9 Pristine Indonesian Islands with crystal clear waters and white-sand beaches

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Written by Junanto Xu
Edited by Beverley Lennon

There may be no better place to island hop than in Indonesia. After all, the South East Asian country is made up of well over 17,000 islands dotted over its archipelago.

Most visitors to Indonesia arrive in busy Jakarta, the capital city located on the island of Java. From there, they usually branch out with inter-island flights and boats to other areas of the country, like the pristine, Komodo Islands or another paradise-on-earth, Raja Ampat.

Now, we bet you’re a travel lover but if long transit hours from one destination to the next sound daunting to you, you’ll be happy to know that there are some Indonesian islands that are closer to home than you think!

Gone are the days of long planning hours as to help inspire your spur-of-the-moment getaway, we compiled a list of 8 great, hassle-free Indonesian islands, all within a direct flight and short boat ride away from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur. They include tried and true destinations such as Bali and Lombok, but also some you may not have thought of for a quick break.

So what are you waiting for? As from now you get to enjoy spontaneous travels during the long weekends!

Feature images by: mybuenalife, michelledoreen, trizambrana and malvava

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1. Bali’s offshore islands

Explore beyond the Island of Gods

Of course, there is no denying that Bali is a wonderful island with numerous natural wonders, a tried-and-true beach destination in Indonesia that’s beloved by honeymooners, backpackers, and families alike but that means there’s a crowd too!

Whether you’ve been to Bali a million times or want to break from the chaos of the island, why not explore its beyonds? With equally impressive natural wonders, beautiful lagoons and powdery beaches, these nearby islands let you beat the crowd in peace and serenity (with a little party too!).

1-a. Discover the triplet islands – Nusa Lembongan, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Penida

What to expect: Ocean view restaurants, groovy beach clubs, stunning natural wonders and more.

Much less of Bali’s overly-touristy scene, the Nusa Islands remain partially untouched, giving the trio a very nature-friendly, authentic laid-back ambience.

The three little islands are located about a 40-minute boat ride away and are ideal for a day trip or an overnight stay, all depends on how much of the islands you want to see and experience (some even spend over a week discovering the islands!).

While the biggest island of Nusa Penida offers principally rugged landscapes and sceneries out of sci-fi movies, know that you’re in for equally bumpy roads and that it might take you over an hour to travel from on side of the island to the next. Also, forget glamorous beach clubs, organic cafes or trendy restaurants as the island is rather undeveloped. However, it does house some of the most majestic natural sights, we let the pictures speak for themselves!

The middle child is the island of Nusa Ceningan, where life looks like Bali some 30 years ago. The island is the smallest of the trio, and is nestled in the middle of Nusa Penida and Nusa Lembongan. Here, you’ll find a quiet ambience with dazzling clear and blue water as well as a few funky open-air bar and restaurants and crazy cliff jumping spots.

Another alternative is to explore Nusa Lembongan, where you’ll also find some crazy things to do. In between dreamy beaches, spectacular natural phenomenons and a dazzling underwater world, you sure will come to realise you’ve made the right choice by exploring beyond just Bali!

1-b. A secluded island-scene straight out of a fairytale – Menjangan island

What to expect: Lush mangrove forests, spectacular caldera views, lively underwater world, glamping experiences and more.

Read more: Our Menjangan Dynasty Resort Review: 11 Romantic beachfront experiences with glamping in secluded West Bali!

A 4-hour drive from busy Kuta brings you to the wild West Bali, an untouched hidden paradise tucked far away from the main touristy areas in the South, away from all the bars, beach clubs, shops and crowds.

As if that wasn’t enough to make you skip the chaos, it happens that West Bali also homes a marine reserve with Menjangan Island sitting right in the middle of it.

The beautiful and unspoilt island with extraordinary marine landscapes is a secret gem among divers and snorkelers. You’ll be welcomed by creatures such as hawksbill turtles, garden eels and manta rays, with a herd of deer walking up to your boat, yes they come right into the water!

2. Look out for Bali’s sister island

Lombok

Though Bali is a perennial destination that continues to enchant travellers around the world, there is no denial in saying that sometimes, all you want is to find white-sand beaches slightly less travelled and away from the crowd.

A 30-minute flight from Bali brings you to its sister island – Lombok, a real stunner that is as exciting as idyllic. And what is even better is that this island also hides some secret gems of isles clustered on its west coast; take a trip to paradise at the Gili Islands (there aren’t only three of them!).

