Going Beyond Bali? Here are Three Spots To Check Out in Indonesia
These remote islands, each with their special secrets, are pristine paradises in their own right
More paradises await
When you think about paradise in Indonesia—or Southeast Asia, at that—Bali immediately comes to mind. It isn’t called the ‘Island of the Gods’ for nothing after all, what with its stunning beaches, time-tested temples, and rich cultural heritage. And while the island’s changing at breakneck speed, overtourism hasn’t whittled Bali’s old-world, irresistible charm.
But let’s face it: with countless islands spanning almost 2 million square kilometers, Indonesia has much, much more to offer. It’s just a matter of where to look for these pockets of paradise—and seeing if it’s the one your heart yearns for.
That said, VMAN SEA’s Indonesian consultant—Jakarta-based, but a Bali regular—is gladly making your life easier with his recommendations below.
Wakatobi Regency
Located within the Coral Triangle of Southeast Asia, Wakatobi Regency is home to some of Indonesia’s most protected marine biodiversity hotspots. Located off the southeastern coast of the island of Sulawesi, the remote archipelago is known as one of the world’s best diving destinations.
Its name comes from the four main islands that comprise the regency: Wangi-wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko.
Many divers visit the Wakatobi National Park, which was once called by Jacques Cousteau (one of the co-inventors of what we now know as scuba gear) as an ‘underwater nirvana.’ Suffice to say, the serene islands have also attracted five-star resorts and accommodations, including a namesake resort.
Banda Islands
If your idea of paradise involves rediscovering the deep, dark history behind certain places, fly over to the Banda Islands in the province of Maluku. About 2,000 kilometers east of Java, the volcanic islands were once the sole habitat of nutmeg trees—a spice that was worth more than gold during the Middle Ages.
Co-existing with the island’s popular diving spots and epic volcano views are remnants of a colonial past, a reminder of the once-vibrant yet turbulent trading history of the locals with European forces.
Many inhabitants of the archipelago are still in touch with their pre-colonial customs, giving the Banda Islands a distinct cultural identity.
Derawan Islands
Also within the Coral Triangle are the Derawan Islands of East Kalimantan, which divers from all over visit to witness the archipelago’s rich marine life. Comprising 31 islands, the area’s major hubs include Derawan, Maratua, Kakaban, and Sangalaki.
Getting to these remote islands requires a bit of planning and effort. While there are chartered flights from the port city of Balikpapan in mainland East Kalimantan to Maratua, others opt to travel from the nearer coastal city of Berau, taking a road trip and a boat ride to the islands.
Many tourists flock to Kakaban Island for the stingless jellyfish lake that’s open for visitors to snorkel in. Others dive to spots where whale sharks, giant manta rays, and large populations of green turtles reside.
Banner photo courtesy Guillaume Meurice
