You’ve seen the Bali shots - the sunset swings, lush waterfalls, infinity pools. But what if Indonesia’s most unforgettable islands aren’t the ones lighting up your feed?
This year, more travellers are venturing beyond the usual, hopping between islands where coral reefs outshine crowds, jungle trails take the place of beach clubs, and every boat ride feels like a step deeper into the wild.
Whether you’re chasing volcano views, rainforest quiet, or villages that still follow centuries-old traditions, Indonesia delivers - if you know where to look.
Just 45 minutes by ferry from Bali, Nusa Penida feels like the wild sibling to its more polished neighbour. Imagine huge limestone cliffs, tucked-away coves like Kelingking Beach, and cliffside temples such as Pura Goa Giri Putri. Now, ferries from Sanur and Serangan are faster and safer, with updated safety measures and smoother online booking systems. Come for the day or stay overnight in guesthouses near Toyapakeh or Crystal Bay.
Once a well-kept secret in Central Java, Karimunjawa is a cluster of 27 islands within a protected marine park - home to vibrant coral reefs, mangroves, and a wonderfully slow pace of life.
Getting to Karimunjawa used to mean a long ferry trip, but that’s changing. As of June, Susi Air now runs direct flights from Yogyakarta, cutting the travel time and hassle. Once you arrive, life slows down. You’ll find eco-resorts and simple homestays, boat rides to quiet beaches, and bonfires on the sand under a sky full of stars.
East of Bali, Sumba is all about raw beauty and living tradition. You can cool off in waterfalls like Tanggedu, ride horses along the surf at Walakiri Beach, or wander through megalithic villages where daily life still follows ancient customs.
5 Islands Beyond Bali worth planning your next escape around
Whether you’re chasing volcano views, rainforest quiet, or villages that still follow centuries-old traditions, Indonesia delivers - if you know where to look.
Nusa Penida: For Iconic Views Without the Mainland Crowds
Just 45 minutes by ferry from Bali, Nusa Penida feels like the wild sibling to its more polished neighbour. Imagine huge limestone cliffs, tucked-away coves like Kelingking Beach, and cliffside temples such as Pura Goa Giri Putri. Now, ferries from Sanur and Serangan are faster and safer, with updated safety measures and smoother online booking systems. Come for the day or stay overnight in guesthouses near Toyapakeh or Crystal Bay.
- The best time to visit: April–June and September, when the seas are calmer;
- Pro tip: Catch the morning ferry and return the next day to avoid the day-trip crowds
Karimunjawa: A Laid-Back Archipelago Just Got Easier to Reach
Once a well-kept secret in Central Java, Karimunjawa is a cluster of 27 islands within a protected marine park - home to vibrant coral reefs, mangroves, and a wonderfully slow pace of life.
Getting to Karimunjawa used to mean a long ferry trip, but that’s changing. As of June, Susi Air now runs direct flights from Yogyakarta, cutting the travel time and hassle. Once you arrive, life slows down. You’ll find eco-resorts and simple homestays, boat rides to quiet beaches, and bonfires on the sand under a sky full of stars.
- The best time to visit: May to September;
- Don’t miss: Snorkelling at Menjangan Kecil and fresh-grilled seafood at the night market in Alun-Alun Karimun.
Sumba: Where Culture and Luxury Coexist
East of Bali, Sumba is all about raw beauty and living tradition. You can cool off in waterfalls like Tanggedu, ride horses along the surf at Walakiri Beach, or wander through megalithic villages where daily life still follows ancient customs.
Eco-resorts like NIHI Sumba have brought the island into the spotlight, but Sumba’s true spirit remains quiet, authentic, and deeply connected to local traditions. Community-led experiences are on the rise, from natural dye workshops to hikes guided by villagers.
Nestled just off Sumatra’s northern tip, Weh Island is a hidden gem for divers, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning underwater scenery. Think sea turtles, reef sharks, and coral-covered canyons at dive sites like Batee Tokong and Gapang House Reef. The island also has hot springs and volcanic craters, making it perfect for a post-dive soak. There are no chain hotels here - just quiet beaches, lush hills, and a laid-back vibe.
Ready to get far off the beaten track? Head to Seram in the Maluku Islands. Here, dense rainforests, hidden caves, and remote villages set the stage for serious adventure. It’s a place where nature still leads the rhythm, and the trails feel like they belong to another time. On the coast, Ora Beach offers overwater bungalows and silent, turquoise lagoons.
