Bali promises to be the closest thing to "paradise" that tourists may find nowadays. However, it's always a good idea to escape the tourist crowds and take the path less taken.
Five of our favorite islands and beaches that offer a great alternative to the standard Bali run have been compiled by us.
1. SUMBA
The easternmost part of the Lesser Sunda Islands is where Sumba is located. Bali is 400 kilometres from Sumba. Many serene waterfalls with stunning beauty may be found on Sumba.
Some amazing reasons to visit Sumba :
Settlements have a long history like Kampung Ratenggaro
The Sumba people were able to preserve this traditional village for tourists' gaze before the leeches of development overcame the lovely vegetation of Kampung Ratenggaro village. There are classic homes with tall roofs, which Bali unquestionably lacks.
The rocks have amazing and unusual forms
At Watu Maladong Beach, you may see beautiful rock formations that protrude out of the water. You get to swim below the enormous rock and marvel at it from underneath.
The waterways of the beaches are clean
Bali's waters are not as clear as those in Sumba since it has been in the tourism business for far too long.
Sumba-specific festivals
The Sandalwood Horses Festival of Sumba is a captivating event that you must miss if you ride horses and enjoy watching horse racing. Instead of Bali, Sumba is the exclusive focus of Sumba festivals.
National Park of Laiwangi Wanggameti
This national park is situated on the Indonesian island of Sumba and has the rarest of rare species. More than 80 different bird species, 5 different animal species, 40 different butterfly species, 20 different reptile species, 170 different tree species, and more may be found here. It’s a house for three huge waterfalls, as follows, the Lapopu, the Matayangu, and the Laputi.
2. BANDA NEIRA
The islands are located in the Banda Sea, south of Ceram and southeast of Ambon Island. Great Banda (Banda Besar) Island is the biggest of the nine islands, with a combined land size of 44 square kilometers (17 square miles).
Fort Belgica and other relics of the Colonial Era
Fort Belgica, the most recognizable and formidable stronghold in Banda Neira, was constructed in 1611. This fort was built by the Dutch and is still astonishingly well kept today. It is located on a tiny terrace overlooking the port and is backed by a 240-meter-high rock.
Another fort, Fort Nassau, which functioned as the Dutch East India Company's administrative center for the Banda archipelago, is located just a few hundred meters away. The island's former vacant governor's mansion, now known as Istana Mini, is among the other attractions (Mini Palace). The former residence of the supreme Dutch controleur (inspector).
The Banda Islands' Nutmeg Tale
No one would have known about the Banda Islands if nutmeg hadn't existed. The Banda region was the only spot on Earth where nutmeg and mace thrived until it was smuggled out in the 18th century, suggesting that the Myristica tree most likely developed here.
The Fire Mountain, Gunung Banda Api
Gunung Banda Api is an active volcano that rises 640 meters, or 21,000 feet, above sea level. The picture-perfect volcano, which takes the form of a beautiful, symmetrical sloping green cone, supports a sizable settlement at its base that mostly engages in subsistence farming as well as a variety of fauna and bird species.
Snorkeling and diving near Banda Neira
The Banda Indonesia archipelago is encircled by a glistening, sapphire-colored sea and is renowned for its crystal-clear blue waters. Numerous world-famous snorkeling and diving locations may be found in the shallower areas.
3. BANYUWANGI
Some of Indonesia's most amazing volcanoes and craters may be found in Banyuwangi. Mount Raung is one of the largest volcanoes in this region, rising 3,282 meters above sea level. One of the routes for climbing Mount Raung is among the most difficult in Indonesia.
An overview of all the things to do in Banyuwangi can be found below.
Conquer Volcanoes
Some of Indonesia's most amazing volcanoes and craters may be found in Banyuwangi. Mount Raung is one of the largest volcanoes in this region, rising 3,282 meters above sea level. One of the routes for climbing Mount Raung is among the most difficult in Indonesia.
Visit festivals
The Banyuwangi regency government hosts the annual, year-long event known as Banyuwangi Festival in 2016. This event is made up of dozens of festivals and activities that take place all year long. The event began this year in March of that year.
Events associated with this festival include the Ijen Summer Jazz Banana Music Festival, a kite, and windsurfing competition, as well as several other traditional festivals or festivities.
Go into the wilds
Some of the finest natural features on earth may be found in Indonesia. Amazing fauna, captivating vegetation, and verdant woodlands resemble the fancies of old fairy tales.
The Baluran National Park, sometimes referred to as Little Africa in Java or Africa Van Java, is one location you can consider exploring. The park is home to several unique locations, including the verdant Evergreen Forest, the old Japanese Cave known as Goa Jepang, and the coral-rich Bama beach.
4. SINGKAWANG
Singkawang, the second-largest city in the province that borders the State of Sarawak, Malaysia, is the capital of West Kalimantan. Singkawang, unlike other Indonesian cities, has a distinctly oriental feel because of the numerous Chinese temples that can be found practically everywhere in the city.
Famous Chinese pottery still made traditionally with "antique" motifs may be found in Singkawang. Along with its numerous temples, particularly the Tri Dharma Bumi Raya main temple, Singkawang is well-known for its culinary districts, which come alive at night.
5. MENTAWAI
A small archipelago of stunning islands called the Mentawai is located off the Indonesian island of Sumatra. Being among the top 10 surf places in Indonesia, they are well known for their favorable surfing conditions. It even compares to those in Bali, the island destination for surfers.
Where does it lie?
About 150 kilometres off the west coast of the island of Sumatra lie the Mentawai Islands. The islands that make up this group are Pulau Siberut, Pulau Sipura, Pulau Pagai-utara, and Pulau Pagai-selatan.
Why should I go?
The Mentawais provide some of the most incredible surfing in the nation if you enjoy surfing. You must include these islands in your larger surfing tour to Indonesia.
The ideal time to visit
The Mentawai Islands are best visited after the rainy season, which begins in November or December and lasts until about March or April. If you want to go surfing or sunbathing, this might be a fairly soggy time to come because it can rain every day throughout this period. September and October are wonderful choices since they have great weather and are low season following the summer break and before the holiday rush for Christmas and New Year.
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