From the dragon-riddled shores of Komodo to the vibrant coral gardens of Raja Ampat, and from Gili Islands’ pristine swimming beaches to Sumatra’s wild rainforests, Indonesia teems with captivating destinations. Here’s a fresh look at your top places to explore beyond Bali:

1. Komodo National Park, Lesser Sunda Islands

Smack bang in the middle of the Indonesian archipelago, this UNESCO-recognized national park extends across numerous islands, with Komodo and Rinca as the main destinations you’ll find the infamous Komodo dragon — a 3m (10 ft) behemoth that holds the title of the planet’s largest and heaviest lizard. With fewer than 3,500 of these prehistoric beasts left, spotting one is a serious bucket-list moment.

While the park’s name might shout out to its land-based residents, the underwater world is just as mesmerizing. The waters are alive with manta rays, turtles, vibrantly-coloured fish, and brilliant coral reefs, making it a haven for divers and snorkellers. The best way to explore this aquatic paradise is by boat, which also takes you to scenic treasures like the Padar Island and Insta-famous Pink Beach — so-called for its soft blush-toned sands, courtesy of the red coral just offshore blending with white sand.

Spy Komodo dragons and pink sands on: Bali and Komodo: Dragons, Rice Terraces & Cultural Ceremonies

2. Flores, Nusa Tenggara

Just 50km (31.06 mi) east of Komodo, Flores is often just a stopover on the way to see Komodo dragons, but the island has so much more to offer. Adventurers can trek up Kelimutu’s active volcano to see its three crater lakes, which change colour based on volcanic activity, or explore Batu Cermin (Mirror Rock) cave dripping with impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

For a real off-the-beaten-path experience, hike to Wae Rebo, a remote village in the mountains where the Manggarai tribe still live in traditional cone-shaped houses. Further inland, you’ll find the towns of Bajawa and Ruteng — the former is worth visiting for its natural hot springs and dramatic volcanic scenery, and the latter for its spiderweb rice terraces.

3. Raja Ampat, West Papua

Tucked away in Indonesia’s north-east is Raja Ampat, a cluster of 1,500 jungle-clad islands, with the ‘Four Kings’ — Waigeo, Misool, Salawati, and Batanta — stealing the show. Waigeo is where the action happens, with Waisai, the region’s capital, and plenty of bird-watching trails to seek out the flashy Wilson’s bird-of-paradise. Misool is the wild one, with jagged cliffs, turquoise lagoons, prehistoric rock art, and a marine reserve. Salawati and Batanta are quieter siblings but no less enchanting — think mangrove-fringed shores and sleepy fishing hamlets.

Underwater, Raja Ampat flexes like no other. Sitting right in the heart of Coral Triangle, it boasts the world’s highest marine diversity — we’re talking over 1,600 species of fish, three-quarters of the world’s corals, wildly-patterned carpet sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, tiny pygmy seahorses, massive schools of vibrant fusiliers, and even dugongs. You can snorkel, dive, or just stare slack-jawed from a boat — it’s all unforgettable.

Top tip: Want that picture-perfect shot of Raja Ampat? Head up the Pianemo Hill in the Fam Islands group (between Batanta and Waigeo) — it’s an easy 250 wooden step climb through lush vegetation.

4. Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara

This island — a part of the Lesser Sunda Island chain — is often overlooked in the mad dash to its neighbour Bali, but don’t make that mistake. Lombok’s got a vibe all its own, minus the glam and noise. If you’re up for an adventure, hike Mount Rinjani looming large over the northern half of the island. This whopper of a peak (3726m or 12,224 ft) is Indonesia’s second-tallest volcano, and while the climb is no easy feat, the view from the top — of distant volcanoes and Segara Anak, a turquoise lake inside the crater — makes it totally worth it. For a more laid-back experience, take a sunrise walk through the serene rice fields of Tetebatu village, or cool off with a dip in Sarang Walet waterfall flowing straight from the mountain.

For more, swerve south to Kuta to surf or unwind on the sugar-white beaches like Tanjung Aan and Selong Belanak. For a cultural deep dive, visit Sade, one of the last remaining traditional Sasak villages, known for its handweaving tradition. History buffs can explore Mataram, Lombok’s capital — home to a plethora of old relics like the 18th-century Mayura Water Palace.

Top tip: Visit in February to see the Bau Nyale Festival on the beaches around Kuta. It involves catching of sea worms, traditional dances, and peresean, Lombok’s ancient martial art.

Trek Mount Rinjani for crater and island views on: Classic Lombok

5. Gili Islands, Lesser Sunda Islands

Just off Lombok’s northwest coast, the Gili Islands — Trawangan, Meno, and Air — are Indonesia’s antidote to overcooked itineraries and Bali burnout. Gili Trawangan (aka Gili T) is the liveliest of the trio, with night markets and bars buzzing along its white-sand shores. Every month, the island goes all-in with its Full Moon parties, where thumping bass, neon glow sticks, lasers, and fire dancers take over. For active travellers, there’s snorkelling and scuba diving beneath the waves or leisurely kayaking and paddle boarding.

Gili Meno, the smallest of the group, has quiet beaches perfect for couples, while its iconic underwater statues and thriving turtle population make it ideal for snorkellers. Gili Air is the Goldilocks of the islands — chill but with enough beach cafes, bars, and boutique stays to keep things interesting. It’s also a yoga hotspot for those needing a little zen. All three are free of cars and mopeds, and you can explore them on bicycles or cidomos (horse-drawn carts) on your own,

Top tip: Visit during the dry season (April-September) for stellar underwater visibility and postcard-perfect sunsets.

