The Best Islands in Indonesia: Bali, Java, and Sumba

Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands, so even frequent trips to the country don’t allow you to see all of its diversity. A traveler who first visited at the age of one and has returned more than 50 times since then named his three favorite islands to Travel + Leisure.

We’ll tell you where to stay, what to see, and how to combine these islands into a single itinerary later in this article.

Planning a trip to Bali, Java, or Sumba?

The travel guide from the Visit World portal will help you plan a convenient itinerary through the islands of Indonesia and prepare for your trip in advance.

Which Indonesian Islands Are Worth Visiting: Bali, Java, or Sumba

For a trip to Indonesia, you should choose Bali, Java, and Sumba. Each of these islands has its own unique character: Bali is known for its Hindu culture and spiritual traditions; Java is home to ancient temples; and Sumba attracts visitors with its tranquility and remoteness from popular tourist routes. Together, they allow you to experience very different sides of the country in a single trip.

What each island has to offer:

• Bali: temple rituals, rice terraces, artisan villages, local markets, and regional cuisine.
• Java: the Borobudur and Prambanan temples, batik workshops, and Yogyakarta’s street food.
• Sumbawa: a secluded getaway, waterfalls, coastal walks, and an introduction to local crafts.

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What to see in Bali: temples, rice terraces, and artisan villages

Bali is a great choice for exploring the island’s Hindu culture and spiritual traditions. Recommended experiences include a purification ritual at the Gunung Kawi Sebatu Temple, a ride in a vintage car past rice terraces, temples, and small villages, as well as strolls through artisan villages and local markets. The traveler advises against overloading your day with excursions and recommends setting aside time for leisurely relaxation.


Photo: Magnific

For accommodations, he chose Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve in Ubud—a small resort with 35 suites and 25 villas with private pools. A Balinese purification ritual is performed by a priest, after which guests can go on a walking tour of historic sites or participate in other cultural activities. For evening activities, consider dinner at The Sayan House restaurant, a private performance of the traditional kecak dance at sunset, and Nusantara by Locavore, a restaurant specializing in regional Indonesian cuisine.

The world’s best hotels in 2026—listed in this article.

Java and Yogyakarta: the Borobudur and Prambanan Temples

Central Java is ideal for travelers interested in history and architecture. It is home to Yogyakarta—one of Indonesia’s major cultural centers. The main highlight of the trip should be the 9th-century Borobudur Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s recommended to arrive early in the morning to see the temple at sunrise and avoid the large crowds of tourists.


Photo: Britannica

Another important landmark is the Prambanan Temple Complex, a prime example of Hindu architecture. You can have lunch at a restaurant with a panoramic view of the temple, and for scenic views and traditional Javanese dishes, head to the Menoreh Hills. In Yogyakarta itself, the traveler recommends visiting batik workshops, sampling the sweet dish lupis at small warungs, taking a ride through the city on a becak—a three-wheeled bicycle taxi—and trying kopi joss, a coffee brewed using hot coals.

We previously wrote about 5 Caribbean islands for active adventures.

Sumbawa Island: a getaway far from the tourist crowds

Sumbawa is one of Indonesia’s most remote and least developed islands, so life here moves at a much more leisurely pace. The island is ideal for those seeking solitude and wanting to relax away from large tourist crowds. It’s recommended to spend your first few days on Sumba exploring nature and the local culture, particularly the tradition of horseback swimming, which was historically used for herding animals and crossing bodies of water.


Photo: Journey’s Intent

For accommodations, the traveler recommends the NIHI Sumba resort, where local traditions are woven into the guest program. Here, you can sign up in advance for ikat weaving classes with local artisans, go canoeing, or try stand-up paddleboarding on the Vanukaka River. For those who enjoy active recreation, it’s worth trekking through the jungle to Lapopu Waterfall with its natural pools. Another option is the Spa Safari: guests cover part of the west coast on foot or on horseback, and conclude the route with spa treatments in a private pavilion overlooking the ocean.

Where to Go in Europe in Winter — read here.

Tips for a Two-Week Trip Through the Islands of Indonesia

Bali, Java, and Sumba can be combined into a single two-week trip. This itinerary covers a variety of vacation experiences: seclusion on a remote island, natural landmarks, ancient temples, and an immersion in local culture. To ensure a comfortable trip, it’s worth following a few practical tips from a traveler who knows the country well.

1. Sign up in advance for an ikat weaving class on Sumbawa.
2. Plan your visit to Borobudur for early morning to catch the sunrise and avoid the crowds.
3. In Bali, leave some free time in your schedule for a leisurely break.
4. Choose Sumba for those days when you’re looking for peace and solitude.

Planning a route through Bali, Java, and Sumba is easier with the travel guide from the Visit World portal. The guide will help you decide on locations in advance, allocate time between the islands, and prepare for your trip without any unnecessary hassle.

Order a guide from Visit World and set off on a journey through Indonesia with a ready-made plan!

Reminder! In our previous article, we talked about 10 hidden gems of the world worth visiting in 2027.

Photo: Magnific

Products from Visit World for a comfortable trip:

Travel guide for 200 countries;

Legal advice from a local specialist on visa and migration issues;

Travel insurance around the world (please select the country of interest and citizenship to receive services);

Medical insurance all over the world.

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