5 Best Under-the-Radar Indonesia Getaways Locals Recommend
This February, skip the obvious and take a spontaneous trip to the corners of Indonesia, where locals go for calm beaches, hidden waterfalls, and just enough distance to feel something shift
February, often framed as “love month,” is a good excuse to leave the city without overplanning. In Indonesia, that does not have to mean Bali’s busiest beaches or heavily photographed viewpoints.
Across the archipelago, there are destinations locals recommend for a short and meaningful break. Here are five that balance accessibility, atmosphere, and relative calm, plus what to do once you arrive.
1. Atuh Beach, Nusa Penida, Bali
How to get there:
From Bali, take a fast boat from Sanur to Nusa Penida, which runs daily and takes about 45 minutes. From the Nusa Penida port, hire a motorbike or car with a driver to reach Atuh Beach on the island’s eastern side. Roads can be rough, so driving experience helps.
What to do:
Go early in the morning to avoid day tour groups. Swim when the tide is calm, or stay onshore and explore the surrounding cliffs. Many locals recommend pairing Atuh Beach with Diamond Beach nearby for a half-day coastal loop.
Tip:
Bring cash, water, and sturdy footwear for the steep steps down to the beach. Mobile signal can be unreliable.
2. Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, East Java
How to get there:
Fly into Malang or Surabaya, then travel by car to Lumajang Regency. From the parking area, there is a designated viewpoint and a trekking route down to the base. The descent takes around 30 to 45 minutes.
What to do:
Start at the upper viewpoint for a panoramic look at the semicircular waterfall formation. If conditions are safe, trek down with a local guide to reach the base. The experience is more physical than romantic, but that is part of the appeal.
Tip:
Wear sandals or shoes with strong grip. The trail can be muddy. Visit during the dry season for safer access.
3. Karimunjawa Islands, Central Java
How to get there:
Travel to Jepara in Central Java, then take a ferry or fast boat to Karimunjawa. There are also limited flights from Semarang. Boat schedules can change depending on weather, so check in advance.
What to do:
Island-hop between smaller islets, snorkel in coral reefs, or rent a motorbike to explore the main island’s beaches. Many travelers stay in family-run homestays, which locals say is the best way to experience the area.
Tip:
Book accommodation before arrival during long weekends. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and basic supplies, as options are limited on smaller islands.
4. Harau Valley, West Sumatra
How to get there:
Fly into Padang, then take a three to four-hour drive to Harau Valley near Bukittinggi. Private cars or rented vehicles are the most practical option.
What to do:
Explore the rice fields by bicycle, visit small waterfalls, or simply stay in an eco-lodge overlooking the cliffs. Rock climbing is popular among local outdoor communities.
Tip:
Stay at least one night. The valley is quiet in the evening and early morning, which is when it feels most distinct from more commercial destinations.
5. Derawan Islands, East Kalimantan
How to get there:
Fly to Berau via Balikpapan, then travel by car to Tanjung Batu and continue by speedboat to Derawan Island. The journey requires planning but is manageable within a day.
What to do:
Snorkel with turtles, visit nearby Kakaban Island’s jellyfish lake, and spend evenings walking along the shoreline. Accommodation ranges from simple homestays to modest resorts.
Tip:
Plan transport connections carefully, especially return flights. Weather conditions can affect boat schedules.
Spontaneous travel does not have to mean unprepared. In February, these destinations offer a balance of intimacy and practicality. They are not entirely undiscovered, but they remain grounded in local routines rather than global tourism cycles.
For couples, friends, or solo travelers looking to step away from crowded hotspots, these places offer space to slow down without sacrificing access or comfort.
