The Best Indonesian Island For Your Personality

Unsplash/Joel Vodell

Everyone knows that Bali is the peak place to go to find yourself — and find tropical paradise while you’re at it. But there are more Indonesian islands than the large, looming Bali. Here’s how to decide which one might be right for you to visit, based on your travel style.

For Luxury Travelers: Bali

There’s a reason why this one is the grand standard. Bali has everything. From bustling Ubud to luxurious resorts on the coast, you’ll find every need met here. But you’ll also find a lot of other travelers after the same “Bali” experience. So just be ready for that.

Flickr CC/Tiomax80

For Backpackers: Lombok

For those who want to see fewer high-maintenance tourists, we’d suggest Lombok. It’s cheaper than Bali but right next door. And the beaches have the same water without the price of a hotel chair on the sand.

Flickr CC/macronix

For Party People: Gili Trawangan

The Gili Islands are famous for a particular type of mushroom, but even if you don’t want to imbibe anything but the sweet sea air, you’ll love Gili Trawangan. It’s where all the cool kids are partying these days, so just don’t be a bad social butterfly — clean up after yourself.

Flickr CC/SarahTz

For Surfers: Sumbawa

Sumbawa is known to have some of the best surfing in all of Indonesia. Now, it’s not like you’ll be starved for surfing spots on any other island in the area, but you won’t have to deal with crowds here. Just catch your wave and enjoy the serenity.

Flickr CC/wavehavenbali

For Nature Lovers: Komodo And Flores

The only place in the world in which you’ll find Komodo dragons is Komodo Island, so to see these scary reptiles, you’ll need to catch a boat here. But nearby Flores Island is known for extraordinary hiking — without the dinosaur-like creatures roaming around. Phew.

Flickr CC/Christopher Harriot

For History Buffs: Ternate

A staple on the old colonial trading routes, Ternate has some excellent fortresses for history buffs to explore. Even so, it’s not a popular tourist destination, so you’ll likely get an authentic picture of the island.

Flickr CC/Fabio Acchilli

For Beach Bums: Gili Meno

One of the smaller Gili islands, Meno is basically just sun and sand, perfect for anyone who wants to take it easy. You can snorkel, surf or just soak up some rays under a palm-roofed hut.

Flickr CC

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