Bali, Lombok, Gili… what if Indonesia’s most beautiful islands were elsewhere?

Pierre

09 Jun 2026

Accueil » Get Inspired » Bali, Lombok, Gili… what if Indonesia’s most beautiful islands were elsewhere?

Wondering what to do in Indonesia for 10 days or 2 weeks?

When planning a trip to the archipelago, the same names almost always come up: Bali, Lombok or the Gili Islands. These are magnificent destinations, but they now account for a large proportion of international tourism.

YetIndonesia is home to over 17,000 islands. Some are still largely unspoilt, with deserted beaches, spectacular volcanoes, authentic villages and unique traditions found nowhere else.

If you’re dreaming of a wilder, more authentic Indonesia, far from the Instagram clichés, there are still places capable of giving you a real adventure.

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Table of Contents

Visit Flores: probably the most beautiful alternative to Bali

Located to the east of Lombok, the island of Flores remains largely untouched by mass tourism. The atmosphere here is much more authentic than inIndonesia‘s best-known destinations. Here, landscapes alternate between volcanoes, green mountains, traditional villages and wild coastlines.

One of Flores ‘ most impressive sights is undoubtedly the Kelimutu volcano and its famous colorful lakes. The village of Wae Rebo, nestled in the heart of the mountains, is another of the island’s must-see experiences.

Flores is ideal for travellers who enjoy hiking, road trips and local encounters. You can also explore secluded beaches, dive in crystal-clear waters or discover the Komodo archipelago and see the dragons…

Long off the beaten tourist track, Flores still offers that rare feeling of exploring a more authentic, wilder Indonesia.

Go to Alor, the island almost nobody knows about

Lost in easternIndonesia, between Flores and East Timor, Alor is an island that very few travellers know about. Here, there are no large resorts or crowded beaches. The atmosphere is peaceful, authentic and deeply local.

Alor is best known for its unspoilt landscapes and exceptional seabed. The waters surrounding the island are home to an impressive biodiversity, often considered among the richest in Indonesia. Traditional hilltop villages also offer a fascinating insight into local culture.

Here, you can dive, snorkel, explore secluded coves or meet the locals. Some beaches are completely deserted, even in high season.

Travelling to Alor sometimes gives the impression of discovering theIndonesia of decades ago, before the arrival of mass tourism. A real treasure trove for travelers in search of authenticity.

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Explore Sumba: Indonesia’s Far West

Located southeast of Bali, Sumba is one ofIndonesia‘s most fascinating islands. As soon as you arrive, the scenery takes you by surprise. Here, the landscape is more reminiscent of the great wild plains than a classic tropical island. Golden hills, free-roaming horses and traditional villages have often earned Sumba the nickname “Indonesia’s Wild West”.

A must-see are the pointed-roofed houses of the ancestral villages, the megalithic tombs, the hidden waterfalls like Waimarang and the wild beaches that stretch for miles with hardly any visitors.

Here, you can go horseback riding on the beach, explore the remote countryside, meet the locals or admire spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean. Photography enthusiasts will find unique landscapes at every turn.

Despite its exceptional beauty, Sumba remains largely untouched by mass tourism. An ideal destination for discovering authentic Indonesia, far from the crowds of Bali and the best-known itineraries.

Walking in the Banda Islands: the forgotten treasure of spices

Lost in the heart of the Moluccan Sea, the Banda Islands are among Indonesia’s most little-known destinations. Yet these small islands once changed the course of world history. For centuries, they were the only place in the world where nutmeg, a spice more precious than gold at the time, grew naturally.

A must-see is Banda Neira, the former colonial capital, with its European-built forts, historic houses and the majestic Gunung Api volcano dominating the archipelago. Muscat plantations still tell the story of this incredible history.

Here, you can dive in crystal-clear waters, explore unspoilt coral reefs, hike the volcano or sail between the archipelago’s various islands. The atmosphere is peaceful and tourism is very discreet.

Travelling to the Banda Islands is like discovering a well-kept secret. With their fascinating history, unspoilt nature and authenticity, they offer an experience that few travelers are fortunate enough to enjoy.

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Raja Ampat‘s landscapes

Located in the far east ofIndonesia, off the coast of Papua, Raja Ampat is often regarded as one of the planet’s last great paradises. The archipelago comprises over 1,500 islands and islets scattered across a sea of almost unreal shades of blue. Here, nature still reigns supreme and tourist infrastructure remains limited.

A must-see are the famous lagoons surrounded by karst peaks, the spectacular viewpoints of Piaynemo and Wayag, and the deserted beaches accessible only by boat. Every trip here gives you the impression of exploring untamed territory.

Here, you can dive among some of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs, snorkel with manta rays, observe birds of paradise or sail from island to island for several days.

Raja Ampat is often referred to asIndonesia‘s “last frontier”. A destination that rewards travellers prepared to venture far from the usual itineraries to discover unspoilt nature.

Discover Sulawesi (Toraja country)

Located in the heart of the island of Sulawesi, Toraja country is one ofIndonesia‘s most fascinating regions. From the moment you arrive, you’re in for a complete change of scenery. Green mountains, rice terraces and traditional villages create a very different atmosphere from that found in Bali or the country’s seaside destinations.

A must-see are the famous Tongkonan houses with their boat-shaped roofs, the funerary cliffs carved out of the rock and the impressive traditional villages that perpetuate ancestral customs. The region is also known for its spectacular mountain scenery.

Here, you can hike through the valleys, discover local markets, visit remote villages and gain a better understanding of Toraja culture, one of the most unique in SoutheastAsia.

Toraja country is most famous for its unique funeral ceremonies. Much more than a simple rite, they are a major social event, sometimes bringing together hundreds of people. An unforgettable cultural experience for travelers curious to discover another facet ofIndonesia.

Explore thehe Moluccas

In the far east ofIndonesia, the Moluccas still seem like a secret destination. This archipelago of over a thousand islands is often overlooked on tourist circuits, even though it offers some of the country’s most beautiful beaches. Here, the pace is slow, the landscapes are wild and visitors are few and far between.

A must-see are the Kei Islands with their sparkling white sandy beaches, the turquoise waters ofOra Beach, the old colonial forts built in the days of the spice trade and the many fishing villages scattered throughout the archipelago.

Here, you can sail from island to island, snorkel in unspoilt reefs, watch dolphins or simply enjoy a deserted beach with few crowds. Diving enthusiasts will also find little-explored seabeds.

The Moluccas have long been at the heart of world trade, thanks to nutmeg and cloves. Today, they appeal above all to travelers seeking an authentic Indonesia, far from the crowds and destinations that have become too popular.