Bali and Jakarta are popular travel destinations of Indonesia that you may be familiar with, but many other hidden gems of this beautiful country have gone under the radar. Some of you might not know this yet, but there’s plenty more to see and do in this fascinating country. 

Indonesia, after all, is an archipelago made up of approximately 17,000 islands. From mystical mountains to enchanting lakes, the true spirit of exploration lies within these lesser-known spots. For many nature lovers and adventure seekers, Indonesia is a treasure trove. Its islands provide an unparalleled travel experience that is both breathtaking and rich in cultural heritage. 

If you’ve been yearning for awe-inspiring adventures, look no further. In this article, we unveil some of the best places to travel in Indonesia.

Kertajati

Kertajati is a quaint town in West Java that invites visitors to indulge in picturesque views and soak in local culture. Furthermore, Scoot now flies direct to Kertajati twice a week.

You’ll love Curug Muara Jaya (Muara Jaya Waterfall), which is a waterfall located in the middle of verdant greenery. There’s also the Panyaweuyan Terraces, which are rice fields that make for gorgeous photos at sunrise and sunset.

Avid trekkers will enjoy hiking Mount Ciremai National Park, which has the highest peak in West Java. There’s also Galunggung Volcano, about 120 km from Kertajati, that rewards hikers with stunning views and relaxing hot springs. There are hot springs in Sumedang too, located 70km from Kertajati, which is home to historical Gunung Kunci Fort and Sumedang-style tofu that is usually eaten with green chillies.

If you’re not keen on trekking and would like a less tiring adventure, book a river tubing experience down scenic Cikadongdong River.

And if you’re into history and culture, visit Kraton Kasepuhan in Cirebon, which is a storied palace that is intertwined with the rich history of Cirebon’s sultanate, and learn about batik-making at Cirebon’s batik workshops. Cirebon is also home to the Sunyaragi Cave, which is an architectural marvel where locals go to meditate, and culinary delights like empal gentong (a beef soup) and nasi jamblang (rice wrapped in teak leaves).

How to get to Kertajati: Since 28 September, Scoot flies direct from Singapore to Kertajati.

Pekanbaru

Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau province in Indonesia, is known for its rich heritage, modern amenities and unforgettable attractions.

Visit the Grand Mosque of An-Nur, which is one of the largest and most beautiful mosques in Indonesia, and is often compared to the Taj Mahal. You’ll also love exploring Alam Mayang Recreation Park, which is a popular spot for fishing, paddle boating and picnicking. Shoppers will love Mall SKA, which is one of the largest shopping malls in Pekanbaru and offers a mix of local and international brands, as well as a variety of dining options.

Culture enthusiasts will be delighted to know that Pekanbaru has a captivating museum dedicated to the explorer Sang Nila Utama, who discovered Singapore. Sang Nila Utama Museum showcases the history and culture of Riau province, through an array of ancient artefacts. There’s also Riau Cultural Park (Taman Budaya Riau), which teems with traditional dance, music and theatre performances, and the Kampar River, which is famous for its unique “Bono Waves” that attract surfers from around the world. Speaking of waves, Riau Fantasi is a short drive from the city centre and is the largest waterpark in Sumatra.

For an authentic taste of Pekanbaru, simply visit any traditional restaurant or street food stall to indulge in local cuisine like nasi lemak (a fragrant rice dish), sate padang (smoked meat skewers), and mie sagu (local-style noodles).

How to get to Pekanbaru: Scoot flies directly from Singapore to Pekanbaru several times a week.

Mount Kelimutu, Flores Island

Mount Kelimutu is renowned for its three crater lakes, with each displaying different colours—from blue and green to even brown. Fun fact: It’s said that the colour changes depending on temperature, volcanic activity and underlying gases.

Historically, these lakes are steeped in local folklore. For a long time, many believed them to be the resting place of departed souls. While the lakes look spectacular year-round, it’s best to visit during drier months between April to November for the best view.

Oftentimes, travellers on their way to Mount Kelimutu first stop by Moni—a small town located at the foot of Kelimutu. This cosy place acts as the base before adventurers make their way up Kelimutu National Park. On the drive up, you’ll get to pass by rustic villages, rice paddies and forested mountains too.

