Dreaming of an island escape that’s a little different? Indonesia has more than 17,000 islands, and while Bali or Lombok often steal the spotlight, some truly unusual gems are hiding in plain sight. These are places where history shaped empires, beaches come in three colors, and volcanoes are still busy rewriting the landscape. They may not be polished resorts, but they’re unforgettable. Let’s dive into five islands that are quirky, raw, and perfect for curious travelers.
1. Ternate Island
At first glance, Ternate looks like a neat little volcano rising from the sea, capped with greenery and framed by black-sand beaches. But scratch the surface, and you’ll uncover a history that once shaped the world.
In the 16th century, this island was one of the mighty “Spice Islands,” its cloves sparking European rivalries so fierce that Portugal, Spain, and the Netherlands all fought for control. Today, Ternate is quieter, serving as the main gateway to North Maluku, but reminders of its past linger in crumbling forts and colonial relics.
2. Padar Island
Padar is like nature showing off. Picture an island so cinematic that it could easily pass for the backdrop of an epic adventure film. This rugged gem lies about 30 kilometers from Labuan Bajo, within the Komodo National Park. Though it no longer hosts Komodo dragons (they’ve retreated to nearby islands), Padar still feels wild and untamed.
What sets Padar apart are its surreal beaches. On one stretch, you’ll find blindingly white sand; just around the bend, there’s blush-pink sand; and further still, a rare expanse of black volcanic grains.
Add to this a panorama of sharp ridges and turquoise bays, and you’ll understand why hikers climb the island’s viewpoint for sunrise. Wildlife thrives offshore too: manta rays, reef sharks, dolphins, and sea turtles glide in the surrounding waters. Padar is small, but its landscapes and diversity leave an outsized impression.
3. Gili Meno
Gili Meno is often called the quietest of the three Gilis, but it holds a curious landmark that makes it stand out: the abandoned Bounty Beach Resort. Built in the early 2000s, it was designed as a higher-end accommodation option for travelers seeking something different from nearby Bali. But just before opening, the 2002 Bali bombings devastated Indonesia’s tourism industry. The project was abandoned, with promises it would one day reopen – promises that never materialized.
Today, you can still see the skeletal jetty poles stretching into the sea, and the once-bright bungalows now tilt and crumble on their stilts. It’s a strange contrast: an unfinished dream slowly dissolving into paradise. Yet the island remains serene and welcoming, with soft white beaches, turquoise water, and a laid-back charm. Gili Meno shows that even in forgotten places, beauty continues to thrive.
4. Lengkuas Island
If islands could wear crowns, Lengkuas would wear a lighthouse. Built in the late 19th century, this 12-story tower rises above the tiny island just off Belitung’s coast. Each floor has a window, offering climbers the perfect excuse to pause, catch their breath, and gaze at scenes that seem painted rather than real.
By the time you reach the top, you’re greeted with a 360-degree sweep of turquoise sea dotted with granite boulders that look like polished marbles from above.
Lengkuas isn’t just about views. The waters surrounding the island are alive with coral gardens, perfect for diving and snorkeling. After exploring, you can feast on freshly grilled fish and sip coconut water with your toes buried in warm sand. Lengkuas combines heritage, scenery, and simple pleasures in one compact, unforgettable package.
5. Anak Krakatau
Few places on earth remind us of nature’s raw force like Anak Krakatau, the “Child of Krakatoa.” Born in 1927 from the caldera left by its infamous parent, this volcanic island continues to grow and rumble in the Sunda Strait. The eruption of Krakatoa in 1883 remains one of history’s deadliest natural disasters, sending tsunamis across oceans and lowering global temperatures. Standing here, it’s impossible not to feel the weight of that history.
Anak Krakatau has erupted many times since, most recently in 2018 when part of the volcano collapsed, triggering another tsunami. Today, its jagged slopes still smoke and hiss, a reminder that this island is very much alive. Hundreds of thousands of people live within its potential shadow, yet travelers who make the journey can witness one of Earth’s most dramatic ongoing stories: creation and destruction, all happening before their eyes.
Plan Your Ultimate Getaway With LuxeIndonesia Travel
Step off the beaten path and uncover Indonesia’s most unusual islands—where raw beauty, rare traditions, and untouched landscapes create journeys unlike any other. From mystical volcanic shores to secret coral-ringed atolls, LuxeIndonesia Travel offers luxury journeys to Indonesia’s most stunning destinations, world-class resorts, and authentic cultural experiences. Prefer something more personal? We’ll help you design a bespoke trip tailored entirely to you. Contact us now to start your journey!