From the dragon-riddled shores of Komodo to the colourful coral gardens of Raja Ampat, and from Gili Islands’ pristine swimming seashores to Sumatra’s wild rainforests, Indonesia teems with fascinating locations. Right here’s a recent have a look at your prime locations to discover past Bali:
1. Komodo Nationwide Park, Lesser Sunda Islands
Smack bang in the midst of the Indonesian archipelago, this UNESCO-recognized nationwide park extends throughout quite a few islands, with Komodo and Rinca as the principle locations you’ll discover the notorious Komodo dragon — a 3m (10 ft) behemoth that holds the title of the planet’s largest and heaviest lizard. With fewer than 3,500 of those prehistoric beasts left, recognizing one is a critical bucket-list second.
Whereas the park’s identify would possibly shout out to its land-based residents, the underwater world is simply as mesmerizing. The waters are alive with manta rays, turtles, vibrantly-coloured fish, and good coral reefs, making it a haven for divers and snorkellers. The easiest way to discover this aquatic paradise is by boat, which additionally takes you to scenic treasures just like the Padar Island and Insta-famous Pink Seaside — so-called for its delicate blush-toned sands, courtesy of the purple coral simply offshore mixing with white sand.
Spy Komodo dragons and pink sands on: Bali and Komodo: Dragons, Rice Terraces & Cultural Ceremonies
2. Flores, Nusa Tenggara
Simply 50km (31.06 mi) east of Komodo, Flores is commonly only a stopover on the way in which to see Komodo dragons, however the island has a lot extra to supply. Adventurers can trek up Kelimutu’s lively volcano to see its three crater lakes, which change color primarily based on volcanic exercise, or discover Batu Cermin (Mirror Rock) cave dripping with spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
For an actual off-the-beaten-path expertise, hike to Wae Rebo, a distant village within the mountains the place the Manggarai tribe nonetheless reside in conventional cone-shaped homes. Additional inland, you’ll discover the cities of Bajawa and Ruteng — the previous is price visiting for its pure scorching springs and dramatic volcanic surroundings, and the latter for its spiderweb rice terraces.
3. Raja Ampat, West Papua
Tucked away in Indonesia’s north-east is Raja Ampat, a cluster of 1,500 jungle-clad islands, with the ‘4 Kings’ — Waigeo, Misool, Salawati, and Batanta — stealing the present. Waigeo is the place the motion occurs, with Waisai, the area’s capital, and loads of bird-watching trails to hunt out the flashy Wilson’s bird-of-paradise. Misool is the wild one, with jagged cliffs, turquoise lagoons, prehistoric rock artwork, and a marine reserve. Salawati and Batanta are quieter siblings however no much less enchanting — suppose mangrove-fringed shores and sleepy fishing hamlets.
Underwater, Raja Ampat flexes like no different. Sitting proper within the coronary heart of Coral Triangle, it boasts the world’s highest marine variety — we’re speaking over 1,600 species of fish, three-quarters of the world’s corals, wildly-patterned carpet sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, tiny pygmy seahorses, large colleges of vibrant fusiliers, and even dugongs. You may snorkel, dive, or simply stare slack-jawed from a ship — it’s all unforgettable.
High tip: Need that picture-perfect shot of Raja Ampat? Head up the Pianemo Hill within the Fam Islands group (between Batanta and Waigeo) — it’s a straightforward 250 picket step climb by lush vegetation.
4. Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara
This island — part of the Lesser Sunda Island chain — is commonly missed within the mad sprint to its neighbour Bali, however don’t make that mistake. Lombok’s bought a vibe all its personal, minus the glam and noise. In case you’re up for an journey, hike Mount Rinjani looming giant over the northern half of the island. This whopper of a peak (3726m or 12,224 ft) is Indonesia’s second-tallest volcano, and whereas the climb is not any straightforward feat, the view from the highest — of distant volcanoes and Segara Anak, a turquoise lake contained in the crater — makes it completely price it. For a extra laid-back expertise, take a dawn stroll by the serene rice fields of Tetebatu village, or cool off with a dip in Sarang Walet waterfall flowing straight from the mountain.
For extra, swerve south to Kuta to surf or unwind on the sugar-white seashores like Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak. For a cultural deep dive, go to Sade, one of many final remaining conventional Sasak villages, recognized for its handweaving custom. Historical past buffs can discover Mataram, Lombok’s capital — house to a plethora of previous relics just like the 18th-century Mayura Water Palace.
High tip: Go to in February to see the Bau Nyale Competition on the seashores round Kuta. It includes catching of sea worms, conventional dances, and peresean, Lombok’s historic martial artwork.
Trek Mount Rinjani for crater and island views on: Traditional Lombok
5. Gili Islands, Lesser Sunda Islands
Simply off Lombok’s northwest coast, the Gili Islands — Trawangan, Meno, and Air — are Indonesia’s antidote to overcooked itineraries and Bali burnout. Gili Trawangan (aka Gili T) is the liveliest of the trio, with evening markets and bars buzzing alongside its white-sand shores. Each month, the island goes all-in with its Full Moon events, the place thumping bass, neon glow sticks, lasers, and hearth dancers take over. For lively travellers, there’s snorkelling and scuba diving beneath the waves or leisurely kayaking and paddle boarding.
Gili Meno, the smallest of the group, has quiet seashores good for {couples}, whereas its iconic underwater statues and thriving turtle inhabitants make it preferrred for snorkellers. Gili Air is the Goldilocks of the islands — chill however with sufficient seashore cafes, bars, and boutique stays to maintain issues attention-grabbing. It’s additionally a yoga hotspot for these needing slightly zen. All three are freed from vehicles and mopeds, and you may discover them on bicycles or cidomos (horse-drawn carts) by yourself,
High tip: Go to throughout the dry season (April-September) for stellar underwater visibility and postcard-perfect sunsets.