The hike up to Kelimutu Lake's viewpoint from the national park is rather easy and is suitable for families. It is about a 20-minute walk from the parking area. Just be sure to watch out for pesky monkeys on the way up, especially if you have food in hand!

How to get to Mount Kelimutu: To go there, you will have to fly to Bali, Kupang or Labuan Bajo, then take another flight to Ende or Maumere, which are the airports nearest to Kelimutu. Next, take a taxi or drive up to Moni, then to Kelimutu National Park. Once you reach the parking area at Kelimutu, it’s a manageable trek up to Kelimutu Lakes. Several airlines fly to Bali from Changi Airport including Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia, Jetstar, AirAsia, Scoot and Singapore Airlines. 

Belitung Island

Some might argue that Bali’s becoming too crowded with tourists in recent years, so here’s a stunning alternative: Belitung Island. One of the distinctive features of Belitung Island has got to be its pristine beaches. Picture this: Crystal-clear waters, unique granite rock formations and smooth sands.

One of the many fun things to do while in Belitung is island hopping. Many beachfront hotels there, like Sheriton Belitung Resort, are happy to arrange island hopping tours by boat, along with sea sports activities such as kayaking, paddleboarding and more.

Prefer to be away from beaches? Belitung Island is a secret paradise with a tonne of picturesque spots. The Blue Kaolin Lake, for example, gives off a true Icelandic vibe with its cyan waters and white dunes. This is best accessed by car and takes 10 to 15 minutes from Tanjung Pandan City.

For the more adventurous souls, head on down to Kelapa Kampit to explore an abandoned cave and tin mine if that’s your cup of tea. Here, you’ll find red cliffs and terrains akin to rice paddy fields in Vietnam.

How to get to Belitung Island: From Soekarno Hatta Airport in Jakarta, hop on a direct flight to Hanandjoeddin Airport in Tanjung Pandan, Belitung. Get to Jakarta from Changi Airport via Batik Air, Citilink, Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, Jetstar, Scoot, Singapore Airlines and TransNusa.

Pulo Cinta Eco Resort, Gorontalo

For an eco-friendly retreat, consider heading to Pulo Cinta Eco Resort. This idyllic hideaway is often referred to as the “Island of Love”. Some even call it the Maldives of Indonesia.

It’s pretty remarkable: This tropical resort is located in the middle of the ocean. It’s shaped like a heart, thus making it popular among lovebirds and newlyweds. As a way to limit its carbon footprint, the resort is also completely solar-powered.

When you arrive, you’ll find 15 luxurious wooden villas built on stilts over clear shallow waters. Here, guests can indulge in diving and snorkelling. For those who prefer to sit back and relax, simply unwind by admiring the gentle sound of waves. At night, you’ll enjoy an unblocked view of constellations that paint the night sky. Sit on the deck and soak in the views. With no cars or modern disturbances, it’s a peaceful experience that can't be replicated back in Singapore.

How to get to Pulo Cinta: Take a flight from Jakarta to Jalaludin Airport in Gorontalo. There are also international flights to Manado. From there, you can take a connecting flight to Gorontalo.There are direct pickups provided by Pulo Cinta Eco Resort from the airport which will take you to Boalemo Harbour. Get to Jakarta from Changi Airport via Batik Air, Citilink, Garuda Indonesia, AirAsia, Jetstar, Scoot, Singapore Airlines and TransNusa.

Samosir Island, Lake Toba

Situated in the north of Sumatra in Indonesia is Samosir Island. It’s said that the world’s largest super volcano blew up 80,000 years ago, creating Lake Toba that is surrounded by lush, green mountains. It’s pretty much an island within an island, and there’s so much to enjoy here, whether you are a shopper, nature or food lover.

Start at the market within Tomok Village, where you can catch a glimpse of local life and community. Take a short stroll along this Batak traditional village to discover the local way of life and snap some memorable pictures. Many shops along these alleyways sell a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, meat and spices. It’s also where you can pick up some souvenirs for loved ones.

