The 6 Best Destinations in Indonesia That Don’t Include Bali, According to a Top Travel Advisor

Indonesia is a nation comprising over 17,000 islands, each with its own rhythm, rituals, and rare beauty. Of these, many travelers have visited or at least heard of Bali. As a luxury travel advisor of Indonesian heritage, though, I encourage clients to consider lesser-known destinations where the archipelago’s adventurous spirit shines. Here are six hidden gems that showcase Indonesia’s landscape and captivating culture.

Yogyakarta and Borobudur

Java’s cultural capital, Yogyakarta, is home to Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay at Amanjiwo, an Aman Resort, for front-row views of this 9th-century marvel from a private pool suite. Venture an hour northwest to the village of Candirejo for batik crafts and local flavors, or take a three-hour hike to the secluded Selogriyo Temple. At dusk, sip a soursop martini in Amanjiwo’s rice fields with stunning views of Mount Merapi as your backdrop.

Raja Ampat

Technicolor coral reefs teem with reef sharks, turtles, and iridescent fish in the Raja Ampat Islands of West Papua. Explore this aquatic paradise through a private charter like Rascal Voyages, which pairs serious marine experiences with barefoot luxury accommodations. Think sunrise snorkeling, grilled seafood under the stars, and hidden lagoons accessible only by kayak. There are no crowds and very few clocks—just water, reef, and sky.

Labuan Bajo and Komodo National Park

Labuan Bajo on Flores Island is the entry to exploring Komodo National Park, a national park that spans the Lesser Sunda Islands. Here, you can trek alongside Komodo dragons, snorkel with manta rays, and hike to Padar Island’s summit for stunning views. Ta’aktana, a Luxury Collection Resort, is a dreamy home base that offers overwater villas, infinity pools, and world-class restaurants showcasing contemporary, farm-to-table Indonesian cuisine.

Sumba Island

Sumba is perfect for those seeking nature, culture, and seclusion. Stay at the world-class Nihi Sumba resort, where you can surf picture-perfect breaks, ride horses into the ocean, and trek to hidden jungle waterfalls. Immerse yourself in the local community with artisan workshops and intimate village visits. Dining is a celebration of the place here, with cliffside seafood barbecues and menus that unveil authentic Indonesian flavors and customs. 

Mount Bromo

Take in the epic sights of Mount Bromo, a smoldering active volcano two hours from the city of Malang. Safely experience it during a sunrise hike with expert guides, beginning with a ride to King Kong Hill before catching the first rays of sunlight spilling over the crater. Continue to Bromo’s base and climb the staircase to its rim, offering a rare chance to peer directly into an active volcano.

Kalimantan

Borneo, shared between Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia, is the third largest island in the world. And in the Indonesian area of Kalimantan, the jungle reigns supreme. Glide down the Sekonyer River toward Tanjung Puting National Park on a private klotok, a traditional wooden houseboat equipped with modern accommodation. While on this journey, you can spot wild orangutans in the canopy, visit Camp Leakey for a glimpse into conservation work, and then sleep under the stars with the sounds of the rainforest serving as your soundtrack.

Desiree Norman is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in trips to Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Norman at [email protected]