So Much More than Bali: Where to Go in Indonesia

When most people think of Indonesia, they think Bali. And don’t get me wrong—Bali has its perks. But after months exploring this massive, diverse country, I can confidently say: Indonesia is so much more than Bali.

This island nation has over 17,000 islands, each with its own culture and wild beauty. From diving with manta rays to spotting orangutans in the jungle, Indonesia constantly surprised me. Here’s my guide to going beyond Bali—and why you absolutely should.

Nusa Penida

Close to Bali, but another world. The diving is wild—manta rays, mola mola, and ripping currents make it a thrill. I dove with Purple Dive Penida and recommend staying a few nights on the island rather than a rushed day trip. Rent a motorbike, stay near Toya Pakeh, explore nearby beaches, and eat at Secret Penida or The Chill Penida. If you want to learn more about marine conservation, stop by the Indo Ocean Project Research and Education Center.

Bonus: Neighboring Nusa Lembongan is smaller, quieter, and home to Blue Corner Dive, which runs a great volunteer program.

The Gili Islands (Lombok)

No cars, no motorbikes—just peace.

• Gili Trawangan is the party island.
• Gili Meno is sleepy and romantic.
• Gili Air is the sweet spot with just enough going on.

I dove with Four Elements Eco Dive and fell in love with Shark Point and Turtle Heaven dive sites. There’s great food (Mama Pizza!), and even traditional hand-poke tattoos at Tradition and Ink. Rent a bike and explore the island at your own pace.

Komodo

If you love diving, go here. Fly to Labuan Bajo and dive Komodo National Park for wild currents, stunning reefs, and pelagic life. Blue Marlin and Komodo Dive Center are solid dive shops that will help you navigate the currents here.

The real magic? A 4-day boat trip to Lombok. I did one with Wanua Adventure for $180. You sleep under the stars, stop at remote beaches, and see Komodo dragons. Avoid any tour that feeds whale sharks—super unethical.

Sumatra

In Bukit Lawang, I trekked deep into the jungle and saw orangutans, gibbons, and monitor lizards with Sumatra Orangutan Explore on a 3 day 2 night jungle trek. Sleeping on a mattress in the jungle was a once-in-a lifetime experience! Also, Indonesian rafting at the end was a blast – iykyk.

Then I went to Berastagi, rented a motorbike, and hiked up the volcano. I went unguided, but your guesthouse could also arrange a guide for you. My last stop was Lake Toba, a massive crater lake with gorgeous views. Romlan Guest House was my lakeside haven.

Sulawesi

Off the usual backpacker route but worth it.

• Bira: Remote, relaxed, and home to some of the best diving. I saw sharks and marble rays almost every day I dove with Blue Planet Dive Resort during my 10 week conservation divemaster internship with Indo Ocean Project Bira.
• North Sulawesi: Fly to Manado, dive Bunaken National Park for healthy corals and turtles, then head to the Lembeh Strait for macro heaven—hairy frogfish, mimic octos, pygmy seahorses, and SO MUCH more. I dove with a local dive shop, Rumah Selam Dive Center, and the guides were so knowledgeable. Spend a few nights up near Tangkoko National Park to spot tarsiers and other rare wildlife on a night trek with a local guide. I stayed at Renny’s Tangkoko Safety Stop and booked my treks through them.

Raja Ampat (West Papua)

Dream diving. Unlike anywhere else—massive schools of fish, untouched reefs, and Indigenous Papuan culture. You’ll fly to Sorong and either catch a ferry to Waisai or hop straight onto a liveaboard.

I stayed at Scuba Republic and did a few dives around Central Raja. The Misool region in the south has the best diving, but it’s only reachable by liveaboard. Book last-minute on Liveaboards.com for deals.

Also: wake up at 4 a.m. to see birds of paradise in the jungle. Unreal. Most guesthouses can arrange this for you!

Final Thoughts

Bali may be the gateway, but Indonesia is way too rich to stop there. Each island is its own adventure—different people, food, ecosystems, and pace. Whether you’re diving with mantas, hiking volcanos, or sipping coffee on the rim of a crater lake, there's something powerful about how wild and varied this country really is.

So, get off the Bali path. There’s a whole world of Indonesia waiting. Book a session with me for more information.

Photo credits: Danielle Backman @dannibee_123 and Christian Legaard @christian.legaard.photography