Need a dose of caffeine? One of Sumatra’s best coffees can be found here too. In fact, it’s common to stumble upon farmers drying and sorting beans by the roadside. The altitude and rich volcanic soil help contribute to a cuppa that’s distinct in flavour.

You’ll also find the Batak Museum within this village. Its engaging galleries explain the historical significance of Kings’ tombs and Batak houses.

Another popular spot on Samosir Island is Janji Marhan Village’s Holbung Hill. From atop this hill, visitors get an unobstructed view of Lake Toba, as well as the activities of local fishermen. It’s perfect for light trekkers, as it only takes about 10 to 15 minutes to reach the summit via a dedicated footpath.

How to get to Samosir Island: From Singapore, take a flight to Medan. From there, you’ll first head to Parapat, a town in Sumatra, Indonesia. This can be reached via a 4 to 5-hour drive by private car or shared taxi. From Parapat, there will be ferries at Tiga Raja Ferry Point that bring you to Samosir Island. Fly to Medan from Changi Airport via Batik Air and Singapore Airlines.

Komodo Island

The Komodo National Park is an exotic must-visit locale. It’s situated in the centre of the Indonesian archipelago, between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores. It’s also been named one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites!

This national park is known for its unique wildlife and teems with its namesake Komodo dragons. These formidable reptiles roam freely within the islands. For safety, it's recommended to opt for a guided tour. Besides seeing Komodo dragons, you’ll also get to see other diverse animals including deer, wild boars and a variety of birds.

Aside from Komodo Island, many travellers also visit other nearby islands to see pink beaches (at Pantai Merah) and white sharks, or even swim with manta rays. One of the region’s most popular dive sites include Batu Bolong. The crystal-clear waters of Batu Bolong are home to vibrant coral reefs and a plethora of colourful fishes.

How to get to Komodo Island: Take a flight from Singapore to Bali. From there, take a domestic flight to Labuan Bajo, the gateway to Komodo National Park. After that, take a public ferry or private speedboat to arrive at the island. Just be sure to book these in advance, especially during peak seasons. Several airlines fly to Bali from Changi Airport including Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia, Jetstar, AirAsia, Scoot and Singapore Airlines. 

Sumba Island

If you’re a fan of places largely untouched by modernity, Sumba—an island in Southeastern Indonesia, is also a great place to consider. Like Belitung Island, it’s a great alternative to congested Bali.

Immerse yourselves in the Sumbanese way of life at local villages like Tarun or Ratenggaro. Here, you’ll discover thatched-roof houses, megalithic tombs and traditional practices like ikat—a dyeing and weaving technique used to create unique designs on fabric.

Sumba is also known for its tranquil beaches. The Weekuri Lake, for instance, is a saltwater lagoon that’s great for both swimming and snorkelling. Nihiwatu Beach, on the other hand, has been listed among the world’s best surf spots, making it popular among experienced and beginner surfers alike.

On this island, showstopping landscapes are a given. Sumba is packed with wallpaper-quality scenes—from lush hills to dramatic waterfalls like the Waimarang and Lapopu Waterfalls. For a more informative experience, consider signing up for an eco-tour. It’s the perfect way to learn more about indigenous species like the critically endangered Sumba Buttonquail, whilst supporting sustainable tourism.

How to get to Sumba island: Hop on a flight to Bali, then a domestic flight from Bali to Sumba. Depending on your preferred destination within Sumba, you can choose to fly to Umbu Mehang Kunda Airport or Waingapu and Tambolaka Airport. Several airlines fly to Bali from Changi Airport including Batik Air, Garuda Indonesia, Jetstar, AirAsia, Scoot and Singapore Airlines. 

 

Despite it being a rather familiar terrain for many Singaporeans, the vast attractions in Indonesia continue to surprise. These hidden gems showcase both the breathtaking diverse landscapes and rich cultural tapestry of the region. If you’re looking for unique places to travel to, now’s the time to uncover the secrets of Indonesia, where unforgettable adventures await at every turn.

If you can’t get enough of enthralling Indonesia, check out our itineraries for Yogyakarta and Bali.

 

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