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Angeange

Paris · 17 posts

2025-05-27

hi fellow travelers I really need your help to plan our trip. A little background: we’re a family of 2 adults and 2 kids aged 11 and 12. We’re used to traveling independently—no guide. We’re planning a 1-month trip this summer (August) to Indonesia, but we’re unsure which island would suit us best. We’ve already been to Bali and don’t want to go back. We land in Jakarta and plan to fly to one or two islands the next day. We especially love the sea and snorkeling. We’ve already visited plenty of temples, mountain hikes (I can’t do those anymore after a serious fracture), and seen orangutans. As you’ve probably guessed, our thing is the big blue and waterfalls. So, what to choose between Lombok, Sulawesi, Flores, and Sumatra for a month? Which island is the most beach and snorkeling-focused based on your experience? We can take flights, boats, and rent a car—no guide needed. Thank you a thousand times for your valuable tips!

SO Songsam Veteran ·2025-05-27

Hi there,

Based on your preferences, I’d say: - either spend about 2/3 of your time crossing Flores and 1/3 in Lombok, - or dedicate the whole month to crossing Sulawesi.

Also, I recommend checking out this thread started by someone else who was undecided, with replies from 05/22: https://voyageforum.com/forum/choix-destination-voyage-en-famille-malaisie-indonesie-d10709958/

Djalma Globetrotter ·2025-05-27

Good evening,

Take a flight from Jakarta to Manado or Bunaken (Sulawesi). Spend some time in Bunaken, then head to Gorontalo and take the overnight ferry to Wakaï (Togian Islands). There are plenty of options for Kadidiri, Malenge, etc. PS: In the Togian Islands when I went a few years ago, there was no electricity (just a generator) and no Wi-Fi. The bungalow complexes (comfortable) scattered around offer full board (mandatory) at a great price since there are no restaurants in the Bajau villages. You can snorkel right from the various beaches and take boat snorkeling trips from your bungalow. You can also visit the jellyfish lake or walk across Malenge Island to the Bajau village.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XCOyB7WStI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2eI67iCbKY

SO Songsam Veteran ·2025-05-27

It’s less well-known because most people arrive via Bali, but Garuda, Citilink, AirAsia, and Batik Air all offer direct flights from Jakarta to Labuhan Bajo (Flores). On Batik Air, they’re daily.

Henon21 Veteran ·2025-05-28

Hi there, if your flight tickets aren’t booked yet and you’re considering North Sulawesi (a great choice!), look into flights to Singapore, then Singapore-Manado. During our fifth trip to this country, we spent a month in North Sulawesi. It was an amazing time—we loved Bunaken, the less touristy Pulau Bangka, the Togian Islands, and from Tomohon, Tumbak. Not the village itself, which might disappoint some, but book with the guy who has three stilt bungalows on a slightly remote islet. Madame’s father comes by twice a day to restock supplies and fill the freshwater barrel in your bungalow for showers. He stops by after breakfast to take you snorkeling in various spots. Happy travels! Eric

HENON Eric

AN Angeange ·2025-06-02

Thanks to everyone for your replies—I’ve taken note of all the different suggestions. That said, what do you think about spending a few days on the Gili Islands around Lombok and 3 weeks on Lombok itself? Isn’t that too long (just to remind you, we won’t be doing any trekking and our trip will be ocean-focused this year)? Thanks again, fellow travelers.

SO Songsam Veteran ·2025-06-02

spend a few days on the Gili islands around Lombok and 3 weeks on Lombok itself? Isn't that too long?

Yes.

Mamsissi Regular ·2025-06-02

Hi there, a few years ago my pre-teen daughter and I really loved Pulau Weh in northern Sumatra—amazing snorkeling! We also enjoyed Lake Toba, Lake Maninjau, the orangutan rehabilitation center, and the Mentawai and Nias Islands.

Djalma Globetrotter ·2025-06-02

Hi there,

I suggest you check out this travel journal: https://forumvoyage.forumactif.com/t4652-carnet-sulawesi-toggian-bunaken-dec-2024-et-flores-jan-2025

Personally, with 2 kids, I’d stick to Bunaken + Togean Islands, and maybe visit Tangkoko (I haven’t been) between the two spots to see the tarsiers—kids might find that interesting!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XCOyB7WStI https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2eI67iCbKY

Henon21 Veteran ·2025-06-03

Hello, You're absolutely right to highlight TANGKOKO. Of course, the tarsiers are a must-see, but for kids, there are also plenty of other animals that make this park so interesting—I really enjoyed it. Great tips from you! Eric

HENON Eric

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1 month in Indonesia with kids: which beach and snorkeling-focused island?

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