If there was ever a destination designed for going off the beaten track, it’s the 17,000-island-strong Indonesia. As islands like Bali, Komodo, and Gili Trawangan receive more tourists than their inhabitants and landscape can sustainably handle, there are thousands more that receive nearly none. Yet those islands beckon with deserted white sand beaches, thriving coral reefs, and fascinating cultures rooted in seafaring nomads, the spice trade, and the belief that our ancestors are all around us. Here, we share five lesser-known islands and archipelagos in Indonesia that are still dreamily untouched, unspoiled, and—thankfully—unwilling to become the next Bali.
Kei Islands
Part of what’s known as the “Forgotten Islands” in the South Maluku Province of Indonesia, the Kei Islands are often touted as the next Bali. But even with that potential on the lips of locals and leadership alike, this tiny 47-island archipelago in the far eastern reaches of the Banda Sea remains refreshingly untouched, due in large part to its remote location.
The multi-leg flight to the Kei Islands via Ambon becomes well worth the hassle as soon as you take your first dive through its vibrant coral reefs, where you’ll swim alongside a thriving population of green and hawksbill sea turtles. Or in the moment you witness the fascinating blend of indigenous heritage and Christian and Muslim influences. While the geography has helped keep the Kei Islands intact culturally and environmentally so far, the locals also play an active role in ensuring the continued preservation of their islands, the underwater world that supports them, and the way of life they’ve come to treasure as visitor numbers rise. In this way, the Kei Islands are anything but the “next Bali.”
Banda Islands
Also part of the remote Maluka Province, the Banda Islands, also known as the Spice Islands, are a small cluster of 10 volcanic islands with an epic story. Famously home to the world’s only source of nutmeg and mace for centuries, the battles, bloodshed, and colonial remnants of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British still color the culture, architecture, and stories of the people and landscape today.
While the islands’ part in history is certainly a draw, so are the climbable active volcanoes, Coral Triangle location, deserted beaches, and authentic Bandanese culture. Getting to it may be no easy task—it requires a charter flight from Ambon or a six- to 12-hour ferry in the open ocean—but travelers who take on the challenge are rewarded with the rare opportunity to experience a place that is truly untouched by modern-day influences. The region teems with the trifecta of historical significance, exceptional diving and trekking experiences, and the authentic cultural exchanges that result when you make your way to a place as off-the-beaten-path and welcoming as the Banda Islands.
Sumba
Sumba is already on surfers’ radars thanks to its world-class waves and collection of virgin breaks, but the proximity to Bali—a direct and affordable one-hour flight east—means it is one of Indonesia’s off-the-beaten-path destinations that’s also quite easy to reach. Whether you surf or not, Sumba’s wild beaches, hidden waterfalls and caves, crystal-clear lagoons, and vast and varied landscapes are reason enough to visit. Then factor in the island’s distinct indigenous Marapu belief system, the fascinating rituals that honor the islanders’ ever-present ancestors, and the distinctive conical Uma Mbatangu homes, and it’s a wonder Sumba hasn’t drawn the crowds yet.
While a few luxury eco-resorts have popped up over the years, including Nihi Sumba and Maringi Sumba, there’s an active and conscious effort to develop the island’s tourism infrastructure responsibly, sustainably, and inclusively, keeping the local community, culture, and environment in mind.
Alor Archipelago
Located in southeast Indonesia in the lesser-visited province of East Nusa Tenggara, the Alor Archipelago is perhaps better known by anthropologists than by adventure travelers. But that is sure to change as word gets out about the islands’ steaming volcanoes and dramatic cliffs that plunge into glowing turquoise bays, crater lakes, and black sand beaches.
Divers and snorkelers can enjoy the thriving coral gardens that benefit from a unique phenomenon called “cold upwelling,” which makes sightings of rare species like mola mola (sunfish) and thresher shark even more likely. Culturally, this is a place where ancient traditions have managed to survive, where the men still suit up for whale hunts each May and the women still weave on the same looms as the generations before them. This is another off-the-beaten-path destination in Indonesia well worth the extra effort required to reach it.
Wakatobi Islands
The Wakatobi Islands are home to some of the best diving on the planet—including the world-famous wall dive at Rompe—and a fascinating history of sea-based living and Phinisi boat-building left by the Bajau sea nomads. Positioned in Southeast Sulawesi, the islands have managed to avoid the crowds and pitfalls of other destinations that earn some of the same accolades.
“Wakatobi” is actually an acronym from the names of the four distinct islands (Wangi Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko) that comprise it, and this under-the-radar destination has far more to offer than just boat-building and pristine barrier reefs. Camp under the stars on Kahyangan’s summit, take a dip in the cold water pools inside Lakasa Cave, and witness thousands of sea turtles hatch on the sands of Anano Beach. For a more immersive cultural experience, get to know the local artistic traditions of crafting jewelry with turtle skin, weaving Homoru sarongs by hand, and working with coconut shells to make kitchen utensils, plates, and other goods for the home.
