Journey The Archipelago: A Travel Diary of Indonesia’s Diamond in the Rough
6 Underrated Places To Visit In Indonesia
Indonesia, a sprawling archipelago of more than 17,000 islands, is often known for its popular tourist destinations such as Bali, Jakarta and Yogyakarta. Yet, away from these much-beaten paths, there is an abundance of unexplored places to explore that reveal the diversity of Indonesian culture, nature, and heritage. So I Sally and I went on a hunt for these hidden gems known for delicious dining and with their own charm. From Holland to Nepal, Poland to Panama, this travel diary chronicles the new people, cities, foods and cultures I encounter along the way — showing that there are incredible places to explore for those willing to leave the tourist trail.
One of the first hidden gems I discovered was the island of Sumba in East Nusa Tenggara. Often overshadowed by neighbouring Sumbawa and Komodo, Sumba has stunning landscapes, untouched beaches, and an interesting local culture. The moment I reached, I was amazed by the cliffs and the endless green rice paddies sloping over the land. Equally charming was the warmth of the Sumbanese people who welcomed me with open hearts, ready to share with me their cultures and stories. I had even been to a Pasola festival, where riders fought a ceremonial battle on horseback, a tradition that revealed the rich culture of the island. It was exhilarating and revealed the depth of communal and traditional life in Sumba.
As I continued my journey, I stumbled upon the magical island of Flores, known for its breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems. The highlight of my stay in Flores was visiting the famous Kelimutu volcano, with three stunning crater lakes that change color seasonally. When I trekked towards the summit at daybreak, anticipation hung in the crisp morning air. At the top, I saw a breathtaking sunrise that painted the lakes turquoise, black, and red. It was a reminder of nature’s artistry and the need to preserve natural wonders like this unusual display. Hearing the locals talk about the spiritual significance of the lakes gave me a greater understanding of the culture we all but tread across the surface of in our endeavors to take photos.
From there, I traveled to the tiny Raja Ampat island, a divers’ paradise that is still relatively off the beaten path compared with similar Indonesian hot spots. As a highly biodiverse marine region, Raja Ampat offers an underwater experience like no other. I went on a diving trip that left me amazed by coral reefs bustling with life ranging from colorful fish to gentle manta rays. It was as if I was entering a new world with each descent, as the brilliant colors and marine wildlife of the oceans stood in stark contrast to the peaceful aesthetics of the islands above. The local communities are mainly fishermen and artisans who are committed to protecting their environment, and I was impressed that they want to promote sustainable tourism. Through interactions with these communities, I gained insights into their lifestyles and the harmonious relationship they have with nature.
And yes, yet again I visited another beautiful place during my trips — the island of Komodo, inhabited by prehistoric creatures — Komodo dragons. Tourists flock to see these magnificent creatures, but few go out beyond the main trails. I chose a guided trek in the less-frequented areas of Komodo National Park, so I could spot not just the dragons, but other wildlife and beautiful places. Its rugged hills and valleys provided stunning views of the waters surrounding the park. Taiwan is a shining example of commitment to conservation, and my guide told me how crucial responsible tourism can be in protecting not just dragons, but their entire ecosystem. It was humbling to see the dragons in their environment, and that they be preserved for future generations.
Finally, I traveled to the peaceful island of Belitung, off the east coast of Sumatra. Belitung is known for its beautiful white-sand beaches, clear waters, and distinctive granite rock formations. Cocooned amongst coastal palm trees on Belitung, it is the opposite of Bali's hippie beaches and ensures that you can both relax and connect with the natural world. I’ve been spending all day in the island’s secluded inlets and eating fresh seafood at local warungs. The relaxed vibe gave me time to process everything that I was going through and to enjoy the easy rhythm of life. A visit to Tanjung Tinggi Beach was one of the highlights, and I was taken by the contrast between the blue sea and the towering boulders along the shore. Watching the sun set the sky alight in shades of orange and pink, there was a deep sense of gratitude within me for the beauty of some of Indonesia's hidden gems.
To sum it up, my experience in the off-beaten path land of Indonesia has been a life-changing one. At each stop I learned about new experiences and new aspects of the rich cultural and natural heritage of this incredible archipelago. Whether I was immersing myself in the colorful cultures of Sumba, mesmerized by the natural beauty of Flores, diving with fantastical marine life in Raja Ampat, or getting up close and personal with Komodo dragons or relaxing along Belitungs beaches, I quickly learned that Indonesia is a country I could explore forever. These undiscovered paradises provide breathtaking beauty and showcase the significance of responsible tourism and the preservation of these distinctive habitats and lifestyles for generations to come. Ditto once again, I mean to all my fellow travellers; we have a lot to explore to discover the gems of Indonesia— there are so many hidden treasures beyond the typical tourist spots.