If you’re planning an Indonesia trip and are still considering Bali or Ubud, stop! We’ve found six hidden islands that offer a quieter, untouched adventure. Escape the crowds and find the real zen!
Here are 6 handpicked destinations that blend adventure, culture, and postcard-perfect beaches… without the Bali crowds.
1. Labuan Bajo — The Gateway to Komodo’s Wild Beauty 
Where It Is Located: Labuan Bajo sits on the western tip of Flores island, in East Nusa Tenggara.
Why You Should Go: This place is all about crazy blue waters, pink beaches, epic island hopping, and is the only location in the world to see Komodo dragons in their natural habitat. It’s one of Indonesia’s “super-priority” tourism spots.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Sunrise hike on Padar Island.
- Snorkel with manta rays at Manta Point.
- Chill on Pink Beach.
- Take a full-day or overnight Komodo National Park cruise.
How to Get There: You can take direct flights from Bali (1 hr) or from Jakarta (2 hrs 20 min) straight to Komodo Airport. Once you arrive, local boats and scooters are the easiest way around.
Average 1-Day Budget: Expect to spend around INR 5,000–INR 12,000, depending on whether you join a shared boat or a private tour, which is the main expense.
2. Gili Islands — Your Car-Free Island Escape 
Where It Is Located: These are three small islands, Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, and Gili Meno, located just off the northwest coast of Lombok.
Why You Should Go: This destination offers no cars and no loud traffic, just bicycles, traditional horse carts, turquoise waters, sea turtles, and dreamy sunsets. It’s perfect for people who want the relaxing Bali vibes without the Bali overload.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Snorkel with turtles directly off the shore.
- Catch the famous sunset swings on Gili T.
- Cycling around the island perimeter.
- Café hopping on Gili Air.
How to Get There: Take a fast boat from Padang Bai in Bali (1.5–2 hrs). From Lombok Airport, drive to Bangsal Harbour, followed by a short ferry (15–20 mins). Getting around is easy, rent a cycle or simply walk everywhere.
Average 1-Day Budget: Plan for INR 3,000–INR 8,000, depending on your choice of restaurants and activities.
3. North Sulawesi — The Ocean Lover’s Dream 
Where It Is Located: Located at the northern tip of Sulawesi island, centered around the city of Manado.
Why You Should Go: North Sulawesi is a rising star because of its unbelievable marine life and unique underwater volcano walls. Bunaken Marine Park is famous worldwide among divers. Beyond the water, you get a mix of culture, volcanoes, and untouched highlands.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Dive or snorkel in the Bunaken National Park.
- Explore Tangkoko Nature Reserve to spot the tiny, rare tarsiers.
- Visit volcanic lakes like Lake Linow.
How to Get There: Take direct flights from Jakarta to Manado (3 hrs 30 mins), or connecting flights from Bali via Makassar. Getting around requires hiring a driver or renting a scooter, as the key areas are spread out.
Average 1-Day Budget: Budget around INR 4,000–INR 10,000. Note that organized diving packages are typically the costliest part of the trip.
4. Maratua Island — Indonesia’s Real-Life Maldives 
Where It Is Located: Off the coast of East Kalimantan, close to the Derawan Islands.
Why You Should Go: You’ll find clear green lagoons, stingless jellyfish lakes, and overwater villas, but with far fewer tourists. Maratua is gaining attention for its sustainable tourism projects and marine conservation efforts.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Swim in Haji Mangku Cave.
- Snorkel with turtles around the island’s reefs.
- Visit Kakaban Island to float in the unique stingless jellyfish lake.
- Indulge in a stay in a water bungalow.
How to Get There: This is a tad-bit a long journey, from Jakarta, fly to Berau, then drive 2 hours, and finally take a speedboat to Maratua. From Bali, you will fly via Balikpapan to Berau, and then proceed by boat. Getting around is mostly done by local boats or walking, as the island is small.
Average 1-Day Budget: This destination is more remote and luxurious, requiring INR 6,000–INR 14,000, depending on the frequency of boat trips and your choice of accommodation.
5. Maluku (Kei Islands) — White Sand Heaven 
Where It Is Located: Found in eastern Indonesia, far away from the usual tourist circuits. The Kei Islands are part of Maluku province.
Why You Should Go: Kei is known for having some of the most beautiful and softest white-sand beaches in Indonesia, especially Ngurtafur Beach, which looks like a long sand ribbon floating in the ocean. It’s totally untouched and perfect for a slow travel experience.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Visit Ngurbloat Beach, nicknamed the softest sand in the world.
- Take a boat trip to the spectacular Ngurtafur sandbank.
- Explore small, traditional fishing villages.
- Enjoy stargazing with zero light pollution.
How to Get There: Travel from Jakarta involves flying to Ambon first, then taking a connecting flight to Langgur (Kei). From Bali, you fly via Makassar to Ambon, and then onward to Kei. Getting around requires renting a scooter or hiring a car.
Average 1-Day Budget: A relatively lower budget is needed here, estimated at INR 3,500–INR 7,500.
6. Kaimana — West Papua’s Hidden Coastal Paradise 
Where It Is Located: Located in Southwest Papua, facing the Arafura Sea.
Why You Should Go: Kaimana is known for its pinkish sunrises, untouched coral reefs, serene bays, and ancient cliff paintings. It’s still extremely offbeat, perfect for travellers who love remote nature and genuine exploration.
Must-Do Experiences:
- Explore Triton Bay, known for amazing corals and seasonal whale shark sightings.
- Visit ancient rock paintings along the cliffs.
- Snorkel in the extremely clear, tranquil waters.
- Take a sunset boat ride around the bay.
How to Get There: Travel requires connecting flights. From Jakarta, fly to Sorong or Ambon, then take a connecting flight to Kaimana. From Bali, fly via Makassar, then Ambon, and finally onward to Kaimana. Getting around relies on boats and local transport; be prepared for very remote travel.
Average 1-Day Budget: This remote destination requires INR 5,500–INR 12,000, depending on boat rentals and accessing the secluded sites.
NOTE: The prices may vary based on season and travel style.
Ready to Book Your Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventure?
While Bali and Ubud hold a special place, to witness the “real magic” of Indonesia by exploring these six hidden gems.
From the Komodo dragons of Labuan Bajo to the silent beaches of the Kei Islands, your adventure is waiting!
