Looking for Bali alternatives? With more than 17,000 islands to choose from, Indonesia has no shortage of escapes that offer something different: fewer crowds, more nature, and experiences that feel a little more off the beaten path. If you’re hunting for the best Indonesian islands to visit beyond Bali – and planning it all sounds like a lot of hard work – tailor-made travel specialists like Lightfoot Travel can help take the hassle off your plate.
Founded in Singapore in 2009 to bring bespoke travel to Asia, they now specialise in helping travellers explore Indonesia beyond the usual tourist trail – from booking flights to chartering private yachts and uncovering boutique resorts you’d never find on your own. So if you’re dreaming of your next trip and wondering where else is worth exploring, here are five Indonesian getaways that are well worth a look.
Bali alternatives: 5 of the best Indonesian islands to visit
#1 Sumba – for barefoot luxury and a slower pace
Sumba is where you go when you want to truly unplug. Traditional villages, wild horses on the beach, and stays like Cap Karoso offer a balance of style and soul. It’s still relatively under the radar – perfect if you want a true Bali alternative.
Lightfoot Travel tip: For a deeper connection to the island, Lightfoot can arrange a private visit to one of the local Marapu communities where traditional beliefs and crafts are still very much alive.
#2 Raja Ampat – for unreal diving and snorkelling, minus the masses
This remote marine paradise in West Papua is famous for its coral reefs and swimming with manta rays. Getting here takes a bit of effort, but that’s part of the appeal – and yes, you can do it in style by chartering a private yacht.
Lightfoot Travel tip: There’s more to Raja Ampat than what’s underwater, but some spots get crowded. Lightfoot can arrange a private beach barbecue on an uninhabited island, or a sunrise hike to one of the lesser-known viewpoints for a panoramic view with no-one else in sight.
#3 Lombok – for a laid-back Bali alternative with stunning beaches
Still one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets, Lombok offers a quieter alternative than its famous neighbour, Bali. The recently opened Sira Lombok on the island’s northwest coast is worth checking out – it’s peaceful, beautiful, and feels like a proper escape.
Lightfoot Travel tip: Don’t just stick to the coast – the inland parts of Lombok are just as special. Lightfoot’s guides can take you on a private hike through rice fields and coffee plantations, with a stop for lunch in a traditional Sasak home.
#4 Borobudur, Java – for ancient temples and cultural immersion
Rise before dawn to catch the sun coming up over this 9th-century Buddhist monument. Pair it with a stay in the nearby highlands or a short city break in Yogyakarta for a trip that blends history and serenity.
Lightfoot Travel tip: Yes, the Borobudur sunrise is worth the early alarm. But skip the crowds by arriving via a quieter private route – Lightfoot can set that up. They also work with expert guides who know their way around the city, from royal palaces to local artisans and batik workshops.
#5 Banda Islands – for off-the-beaten path Indonesia magic
Volcanoes, spice history, and diving – these far-flung islands feel a world away from the usual holiday circuit. The journey here is part of the experience, and the reward is a crowd-free slice of Indonesia most people never see. Keep an eye out for Nihi Rote in the East Nusa Tenggara province (part of the Lesser Sunda Islands), a beach escape opening later this year.
Lightfoot Travel tip: These islands are remote, so timing and logistics matter. Lightfoot will charter private speedboats and seaplanes to get you there comfortably.
Need help making these Bali alternatives happen?
If this all sounds dreamy but you’re not quite sure where to start, Lightfoot Travel makes it feel easy. Based in Hong Kong and Singapore, the personal travel consultants know the ins and outs of these off-the-beaten-path spots in Indonesia and take care of everything: flights, transfers, boats, family-friendly itineraries, restaurant bookings and even last-minute getaways. You get one point of contact, round-the-clock support, deep local knowledge, and personalised recs that go beyond the usual guidebook tips. All you have to do is pack.
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