Indonesia Island Hopping Holidays

With over 6,000 inhabited islands to choose from, Indonesia may well be one of the best destinations for island hopping. Bali and Java tend to hog the limelight as the most popular islands in the Indonesian archipelago, but explore further afield and you’ll find plenty of hidden gems which make Indonesia island hopping well-worth the travel time. The twin treasures of Flores and Komodo can be visited in tandem, for authentic culture, rugged beauty and a more laid-back take on Bali’s lavish lifestyle. Lombok, Bali’s little sister, is characterised by Sasak villages, stunning temples and mouth-watering seafood, while Sumatra is the place to immerse yourself in wild landscapes, with its untamed jungles and untouched beaches. 6,000 islands would be a stretch for even the most accomplished traveller, so our travel experts can help narrow down this lengthy list and craft your dream island hopping itinerary based on what you’d like to see and do. Cruise the crystal clear waters of the Indian and Pacific Oceans aboard a luxury boat and get acquainted with this water-bound form of transport as you tour the Indonesian Archipelago. Once on dry land, you’ll find no shortage of cultural, foodie and active pursuits to fill your days; Indonesia island hopping holidays really are the best of all worlds.

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Indonesia Island Hopping Holidays Guide

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What can you expect during Indonesia island hopping holidays that you won’t find anywhere else?

If the vast number of islands feels overwhelming, our travel experts are on hand to help join the dots between the best and create the perfect Indonesia island hopping itinerary. One thing that all of the islands have in common is a smattering of idyllic white-sand beaches, so you can rest assured that your holiday will contain a healthy dose of relaxation. Bali offers a natural starting point, and it won’t take long to see why this volcanic idyll is the best known of Indonesia’s 17,000-strong collection of islands. Beach bums can slip into a peaceful state of mind along Seminyak’s coastline, while adrenaline-seekers can surf its rugged waves. Explore the rich culinary culture of Ubud and visit in June for its annual food festival, a celebration of authentic fares and local produce.


Special things to do during Indonesia island hopping holidays:

Look beyond the well-worn tourist spots and you’ll find an index of lesser-visited islets, which are worth adding to the itinerary of any Indonesia island hopping holidays. Komodo is inhabited by an eclectic cast of creatures, most notably the eponymous dragons, and with plenty of hiking paths probing the lush interior, the island is built for exploring on foot. Nearby Flores is dominated by the Kelimutu Volcano, with its multi-coloured crater lakes nestled within the cliffsides. Experience ancient Sasak traditions in Lombok, Bali’s beach-blessed neighbour, as you venture through the ancient forest of Suranadi or trek the jungle-cloaked inclines of Gunung Rinjani (Indonesia’s second-highest volcano).


Best time to visit for island hopping in Indonesia:

Indonesia’s dry season tends to take place from May to December, so this is generally touted as the best time to visit. You’ll be met with sunshine-filled days, little risk of rain and comfortable temperatures in the high 20s. Given the impressive tally of Indonesian islands, it’s unsurprising that there are regional variations in climate. For example, Bali’s dry season falls between April and October, Sulawesi’s is from July to October and Sumatra’s is May to September. If you’re hoping to cram all of these (and more) into your itinerary, our experts can help find the sweet spot for Indonesia island hopping holidays.

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