Indonesia's Best Secret Islands and Beaches

With a whopping 17,000-plus islands, Indonesia is always presenting new destinations on the tourism map. Discover the archipelago’s secret islands and beaches not yet in the spotlight.
Islands and beaches are naturally the main highlights of Indonesia, the planet’s largest archipelago. And while Indonesia’s coveted geography has bestowed the world with island paradises like Bali, there are countless more islands promising equal beauty, minus the crowds and jam-packed attractions. From exotic far-flung islands to Bali’s own hidden bit, discover the best secret islands and beaches in Indonesia.
Kanawa Island
Natural Feature

While the bigger islands like Komodo, Padar, and Rinca are now welcoming more tourists than ever, this exotic island keeps a low profile. Some parts remain untouched, in order to preserve the wildlife and natural ecosystem. In a more touristy part of the island, though, visitors can find ample restaurants, cafés, even resorts.
Kai Islands
Natural Feature

Big Kai and Little Kei are part of the Kai Islands family in the Moluccas, Indonesia. The two brothers are rather quiet and a bit shy, but they are gorgeous; glowing with translucent blues and braced by soft whites, and they don’t mind that visitors call them virgins. The two Kais are good friends with a myriad of wildlife and the neighbouring coral reefs. The islands are home to migrating pelicans and an indigenous tribe of fishermen, and they will welcome you with open arms, too.
Widi Islands
Natural Feature

You’d think that a string of 99 exotic islands and three glorious atolls at the heart of the planet’s Coral Triangle would be swarmed with tourists. But we predict it will be another decade before the Widi Islands show up in travel magazines and social media feeds. This gives a rare window of opportunity to find yourself in the middle of raw, pristine nature, both underwater and in-shore. Daga Island hosts most of the local village and waterfront huts you can stay in while getting lost in paradise.
Ngitun Beach
Natural Feature

Yogyakarta’s southern coast is famous for hosting some of Java’s most exotic beaches. The extensive shoreline promises idyllic spots and nooks with every turn, as new beach points are being unearthed all the time. Whoever discovered Ngitun Beach must have been a real daring adventurer. The beach is flanked by lush hills on all sides, except for the gorgeous opening that gives way to the opulent sea. Other than swimming or enjoying the clear white sand beach, the panoramic natural feature can also be enjoyed from up the hills while camping.
Weh Island
Natural Feature

Constituting Indonesia’s westernmost point, the remote geography has protected this beautiful island from too many tourists. But with idyllic white sand beaches and translucent water, the journey is still very much worth taking. The island has splendid diving and snorkelling spots, with thriving, undisturbed wildlife. The unspoilt condition doesn’t mean this island is underdeveloped – tourists will be welcomed by exotic cottages and beachside restaurants to enjoy sunsets while feasting on fresh seafood.
Pink Beach
Natural Feature

Located on the uppermost southeastern tip of Lombok, this beach is very remote and approximately three hours’ drive from the main tourist area of Senggigi. Its name comes from the coral that gives the sand a pinkish hue. There is a climbable hill at one end of the bay which gives stunning views over the crystal-clear water. This area is known for its colourful underwater life and there is the option of hiring a guide and boat to take you snorkelling.
Kakaban Island
Natural Feature

This peculiar isle belongs to the Derawan Islands, an exotic destination for diving, snorkelling, and other adventures. And even among the far-flung string of islands with unique natural features and wildlife, Kakaban is still distinctive. For starters, this island ‘hugs’ a marine lake in the middle, making it look like a slightly bent bottle opener from above. What follows the quirky geography are stingless jellyfish that have undergone atypical evolutions that have also led them to show odd behaviour unseen by many. And that’s not to mention other lively ecosystems across the island, such as coral-covered underwater walls and dense pristine jungles.
Morotai Island
Natural Feature

Located in eastern Indonesia, not many eyes have seen the raw natural prowess of Morotai Island. But those who have had the privilege would’ve sworn they’d been in paradise. Hidden virgin beaches, remote small islands, and countless diving spots add up nicely in this tropical heaven. But perhaps a more defining aspect of this island is its history as a strategic base during World War II. That episode of Morotai’s story leaves behind numerous historical sites that now double as charming tourist attractions. From a sunken aircraft wreck and old jeeps and warships, to fortresses and bunkers, various war relics educate tourists about the paradise’s past as a decisive battleground.
Koka Beach
Natural Feature

Most people (if there happen to be any) you’d encounter on this serene beach would be locals. Otherwise, this beach remains unknown by the majority of tourists travelling to the city of Maumere in Ende – even the city itself is a rather offbeat destination. The beach area consists of not one, but two magnificent gulfs separated by a small cliff in the middle. So if you make your way to the top of the green carpeted cliff, you’ll witness a mighty ocean vista on one side, and glorious bay view on the other. The relatively calm water is also perfect for swimming or just lazing around by the smooth sand – which bay is up to you.
Bukit Asah
Natural Feature

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.