It’s remote - getting there involves a flight to Ambon, then a boat to Seram - but the payoff is complete disconnect from the rush. Great for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers who prefer jungle trails to bar crawls.
Island-hopping in Indonesia used to mean slow ferries, vague schedules, and a lot of guesswork. In 2025, travel is getting easier. Susi Air and Wings Air now offer flights to smaller islands like Karimunjawa, Flores, and Sumba, with better connections to main cities such as Yogyakarta, Labuan Bajo, and Kupang.
Ferries between Bali and the Nusa Islands are also faster and more dependable, and booking online is now simple, with options available in both Bahasa Indonesia and English. If you're planning a multi-island trip - say, Bali → Nusa Penida → Sumba → Karimunjawa - you’ll want to mix beach days with travel days and leave some buffer time for remote transfers. Most people get around with a mix of domestic flights and short boat rides, depending on which islands they're visiting.
For smooth travel beyond Bali, check real-time ferry schedules, weather updates, especially during monsoon season, and travel documents like customs declaration forms. These forms are essential for clearing ports smoothly and avoiding delays during inter-island travel. Stay updated on visa-free zones and local advisories too.
For all its scale, Indonesia is still a destination where you can find empty beaches, eat meals cooked over fire, and hear waves instead of Wi-Fi notifications. In 2025, with better connectivity and growing awareness of sustainable tourism, it’s never been easier, or more rewarding, to explore islands beyond Bali.
- The best time to visit: April to October;
- Where to stay: Waikabubak or Wanokaka offer a great mix of coastal beauty and cultural insight.
Weh Island: A Diver’s Paradise at the Edge of Sumatra
Nestled just off Sumatra’s northern tip, Weh Island is a hidden gem for divers, known for its crystal-clear waters and stunning underwater scenery. Think sea turtles, reef sharks, and coral-covered canyons at dive sites like Batee Tokong and Gapang House Reef. The island also has hot springs and volcanic craters, making it perfect for a post-dive soak. There are no chain hotels here - just quiet beaches, lush hills, and a laid-back vibe.
- The best time to visit: May to August for the best dive conditions;
- Tip: Head to Iboih Village for dive centers offering PADI and free-diving courses
Seram Island: For True Off-the-Grid Adventure
Ready to get far off the beaten track? Head to Seram in the Maluku Islands. Here, dense rainforests, hidden caves, and remote villages set the stage for serious adventure. It’s a place where nature still leads the rhythm, and the trails feel like they belong to another time. On the coast, Ora Beach offers overwater bungalows and silent, turquoise lagoons.
It’s remote - getting there involves a flight to Ambon, then a boat to Seram - but the payoff is complete disconnect from the rush. Great for nature lovers, photographers, and travelers who prefer jungle trails to bar crawls.
- The best time to visit: September - November;
- Highlights: Birdwatching in Sawai, snorkeling off Ora Beach.
Planning Your Route
Island-hopping in Indonesia used to mean slow ferries, vague schedules, and a lot of guesswork. In 2025, travel is getting easier. Susi Air and Wings Air now offer flights to smaller islands like Karimunjawa, Flores, and Sumba, with better connections to main cities such as Yogyakarta, Labuan Bajo, and Kupang.
Ferries between Bali and the Nusa Islands are also faster and more dependable, and booking online is now simple, with options available in both Bahasa Indonesia and English. If you're planning a multi-island trip - say, Bali → Nusa Penida → Sumba → Karimunjawa - you’ll want to mix beach days with travel days and leave some buffer time for remote transfers. Most people get around with a mix of domestic flights and short boat rides, depending on which islands they're visiting.
For smooth travel beyond Bali, check real-time ferry schedules, weather updates, especially during monsoon season, and travel documents like customs declaration forms. These forms are essential for clearing ports smoothly and avoiding delays during inter-island travel. Stay updated on visa-free zones and local advisories too.
Final Words
For all its scale, Indonesia is still a destination where you can find empty beaches, eat meals cooked over fire, and hear waves instead of Wi-Fi notifications. In 2025, with better connectivity and growing awareness of sustainable tourism, it’s never been easier, or more rewarding, to explore islands beyond Bali.
This year, go a little farther. The real magic often begins when the ferry docks and the Wi-Fi fades! (Images by: Rizk Nas and Daniel Wagino)
