Beyond Bali | Exploring Indonesia’s Islands

There is more to Indonesia than Bali. Discover the country’s hidden gems that feature coral reefs, volcanic craters, and diverse wildlife. Indonesia has an abundance of nature and culture to offer, some routes already travelled and some ready to be explored.

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WHY GO BEYOND BALI?

When tourists go to Indonesia, they often mean Bali. This tropical island has become a hub for backpackers, surfers and luxury holidaygoers. Millions of people visit the island every year, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. Whilst the island’s economy benefits from tourism, the excessive amount of visitors has led to environmental degradation, a rising cost of living and a strain on local resources. Indonesia has 17,508 islands, many of which are struggling economically. Visiting different islands can help the Indonesian economy whilst taking pressure off of Bali. However, keeping things diverse is important so as not to recreate the over-touristified situation in Bali again.

Indonesia Rice Fields — ©Maksim Shutov via Unsplash

KOMODO NATIONAL PARK

Komodo National Park was established in 1980 to protect the Komodo Dragon and consists of three main islands (Rinca, Komodo and Padar) as well as many smaller ones. The park is built from volcanic islands and is home to a population of around 5,700 giant lizards known as Komodo dragons. These creatures don’t exist anywhere else in the world except on this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors will see rugged hills, dry savannahs, green vegetation and white sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. Magnificent creatures such as corals, sharks, turtles and whales can all be found in the surrounding waters.

Some of the most iconic parts of the islands include the pink beach, where the white sand and red coral create a pastel pink colour, Manta Point, where you can swim with manta rays, and Padar Island.

Tourists can visit the park by boat for a day trip or for a few nights. These boat tours are easy to book with plenty of companies and different options and prices.

Padar Island — ©dw1 Damarnesia via Unsplash

FLORES ISLAND

Flores is one of the most beautiful and underrated islands in Indonesia. Not only is it the gateway to the Komodo National Park, but it has its own magical nature and sites. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich culture and unique wildlife. Visitors will find traditional little villages, rich marine biodiversity, and volcanic craters. Kelimutu National Park is home to a volcano with three crater lakes that change colour because of varying mineral content, shifting from blue to green, black and red.

The island is also unique because of its cultural diversity. Flores has numerous ethnic groups, languages and traditions, with a unique Catholic influence, due to Portuguese colonisation, which is visible in the churches and religious festivals.

EAST JAVA

East Java is a province in the eastern part of Java that also includes some smaller islands. The area is known for its volcanos, fascinating waterfalls and beautiful beaches. Perhaps one of the most unusual sites on the island is the Jodipan Village. Once one of the most run-down villages in the country, a group of students worked with local painters to transform the area into a colourful paradise. Thanks to this, the area is now a touristic hub with a small entry fee that supports the local economy.

Other must-see sights in East Java include Papuma and Payangan beaches, the latter with a breathtaking viewpoint. For volcano enthusiasts, you can hike both Ijen Crater and Mount Bromo, two active volcanoes. Ijen Crater is famous for its ‘blue fire’ phenomenon caused by the sulfuric gases which hikers should wear a gas mask when near.

Jodipan Village ©Fauzan Azizi via Unsplash

Ijen Crater Bue — Ijen Crater ©Yulia Agnis via Unsplash

East Java Volcanoes — ©Spenser Sembrat via Unsplash

SUMATRA

Sumatra, the sixth-largest island in the world, is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Home to endangered species like the Sumatran tiger, orangutans, and Sumatran rhinos, the island is vital for wildlife conservation. It boasts breathtaking natural wonders such as Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic crater lake, and stunning coral reefs along its coastlines.

For surf enthusiasts, the Mentawai Islands off Sumatra’s west coast offer world-class waves, while the island’s rainforests and volcanoes provide endless opportunities for exploration. Culturally diverse, Sumatra is rich in traditions, with various ethnic groups and vibrant local festivals. Whether exploring its wild jungles or relaxing by pristine beaches, Sumatra is a must-visit for those seeking both adventure and cultural richness.