Most people who go to Indonesia flock to Bali. And it's no wonder why.
Bali is one of my favorite places with beautifully terraced rice fields, looming volcanoes, and luxurious spa treatments.
But, quite frankly, its beaches are pretty terrible. They aren't stunning, there is trash everywhere, and the water isn't very clear.
It's my job to discover the best beaches and islands in the world, so last time I went to Bali, I decided to see what the rest of Indonesia had to offer.
(After all, there are over 18,000 other islands in Indonesia to choose from.)
And I was pleasantly surprised.
1 . Gili Air
Gili Air is an island just off the coast of Lombok and is reachable by a quick one-hour boat ride from Bali.
There are actually three Gili Islands: Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. Gili Air is my favorite.
Gili Trawangan is too much of a party scene for me, and Gili Meno is too quiet for my taste.
Gili Air reminds me of what Gili Trawangan used to be about eight years ago.
There are nice chill-out open-air bars and a few Goa-style outdoor dance parties that happen along the beach.
But mainly, what you experience is a vibe of peace and quiet that's very rare to find anywhere else in the world.
The difference in the beaches on Gili Air from Bali is quite dramatic. The aquamarine water is clear and sparkling.
It's the kind of place that the minute you arrive, all of your cares disappear as you sink deep into the white powder sand, contented, knowing you have finally found Paradise.
2. Kei Kecil, Maluku
Kei Kecil is one of the original spice islands. If you are looking for a Gilligan's Island type of feel, this is it.
There are very few restaurants or places to stay on this island. But what you will find is gorgeous, incredible snorkeling and beaches.
The sunsets are stunning, and you will have most of it to yourself. Mind you, your accommodations will probably be very rustic.
I stayed at the Coaster Cottages, where the bathrooms only have mandis with which to bathe yourself.
But the hotel was on one of the prettiest beaches I've ever seen, so it was worth it!
There were no restaurants nearby, so I just ate whatever the hotel served each night.
There was also no wi-fi, but I enjoyed being disconnected in a place as beautiful and remote as Kei Kecil.
Related: Best Places to Visit Cruising Indonesia
3. Raja Ampat
Any serious diver has probably heard of Raja Ampat. It is a group of islands in the Indonesian part of Papua, and it has some of the best diving in the entire world.
These islands are in the most bio-diverse region on earth. (There are 1,430 species of reef fish alone).
I swam with sharks, sea turtles, manta rays, giant clams, and the most vibrant coral that I've ever seen.
This is a place that takes the conservation of its marine resources very seriously, so the aquatic underworld there is pristine and untouched.
Yes, Raja Ampat is about as far as you can get from Bali and still be in Indonesia, but I recommend taking the journey.
Most beaches aren't your typical white sand beaches, so if you are a sun worshiper, it may not be your kind of place.
Usually, the jungle goes right to the edge of the ocean. But, if you are a diver, Raja Ampat is a spot you don't want to miss.
I hope these islands encourage you to get out and go somewhere new and unusual besides the usual tourist spots.
It's always good to leave the beaten path and explore somewhere that hordes of tourists haven't discovered yet.
Christina Gmyr says
These all look gorgeous! I might be half-mermaid as well, because I don't think I can survive another month without going to the beach! No longer beach weather here in Spain...
Val-This Way To Paradise says
I hear you Christina!! There is nothing like the beach. I will be coming to Ibiza in May.
Tiffany says
I'm heading to Indonesia in December. Thanks for the great tips, I'll definitely check out some of these beautiful islands!
Sharon @ Where's Sharon? says
oh wow, those islands are gorgeous!! I really need to explore more of Indonesia
Val-This Way To Paradise says
Hi Sharon! It's definitely worth it. I have lots of helpful guides on my website. Cheers!!
Shereen says
Those beaches sounds and look beautiful. We get so caught up and dependent on technology it's sometimes nice to be completely disconnected and appreciate the beauty of the place you're in. I'm heading to that part of the world next year. I'll have to see if I can work in one of these islands. Great post!
John says
These all look wonderful and a great addition to the better known islands. Thank you for sharing these.
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
These may prove inspiring for future travels! I love your suggestions though have to admit - it can be hard to imagine unplugging when life and work are so busy and intertwined! Thank you for the inspiration and for sharing these gorgeous images!
Stephanie - The Travel Chica says
I get turned off by overly-crowded destinations and know there have to be lesser-known alternatives. The trick is in finding them. Great tips!
Dave says
I'd also add Komodo Island after visiting last year. Most people think of it for the Dragons, but there are amazing beaches (snorkeling and diving) too!
Jennifer says
Raja Ampat sounds like my kind of place! I love marine life and would love the opportunity to swim with the variety you did during your stay Val.
Jaslyn - Travel Top Ten says
Bali is being overcrowded because of its popularity. Thanks for providing us some other options to enjoy a beach scenery as beautiful as Bali. :)
Jasper says
I've been wanting to go to Raja Ampat for so long! I was supposed to go this year but the trip was canceled unfortunately. Definitely going next year! Any recommendations on accommodation or general tips would be much appreciated!
Cheers
Rebecca says
great list! I would like to make it my personal duty to try these out!
Ardine says
You should visit karimunjawa island. It's beautiful, not a crowded beach, and the coral is amazing.
E.M. says
Raja Ampat ----- Serious conservation??? This is a myth. that appear on the internet. I can barely stand these romantic, naive travel reports that appear on the internet. Facts: There are only a few Bule controlled, financed, patrolled and managed areas with no take zones. There is a grass roots movement ( foreigners again)bto empower local villages with authority to enforce no fishing in the waters immediate to their "jurisdiction." But again it is all about the money.
There is plastic in the water, lots of plastic, and fishing monofilament line tangles and TONS of liveaboards who dump bilge and sewage into the sea. Sorong is the primary port for Liveaboards working Raja Ampat. And this port does not permit nor have facilities to handle marine vessel sewage. hzow is that for conservation. And the local fisherman are way over the top with their " line fishing" exploiting the easy pickings. Don't believe me? I will show you pictures. And yes, there is poison stun, spear and bomb fishing. Its all about the money. This area remains good only because it is more difficult and somewhat expensive to access. The more tourist that come, the worse it will get. In fact there is talk about a group building a casino near Kri in R4 North. And western financed modular resortrs are popping up everywhere. Money money exploitation.