5 Underrated Indonesian islands you need to visit

Incomparable Beauty: 5 Underrated Indonesian islands you need to visit

Sarah Khan

30 Nov 2016

updated the 1 August 2017 à 18:07

1/5
Flores Island
Flores (Portuguese for 'flowers'), is a stunning island west of the Solor Archipelago, surrounded by pristine white beaches and even a pink beach - one of the number of pink beaches found in the world! Fun fact: You might have heard of Flores Island from the discovery of the 'Flores Hobbit', a new species of human found on the island's secluded caves of Liang Bua.
This lush island, home to an array of amazing aquatic life, is the perfect spot for diving enthusiasts. There are 50 diving sites on the island, where you get to swim alongside the vibrant marine life and get up-close with larger marine animals like the dugong, dolphin and even giant manta rays.
Head to the island's Mount Kelimutu and be mesmerised. It is surrounded by 3 lakes of different colours that change depending on the weather and climate. Flores also has stunning waterfalls like the Cunca Waterfalls, which is nestled within stone formations and dense forests. Want a taste of the Flores culture? Head to Larantuka on the eastern tip of the island, where the locals still celebrate Easter Traditions from the Portuguese influence to Flores 500 years ago.
2/5
Belitung
Belitung, found on the east coast of Sumatra in the Java Sea, is an island considered to be one of the most beautiful in Southeast Asia to those who have trodden the sands there. With its immaculate pristine white beaches and breathtaking glistening blue waters, it is not hard to understand why.
Unlike other more commercialised Asian beach destinations, Belitung stands out with its distinctly untouched nature and quieter beaches - a welcome respite and retreat. Visit the island's granite rock formations and its smaller, offshore uninhabited islands on any of the local tours available and take in the island's incomparable beauty.
3/5
Komodo Island
Komodo Island, an island of volcanic hills, savannahs and dense forests, is part of the Lesser Sundra chain of islands and the Komodo National Park. This island was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in order to protect the habitat of the Komodo Dragon, the dangerous and largest lizard species in the world.
You can snorkel amongst the vibrant coral and marine life or sunbathe on the island's pink beach - one of the only 7 pink beaches in the world! For the ultimate sea voyage experience, you can opt to board the Raja Ampat Explorer. A full-day sailing on the ship allows you to fully relax on the ship deck in the afternoons and stargaze into the inky black sky at night, while in the midst of the island cluster and ocean.
4/5
Misool Island
Misool Island is one of the 4 major islands in the cluster of Raja Ampat Islands in West Papua. Bordering the Seram Sea (which is known for its thriving aquatic life), the island has 75% of all known ornamental fish and coral in the world, making it a fascinating destination for snorkeling and marine life enthusiasts.

So clear are the waters surrounding the island that you can see the ocean bed and all its vibrant coral and marine life, with visibility reaching as deep as 30 metres below the water surface. You'll find that the island has a predominantly limestone landscape covered with jungles, mangrove swamps and vegetation. Besides swimming, snorkeling or simply enjoying the beach, definitely give the caves a visit! Petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings by humans) as old as 5,000 years have been found in caves throughout the island - truly fascinating.
5/5
Lombok
Lombok Island, located east of Bali, may not be as commercialised or famous a beach destination as Bali, but is slowly gaining traction as a popular tourist spot. There's much to love about the island:its exquisite white beaches, glistening blue waters and lush forests perfect for hiking.
Surfing enthusiasts, in particular, would love Lombok. The island's Desert Point is reputed to be one of the best sets of waves in the world. The island is also home to Indonesia's second largest (and still active) volcano, Gunung Rinjani. Exhilarating helicopter tours are also available, which will offer you breathtaking views of Segara Anak, the lake atop the volcano.

You might have been to Bali, but have you heard of the stunningly beautiful islands of Flores or Misool?

The incomparably beautiful Indonesia is home to over an estimated 18,000 islands, of which only about 900 are inhabited and populated! While vacation-goers typically make a beeline for the more commercialised destinations like Bali, Bintan and increasingly Lombok, there are a vast array of stunning islands that still remain below the radar. We’ve done the footwork for you and narrowed down 5 spectacularly beautiful and fascinating – but underrated – islands in Indonesia that should definitely make your travel list.

There is the breathtaking island of Flores (where archaeologists discovered the remains of the ‘Flores Hobbit’ human species), which has stunning waterfalls, over 50 diving sites, and volcanic lakes that change colours according to the seasons. If you want a bit of culture and adventure thrown into your travel mix, visit Misool. Not only are its mesmerising blue waters home to over 75% of all corals and marine life known to the world, its caves bear petroglyphs (ancient cave rock carvings by humans) that date back as far as 5,000 years.

Piqued? Head up to our gallery above and discover the wondrous beauty that are the islands of Flores, Lombok, Misool and more!

Sarah Khan

Photos: Getty Images

This post was written with the collaboration & support of the Ministry of Tourism Indonesia. Air Asia offers the best connectivity to Indonesia, check out their 15 destinations here!

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