is unsurprisingly a popular destination for tropical getaways.
The country boasts islands with beautiful sandy beaches and sparkling cerulean waters. If you’re looking to wind down, you can lounge leisurely while taking in this serene view.
At the same time, these islands are amazing for thrill seekers. Mountains adorned with verdant forests make for great hiking and climbing adventures.
Aside from the wonders of nature, there is also an abundance of cultural and historical wealth that you can discover. Centuries-old places of worship, practices handed down through generations – joining festivals is one way to immerse yourself in the locals’ way of life.
Still contemplating which Indonesian island to visit first? Consider this a mini guide to help you decide.
To make it easier, let’s narrow down the focus to three island destinations.
Batam
No doubt you’ve heard of Batam, but it’s more than just “that island you can cross to from Johor or Singapore”.
You might have done a few duty-free shopping here. But the next time you visit, expand your itinerary beyond that.
Add a “sunset trip to Barelang Bridge” to your journey. The bridge, officially named Tengku Fisabilillah Bridge, serves the practical purpose of connecting Batam to other nearby islands. But it’s also become popular as a sunset spot due to how romantic it looks in the golden glow of the setting sun.
If you’re a history buff, you’ll enjoy Museum Batam Raja Ali Haji. Here you can learn about the island’s historical evolution – from the Riau-Lingga Sultanate era until modern times.
If you’re heading to Batam soon, be sure to drop by the Batam Wonderfood & Art Ramadan, which runs until March 1.
It’s not the typical Ramadan bazaar you’re used to, as it also features arts and cultural performances. Of course, there are plenty of stalls selling various foods. So, this is a good place for you to savour the local delicacies in one spot.
While Batam is accessible via various modes of transportation, air travel is the most convenient.
Batik Air operates seven flights weekly from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Terminal 1 to Batam’s Hang Nadim International Airport.
Lombok
Animal lovers, you’ll appreciate Lombok Wildlife Park. You can experience a close encounter with elephants here, as you can join in feeding and bathing them. There are, of course, other animals you can see and hold, including birds and snakes.
Whale shark is another animal you can encounter in the wild. You’ll need to join a whale shark tour, which typically lasts two to three days. The best time to visit for this would be between April and October.
For scenic coastal views as well as sunset views, you’ll want to trek up Malimbu Hill. It’s located just 30 minutes away from the island’s capital, Mataram.
For a more challenging hike, you might be interested in Mount Rinjani. Located within the Rinjani-Lombok Unesco Global Geopark, the active stratovolcano is also popular for its crescent-shaped lake, Danau Segara Anak.
If you’re looking to participate in a unique festival, visit Lombok in either November or December. That’s usually when Perang Topat takes place.
This festival is essentially a “war of the ketupat”. Yes, the ketupat or rice cake that you usually eat with your satays. Except in this festival, you don’t eat the ketupat – you hurl it at other festivalgoers.
The act is not meant to harm, however. It is a “friendly fight” meant to foster unity and tolerance while celebrating a good harvest season.
You can fly to Lombok with Batik Air, which operates seven flights weekly from KLIA T1 to the Lombok International Airport.
Bali
Bali perhaps requires the least introduction, having long been Indonesia’s most popular island destination. Tourists love its luxury beach resorts, and turquoise waters perfect for snorkelling and diving.
Even if you’ve never visited in person, you’ve definitely seen plenty of photos displaying Bali’s wondrous beauty. From the stunning beaches of Nusa Penida to the majestic temples around Mount Agung, the island has no shortage of awe-inspiring places.
If you’re a nature lover, you’ll want to check out its many waterfalls too. For example, the Sekumpul and Tegenungan waterfalls. There’s also the Kanto Lampo Waterfall, which features terraced rock formations that lead to gentler cascades.
For cultural immersion, visit the Samsara Living Museum. You’ll not only get to learn about Bali traditions and savour local culinary, you’ll get hands-on experience in some of its cultural activities too.
Festival-wise, the most widely known when it comes to Bali is its Nyepi Festival. This year it was observed on March 19, from 5.59am.
Also known as the “Day of Silence”, it is a ritual that requires everyone (including tourists) to refrain from making noises. For 24 hours, the whole island shuts down – even airports – and everyone must stay indoors and meditate.
Visiting the island is as easy as taking a Batik Air flight, as the airline flies from KLIA T1 to Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport 35 times weekly.
