Land of Plenty: Indonesia, Island by Island

Jason Carter
3 hours ago
3 min read

Ancient stone temple tower against a clear blue sky, with intricate carvings and a serene atmosphere, surrounded by lush trees.

LAND OF PLENTY: INDONESIA, ISLAND BY ISLAND

Indonesia is not so much a single destination as a chain of worlds waiting to be discovered. Across more than 17,000 islands, cultures shift, landscapes change, and the journey can move from ancient temples and volcanic ridgelines to empty lagoons and reef systems of remarkable richness. These five itineraries are designed as starting points—examples of what is possible when travel is paced well and shaped by local expertise. Each can be refined, extended, or reimagined to suit the season and your own interests and passions.

WEST TIMOR

Coastal landscape with turquoise sea, lush green palm trees, and distant hills under a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds. Serene mood. — *Rote Island in West Timor*

A notable and very exciting addition for 2026 is West Timor, where Indonesia feels distinctly less traveled. Landscapes here are drier and more austere, shaped by limestone hills, traditional villages, and a slower tempo of life. The opening of NIHI Rote, sister property to the famous NIHI Sumba, brings thoughtful access to a region long overlooked, creating opportunities to combine coastal seclusion with cultural exploration in a part of the archipelago that still feels genuinely remote.

KOMODO

Lush green hills and a sandy cove with clear water. Boats dot the sea, under a cloudy sky. Tranquil and scenic landscape. — *Komodo Island*

Komodo National Park remains one of Indonesia’s most compelling and visually incredible seascapes. Volcanic islands rise sharply from clear water, creating a natural stage for cruising, diving, and slow exploration aboard a privately chartered phinisi schooner. Days unfold at an unhurried pace, with time divided between reef dives, island walks among Komodo dragons, and long lunches anchored in quiet bays. Komodo rewards travelers with a rare balance of experiences—signature shore landings, scenic hikes, and celebrated sites such as Pink Beach and manta-rich waters—before returning to the comfort and rhythm of life at sea. For milestone journeys, full-vessel charters allow guests to move entirely at their own pace.

RAJA AMPAT

Sailboat with black sails glides on blue sea, leaving a white wake. Clear sky and rocky islands in the background create a serene scene. — *Under sail in Indonesia*

This vast archipelago is defined less by landmarks than by distance and sea—days may pass without seeing another boat, with long crossings between scattered karst islets and minimal settlements. Above water, the rhythm is simple: quiet lagoons, empty shorelines, and small, nature-led lodges. Below the surface is the real spectacle—one of the world’s richest concentrations of marine biodiversity, where timing and conditions unlock extraordinary diving and world-class snorkeling. For travelers who come primarily for the underwater world, Raja Ampat is the pinnacle. Guests can also explore Raja Ampat aboard Aqua Blu, a small expedition yacht from Aqua Expeditions, combining remote anchorages with the comfort of a small expedition yacht.

BALI

Poolside view with two loungers, umbrellas, and a palm tree, overlooking the ocean. A person walks by, all under a clear blue sky. — *Amankila*

Bali continues to anchor many Indonesian journeys, offering an exceptional concentration of high-caliber hotels and a depth of cultural life that rewards return visits. Along the southern coast, long-established beachfront resorts sit alongside newer, design-led properties and private villas suited to celebrations and family groups. Inland, the jungle landscapes around Ubud remain a focal point for those drawn to temples, craft traditions, and slower rhythms, with some of the country’s most refined retreats tucked discreetly into the valley walls. Standouts include Capella Ubud, COMO Uma Ubud, and Amankila.

JAVA

Volcano spewing smoke amid rugged terrain, surrounded by clouds under a blue sky. Distant structures visible at the base. Calm atmosphere. — *Mount Bromo*

Java provides cultural ballast to any Indonesian itinerary, and we consider the massive island to be essential. Near Yogyakarta, the temple complexes of Borobudur and Prambanan remain among Southeast Asia’s most powerful sacred sites, best experienced early in the day when light and atmosphere are at their most evocative. Amanjiwo overlooks Borobudur and offers a considered base for exploring this exceptional landscape. Further east, Java’s volcanic spine opens opportunities for trekking and soft adventure, with Mount Bromo, Merapi, and Merbabu offering varied routes across lunar plains, forested slopes, and high ridgelines.

SUMBA

Tropical beachside village with thatched roofs, lush greenery, and a calm ocean. Clear blue sky and fluffy clouds fill the background. — *NIHI Sumba*

Raw, ritualistic, and visually arresting, Sumba feels worlds apart from the rest of Indonesia. The island’s savannah landscapes, megalithic villages, and strong ceremonial traditions create a sense of place that is both ancient and intact. Along the coast, powerful surf breaks and empty beaches draw travelers who value space and elemental beauty. NIHI Sumba remains a singular base, pairing deep local engagement with one of the country’s most dramatic coastal settings. Also notable is Cap Karoso, which combines contemporary design and an elevated culinary approach, including the return of the Sumba Food Festival in October, along with the incorporation of local traditions and arts and crafts.