Which tropical islands do you prefer - Caribbean Islands vs. Indonesian archipelago (buying, beaches)

[deneb78]

Which tropical Islands do you prefer - Caribbean Islands or Indonesian archipelago
Rate on the following categories:

- Culture
- Amenities
- Beaches
- Climate
- Scenery
- Wildlife
- Infrastructure
- Risk of natural disasters

[Pueblofuerte]

New Guinea is the second largest island in the world as big as Turkey, Borneo is the third largest island in the world, bigger than Texas or bigger than twice the size of Germany. Then comes Sumatra which is bigger than California. Not sure they're comparable.

[herenow1]

Originally Posted by Pueblofuerte

New Guinea is the second largest island in the world as big as Turkey, Borneo is the third largest island in the world, bigger than Texas or bigger than twice the size of Germany. Then comes Sumatra which is bigger than California. Not sure they're comparable.

I agree and the pacific islands such as Fiji, Micronesia, Tonga and New Caledonia is better comparisons.

Yet if it was Indonesia then Bali, Lombok, Komodo Island as they are smaller islands to the Caribbean I am not sure.

[Pueblofuerte]

Bali and Lombok are about the size of Trinidad and slightly Smaller than Puerto Rico. If we were to limit to Java and the smaller islands east of Java then that would be a more logical comparison. Java and Cuba are about the same size slightly smaller than England; Cuba is by far the largest island in the Caribbean.

[deneb78]

Bigger doesn't necessarily mean someone would prefer them... Borneo, New Guinea and Sumatra are very large islands but they aren't as developed as most of the Caribbean.

[theurbanfiles]

I get the sense not that many will have been to both. That being said.. the Indonesian archipelago is much more historically and culturally rich and unique IMO,

They are also more varied in terms of scenery and biodiversity/wildlife.

Not sure about risk of natural disasters, beaches or climate.

Infrastructure, amenities and natural disasters vary too much and thus are more difficult to answer... well actually I’ll give natural disasters to Caribbean, hurricanes are primary factor there, more to worry about with Indonesiaz

[cebuan]

Caribbean islands are small, packed to capacity with 5-star tourists. On an easily accessble Indonesian island of comparable size, you can pretty much have the island all to yourself. It's a matter of which you want.

Java Island and Bali is easily winning. I am from the Americas, and I vote Indonesia. Jakarta's own urban power is unmatched. Isn't really reaching any other parallel when comparing to the other region. Very confusing why the Australians are going to Bali way before Java. Care to explain, anyone from Australia?

Indonesia's own top rank islands are one of a kind unique, and rich in cultural atmosphere.The Caribbean is extremely overrated on a lot of factors. Trying Southeast Asia way before after too much attention earlier on in life. I didn't really start traveling until my 20's. I am glad to be going infinitely far outside of Mexico, and Costa Rica. Now up to 19 countries. Reaching 21 to 30 after this year of 2020. I am including Indonesia in my own travel itinerary of Southeast Asia.

[OyCrumbler]

If it's Malaysian Archipelago formerly the East Indies, then I'd pick that over the Caribbean / West Indies.

If it's just Indonesia, then the Caribbean as then there is a somewhat greater diversity of culture and Santo Domingo and Havana are the more interesting city to me than those of Indonesia.

[Pueblofuerte]

I have yet to hit the Indonesian islands. The idea was to go this autumn but with the coronavirus, we're holding off buying tickets for a bit.