What to see in Indonesia besides Bali

Indonesia is the largest archipelago country in the world. And Bali is certainly the most popular island of the archipelago, but if you want to explore new corners of the country or are tired of mass tourism, try the following destinations.

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Lake Toba

25 million years ago, a volcanic eruption happened and Lake Toba appeared. It is simply huge. This is one of the largest lakes in Indonesia, and its location is unique - in the crater of a volcano on the island of Sumatra. In the heart of the lake is Samosir, an island the size of Singapore, which became the spiritual and cultural heart of the Batak people. Here you can immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere of Indonesia.

How to get there: the best option is a direct flight to Medan, and then by bus or car to Parapat, where you can take a ferry to Samosir Island.

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Flores Island

Flores amazes with contrasts and surprising discoveries. It is called the island of dragons, because this is where Komodo National Park is located, where you can watch the formidable lizards in their natural environment. Flores is also famous for its volcanoes, both active and dormant. Climbing Mount Kelimutu will open a view of the famous three crater lakes that change color from turquoise to red and black. Lovers of beach holidays will find many places here with white sand and clear water, and the underwater world of the coral reefs will delight divers and snorkelers. No less fascinating is the immersion into local culture: visit traditional villages, where residents carefully preserve their customs and crafts.

In the village of Bajawa, you will see the life of the "sea gypsies", and in the town of Ende - colonial architecture and Mount Kelimutu. Maumere will delight you with traditional villages and beautiful beaches, while Riung will become a starting point for trips to Mount Egon. The best time to visit Flores is the dry season, from April to October.

You can move around the island by buses, rented transport, or with the help of local guides. The island has a variety of accommodation options, from hotels and guesthouses to eco-lodges.

How to get there: the main airport is in Labuan Bajo and accepts only domestic flights, but it is expected to become international soon. The main port, where ferries from other islands arrive, is also located in Labuan Bajo.

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Kalimantan

Kalimantan, the Indonesian part of the island of Borneo, is a land of wild jungles, mighty rivers, and unique cultures of indigenous peoples. Here, adventures await you in the very heart of the tropical forest, meetings with orangutans and other exotic animals, as well as acquaintance with the traditions of the Dayak tribes.

Go on a cruise along the Kapuas River, the longest river in Indonesia, and observe the life of the jungle from the water. Visit an orangutan rehabilitation center and watch these amazing primates. Explore Tanjung Puting and Kayan Mentarang national parks, where rhinos, elephants, and rare bird species live. Immerse yourself in the culture of the Dayak tribes, visit their traditional homes, and learn about their crafts and rituals. Lovers of active recreation can go jungle trekking, rafting on rivers, and climbing mountains. Kalimantan is a place where you can truly feel unity with nature and discover the unique world of tropical Asia.

How to get there: the main airport of Kalimantan is located in Balikpapan (Balikpapan, BPN). It receives international flights from Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, flights from major cities on the island of Java - Jakarta, Surabaya, and Yogyakarta - and from Makassar on Sulawesi Island.

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Lombok

Lombok, the charming neighbor of Bali, is rightly considered one of the best islands in Indonesia. It is known for its unique combination of natural beauty and cultural richness. It is a great alternative to noisy Bali.

Lovers of hiking can climb to the top of Rinjani, from where a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding landscapes and the stunning crater lake below opens up. To touch the culture of the island, go to explore the traditional villages of the Sasak people. Here, among unique houses with thatched roofs and lively local markets, you will be able to feel the true charm of Lombok.

How to get there: from Bali by ferry. It departs from the town of Padangbai in the eastern part of the island. Travel time is 4-6 hours.

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Gili Islands

To the north-west of Lombok are three pearls of Indonesia - the Gili Islands. Their immediate closeness to each other turns the trip into an easy and exciting adventure.

Gili Trawangan is perhaps the most popular island of the three. Explore fascinating coral gardens while diving into the world of underwater swimming, and meet graceful sea turtles. Rent a bicycle and go for a ride along walking paths lined with cozy beach cafes and bars. Enjoy refreshing drinks with a view of the endless ocean.

The true magic of the island awakens after sunset. Gili Trawangan is famous for its bright nightlife, which is why it got the reputation of the "party island". Every day, except Thursday before Friday prayer, one bar stays open. This creates a unique atmosphere of unity, where tourists and locals gather together.

Gili Meno is for honeymooners. This is the most prestigious of the three islands. Its boutique hotels are ideal for those who need carefree relaxation. There are fewer activities here and no nightclubs, but there are magical sunsets that you can admire while sipping an exotic cocktail.

On Gili Air, a relaxed and bohemian atmosphere reigns. You will find friendly locals, snorkeling, and lots of live music.

How to get there: private boat transfer from Lombok or travel by ferry.

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Morotai Island

A hidden gem of Indonesia, Morotai Island attracts with its untouched beauty. This is a real paradise for those who long for unity with nature and peaceful rest on snow-white beaches. Shores framed by emerald palms and bright coral reefs.

Morotai holds a rich history. During the Second World War, the island was used as a strategically important military base, and echoes of the past can still be found here. For example, from the shore you can see the half-sunken Japanese ship "Tosimaru".

How to get there: the airport closest to Morotai is on Ternate Island. Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air, and Sriwijaya Air operate regular flights here. From Ternate, you need to go overland to Tobelo and then take a ferry to Daruba on Morotai. The sea journey takes about two hours.

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Bintan

On the island of Bintan, both lovers of picturesque hikes through dense forests and fans of slow walks along untouched beaches will find an outlet. The turquoise waters are perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and many other water activities.

