Bali is known as one of Australia’s favourite Holiday destinations, and for good reason – this blissful Island paradise is famous for its sun-drenched beaches, terraced rice fields, sacred temples and welcoming locals.
However, as an archipelago of over 17,000 islands, the nation of Indonesia has so much more to offer travellers beyond just Bali. Every island here is unique – whether you’re looking for a relaxing island escape or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find your perfect holiday destination in Indonesia.
Adding an island stay to your next Bali holiday is a great way to explore more of what this diverse country has to offer. If you’re looking to head off the beaten path, here are some of the best holiday destinations in Indonesia.
Bali
It’s no secret that Bali is the ultimate Indonesia holiday destination. This is one of the most visited islands in all of Southeast Asia, attracting millions of tourists each year. Bali is renowned for its blissful vibe, offering a holiday filled with beach days, temple hopping and flavourful foodie experiences. Plus, it’s one of Australia’s most accessible holiday destinations – flights to and from Bali depart daily and take approximately four hours from the West Coast and six hours from the East Coast.
The hardest part about planning a Bali holiday is deciding where to stay. Bali has countless different neighbourhoods to explore, each with its own personality. If you want to stay in the thick of the action, Kuta and Legian offer a lively atmosphere with easy access to restaurants, cafes, shopping and nightlife. Meanwhile, Seminyak and Nusa Dua both offer a more luxurious feel and are where you’ll find many of Bali’s five-star resorts. Ubud is another popular destination in Bali, known for its cultural experiences.
One of the best things about a Bali holiday is that you can do as little or as much as you like. Many head to Bali for a relaxing getaway, spending their days lazing on the beach or indulging in daily spa treatments. Meanwhile, those who crave adventure can spend their time on the island enjoying activities like water sports, hiking and river rafting. Bali is also a destination known for its arts and culture, which can be experienced by visiting a Hindu temple or simply shopping for local handicrafts at the many markets.
Bali offers a blissful vibe where you can do as little or as much as you like. Beach hop along the coast, discover the local food or partake in cultural experiences.
Lombok
If you’re looking to discover a new holiday destination in Indonesia, the island of Lombok is a great starting point. Located east of Bali, Lombok spoils with pristine, unspoiled nature that reminds many of what Bali was like before it became a tourist magnet. Getting to Lombok is as easy as catching a 40-minute flight or a 90-minute fast ferry from Bali, making it the perfect island add-on to your Bali holiday.
There are plenty of breathtaking natural wonders to explore in Lombok, which is why it’s an ideal destination for active travellers. Being an island, there are dozens of beaches to choose from, including the unique Pink Beach, which – you guessed it – is famous for its rose-coloured sand. Lombok is also known for its great surf breaks, making it a great spot to learn how to surf. Other popular activities on Lombok include hiking the active Mount Rinjani volcano and chasing waterfalls – the Tiu Kelep and Sendang Gile Waterfalls are two of the most spectacular.
Plus, Lombok is just a 10-minute boat ride to the beautiful Gili Islands. These three islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air – have many things in common, including idyllic white sand beaches and crystalline turquoise waters teeming with exotic marine life. In addition to this, each Gili Island boasts a unique personality: Gili Trawangan is the party island, Gili Meno is the untouched island and Gili Air offers the best of both worlds. Visiting one or all three of the Gili Islands is a must when holidaying on Lombok.
Just a 90-minute fast ferry east from Bali, Lombok spoils with pristine, unspoiled nature that reminds many of what Bali was like before it became a tourist magnet.
Flores
For those who really want to head off the beaten track, the island of Flores is an up and coming Indonesia holiday destination. This rugged destination is part of the East Nusa Tenggara province, which also includes the islands of Komodo and Timor. If you’d like to add an island stay on Flores to your Bali holiday, you can catch one of the multiple daily flights, taking approximately 70 minutes.
Most visitors to Flores stay in Labuan Bajo, a peaceful fishing village located on the island’s east coast. Considered one of Indonesia’s best hidden gems, Labuan Bajo is known for its incredible dive sites, where you can spot countless vibrant coral and fish species and, if you’re lucky, creatures like manta rays and green sea turtles. Labuan Bajo is also home to some fascinating limestone caves, including Mirror Cave and Rangko Cave, the latter of which is an ocean cavern that you can swim in.
Most importantly, Labuan Bajo is the best base from which to explore Komodo National Park. Spanning three arid islands – Komodo, Padar and Rinca – this biodiversity reserve is the only place on earth where you can see Komodo Dragons. These ancient-looking creatures are the world’s largest lizards, growing up to three metres in length and weighing up to 70 kilograms. But this isn’t all that Komodo National Park has to offer. The landscapes here appear straight out of the Jurassic era, with lush volcanic hills, pink-hued beaches and deep cobalt waters. You won’t want to miss the unbelievable views offered by hiking just 45 minutes to the peak of Padar Island.
The landscapes of Labuan Bajo appear straight out of the Jurassic era, with lush volcanic hills, pink-hued beaches and deep cobalt waters, and is the only place on earth where you can see Komodo Dragons.
Explore Bali and Beyond with My Bali
Get ready to venture further with My Bali. Handcrafted by the My Bali Experts, our holiday packages are overflowing with exclusive inclusions, like return flights, resort credits, private driver services and so much more. Plus, you can add an exclusive island stay to explore more of Indonesia.
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