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2-a. The not-to-be-missed trio – Gili Trawangan, Gili Air and Gili Meno

What to expect: Party vibes, car-free alleys, honeymoon idyll, laid-back vibes (Each island is different!).

Hop from paradise to paradise and discover the unique charms of these three islands. If you’re craving for some crazy good times with your friends, the best bet here is to settle at Gili Trawangan, the party island that never sleeps!

Once you’re ready to go all barefoot, explore Gili Meno, the most untouched of the three Gili islands which is still a little on the rugged laid-back side but has it all to unplug from reality. It makes a good option for honeymooners on the lookout for privacy and almost-empty beaches.

Looking for something in between? Drop by Gili Air. This little paradise is an off-the-beaten-path destination for couples and families alike. It offers calm turquoise waters and slow-paced everything!

TripCanvas Tip: To avoid getting scammed by the locals, head to the Gili Islands from Bali instead of Lombok’s Bangsal Harbour.

2-b. These two islands are almost unknown! – Gili Kedis and Gili Nanggu (From Lombok)

What to expect: Isolated islands, untouched beaches, unexploited nature, plenty of starfishes and more!

There’s more than just the three Gilis!

A boat trip to any Indonesian Island is likely to be a pleasure, but Gili Kedis and Gili Nanggu – with their brilliant navy blue seas to the lightest, clearest turquoises imaginable – offer iconic landscapes, making them ideal for spending the day relaxing in the sun.

Needless to say, they are the best places to snorkel in. But the real steal is this – the giant starfish in the shallow waters around the two deserted islands!

3. Belitung Island

Giant granite stones like in Seychelles!

What to expect: Beaches with stunning limestones and untainted islands!

Long weekend? School holidays or simply a treat? Time for an island getaway somewhere close by! We want something with great weather, nice beaches and unique places to explore!

Does that sound like what Batam, Bintan or Langkawi have to offer? Oh no, not again!! See and do what others have not! You will definitely want to skip Langkawi’s usuals when you get to know that a mere 2.5-hour flight from Kuala Lumpur can take you to a cluster of lesser-known exotic islands – Belitung!

With pure and pristine beaches, Belitung is gaining exposure and is now ready to welcome tourists with attractions, landmarks and resorts! The main island is surrounded by numerous offshore islands with matching charm and beauty!

Don your swimsuit, but also your greed and hunger for seafood as Belitung is a real feast for both your eyes and stomach! Just picture your next seafood feast by the beach… rhymes with perfect island getaway doesn’t it?!

Some of the islands’ beaches are dotted with massive granite stones, and other isolated islands feature the clearest sand and waters, the main island has equally beautiful natural wonders to explore too!

This paradise is a great alternative for those who want to escape from the crowds of Langkawi or the Thousand Islands.

4. Pulau Weh (From Banda Aceh)

An island for divers and in-the-know backpackers

What to expect: Laid-back vibes, lush greenery, gorgeous turquoise waters, jungle trekking, hidden waterfalls and more.

Once struck badly from the 2004 tsunami, this little island known as Pulau Weh poking off Sumatra’s northern coast is quickly catching up on tourism so head there before everyone else does.

The tropical paradise is surrounded by the Andaman Sea and is home to an incredible marine life – you’ll find whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins and much more!

In fact, some experts refer to it as “the best diving spot in Indonesia”, so with such a title, you are guaranteed extraordinary times underwater.

Find your way through rusty shipwrecks, underwater canyons and coral reef walls as you join the school of fishes drifting away with the lazy current. Though small, the island also houses the unexploited Pria Laot Waterfall and Goa Sarang Bay Cave where you get to explore beyond just sandy beaches and turquoise waters. Indeed, this is a good excuse to go jungle trekking!

5. Thousand Islands (From Jakarta)

Island escapes right within Jakarta!

What to expect: Exciting watersports, clear waters, an underwater tunnel, mangrove forests and more!

The next time you’re packing for a trip to Jakarta, think of bringing some tropical island essentials too! Yes, less than a 3-hour boat ride away from the hustle and bustle of the city, you can find the serene pristine Thousand Islands where powdery sands and clear blue waters rule. The islands make great escapes during the long weekends with friends and family!

