It is common knowledge that Bali is an island with a very alluring charm. This makes Bali a touristy one, of course, it is not suitable for those of you who want to enjoy your vacation in peace. However, there are many alternatives to Bali in Indonesia that present heavenly tourism and are less crowded.
These stunning places are scattered throughout Indonesia, they are suitable for those of you who want to explore the nature of Indonesia. Bali is the most famous part of Indonesia than any other place. However, that doesn’t mean that other tourist attractions besides Bali have less attractive views.
Many natural attractions have become hidden gems because not many foreign tourists know about them. This article will give information on some places in Indonesia with stunning and magnificent panoramas. Be prepared because it will make you fall in love with Indonesia even more!
9 Alternatives Places to Bali in Indonesia
Below are several recommendations for tourist attractions other than Bali, that will make you know Indonesia better:
1. Komodo Island
Tourism in Indonesia that presents the relics of ancient times is Komodo Island. Komodo dragons are endemic to Indonesia that only exist in Rinca, Flores. This ancient animal is a giant lizard that has deadly venom in its saliva.
Komodo dragons are almost extinct because local people killed these animals in 1915. Currently, the government has created a special captivity to protect this ancient lizard. You can also see the dragons that roam directly when you visit the natural habitat of these animals.
If you visit Komodo Island using Komodo Island boat tour, you will usually get tour packages to the surrounding islands. The three islands you can visit when you go to Komodo Island are Rinca Island, which is the original habitat of the Komodo dragon, Kelor Island, and Padar Island.
Padar Island has a gorgeous beach with pink sand. You will not find dragons in this place because the food chain has been cut off. However, no need to worry because the exciting activity that you can do while visiting Padar Island is snorkeling.
Visitors can also climb the hill if they want to see the natural panorama that hypnotizes them. Even though you have to take a long and tiring journey, this Komodo National Park tour is worth a visit and it’s guaranteed you won’t regret it!
You can read our tips on how to travel from Bali to Komodo Island, the only way is to get to Labuan Bajo first!
2. Ijen Crater
The second alternative for mountain tourism which is also in East Java is the Ijen Crater. This destination is also a favorite of foreign tourists. Mount Ijen, which rises 2386 meters above sea level, has a stunning crater.
This mountain’s crater looks like a giant natural pool with turquoise-green water. Many visitors make this spot for a photo background because it is very aesthetic and instagenic.
Usually, tourists will climb Mount Ijen early in the morning, so they can watch the sunrise from the top of the mountain. The view of the sunrise from the top of this mountain will give you a memorable vacation experience.
Mount Ijen also has a rare natural phenomenon, because it only exists in Indonesia and Iceland. This natural phenomenon is a blue fire that looks dazzling at night. The blue fire is a reaction of oxygen mixed with sulfur gas from Mount Ijen.
You can only see the blue fire phenomenon from July to September, precisely through the dry season. This one of the alternatives to Bali in Indonesia will give you an exciting and challenging vacation experience.
3. Tumpak Sewu Waterfall
From the mountain, let’s switch to waterfall tourism. Usually, a waterfall comes from a single spring, but it is different from Tumpak Sewu Waterfall. This waterfall, located in Sidomulyo Village, Lumajang District, East Java, is predicted to be the most stunning waterfall in Java.
This is because you will see many water sources flowing from the Niwana Cliff. Sewu is a word from the Javanese language, that means a thousand. The name of Tumpak Sewu Waterfall comes from many springs that fall around the cliff.
Access to this place is pretty easy because you can rely on public transportation, such as buses. But if you want more convenience, you should rent a car or motorcycle. Before visiting Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, make sure to prepare your stamina well.
You have to walk to get to the waterfall location. Also, you must be willing to go through the path that goes up and down. After arriving at the waterfall, you can unwind and breathe in the fresh air. The scenery around the waterfall looks beautiful and calming. The sound of waterfalls and wild insects will be a relaxing natural therapy.
4. Borobudur Temple
You can also find alternatives to Bali in Indonesia in Central Java. If you want to know a little about the history of the kingdoms that once existed in Indonesia, then you can visit the city of Yogyakarta because there are relics of Hindu temples. The temple is known as Borobudur and was included in one of the seven wonders of the world.
The area of this temple is spacious and has numerous statues, stupas, and reliefs on the temple walls. Reliefs on the walls of the temple depict the desires and nature of ancient humans who are also alike to humans today. You will find pictures of robbing, slandering, torturing, raping, and killing.
