Indonesia, unfiltered: 3 destinations beyond Bali to put on your travel list

While Bali needs no introduction, many Australian tourists explore no further than the flashing lights and Western comforts of this bustling province. But those who delve beyond the ordinary are richly rewarded.

There’s no need to convince most Australians that Indonesia is a perfect holiday destination. But while most people will automatically think of Bali, our gateway to this diverse country, those who travel beyond the popular province will discover the full cultural, natural, and culinary depths Indonesia has to offer. This is a destination that begs travellers to branch out beyond the conventional tourist routes.

Relaxing in Lombok

Catch a 40-minute flight from Bali to Lombok, where secluded luxury is key. Here, pristine beaches and eco-conscious resorts create an ideal setting to slow down, take a deep breath and reconnect.

Open body and mind

Join in a yoga class to clear body and mind.

Lombok offers a thriving wellness scene and is perhaps best known for its abundance of spas, yoga classes and meditation centres. Sunset beach yoga, a signature offering of Lombok, should be one of the first activities on your to-do list. Combining the self-care of yoga with ocean views coloured by sunset hues, it’s impossible not to leave relaxed.

If one day of relaxation isn’t enough (and it so rarely is), Lombok also offers world-class wellness retreats for travellers seeking longer and more immersive rejuvenation experiences.

Natural delights

See the natural hue of Pink Beach. (Credit: Jouhar Hidayat)

Few destinations in the world can boast the breathtaking landscapes found in Lombok. Volcanic landscapes, lush forests and inviting beaches beg travellers to reconnect with nature.

Relax into the mellow waves of Selong Belanak Beach. Stay for sunset to witness the iconic buffalo-walking tradition, when local farmers lead large herds of water buffalo across the shoreline.

The smallest of the Gili Islands, Gili Meno, is perfect for those seeking a peaceful haven surrounded by white-sand beaches. For something a bit different, head over to Pink Beach (also known as Tangsi Beach); crushed red coral fragments mix with the sand to create a picture-perfect rosy hue.

Take a multiday hike through rainforest and grassland to see majestic Mount Rinjani on Lombok Island. If you’re looking for a less challenging walk, follow a 60-minute trail over wooden bridges and shallow river streams to see the breathtaking Tiu Kelep Waterfall, nestled in the jungle in Senaru.

Discover underwater worlds in Labuan Bajo

Indonesia boasts some of the world’s most unforgettable underwater landscapes. Just a one-hour flight from Bali, you’ll find an underwater wonderland at the port town of Labuan Bajo. Here’s a good place to start.

Manta Point

Dive with manta rays.

The nutrient-rich waters of Manta Point attract large schools of gentle reef manta rays. Be awed as they glide by, their wingspans ranging from an impressive three to seven metres.

Snorkellers and divers with the skills to handle strong currents are regularly treated to over half an hour spent floating with these majestic creatures as they feed on plankton, or as they patiently wait for smaller reef fish to clean parasites off them.

Siaba Island

Spot green and hawksbill turtles.

Often referred to as Turtle City, the calm and shallow waters of Siaba Island are renowned for being one of the best and most reliable spots in the region for spotting green sea and hawksbill turtles.

This spot allows beginner snorkellers and families to float above vibrant coral gardens as the underwater residents swim by. These reefs aren’t only popular with turtles, either – expect to see whitetip reef sharks, eagle rays, blue-spotted stingrays, parrotfish and plentiful schools of other marine creatures.

Batu Bolong Reef

Snorkel through a colourful aquarium.

Diving into the reef of Batu Bolong – in the Lintah Strait, between Komodo Island and Tatawa Besar – is almost like diving into a colourful aquarium.

Here, strong swimmers can fight against the currents to find another explosive display of underwater life. Think reef sharks, turtles, moray eels and thousands of fish schools.

Delight your tastebuds in Yogyakarta

As one of Indonesia’s heritage cities, Yogyakarta continues to preserve authentic wellness traditions and gastronomical flavours. Fly two hours from Bali to delight in the local food scene and indulge in a world of wellness practices all rooted in centuries-old Javanese philosophy. This is truly a destination where travellers can balance rest and relaxation with cultural immersion.

Traditional cuisine

Feast on Yogyakarta’s cuisine.

In Yogyakarta, the cuisine is defined by rich, sweet Javanese flavours and fiery street food. Start with the province’s signature dish, gudeg, a traditional Javanese slow-cooked stew; made from unripe jackfruit simmered for several hours with palm sugar, coconut milk and a blend of aromatic spices, the result is rich, sweet and savoury.

Sate klathak is another local favourite. It’s a satay with a difference, made with large chunks of goat meat that have a simple seasoning of salt and pepper, and is served on iron rods in a shallow pool of a spiced curry broth.

Visitors should also try the traditional Indonesian comfort food, bakmi jawa, which is composed of yellow egg noodles with shredded chicken, eggs and vegetables, all cooked in an aromatic blend of spices.

Wash them all down with traditional drinks like wedang uwuh, a hot tea-like blend of dried spices, herbs and woods.

Diverse dining options

From casual eats to fine dining, find it in Yogyakarta. (Credit: Arif Ubayy)

As well as the food itself, Yogyakarta offers a vibrant and diverse dining scene, no matter what travellers are in the mood for. Eat like a royal at Bale Raos. This famous restaurant serves traditional Javanese dishes, once reserved exclusively for the kings and sultans of Yogyakarta. For something more modern, take in breathtaking mountain views along with local and international menus at Enam Langit by Plataran.

Discover more of Indonesia’s experiences with tourism experts at Luxperience in Sydney this November. Or, visit indonesia.travel.