7 wonderful places to visit in Indonesia that aren't Bali

Leyla Rose

When people hear the word 'Indonesia', most tend to think only of Bali. With its classic green rice terraces and distinctive culture, that's understandable.

Idyllic Kelor Island, Komodo National Park © Jon Chica - Adobe Stock Image

But Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, home to some 18,000 islands with a diverse offering of bustling cities, epic volcanoes and far-flung islands with virgin beaches. Ignoring the rest of the country leaves you missing out on so much. If you want to explore beyond Bali, here are some of the most incredible destinations to visit instead.

Lombok

One island to the east of Bali, travellers often remark that Lombok feels like what Bali was 30 years ago. It's much more laid-back, with far fewer crowds or traffic jams.

The island offers something for everyone, from lush rainforests and peaceful paddy fields to beautiful beaches ranging from fine white sands to sparkling black volcanic ones.

Adventurous travellers can try surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving, while those who want a challenge can hike up Mount Rinjani, Indonesia's second-tallest volcano at 3,726 metres (12,224 ft).

For a dose of local culture, there are traditional villages, which specialise in handicrafts such as handweaving and pottery, while the larger towns are great places to browse the traditional markets and sample delicious street food.

Komodo National Park

Spread across the islands of Komodo, Padar and Rinca, the Komodo National Park is the only place in the world where you can spot the lethal komodo dragon in the wild. These creatures can reach up to three metres in length (10 ft), making them the world's largest lizard.

A komodo dragon in its namesake national park © Gudkovandrey - Adobe Stock Image

As well as wildlife watching, the national park also offers scenic treks and stunning coastlines. Snorkelling and scuba diving are popular here, with the surrounding waters filled with colourful coral reefs and plenty of marine life. One of the most photogenic spots on Komodo Island is Pink Beach; the contrast between the blue waters and the pink-hued sands makes for incredible photos.

Yogyakarta

Indonesia isn't all beaches and nature; there are some fascinating cities which are well worth a visit. Located on the island of Java, Yogyakarta is one of Indonesia's most interesting cities, and the only one in Indonesia that's still ruled by a monarchy.

It's known for its arts and cultural heritage, including ballet, theatre, literature, silversmithing, shadow puppetry and batik textiles, an ancient art form of dyeing fabric. Be sure to catch a variety of cultural performances, or try your hand at making jewellery or textiles at one of the many creative workshops.

The famed stupas of ancient Borobudur temple © Saiko3p - Adobe Stock Image

While Yogyakarta is packed with historical buildings such as Dutch colonial forts and Javanese palaces, its most famous attractions are Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and the Hindu temple of Prambanan.

Both dating back to the 9th century CE, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are worth visiting at sunrise or sunset to make the most of the views.

Raja Ampat

Located in West Papua, the Raja Ampat archipelago is made up of hundreds of vegetation-covered islands surrounded by clear waters and pristine coral reefs; it's not hard to see why it's nicknamed 'the last paradise on earth'.

Naturally, it's a popular destination for scuba divers, with its rich waters home to manta rays, dolphins, turtles, sharks and around 1,300 types of tropical fish.

There are plenty of things to do above the surface too, such as island hopping, jungle trekking and birdwatching tours to spot the endangered birds of paradise. A liveaboard boat is a great option if you're looking to really explore the archipelago.

Mount Leuser National Park

For wildlife enthusiasts, Mount Leuser National Park on the island of Sumatra is home to one of the last places on earth where orangutans live in the wild.

You can embark on multi-day treks through the rainforest where, alongside orangutans, you'll potentially spot elephants, rhinos, tigers and hundreds of bird and reptile species.

Orangutans in the wild of Mount Leuser National Park © Vladislav Jirousek - Dreamstime.com

Most of these treks begin in Bukit Lawang, a village on the edge of the park which also serves as a sanctuary and conservation centre for these critically endangered primates.

Sumba

If you're looking to get 'off the beaten track' and see a more unexplored side of Indonesia, the island of Sumba is a fantastic place to visit. It's full of incredibly wild landscapes, from secluded bays to sprawling savannas.

Swim in turquoise lagoons and cool off under spectacular waterfalls, or surf the island's famous waves at Marosi Beach and Karwei Beach.

Be sure to visit villages such as Ratenggaro and Prai Ijing, the wooden houses and towering thatched roofs built in the traditional architectural style. Here you can watch local women weave intricate ikat cloths coloured with natural dyes; these can take up to a year to complete, making them incredible souvenirs.

Bandung

A three-hour drive from Jakarta, Indonesia's metropolitan capital, is the highland city of Bandung. Popular with domestic tourists, the city offers an intriguing blend of nature, culture and urban life.

Bandung is a must-visit for foodies, well known for its food and coffee culture; you'll find a huge choice of eateries and coffee shops all around the city. It also has a thriving creative scene, with boutiques and galleries aplenty.

When you feel like escaping the city, Bandung's surrounding countryside has plenty of things to do. It's home to Tangkuban Perahu, an active volcano where you can peer down into the crater to see the smoking volcano and sulphur pools.

There are also hot springs to bathe in, or visit nearby tea and coffee plantations where you can take one of the many trails winding through the fields, admiring the views.

Climate in Indonesia

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Maximum daytime temperature °F	88	88	88	90	90	88	88	90	90	90	88	88
Hours of sunshine (daily)	5	6	6	7	7	7	8	8	7	7	6	6
Days with some rainfall	19	18	17	13	10	8	4	4	4	7	14	17

The above guide shows the climate in Yogyakarta. Find out more about conditions across the country in our complete climate in Indonesia.

More about Indonesia

Indonesia by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Leyla Rose

Posted in: Asia Culture Nature

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Indonesia - quick facts
Flight time^✝	16 to 22 hours
Time difference	UK +7 to +9 hours
Language(s)	Indonesian
Currency	Indonesian Rupiah
Electricity	C + F plug (230V)
Driving side	Left
Why visit?	Beaches Culture Nature
Tourist info	Indonesia Ministry of Tourism