Bali continues to be a trendy travel destination, welcoming 2,391,860 foreign tourists from January to May 2024, a 27.46% increase compared to the previous year.
According to Bali Hotel Association, in May alone, 544,601 international visitors arrived, marking an 8.23% rise from April. Australia has the largest share of tourists, while India and Singapore have shown the highest growth rates.
Issues such as disrespectful behavior, motorbike accidents, and waste mismanagement still persist. In 2023, Bali deported 340 foreigners for various violations. Managing over-tourism on the island is a challenge.
This surge in irresponsible tourism strains Bali’s infrastructure, and led to a $10 “tourist levy” this year to support cultural and environmental preservation.
If you plan to visit Bali this season for beaches or the nature, here are some alternatives in Indonesia to consider for a quieter and more relaxing vacation.
Nusa Lembongan
A short boat ride from Bali, Nusa Lembongan offers a peaceful escape with beautiful beaches and clear waters. The island is ideal for snorkeling and diving, with coral reefs full of marine life.
Visitors can swim at Jungut Batu, relish Mushroom Bay’s beautiful views, and visit Sandy Bay Beach. Tourists can also kayak through mangrove forests, surf at Dream Beach, or relax at beachside cafes with sunset views.
Lombok
Lombok, often considered a quieter alternative to Bali, has pristine beaches like Kuta and Senggigi, world-class surf spots at Desert Point, and diving at Gili islands. The Gili Islands — Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air — offer visitors white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Adventurous travelers can enjoy a rewarding hike up Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano, and visit its many foothill waterfalls. Lombok also offers rewarding cultural experiences, including visits to traditional Sasak villages and the ancient Mayura Water Palace, providing a glimpse into the island’s unique heritage. Explorers can also find rice paddies rivaling those of beautiful Ubud, Bali.
Komodo Island
UNESCO World Heritage site Komodo Island offers unique wildlife experiences, as it is home to the Komodo dragon.
Beyond the dragons, the island is a haven for divers, with some of the world’s most vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life. Visitors can enjoy snorkeling, diving, and exploring the rugged landscapes of Komodo National Park, including the famous Pink Beach. Sightseers can visit Manjarite Island and Kelor Island for stunning views.
Sulawesi
Sulawesi is an island of contrasts, offering diverse historical and natural wonders. The Toraja peoples’ elaborate funeral rites and traditional houses provide deep cultural immersion.
Nature lovers and divers can explore the Wakatobi Islands of Wangi-Wangi, Tomia, Binongko, and Kaledupa. Climbers can conquer Bukit Kasih, or “Hill of Love,” explore spectacular rainforests and mountain ranges, visit Tondano Lake, or snorkel at Bunaken Island.
Flores
Flores is a diverse and scenic island best known for volcano Kelimutu’s three-colored crater lakes, which change color due to mineral reactions. The island flaunts excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities, particularly around Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park.
Visitors can also explore the traditional village of Bena, with its megalithic structures, and enjoy the scenic beauty of rice terraces and hidden beaches along the coastline.
East Nusa Tenggara
From this island, travelers can explore Komodo National Park. The Alor Archipelago offers 50 remarkable diving spots teeming with diverse marine life.
Sea Safari Cruises provides seamless connections between these destinations, including Komodo, Labuan Bajo, Flores, and Lombok, making it easy to explore multiple locations.
Island-hoppers can visit the main islands of Padar, Rinca, and Kanawa, each offering unrivaled attractions. Stop by the enchanting Pink Beach (Pantai Merah Muda) and continue explorations with a visit to the dreamy Oenesu Waterfall in Kupang Regency’s West Kupang district.
Borneo (Kalimantan)
The Indonesian part of Borneo, known as Kalimantan, is a natural beauty and wildlife treasure trove. Tanjung Puting National Park’s lush rainforests house endangered species like orangutans.
Visitors can embark on Sekonyer River cruises, explore the unique Dayak culture’s traditional longhouses, and witness the incredible biodiversity that makes this region so ecologically rich.
What Next?
Destinations like Nusa Lembongan, Lombok, Komodo Island, the Gili Islands, Sulawesi, Flores, and Borneo offer one-of-a-kind experiences without the crowds.
The islands’ stunning natural beauty, cultural background, and diverse activities ensure a memorable trip. By embracing alternatives and offbeat travel locations, tourists reduce the strain on Bali’s limited infrastructure and support the sustainable development of this and other beautiful Indonesian regions.