Borobudur is a temple relic of the Sailendra dynasty that ruled in 780-840 AD. Many local and foreign tourists want to see its majesty. If you have reliable photography skills, then you can use this temple as a fascinating object. Apart from that, you can also take photos with stupas or antique statues around the temple in the background.
5. Bromo Mountain
Indonesia has many active volcanoes which are spread over several islands. Bromo is one of the active volcanic mountains that has spectacular views. This alluring mountain is located on the island of Java, in Probolinggo, East Java, to be precise.
The most popular activity in Bromo is hiking to the top of the mountain to watch the sunrise. The location of Mount Bromo in the middle of the caldera and canyon, which makes it looks majestic and unique.
When you are at the top of Bromo, you will also see beautiful views of the crater. You can’t stop feeling astonished by the view of Mount Semeru, Mount Batok, Mount Arjuno, and Mount Widodaren. Every mountain rises dashingly with interesting characteristics.
6. Gili Trawangan
Beach tourism enthusiasts can consider Gili Trawangan as one of the alternatives to Bali in Indonesia. This beach location is quite close to Bali because it takes about 30 minutes by boat. Gili Trawangan is a small island that has spectacular views of the ocean and underwater.
Many foreign tourists are intrigued to visit Gili Trawangan to get an experience of diving, snorkeling, and surfing. In the afternoon, visitors will also be spoiled with a romantic sunset view. The sun that slowly sets gives a dramatic and artistic feel.
Gili Trawangan is considered to be quite exclusive because it is not too crowded. Many visitors make Gili Trawangan a quiet tourist spot and a place for their honeymoon. You can also do yoga if you want to be more relaxed while enjoying the enchanting nature.
7. Tanjung Puting National Park
If you want to see other Indonesian wildlife, you can visit Tanjung Puting National Park. You will get a memorable adventure experience because you walk through the dense jungles of Kalimantan.
Tanjung Puting National Park is a good recommendation for those of you who are enthusiastic about the wild. You will find captivity for Indonesia’s endemic exotic animals, namely orangutans. This kind of animal is protected because the population continues to decrease.
Hanging out and interacting directly with orangutans will certainly be a very expensive and invaluable experience. When you are in the Tanjung Puting National Park area, you will also find other exotic animals, such as long-tailed monkeys, birds, etc.
This stunning wilderness and forest will be a paradise for wilderness enthusiasts. If you are curious about the magnificence and magic of this nature reserve, please come to Central Kalimantan.
8. Lok Baintan Floating Market
Kalimantan is the largest island in Indonesia which is blessed with vast forests and large rivers. In fact, many Kalimantan people rely on these rivers to go to other villages. In other words, the river has a crucial function in supporting the activities of the population.
If you want to see unique community activities, you can travel to Banjar, South Kalimantan. The Lok Baintan Floating Market has become a tourist attraction because it presents unique views. As a market in general, the community sells various kinds of goods, such as vegetables, fruit, and various other merchandise.
Not only do sellers put their goods on boats, but buyers also use boats to come to sellers. Crowded boats will be a common sight at floating markets. Another unique thing about the Lok Baintan Floating Market is that almost all the sellers are women.
Lok Baintan Floating Market turns out to be a legacy of the Banjar kingdom that existed in the mid-16th century. So, don’t miss the Lok Baintan Floating Market when exploring the island of Borneo as one of the alternatives to Bali Indonesia.
9. Pangasan Beach
For those of you who are enthusiastic about the beach, please come to Pacitan, East Java because it has lots of beach tourism with big waves and gorgeous panoramas. You can consider Pangasan Beach because it has an extraordinary attractions.
If generally the beach has a coast of white sand or black sand, then Pangasan does not. This beach has no sand because the shoreline is overgrown with rocks. Pangasan Beach also has a cool photo spot, namely a large towering rock.
You can take pictures in front of the rock with the sweeping waves. When exploring Pacitan, you can visit some other beaches such as Klayar Beach, Teleng Ria Beach, Buyutan Beach, Watu Karung Beach, and many others.
Have you Found Destinations as Alternatives to Bali in Indonesia?
Those recommended destinations above are spread across several islands in Indonesia. If you want to visit all of these tourist attractions as alternatives to Bali in Indonesia, you should make a sequential itinerary. Have a nice time exploring the heavenly nature of Indonesia!
Read more: How to Trip from Bali to Komodo Island
