11 Beautiful Spots You Need To Check Out In Indonesia That Aren’t Bali

Don’t get us wrong, we love Bali as much as the next person, but there’s a whole lot more to Indonesia that you’re missing. For a country made up of over 17,000 islands, it’s actually a bit of a disgrace that the majority of travellers go back to the same one over and over again. 

Ready to explore more of this stunning island nation but not sure where to begin? Consider this your 2025 travel hit list of the best islands in Indonesia.

Raja Ampat

Image credit: Shawn Heinrichs | Instagram

It’s a little bit difficult to access Raja Ampat in West Papua, but that’s all part of its charm and the reason it retains that feeling of untouched beauty. The magnificent archipelago is made up of 1,000 jungle-covered islands and it’s one of the best diving and snorkelling sites in the world thanks to the diverse coral reefs and huge variety of marine life in the crystal clear waters. If you’re looking to make a difference but also to have the most relaxing holiday of your life, head to eco resort Misool and hang out with their sister conservation centre Misool Foundation. Both the resort and foundation are doing incredible conservation work and diving with them (and the rays, sharks, turtles and more) is a once in a lifetime experience.

Lombok

You probably cringe a little bit when you hear someone suggesting a holiday in Kuta, but Kuta in Lombok couldn’t be more different to the infamous Kuta of Bali. It’s a little town on Lombok and the perfect place to base yourself thanks to its proximity to endless beaches and Bukit Merese which provides an excellent viewpoint come sunset. If you’re into hiking, you’ll want to get yourself geared up for Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano; just make sure you treat yourself to a few hours at Air Kalak Hot Springs after the hike. Of course, there’s also the famous Gili Islands and countless other islands off Lombok, plenty of which are untouched and off the beaten track if that’s what you’re after. 

Kalimantan 

Image credit: Tanjung Puting Tourism | Instagram 

If you’re desperate to see orangutans in the wild you’d better get yourself to Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan—the Indonesian part of Borneo—immediately. The park is home to Camp Leaky, a preservation centre for orangutans who have been rescued from captivity, so if you don’t see these babies while you’re in the main park make sure you get to Camp Leaky for feeding time. You’ll also want to get yourself to the eye-candy that is the Derawan Islands, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is renowned for diving and one of the best places to spot giant green turtles and hawksbill turtles. Kalimantan is easily one of the most beautiful spots in Indonesia. 

Sumatra

If you can’t find orangutans in Borneo, Sumatra is the only other place in the world where you’ll find them in the wild. If that’s what you’re here for, you’ll want to head to Bukit Lawang and get yourself to Gunung Leuser National Park; check out Sumatra Eco Travel’s overnight jungle trek for an environmentally and socially responsible way to see them. You’ll also want to make your way to North Sumatra to explore Lake Toba—the biggest volcanic lake anywhere in the world.   

Nusa Tenggara Timur

Image credit: ​onionsontheroad | Instagram 

Nusa Tenggara Timur (or East Nusa Tenggara) is relatively well known in Indonesia thanks to Komodo Island, the home for Indonesia’s famous Komodo dragons. While there was talk of closing the UNESCO world heritage site to protect the huge lizards, it seems the island and Komodo National Park will remain open in 2020 so you might want to put in your bucket list—just remember to keep your environmental footprint light and respect the animals so they don’t have to revisit the idea! Apart from the Komodo dragons, there’s plenty more to see in Nusa Tenggara Timur. On Flores, the colourful crater lakes at Kelimutu make for a ridiculously Instagrammable hike, while Wai Rebo Village is the perfect spot to get a hit of culture. We’d also recommend a day trip to Padar Island to check out Pink Beach because who doesn’t love pink sand and turquoise waters?

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Java

Java might be Indonesia’s busiest island, but venture beyond the cities and you’ll find raw, untamed beauty waiting to blow your hiking boots off. No trip here is complete without witnessing sunrise over Mount Bromo in East Java’s Tengger Semeru National Park—an easy hike with a seriously cinematic payoff. While you’re in the neighbourhood, brave the trek to Kawah Ijen, a volcanic crater where neon-blue flames dance across the ground (just don’t forget your gas mask). Central Java’s Dieng Plateau is another underrated gem, offering volcanic lakes, misty national parks, and ancient temples without the crowds.

Yogyakarta

Swap beach bars for ancient wonders and head to Yogyakarta, Java’s cool, cultural heart. Nestled between Mount Merapi and the Indian Ocean, this city is home to 9th-century giants Borobudur and Prambanan—temples so awe-inspiring they deserve a guided deep dive into their mythical past. Jogja (as the locals call it) is filled with traditional arts and just enough chaos to keep things fun. It’s also the only Indonesian region still ruled by a sultan! Throw in hidden caves, volcanic landscapes, and unspoiled beaches, and you’ve got Java’s soulful heart wrapped in history and charm.

Sumba 

Image credit: NIHI Sumba | Instagram 

While it’s also in the Nusa Tenggara Timur region, Nihi Sumba feels worlds away. This resort on Sumba Island is the place to go if you’re looking for some serious luxury. The team at this resort will organise everything from yoga and massages to surfing and spearfishing, so why not spend your first day freediving or paddleboarding in warm turquoise waters and day two on their spa safari; the ultimate way to unwind. Surfers will be in heaven with the private beach and its epic surf break, God’s Left, which maxes out at 10 surfers per day, while those who want to read a book and go for a dip in calmer waters will find plenty of spots around the island perfect for just that. While you’re on Sumba, don’t miss Weeruke Lake at sunset, Air Terjun Lapopu—an impressive 90 metre waterfall—and Laiwangi Wanggameti National Park. 

Sulawesi 

Often overlooked in favour of its flashier neighbours, Sulawesi quietly delivers one of Indonesia’s most fascinating travel experiences. In the highlands of Tana Toraja, rich traditions come to life—funerals are elaborate, days-long affairs, and ancestors are lovingly cared for long after passing. Stay in a traditional homestay, take in sweeping views from Batutumonga, and explore ancient villages like Ke’te Kesu’. Down south, visit the Gua Leang Leang caves, home to some of the world’s oldest rock art. Sulawesi isn’t the easiest place to reach, but its blend of culture, history, and natural beauty makes the journey oh so worth it. 

Mentawai Islands

Image credit: Awera Resort | Instagram

A surfer’s nirvana, this chain of islands off the coast of West Sumatra delivers waves up to 15 feet—Hollow Trees, Macaronis, Rifles, and Green Bush are considered some of the best breaks in the world. Grab your board and carve through waves alongside dolphins and dugongs. Thanks to its rich marine life, it’s also a cracking spot for diving—snorkel or strap on your scuba gear and marvel at the technicolour world beneath the surface. Back on land, there’s plenty to explore including immersing yourself in the local Indigenous culture. Tuapejat Beach, with its powder-white sand, is ideal for stretching out with a good book before retreating to Awera Resort, a palm-fringed paradise where surfing, sipping cocktails and soaking in thermal pools is on the agenda. 

Maluku Islands

A visit to the Maluku Islands—also known as the Spice Islands for their rich bounty of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves—feels like venturing to the edge of the world, in the best possible way. Rugged and awash in natural beauty, this remote archipelago will give you goosebumps with its centuries-old churches, towering volcanoes, and lush forests. Must-dos in this breathtaking corner include visiting the UNESCO-nominated Benteng Belgica, a 17th-century fort perched above Benteng Nassau; hiking Gunung Api, a nearly 700-metre-high active volcano; and unwinding at Pantai Ngurtavur, Indonesia’s longest sandbar—only accessible by boat from Kei Kecil’s west coast, so plan accordingly.

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