Though it might be hard to find islands with clear waters due to their proximity to the city (islands closer to Ancol Harbour tend to be rubbish depositories), you can still find some that are untouched and easily accessible for a day trip or even an extended weekend break. Paradise isn’t so far away after all, check out the romantic Pulau Macan for a barefoot affordable luxury stay that comes in various options, with some of the huts ideally placed overwater!

With so many islands in the archipelago, there are bound to be some gems. That’s certainly the case for Pulau Pelangi, a playground for snorkeling enthusiasts and the ideal location for sensational sea-to-table delicacies!

And while a stretch of white sand fringed by reefs and turquoise waters may be the first image that comes to mind when you picture an island getaway, not all of Thousand Islands most beautiful isles come with palm trees and cabanas, some are equipped with an underwater tunnel (at Pulau Putri), mangrove forests (at Pulau Pari), turtle and shark conservation centres (at Pulau Pramuka) and many more natural wonders!

TripCanvas Note: It is important for us visitors to help keep the islands clean. Let’s be responsible for our own waste, and preserve the islands’ cleanliness, so they don’t turn into a nasty soup of water bottles, styrofoam cups, cigarette butts and tiny plastic fibers that affect the marine life and biodiversity.

6. Riau Islands (From Bintan/ Batam)

Explore untouched islands that are just 2 hours away from Bintan/Batam

What to expect: Remote untouched islands, fresh seafood, a giant floating playground and more!

Where do you head to for a short (or long) weekend getaway?

Most of you might say Bintan or Batam (of course, since it’s only a short boat ride away). But did you know that near Bintan and Batam, less than two hours away from these two, there are actually hidden islands that boast pristine white-sand beaches and crystal clear waters?

Yes, beautiful exotic paradise is just within your reach! Forget about joining the crowd at Bintan or Batam and discover the Riau Archipelago instead!

From remote islands scattered across the best diving reefs, to untouched islands off the mainland coasts, the archipelago features underrated tropical sanctuaries to snorkel in, bask in spectacular views, indulge in fresh seafood and just laze on the pristine beaches.

Sign up for a hassle-free island getaway to Riau Islands – whether you would like to experience an overwater-villa experience at Telunas Resorts Private Island or have been dreaming of a powdery beach stretch like the one at White Sand Island, or yet enjoy a fresh seafood feast by the ocean at Pulau Karimun Besar, vacationing here is a real deal!

7. Karimunjawa (From Semarang)

Tick off the ‘swimming with sharks’ experience from your bucket list

What to expect: Turtles (plenty of them), exotic mangrove forests, views of the whole archipelago, friendly sharks.

Karimunjawa is a good option when you just want to unplug from reality. Oh yes, it looks like paradise has an address! The plane, bus, ferry rides are worth it for those who are willing to brave it as you get to enjoy stretches of palm-lined beaches, turquoise lagoons,and a laid-back lifestyle, as well as ample accommodation for such a remote location.

The archipelago is a cluster of 27 islands located in the Java sea and most of them have remained untainted so it is pretty much as if you’re setting foot on virgin islands, touched for the very first time.

And while Karimunjawa does not get as much attention as other popular islands across Indonesia, most of those who came over have claimed that the archipelago is actually better!

Surrounded by lively coral reefs, Karimunjawa is ideal for those who are intrigued by the vastness of the waters and looking to quench their appetite for adventure. How about ticking off an adrenaline-pumping activity from your bucket list? Come and swim with friendly sharks!

Indeed, we bet you’ve got it – Karimunjawa offers more to do than just bumming it at the beach!

8. Bunaken National Park (From Manado)

Dive right in the Coral Triangle (with 390+ species of coral)

What to expect: World class diving site, a wealth of marine creatures, radiant barrier coral reefs.

If you weren’t already craving an island escape, then pictures of Bunaken National Park might just push you over the edge. This aquatic kingdom located a boat ride away from Manado is listed on every pro-diver’s bucket list as it is located near the centre of the Coral Triangle.

So the fact that the marine park lies close to over 390 coral species shows that this place seriously isn’t messing! The coral-fringed isle in North Sulawesi offers a heavenly sight of translucent blue waters loaded with miraculous marine creatures.

In fact, it is believed that 70% of all the known fish species of the Indo-Western Pacific can be found here, including dugongs, whales, coelacanths (a rare fish) and many more!

Visitors can expect over 20 scuba diving spots with turquoise waters and underwater caves that are home to a myriad of fish species and with the strong currents come other unique fauna like parrotfishes, wrasses, and turtles.