Slip into your snorkel fins on: Traditional Bali & Lombok
6. Sumatra, Nice Sunda Islands & Malay Archipelago
Sumatra — simply to the west of Java — isn’t your run-of-the-mill tropical getaway. It’s uncooked and untapped, the place each flip guarantees one thing wild. At its coronary heart lies Lake Tabo, the world’s largest volcanic lake, with swim-friendly waters and dramatic waterfalls surrounding it. Proper within the center lies Samosir, the presque-isle house to the Toba Batak individuals recognized for his or her conventional wooden carving.
Up north, Mount Leuser Nationwide Park is a wild wonderland the place among the world’s most endangered species roam free like Sumatran tigers, rhinos, elephants, and orangutans. Feeling gutsy? Deal with the Gunung Kerinci, Southeast Asia’s tallest volcano at 3805m (12,484 ft). Overlooking the northern expanse of Kerinci Seblat Nationwide Park, house to the world’s largest inhabitants of Sumatran tigers (although nonetheless fewer than 200), the summit gives views of Danau Gunung Tujuh (Southeast Asia’s highest crater lake) and the encircling hills.
And for these wanting to check their limits even additional, scale the epic limestones of Harau Valley — 100m (328 ft) of vertical adrenaline — or chase world-class waves on the Mentawai Islands, the place the seashores are abandoned, however the surf is something however tame.
7. Tanjung Puting Nationwide Park, Central Kalimantan
This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, proper within the coronary heart of Central Kalimantan, is house to various ecosystems together with peat swamps, tropical rainforests, and mangroves. These all harbour proboscis monkeys, macaques, gibbons, and over 200 species of birds — together with hornbills and kingfishers — however the critically endangered Orangutans get prime billing.
These tool-using nice apes reside within the bushes alongside jungle rivers, and probably the greatest methods to see them up-close is by renting a klotok boat and cruising down the Sekonyer River to Camp Leakey — the rehabilitation centre the place rescued orangutans learn to reside within the wild once more.
8. Yogyakarta, Java
Yogyakarta, or Jogja as locals name it, is the cultural and mental hub of Java, brimming with increased schooling establishments, and dominated by a royal household residing on the Kraton–a walled palace complicated with ornate halls, shaded courtyards, and grand pavilions. The latter is the place day by day cultural efficiency from classical dance to gamelan (conventional Javanese orchestra) and shadow puppetry go down. Close by is Taman Sari Water Citadel, a royal retreat with lovely swimming pools for bathing and meditation.
Yogyakarta can be recognized for silversmithing, with many artisan studios within the Kotagede neighbourhood, the place you possibly can watch craftspeople at work. In case you’re recreation for journey, then don’t miss a hike up Mount Merapi — an lively volcano towering 2910m (9547 ft) over the town.
Past the town are two temples to not miss — the Eighth-century Borobudur and the Ninth-century Prambanan. The previous is among the world’s best Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, whereas the latter is a Hindu temple complicated with volcanic-stone buildings adorned with reliefs depicting the epic Ramayana.
Revel within the serenity of Yogyakarta temples on: Better of Java
9. Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi
Tucked away within the highlands of Sulawesi, Tana Toraja is a area of gorgeous magnificence, the place rice terraces stretch throughout misty valleys, and conventional properties characteristic roofs formed like buffalo horns or ships. Its temperate local weather gives the proper setting for trekking, however it’s the native individuals’s distinctive strategy to demise that units it aside.
Right here, the departed linger longer than standard — generally for years — stored in household properties as if ready for his or her large second. And when sufficient is saved for the funeral, it’s a full-blown spectacle, full with buffalo sacrifices, dancing, and singing.
10. Bromo Tengger Semeru Nationwide Park, East Java
Sitting in an historic caldera, this nationwide park holds the nation’s one and solely erg (principally a sea of sand that makes you are feeling such as you’re on Mars). Out of this weird panorama rise two lively volcanoes: Mount Bromo at 2,329m (7,641 ft), and Mount Semeru, the best mountain in Java at 3,676m (12,060 ft). You may discover it on a 4×4 tour taking you as much as one of many viewpoints for dawn earlier than driving across the Mt Bromo crater, the erg, and the savannah hills. However when you’re after one thing a bit extra daring, go on a pre-dawn hike throughout the Sea of Sand to Mt Bromo, the place you possibly can catch a closing glimpse of the moon earlier than dawn.
Mt. Bromo can be a holy place, particularly for the Tenggerese individuals, who toss choices into the crater as sacrifices throughout festivals, praying for blessings from the gods.
High tip: It’s scorching under, however up prime, it’s freezing — so pack layers and durable sneakers.
Trek throughout the ocean of sand to Mt Bromo on: Indonesia Java, Bali & Lombok
11. Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara
Sumba is simply an hour’s hop from Bali, however it’s a world aside. Life right here revolves round historic traditions, with villages like Lamboya or Wanokaka nonetheless performing animal sacrifices and putting in megalithic tombstones throughout funerals. We’d suggest planning your journey in February or March to witness the centuries-old harvest competition known as Pasola, the place fearless horsemen conflict with blunt spears in a ritual that’s as wild because it sounds.
Past traditions, nature steals the highlight. The island has scenic waterfalls like Matayangu Waterfall (aka Blue Waterfall) and Lapopu Waterfall, reached by way of a brief jungle path. Plus, it has unimaginable seashores like Pantai Marosi and Kerewei, with nice waves good for browsing. In case you’re not into browsing, seize a snorkel or a paddleboard to discover the beautiful azure sea, or just chill out on the powder-white sand.