Slip into your snorkel fins on: Classic Bali & Lombok

6. Sumatra, Great Sunda Islands & Malay Archipelago

Sumatra — just to the west of Java — is not your run-of-the-mill tropical getaway. It’s raw and untapped, where every turn promises something wild. At its heart lies Lake Tabo, the world’s largest volcanic lake, with swim-friendly waters and dramatic waterfalls surrounding it. Right in the middle lies Samosir, the presque-isle home to the Toba Batak people known for their traditional wood carving.

Up north, Mount Leuser National Park is a wild wonderland where some of the world’s most endangered species roam free like Sumatran tigers, rhinos, elephants, and orangutans. Feeling gutsy? Tackle the Gunung Kerinci, Southeast Asia’s tallest volcano at 3805m (12,484 ft). Overlooking the northern expanse of Kerinci Seblat National Park, home to the world’s largest population of Sumatran tigers (though still fewer than 200), the summit offers views of Danau Gunung Tujuh (Southeast Asia’s highest crater lake) and the surrounding hills.

And for those wanting to test their limits even further, scale the epic limestones of Harau Valley — 100m (328 ft) of vertical adrenaline — or chase world-class waves on the Mentawai Islands, where the beaches are deserted, but the surf is anything but tame.

7. Tanjung Puting National Park, Central Kalimantan

This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, right in the heart of Central Kalimantan, is home to diverse ecosystems including peat swamps, tropical rainforests, and mangroves. These all harbour proboscis monkeys, macaques, gibbons, and over 200 species of birds — including hornbills and kingfishers — but the critically endangered Orangutans get top billing.

These tool-using great apes live in the trees along jungle rivers, and one of the best ways to see them up-close is by renting a klotok boat and cruising down the Sekonyer River to Camp Leakey — the rehabilitation centre where rescued orangutans learn how to live in the wild again.

8. Yogyakarta, Java

Yogyakarta, or Jogja as locals call it, is the cultural and intellectual hub of Java, brimming with higher education institutions, and ruled by a royal family residing at the Kraton–a walled palace complex with ornate halls, shaded courtyards, and grand pavilions. The latter is where daily cultural performance from classical dance to gamelan (traditional Javanese orchestra) and shadow puppetry go down. Nearby is Taman Sari Water Castle, a royal retreat with beautiful pools for bathing and meditation.

Yogyakarta is also known for silversmithing, with many artisan studios in the Kotagede neighbourhood, where you can watch craftspeople at work. If you’re game for adventure, then don’t miss a hike up Mount Merapi — an active volcano towering 2910m (9547 ft) over the city.

Beyond the city are two temples not to miss — the 8th-century Borobudur and the 9th-century Prambanan. The former is one of the world’s greatest Buddhist temples and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while the latter is a Hindu temple complex with volcanic-stone structures adorned with reliefs depicting the epic Ramayana.

Revel in the serenity of Yogyakarta temples on: Best of Java

9. Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi

Tucked away in the highlands of Sulawesi, Tana Toraja is a region of stunning beauty, where rice terraces stretch across misty valleys, and traditional homes feature roofs shaped like buffalo horns or ships. Its temperate climate offers the perfect setting for trekking, but it’s the local people’s unique approach to death that sets it apart.

Here, the departed linger longer than usual — sometimes for years — kept in family homes as though waiting for their big moment. And when enough is saved for the funeral, it’s a full-blown spectacle, complete with buffalo sacrifices, dancing, and singing.

10. Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, East Java

Sitting in an ancient caldera, this national park holds the country’s one and only erg (basically a sea of sand that makes you feel like you’re on Mars). Out of this bizarre landscape rise two active volcanoes: Mount Bromo at 2,329m (7,641 ft), and Mount Semeru, the highest mountain in Java at 3,676m (12,060 ft). You can explore it on a 4×4 tour taking you up to one of the viewpoints for sunrise before driving around the Mt Bromo crater, the erg, and the savannah hills. But if you’re after something a bit more daring, go on a pre-dawn hike across the Sea of Sand to Mt Bromo, where you can catch a final glimpse of the moon before sunrise.

Mt. Bromo is also a holy place, especially for the Tenggerese people, who toss offerings into the crater as sacrifices during festivals, praying for blessings from the gods.

Top tip: It’s hot below, but up top, it’s freezing — so pack layers and sturdy shoes.

Trek across the sea of sand to Mt Bromo on: Indonesia Java, Bali & Lombok

11. Sumba, East Nusa Tenggara

Sumba is just an hour’s hop from Bali, but it’s a world apart. Life here revolves around ancient traditions, with villages like Lamboya or Wanokaka still performing animal sacrifices and installing megalithic tombstones during funerals. We’d recommend planning your trip in February or March to witness the centuries-old harvest festival called Pasola, where fearless horsemen clash with blunt spears in a ritual that’s as wild as it sounds.

Beyond traditions, nature steals the spotlight. The island has scenic waterfalls like Matayangu Waterfall (aka Blue Waterfall) and Lapopu Waterfall, reached via a short jungle trail. Plus, it has incredible beaches like Pantai Marosi and Kerewei, with great waves perfect for surfing. If you’re not into surfing, grab a snorkel or a paddleboard to explore the gorgeous azure sea, or simply relax on the powder-white sand.