And I know you’ll think we’re tempting you with wanderlust-inducing pictures but we’ve got all the rights to do so when it is so easy to reach paradise on earth! Mark your leave, dear friends and see you there!

9. Samalona Island (From Makassar)

Discover the Maldives of Makassar

What to expect: Maldives-like lagoons, tropical vibes, dazzling underwater world, secluded beach.

This honoured island in Makassar (South Sulawesi) sure has an individual appeal – its coveted qualities include breathtaking beach sceneries where the din of civilization seems a world away.

In fact, this winner has it all. Stepping off from the boat, you’ll find yourself huddled on a beach with little to no crowd around. Ah, finally an island where you can get lost in your favourite book and enjoy intimate time with your loved one. Welcome to the Maldives of Makassar, Samalona Island.

Sure, the island is crusoe-style and has no extravagant amenities but the location‘s incomparable beauty is luxury in itself. The off-the-beaten-path island offers a dazzling underwater world with colourful corals and sea creatures too.

And if you’re a diving enthusiast, you’ll be thrilled to know that hidden underwater lies a majestic shipwreck that dates back to the great World War II!

After all, there’s a lot to uncover here as right behind Samalona Island, you will find yet another hidden gem that that is begging to be explored! Check out Pulau Kodingareng Keke – it resembles a sand bank but it sure possesses one of the world’s most relaxing stretch of sand.

Special mention 1: Lake Toba and Samosir Island

Stay on an island in the middle of the World’s largest volcanic lake

What to expect: Chilly weather, mesmerizing lake views, spectacular natural wonders, and unique Bataknese culture.

Waking up to another cloudless morning in Lake Toba means you get to enjoy magazine-approved sceneries and chilly weathers right from your stay. And though we know that lakes are often overlooked in favour of coastal escapes, a trip to Lake Toba is sure to make you skip the beach on your next waterfront vacation as you get to venture to an island formed by a massive supervolcano eruption, some 75,000+ years ago!

The lake itself is bigger than the whole of Singapore and that is impressive enough, but something quite unique to tick off your wishlist is the fact that you’ll be staying on an island that is itself in the middle of a lake! Yes, we are talking about Samosir Island that is smack-bang in the middle of Lake Toba.

Photo Via Uen_sugary, Desiratnasari

We like to think that the location won Mother Nature’s lottery when it comes to natural good looks, taking into consideration that the deep blue lake itself is guarded by majestic volcanoes!

Get to know the locals!: With its own prehistoric culture, the Bataknese tend to be much more straightforward (compared to Javanese and Balinese). Many might perceive their behaviour as rude but they simply come from a different ethnic group with other norms, traditions and behaviour so don’t get offended, learn to appreciate a new culture!

Special mention 2: Komodo Islands

Step into Indonesia’s Jurassic Park to relish on spectacular natural wonders

What to expect: Dinosaur-like creatures, a glitzy pink beach, azure blue waters, scenic hiking spots and more!

Indonesia seems to have the joys of island life down to a science, laying claim to top hidden tropical gems like the islands in Flores. To island-hop the most beautiful islands in the region, head to the Komodo Archipelago!

When it comes to finding islands that have it all – rugged landscapes, spectacular sceneries, healthy marine life and white-sand beaches, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more spectacular part of Indonesia. This collection of tropical islands is an hour flight away from Bali but coming from an island connoisseur, I can tell you that they’re worth all the travels!

Whether you prefer discovering the islands with multiple day tours or might want to sign up for a once-in-a-lifetime liveaboard experience (such as onboard the Instagrammable Santorini-coloured Le Pirate Explorer), know that you’re in for a complete treat with privacy, ravishing lagoons and even greater outdoors and sceneries.

Besides witnessing the giant lizards (Komodo dragons) roaming free and ruling the Komodo National Park, you’ll get to relish on the magical work of Mother Nature at the Pink Beach as well as bask on panoramic views of majestic green hills, azure waters and a spectacular stretch of white sand beach; all at once at Padar Island.

That isn’t it all, a sublime underwater world is waiting with giant manta rays, turtles and school of colourful fishes for top-notch snorkeling and diving sessions. So if you prefer white-sand beaches slightly less travelled, you know where to head to when you skip Bali ;)!

With this list of tropical islands that are just a flight and boat ride away from Singapore or KL, you get to discover hidden gems no one thought of exploring before! Do you know of any other Indonesian islands with direct flights from home? Let us know below!

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