Taste delicious local cuisine and take part in traditional dance performances. Natra Bintan guarantees an unforgettable journey into the heart of Indonesia.

How to get there: the most convenient way is from Singapore Changi Airport. From there, you can take a taxi to Tanah Merah ferry terminal, about 10 minutes on the road. Then take a ferry to Bintan Island.

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Wakatobi

Wakatobi is the largest reef system in Indonesia, famous for its bright coral gardens and untouched underwater wonders. In magnificence, the island is second only to the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Diving lovers will find paradise here, immersing themselves in crystal-clear waters. Bright corals and many exotic fish await you.

How to get there: to Matahora Wakatobi Airport on Wangi-Wangi Island. You can get there from Jakarta or fly from Bali. By sea from Kendari.

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Belitung

The coasts of Belitung are one of its most distinctive features. Large smooth white stones, evidence of ancient glaciers, decorate the beaches along the famous northern boundaries of the island. Feel the soft white sand of Tanjung Tinggi Beach under your feet. It is famous for its unique granite boulders scattered along the shoreline, creating a picturesque setting for a relaxed day by the sea.

Besides swimming, you can snorkel, fish, or go explore caves on nearby uninhabited islands. Explore the traditional fishing villages of Tanjung Kelayang and Tanjung Binga. Do not miss the opportunity to visit the famous Lengkuas Island, where a historic lighthouse rises: from it there is a panoramic view of the archipelago.

How to get there: a direct flight from Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Jakarta will bring you to H.A.S. Hanandjoeddin Airport in Tanjung Pandan, Belitung.

Tanjung Tinggi Beach, Bangka-Belitung Province, Indonesia by HeyFromINDO is licensed under BY-SA

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat, located in the waters off the coast of West Papua, is an extraordinary archipelago, also known as the "Four Kings". In fact, these are not 4 islands, but a scattering of small green islets, and there are about 1500 of them. According to Lonely Planet, Raja Ampat received the Best in Travel award in 2023.

This tropical paradise is known for its marine biodiversity. It is a mecca for divers and nature lovers. About 75% of the world’s coral species live in these waters. Every corner amazes with the diversity of marine creatures: from brightly colored sea fish to majestic manta rays. But be careful, strong currents can become a problem even for the most experienced.

Go hiking through dense jungles to discover hidden waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints with views of distant islands. Visit the traditional villages of Arborek and study ancient rock paintings.

How to get there: West Papua is perhaps the most remote region of Indonesia. A flight to Sorong is needed, and from there take one of the daily ferries to Waigeo or go by private boat.

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Komodo Island

Discover the wonders of Komodo. This island is the only habitat of the famous Komodo dragons. However, keep your distance, because the bites of the monitor lizard can be deadly for humans, and the "dragons" are able to smell blood from several kilometers away.

Trips to Komodo are strictly controlled - not only for the safety of people, but also for the protection of the island’s biodiversity. You will definitely be accompanied by a guide.

To admire the panorama of Komodo, climb to the top of Padar Island. Komodo is not only wild nature and landscapes: here you can kayak and walk around the islands.

You can get to Komodo Island only by an excursion boat from the beach of Labuan Bajo. This is an adventure in itself, because Labuan Bajo is one of the few beaches in the world with pink sand.

How to get there: upon arrival in Jakarta or Bali, use one of the 7 daily flights to Labuan Bajo, Flores. Book tickets in advance.

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Karimunjawa

Karimunjawa is the largest island of the archipelago of the same name, which is ideal for a calm holiday. Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the island by exploring untouched beaches, such as Tanjung Gelam. This is a wonderful place for swimming and beach picnics.

Snorkel in crystal-clear waters to get to know a kaleidoscope of marine life: from colorful corals to schools of tropical fish. Set off for adventure by kayak, surrounded by lush mangrove forests in the very heart of nature.

How to get there: Karimunjawa is an archipelago of 27 islands in the Java Sea, 80 kilometers north of the city of Jepara, from which it is convenient to get there by boat. Travel time is about 2 hours.

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Yogyakarta

Yogyakarta, located in the south-west of Java, is the historical capital of the island. Since ancient times, this city has been a cultural center with ancient temples, palaces, and rituals of the Hindu, Buddhist, and Mataram kingdoms.

You will be able to visit two UNESCO sites at once - the largest Buddhist temple in the world, Borobudur, as well as Prambanan, the greatest Shiva temple in Indonesia. Do not miss Taman Sari either, the Sultan’s water palace. Get acquainted with traditional Indonesian crafts and be sure to visit the legendary shadow theater.

How to get there: the train from Jakarta to Yogyakarta is the most economical way to travel. Travel time is from 6 to 9 hours.

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Sumba Island

Sumba is rich in natural beauty: from the arched mangrove trees on Walakiri Beach to the amazing Weekuri Lagoon, which will require at least half a day to explore. Historically, Sumba is one of the poorest regions of Indonesia. This is mainly due to its geographical isolation from Java and almost constant droughts.

On Sumba, the Marapu religion is widespread, although in recent years many local residents have mixed old customs with more common beliefs. Across the whole island, you will see high thatched roofs, symbolizing the close connection of the inhabitants with god. For lovers of active recreation, Sumba offers fantastic opportunities for surfing. Here is the private resort Nihi Sumba, which has become a favorite of Hollywood celebrities.

How to get there: on a flight from one of the international airports of Indonesia, the most popular are Bali and Jakarta, to Tambolaka Airport.

Indonesia is a country you can travel through for years without ever visiting the same corner twice. So do not limit your knowledge only to the famous Bali.

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