7 Places to Visit in Indonesia That Are Just as Great as Bali

Did you know that Indonesia has 17,508 islands? In fact, it’s the largest archipelago in the world! And while Bali has been the popular go-to holiday destination, it definitely isn’t the only place worth visiting.

Explore the rest of this beautiful country and be rewarded with gorgeous landscapes, rich heritage and exciting activities. Step aside Bali, it’s time for the rest of Indonesia to shine.

 

1) Yogyakarta

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Yogyakarta, or Jogja to the locals, is Indonesia’s undisputed cultural capital. Be amazed by the 9th-century Prambanan Temple and catch the sunrise at Borobudur Temple — the largest Buddhist temple in the world!

Adventure seekers won’t be bored, because there’s tons of thrilling activities as well. Try hiking up Mount Merapi, sandboarding at Gumuk Pasir or tubing down dark caves at Goa Pindul!

 

2) Raja Ampat

Photo credit: @furstset via Instagram

 

Underwater enthusiasts will love Raja Ampat, an archipelago of over 1,500 small islands! This place is home to roughly 75% of the world’s species, making it a fantastic snorkeling and dive spot. Swim alongside pygmy seahorses, turtles, and even playful dugongs.

Don’t worry if you’re not much of a swimmer, Raja Ampat has plenty to offer on land. Enjoy birdwatching, visit the charming Maya village, or hike up Piaynemo. This last spot might look familiar — it’s pictured on the back of the IDR 100,000 note!

 

3) Lombok

Photo credit: Rinjani National Park

 

Lombok is a seriously underrated gem. The island’s main draw is the incredible Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second largest (and still active!) volcano. You’ll have to be reasonably fit to take on the hike, but the view of the azure crater lake from the peak is definitely worth it.

Besides Mount Rinjani, Lombok has stunning beaches comparable to Bali’s — minus the throngs of tourists. Head to Pink Beach to canoe, or Semeti Beach to climb rugged volcanic rocks.

 

4) Medan

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

 

Just 1.5 hours away from Singapore lies Medan, a weekend getaway destination that’s the perfect mix of nature and yummy cuisine. Lake Toba is a must-see; it’s amongst the largest lakes in Southeast Asia! This lake holds a beautiful treasure — Pulau Samosir, a massive island (slightly smaller than Singapore) within a volcano.

Pulau Samosir holds a rich Batak heritage; watch the villagers perform traditional dances! While in Medan, be sure to try local favourites like chicken curry and hearty duck noodles.

 

5) Komodo Island

Photo credit: @singkwan_photography via Instagram

 

No prizes for guessing this island’s main attraction. This national park is home to over 5,000 Komodo Dragons. These creatures grow up to three meters in length, sealing their reputation as the world’s largest lizards. Besides Komodo Dragons, you’ll find an abundant mix of wildlife — Timor deers, water buffalos, and whales!

You can’t visit Komodo without hiking up Padar Island. It only takes two to three hours to reach the peak, and you’ll be rewarded with views of gorgeous beaches and endless hills.

 

6) Mentawai Islands

Photo credit: @theshadowmentawai via Instagram

 

If you’re an avid surfer, you’ve probably heard of Mentawai Islands. This treasure trove is made up of four main islands with roughly 400 surf spots. For beginners, there are several surf camps to choose from too.

There are plenty of other outdoor activities as well. Spearfish along the shallow reefs or go hiking at Siberut National Park, which is part of a UNESCO reserve.

 

7) Wakatobi

Photo credit: @wakatobisme via Instagram

 

If mother nature had favourites, Wakatobi is definitely up there. This paradise comprises of four islands — Wangi Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. Home to one of the world’s largest barrier reefs, it’s no surprise that Wakatobi boasts some of the best diving sites.

After exploring the reef, check out Lakasa Cave in the village of Sulaa! This turquoise oasis is framed by ancient stalactites and stalagmites, and is said to have healing properties.

 

Attractive Deals for UOB Indonesia Cardmembers to Get You Started on Planning Your Indonesia Getaway

 

One of the best parts of vacationing in Indonesia is the affordable accommodation. UOB Cardmembers can get up to 10% cashback for accommodation on booking.com — valid till 18 Apr 2021!

Additionally, save up to 7% on KKday activities from now till 30 Jul 2021. This applies to travel dates up till 31 Dec 2021.

For those who require support while travelling, Medical Travel Companions (MTC) offers service packages which include transit assistance and health checks. In an uncertain travel climate, this provides extra reassurance for those who need it. Psst. UOB Mastercard Cardmembers are entitled to 10% savings across all packages with the promo code <MTCMC10>.

If you’d rather pay for activities, flights and hotels in installments, Traveloka Indonesia has a special installment program for 3, 6 and 12 months with a minimum spend of IDR 2 million. This deal can be claimed with UOB Credit Cards issued in Indonesia and is valid till 31 Aug 2021.