Indonesia has officially been crowned the world’s best destination for affordable island hopping, beating out popular competitors like Greece, Thailand, and the Philippines in a comprehensive new study that analyzed everything from ferry prices to cultural diversity across the globe’s top island destinations.
The Southeast Asian archipelago claimed the top spot thanks to an unbeatable combination of rock-bottom transportation costs, incredible diversity, and a massive transportation infrastructure overhaul that’s making island hopping easier and more affordable than ever before.
The Numbers That Secured Indonesia’s Victory
According to research by international touring agency Island Hopping, highlighted by Travel + Leisure, Indonesia earned its number one ranking through a perfect storm of affordability and variety. The study found that ferry rides between Indonesia’s 6,000+ inhabited islands average just $9.90 – making it the most affordable island-hopping destination in the world.
But the bargains don’t stop at transportation. Dining costs are equally impressive, with meals for two people averaging around $16.38. When you factor in over 45,000 attractions and things to do across the archipelago, plus a tropical climate with average peak summer temperatures of 31°C (88°F), Indonesia offers an unmatched value proposition for travelers.
The country welcomes 13.9 million visitors annually, testament to its growing appeal as the ultimate island-hopping destination where budget travelers and luxury seekers alike can find their perfect adventure.
Infrastructure Revolution Makes Island Hopping Accessible
Getting around Indonesia used to be a time-intensive venture, but a massive infrastructure modernization program is changing everything. New high-speed trains, modern catamaran ferries, and cheap domestic flights from budget airlines like AirAsia, Lion Air, and Citilink have revolutionized inter-island travel.
On Java island alone, train travel represents incredible value – a four-hour journey from Yogyakarta to Surabaya costs around $45 for 200 miles, while the high-speed train between Jakarta and Yogyakarta takes just over six hours for about $20 when booked in advance.
Ferry services have been completely modernized through government-run ASDP Indonesia Ferry and several private operators. The national shipping line Pelni provides passenger service to ports throughout the country, offering the least expensive way to cover long distances between islands. For shorter crossings, frequent ferry services operate 24 hours a day between nearby islands, especially in the chain stretching from Sumatra through Java to the Lesser Sunda Islands.
Cultural Diversity Unlike Anywhere Else
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
What sets Indonesia apart from typical island-hopping destinations isn’t just affordability – it’s the incredible cultural richness. The archipelago is home to over 1,300 recognized ethnic groups, each with distinct culinary practices and traditional customs. This means every island offers not just different scenery, but completely different cultural experiences.
From the ancient temples of Java (home to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Borobudur) to the pristine beaches of Raja Ampat, from the Komodo dragons of Flores to the orangutans of Sumatra, Indonesia offers experiences that range far beyond the typical beach-hopping vacation.
How Indonesia Stacks Up Against the Competition
Image Credit:Shutterstock.
The study ranked destinations based on factors including number of islands, safety, climate, attraction availability, ferry prices, dining costs, and overall living expenses. Here’s how the top contenders compared:
Philippines (2nd place, score: 49) – Offers 2,000 islands with $14 ferry rides, but higher overall costs pushed it to second place.
Thailand (3rd place) – Recently named Travel + Leisure’s Destination of the Year for 2025, Thailand offers 33,000+ tours and attractions but ferry prices average $45, nearly five times Indonesia’s cost.
Croatia (6th place, Europe’s best) – With 48 islands and excellent safety ratings, Croatia offers ferry fares averaging $14, but dining costs around $64 for two people – nearly four times Indonesia’s prices.
The Secret Islands You’ve Never Heard Of
Beyond famous destinations like Bali (which the study notes is “severely overcrowded with tourists and expats”), Indonesia offers countless hidden gems:
Belitung Island features granite boulders and turquoise waters perfect for island-hopping boat tours, with white sand beaches that rival anything in the Caribbean.
The Togian Islands offer pristine reefs, WWII wreck diving, and authentic encounters with the Bajo “sea gypsies” – one of Southeast Asia’s last nomadic sea tribes.
Labengki and Sombori Islands in Sulawesi represent Indonesia’s best-kept secrets, with lagoons and jungle-covered beaches so pristine they’ve earned the nickname “the Raja Ampat of Sulawesi.”
The Moluccas (Spice Islands) offer powdery white sand beaches and impressive volcanoes with virtually no crowds – a stark contrast to overcrowded destinations elsewhere.
Transportation Options for Every Budget
Indonesia’s comprehensive transportation network accommodates every travel style:
Budget Option: Government-run Pelni ferries offer beds in shared cabins and connect virtually every inhabited island, with journeys ranging from overnight hops to week-long adventures.
Mid-Range: Modern catamaran ferries provide comfortable day trips between nearby islands, while budget airlines offer flights as low as $30 for shorter routes.
Luxury: Private sailing charters and upscale resorts provide high-end island-hopping experiences, particularly around remote archipelagos like Raja Ampat and the Banda Sea.
The Jakarta Factor: World’s New Largest City
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Adding to Indonesia’s appeal, Jakarta recently surpassed Tokyo as the world’s largest city, making it a major international gateway. Combined with Denpasar in Bali, these transportation hubs provide excellent international connectivity, with Jakarta serving as an ideal starting point for Java exploration before island-hopping eastward.
The capital offers world-class food scenes and art galleries, providing urban sophistication before travelers venture into more remote island territories.
Practical Planning Tips
Best Time to Visit: Indonesia’s dry season (May to September) offers the most reliable weather for island hopping, though the tropical climate makes year-round travel possible.
Getting Started: Most island-hoppers begin in either Jakarta for cultural immersion or Bali for immediate beach access, then work their way through the archipelago.
Booking Strategy: Purchase Pelni ferry tickets in advance for popular routes, while domestic flights can often be booked last-minute for better prices.
Budget Planning: With ferry rides under $10 and meals under $17 for two people, a comprehensive island-hopping adventure becomes accessible to almost any budget.
The Bottom Line
Indonesia’s victory in this global ranking isn’t just about low prices – it’s about offering the world’s most diverse island-hopping experience at prices that don’t require a trust fund. While Greece offers history and Thailand provides luxury, Indonesia delivers an unmatched combination of affordability, cultural diversity, and natural beauty across thousands of islands.
For travelers who’ve been priced out of European island hopping or seeking more than just beach resorts, Indonesia represents a paradigm shift: world-class island hopping that’s genuinely affordable and authentically diverse.
The infrastructure improvements mean there’s never been a better time to explore this incredible archipelago, whether you have two weeks or two months to spare.