Indonesia – A Country With 17,000 Islands and Somehow You Still Want More

Indonesia island travel guide – serene lakeside view of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple in Bali during sunrise, reflecting in calm waters.

Indonesia

Indonesia wasn’t just another stamp in my passport – it felt like a whole collection of worlds wrapped into a single country. I still remember the moment I landed in Bali and the air smelled like incense, ocean, and possibility.

And just when you think you understand Indonesia, it surprises you again – a new island, a new culture, a new reason to fall in love with traveling.

If Thailand feels like comfort,
Indonesia feels like discovery.

Learn from Indonesia Island Travel Guide:

Indonesia island travel guide - traveler standing at Bali’s iconic Gate of Heaven with Mount Agung at sunrise.

1. Bali – Yes, It’s Popular. No, The Hype Isn’t Wrong.

Most people show up in Bali expecting paradise, and somehow it still manages to exceed that expectation.

Some moments I still replay in my head:

  • Waking up to rice terraces glowing golden after sunrise
  • Getting lost in art markets in Ubud
  • A scooter ride along palm tree tunnels
  • Waves crashing so loud in Uluwatu it felt like nature roaring
  • Sitting barefoot in beachfront cafes, no rush, no rules

Bali teaches you two things:
to slow down and to feel deeply.

But it’s also not just beaches and Instagram swings – Bali has soul.
Ceremonies, temples, offerings – spirituality is part of everyday life.

2. Jakarta – Chaotic, Loud, Busy… and Weirdly Addictive

Jakarta was overwhelming at first – traffic everywhere, skyscrapers, street vendors yelling over each other, but somewhere in that chaos, I found charm.

The food scene? I’ll never forget it.
Rendang, nasi uduk, satay that tasted smoky and perfect.Jakarta is not a place people fall in love with at first sight –
but if you give it time, it becomes a city you respect deeply.

3. Komodo Island – The Moment You Realize Nature Doesn’t Care About Your Comfort

Imagine stepping off a boat and the “locals” are giant prehistoric lizards casually strolling around.

Komodo Island made me feel tiny – in the best way.
Pink beaches, rugged cliffs, turquoise water so clear it looked filtered but wasn’t.

The kind of place where adventure is not an activity –
it’s the atmosphere.

4. Yogyakarta – Indonesia’s Cultural Heartbeat

If Bali feeds your soul, Yogyakarta teaches your mind.

I woke up before sunrise to visit Borobudur, and watching the sun hit that ancient stone felt like time folded for a moment.

Street art, handmade crafts, shadow puppet shows – Yogyakarta reminded me that creativity isn’t a hobby here; it’s a legacy.

5. Gili Islands – Where Shoes and Stress Feel Illegal

Once the boat reached the Gili Islands, someone said:

“We don’t have cars. We don’t rush either.”

And they meant it.

People get around by bicycle, barefoot, or with a lazy stroll.
Nights are for beach bars, bonfires, music – conversations with strangers that feel like old friends.

Life becomes simple again.
And it’s beautiful.

When’s the Best Time to Visit?

  • April–October – perfect weather, ideal for beaches & hiking
  • November–March – rainy season but cheap, less crowded

These are the places that I went in my October trip. I booked my trip with Sasta Holiday and it was my perfect choice.

It’s the end of Indonesia Island Travel Guide,

Are you willing to visit any of these?

Japan

Portugal

Colombia

Hungary

Thailand

Vietnam

Mexico

Georgia

Morocco

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