Which island has the best food?

Sumatra is widely considered the culinary capital, specifically the Padang region (Nasi Padang) which is famous for its rich, spicy curries like Rendang.

Beyond Bali: A Guide to Indonesia’s Main Islands (Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi & Papua)

Q: How much does it cost to travel in Raja Ampat?

Raja Ampat is the most expensive destination in Indonesia. Budget at least $150-$200 USD per day if staying in homestays and diving, or $300+ for resorts/liveaboards. The marine park entry fee is also required.

Q: Is it safe to travel to Papua?

Coastal tourist areas like Raja Ampat and Sorong are generally safe. However, the highlands (Baliem Valley) and border regions occasionally experience political instability. Always check current government travel advisories before booking.

Q: What is the best way to travel across Java?

The train system (Kereta Api Indonesia) is excellent. It connects Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya comfortably and affordably. It is much faster than buses due to Java's heavy traffic.

Last Updated: June 10, 2025 | By Online Visa Indonesia

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, comprising over 17,000 islands. While Bali steals the spotlight, the real adventure lies in the vast, diverse islands that surround it. From the smoking volcanoes of Java to the untouched reefs of Papua, each island is like a different country with its own culture, wildlife, and landscape.

If you are ready to step off the beaten path in 2025, here is your essential guide to Indonesia's four other giants: Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi, and Papua.

1. Sumatra: The Wild West

A wild Orangutan in the jungles of Bukit Lawang, Sumatra

Sumatra is for the wild at heart. It is the only place on Earth where tigers, elephants, rhinos, and orangutans coexist in the wild. The island is rugged, raw, and home to the unique Batak and Minang cultures.

Highlights:

Bukit Lawang: The premier spot for jungle trekking to see semi-wild Sumatran Orangutans.
Lake Toba: The world's largest volcanic lake. Stay on Samosir Island and experience Batak culture.
Padang: The birthplace of Nasi Padang and gateway to Mentawai surf.

Sumatra Travel Logistics

✈️ Getting There: Fly to Medan (KNO) for Orangutans/Lake Toba, or Padang (PDG) for food/surf.

📅 Time Needed: 10-14 days. Roads are poor and travel is slow.

💰 Budget: Low ($25 - $40 USD/day).

🏨 Where to Stay: Jungle guesthouses in Bukit Lawang; Batak homestays on Samosir Island.

🍽️ Must Eat: Nasi Padang (Spicy Curry), Mie Aceh (Spicy Noodles).

2. Java: The Cultural Core

Sunrise over Borobudur Temple with Mount Merapi in background

Java is the political heart of Indonesia. It is densely populated but offers a fantastic mix of history, volcanoes, and city life.

Highlights:

Yogyakarta: The cultural soul. Visit Borobudur (Buddhist) and Prambanan (Hindu) temples.
Volcanoes: The sunrise at Mount Bromo and blue flames of Ijen Crater are world-class.
Jakarta: A mega-city with huge malls and historic Old Town (Kota Tua).

Java Travel Logistics

✈️ Getting There: Fly to Jakarta (CGK), Yogyakarta (YIA), or Surabaya (SUB).

📅 Time Needed: 7-10 days. The train system is excellent and connects major cities.

💰 Budget: Low-Medium ($30 - $50 USD/day).

🏨 Where to Stay: Boutique hotels in Yogyakarta; Hostels near Bromo.

🍽️ Must Eat: Gudeg (Sweet Jackfruit Stew), Bakso (Meatball Soup).

3. Sulawesi: The Orchid Island

Traditional Tongkonan houses in Tana Toraja, Sulawesi

Shaped like a 'K', Sulawesi offers a bizarre mix of cultures and biology found nowhere else. It is a haven for anthropologists and divers.

Highlights:

Tana Toraja: Famous for elaborate funeral rites and cliff graves. A culturally intense experience.
Diving: Bunaken (North) and Wakatobi (South) offer some of the world's best coral reefs.

Sulawesi Travel Logistics

✈️ Getting There: Fly to Makassar (UPG) for Toraja, or Manado (MDC) for Bunaken.

📅 Time Needed: 10-12 days. Long overnight bus rides are common here.

💰 Budget: Medium ($40 - $70 USD/day).

🏨 Where to Stay: Traditional Tongkonan Homestays in Toraja; Dive Resorts.

🍽️ Must Eat: Coto Makassar (Beef Soup), Grilled Fish (Ikan Bakar).

4. Papua: The Final Frontier

Papua is Indonesia's most remote territory. It is expensive and difficult to travel, but the rewards are unmatched biodiversity.

Highlights:

Raja Ampat: The holy grail of diving. Highest marine biodiversity on Earth.
Baliem Valley: Home to the Dani tribe and ancient traditions.

Papua Travel Logistics

✈️ Getting There: Fly to Sorong (SOQ) for Raja Ampat. Flights are expensive.

📅 Time Needed: 7-10 days minimum. Ferries run on limited schedules.

💰 Budget: High ($150 - $300+ USD/day). Park fees alone are ~$70.

🏨 Where to Stay: Liveaboard boats or Water Bungalows (Homestays).

🍽️ Must Eat: Papeda (Sago porridge) and fresh seafood.

5. Island Cheat Sheet: Which is for You?

Island	Best For...	Vibe	Budget
Java	Culture, Volcanoes, History	Busy, Historic	$
Sumatra	Wildlife, Jungle, Surf	Wild, Raw	$
Sulawesi	Diving, Unique Culture	Mystical	$$
Papua	Diving, Isolation	Remote, Pristine	$$$

Health Tip: Malaria is present in rural Papua and parts of Sulawesi/Sumatra. Consult a doctor about prophylaxis.

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FAQ - Traveling Indonesia's Islands

Which Indonesian island is best for wildlife?

Sumatra is the undisputed king of wildlife. It is the only place to see wild Orangutans (Bukit Lawang), elephants, and if you are very lucky, Sumatran tigers and rhinos.

How much does it cost to travel in Raja Ampat?

It is the most expensive destination in Indonesia. Expect to spend $150-$300 USD per day. Flights to Sorong are pricey, speedboats are expensive, and you need a Marine Park Entry Permit.

What is the best way to travel across Java?

The train system (Kereta Api) is excellent, clean, and cheap. It connects Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Surabaya. Avoid buses for long distances due to heavy traffic.

Is it safe to travel to Papua?

Coastal tourist areas like Raja Ampat are generally safe. However, the highlands (Baliem Valley) can occasionally see political instability. Always check travel advisories before booking flights to the interior.

Do I need to worry about Malaria?

Yes. While Bali and Java are relatively low-risk, islands like Papua, Sumba, and parts of Sulawesi/Sumatra carry a risk. Bring strong DEET repellent and consult a doctor.