04Experiences

Among the islands

Island-hopping by boat

In a country of thousands of islands, a boat is the finest way to explore. From Labuan Bajo, day trips and multi-day cruises enter Komodo National Park: you walk with rangers among dragons on Rinca, climb Padar’s hill for its bays, swim at the pink beach, and sleep on the boat deck under the stars. Farther west, near Bali and Lombok, fast boats reach the three Gili Islands, where there are no cars—you move on foot or by bicycle—and turquoise water is ideal for swimming. For those who stay near the capital, a day trip to the Thousand Islands north of Jakarta is an option. Tip: book with a licensed operator, confirm life jackets are on board, and ask about sea conditions—swells can be strong in some months. Because distances between islands can be large, plan ahead and leave a buffer day in case boats are delayed by weather, especially before a flight.