4 Awesome Holiday Spots in Indonesia (that aren’t Bali)

Bali is known the world over as one of the best holiday locations for budget backpackers and youthful yogis alike – It’s cheap, safe and incredibly picturesque.

But where do you go when you want to break away from the Aussies, Brits and Americans and experience a different side of this beautiful country?

The next time you want a Holiday in Indonesia, book a hotel with traveloka.com and check out these four awesome holiday spots beyond Bali that will make your next trip to Indonesia truly unique and exciting.

Yogyakarta

If you’re looking for a travel spot in Indonesia that hits you with both soul and substance, Yogyakarta (or Jogja, as the locals call it) has to be on your list. It’s like stepping into a living museum, but with better food and friendlier people. This city is basically the cultural heartbeat of Java, where ancient traditions, spiritual temples, and modern creativity all hang out together like old friends.

Number one is for the culture vultures and artifact appreciators because Yogyakarta is a key location for Javanese Hindu-Buddhist culture. Come for the Borobudur and Prambanan temples, and stay for unique art and delicious local cuisine.

Borobudur is the largest Buddhist temple in the world, and it’s seriously mind-blowing at sunrise. Imagine standing at the top, watching the mist roll over the jungle as the sun creeps up behind those stone stupas. It’s spiritual and Instagrammable. Then there’s Prambanan, just as epic but with a Hindu twist—think towering spires and intricate carvings that tell stories from ancient mythology.

But here’s the thing: Yogyakarta isn’t just about ancient stones and quiet awe. The city’s pulsing with creativity. The streets are full of murals, local galleries, and artsy vibes. If you’re into batik (traditional fabric art), silver jewelry, or shadow puppets, this is your playground.

And don’t even get me started on the food. From gudeg (a sweet jackfruit stew that sounds weird but tastes like heaven) to satay and spicy sambal, Jogja’s food scene is reason enough to stay longer than you planned.

So come for the temples, stay for the art, and fall in love with the people. Yogyakarta is that rare mix of history, heart, and flavor that turns a holiday into something unforgettable.

Lombok

Most of Lombok’s attention comes from being Bali’s neighbor, but the surfing community knows it well, and vacationers are starting to take notice of its spacious white sand beaches. Top that off with the second largest volcano in Indonesia, which provides the backdrop for rivers, waterfalls and rice fields, and you got Instagram gold!

Lombok might be Bali’s quieter neighbor, but don’t let that fool you—this island is an absolute gem, just waiting to blow your flip-flops off. While Bali gets most of the international love, savvy surfers and off-the-beaten-path travelers have had Lombok on their radar for years. And now, vacationers looking for a little more space, serenity, and scenery are finally catching on.

Let’s start with the beaches. They’re next-level. We’re talking powdery white sand, crystal-clear water, and zero crowds. Seriously, it feels like you’re in on a secret that nobody else has figured out yet. Whether you’re catching waves in Kuta (no, not that Kuta) or just lounging with a coconut in hand, Lombok gives you that untouched island vibe that Bali used to have.

But it’s not all beach naps and board shorts. Towering in the background is Mount Rinjani—Indonesia’s second-largest volcano—and it brings the drama. If you’re up for the challenge, hiking to the summit is one of the most rewarding experiences in the country. Sunrise from the crater rim? Absolute magic. And on your way down, you’ll pass through lush jungles, misty waterfalls, and those iconic tiered rice fields. It’s like someone designed it for your Instagram feed.

And the best part? Lombok still feels authentic. The people are warm, the food is spicy and delicious (don’t miss the ayam taliwang), and the pace of life slows down just enough to remind you you’re on holiday.

So yeah, maybe Lombok doesn’t have Bali’s buzz—but that’s kind of the point. It’s raw, real, and ridiculously beautiful. Come now, before the secret’s totally out.

Komodo

I have been fascinated with the Komodo Dragon since I was a young boy, and to see the world’s largest lizard in person, in the wild, is a once in a lifetime experience. Besides being known for their most popular resident, Komodo is an awesome holiday spot for water sports like diving, kayaking and sailing. Make sure you visit the pink sand beach while you’re on this Indonesian island!

But let’s be clear: Komodo isn’t just about the dragons. This whole region is an adventure lover’s paradise. Picture this—sailing through island-dotted turquoise waters, diving into vibrant coral gardens, kayaking along dramatic coastlines, and snorkeling with manta rays. Yeah, it’s that good. The marine biodiversity here is next level, making Komodo one of the top diving destinations on the planet.

And then there’s that beach. You’ve probably seen the photos—soft pink sand, clear aqua water, and not a soul in sight. Pink Beach is 100% real, and yes, it’s even more stunning in person. Just try not to stare in disbelief when you’re walking along those blush-colored shores.

The thing that makes Komodo so special is how wild and untouched it still feels. It’s remote, it’s rugged, and it’s ridiculously beautiful. Whether you’re trekking up to panoramic viewpoints, chilling on your boat with a Bintang, or watching the sun dip behind the islands, every moment here feels epic.

So yeah, come for the dragons (they’re worth it), but stay for everything else—the adventure, the nature, the stillness. Komodo gives you that rare travel experience that feels raw and real, like you’re discovering a corner of the world that not everyone gets to see.

Banyuwangi

Located at the easternmost end of Java Island, Banyuwangi has a different landscape than some of the other Indonesian islands. The area is surrounded by dramatic landscapes, with mountains and forests on one side and the sea to the other with a massive volcano and remote national park to top it off.

If you’re looking to escape the crowds and tap into a wilder, more rugged side of Indonesia, let me introduce you to Banyuwangi—Java’s eastern edge and one of the country’s most underrated gems. This place is like nature showing off, and somehow still flying under the radar.

Tucked between jungle-covered mountains and the open sea, Banyuwangi delivers a serious dose of adventure. On one side, you’ve got the Indian Ocean crashing into remote beaches. On the other? Towering volcanoes, lush forests, and raw, untamed national parks that feel like you’ve stepped into another world.

Now, let’s talk about Mount Ijen. If you’ve ever wanted to hike a volcano at night just to watch eerie blue flames dance from its sulfur vents at sunrise… yeah, this is where you do it. It’s wild, it’s weird, and it’s honestly one of the most surreal things I’ve ever seen. The view from the crater rim as the sun rises over that electric-blue acid lake? Unreal.

Then there’s Alas Purwo National Park, a place so wild even the locals believe it’s home to spirits. You’ve got jungle treks, hidden temples, remote surf spots, and wildlife all over. It’s one of the last true frontiers in Java.

And the best part? Banyuwangi still feels authentic. It’s not touristy, the food is spicy and local, and the people are incredibly welcoming. You can hop a ferry to Bali when you’re done, but trust me—you might just want to stay a little longer.

Banyuwangi isn’t your typical beach holiday. It’s for the curious traveler, the early riser, the one who likes their adventure with a side of “whoa, did that really just happen?”

There you go, four awesome alternative holiday spots for a unique (and less crowded) Indonesia experience beyond Bali.

Where else am I missing?

Gareth

My name is Gareth Leonard, a Marketing Director turned World Traveler with a passion for slow, meaningful travel. I have been traveling the world full-time for the past 9+ years and document it all on Instagram and YouTube. Come join me!