Indonesia Beyond Bali: Why I Keep Coming Back 🌴

My fifth time in Indonesia.

And honestly? I still get that same feeling stepping off the plane—warm air, that slightly chaotic energy, and the quiet excitement of knowing something special is about to happen.

Most people hear “Indonesia” and immediately think of Bali.

But here’s the thing—this country has over 17,000 islands. And every time I come back, I make it a point to experience something new.

I never just “do Bali”. I combine it with at least one other island. And after five trips, I can tell you: that’s exactly how you should do it too.

Bali… but done right

Let’s not romanticize it too much.

Bali can be overwhelming:
traffic, crowds, influencers posing at sunrise, and yes—plenty of drunk tourists.

If you go in blind, you might leave disappointed.

But if you know where to go?
It becomes something completely different.

Quiet jungle mornings.
Small boutique hotels surrounded by rice fields.
People who welcome you like you’ve been there before.

On my last trip alone, I visited 19 hotels—none of them big chains. Everything was carefully selected with locals. Places that feel personal, not mass-produced.

And that’s really the key: Indonesia is all about access. The right places, the right people, the right timing.

A detour to Komodo & Flores 🐉

This time, I added something new: Flores and Komodo.

It sounds far—but it’s actually only about a 1 to 1.5 hour flight from Bali.

From there, everything slows down.

We boarded a small boat for a 2-day, 1-night trip, and it quickly turned into one of those experiences you don’t really forget.

Swimming with manta rays.
Spotting a whale shark (completely unexpected).
And standing just a few meters away from a Komodo dragon.

It’s wild—but in the best way.

After that, I needed a few days to just… breathe.

So I stayed at a small island resort—Sudamala Seraya. No noise, no rush, just calm water, incredible staff, and that rare feeling of being completely switched off.

They even kept our luggage while we were on the boat—one of those small details that makes everything easier.

30 days, 24 hotels… and still not enough

On my next trip, my partner and I spent a full month in Indonesia.

We visited 24 hotels, explored Lombok, and even went all the way to Raja Ampat.

Raja Ampat is one of those places people dream about—and yes, it’s as beautiful as you imagine.

But I’ll be honest with you:
it’s a long journey (around 4 more flight hours from Bali), and it only really makes sense if you’re into diving.

If not, there are easier—and equally beautiful—options.

And that’s exactly what I help my clients figure out.

The kind of Bali I recommend

We started in Seminyak, at The Oberoi.

It’s one of those places I always come back to. Close enough to everything—but once you’re inside, it feels calm, almost like a little oasis.

Perfect after a long flight. Or before heading home.

From there, we went to Ubud.

And this is where Bali really shows its magic.

We stayed at the Viceroy, in a villa with a private pool overlooking the jungle. One of those views you don’t get tired of.

But what surprised me most was a newer place—Sanna Resort.

You take this almost surreal lift, designed like a bird’s nest, down into the valley. The spa is set in bamboo structures, surrounded by nature.

It’s the kind of place where you immediately slow down.

(I actually booked my first honeymoon couple there this year—and I already know they’ll love it.)

A quick stop in Sanur

Before heading off to the smaller islands, we stayed one night in Sanur.

Most people skip it—but I actually really like it.

It’s calmer, less hectic, and right by the ferry port.

In the morning, we walked along the coastal path—no scooters, no noise, just the ocean and a quiet sunrise.

A very different side of Bali.

Island hopping (and one mistake you don’t want to make)

The next day, we took a speedboat.

Quick tip—because this catches people off guard:
you must pick up your physical ticket at the boat office before going to the port.

If you don’t know that, you can actually miss your boat.

(And yes—this is exactly the kind of thing I handle for my clients.)

About 30–40 minutes later, we arrived in Nusa Lembongan.

It’s small, relaxed, and perfect if you want to escape Bali for a bit. You can even do it as a day trip—but staying overnight makes a big difference.

From there, we continued to Nusa Penida.

And I’ll be honest again—it’s stunning, but also very busy in certain spots.

If you go, timing is everything.

Stay overnight, leave early, go with a guide—and suddenly you see a completely different side of the island.

The Gili Islands – not all the same

A lot of people think the Gili Islands are one destination.

They’re not.

Each island has a completely different vibe—from honeymoon luxury to party energy to total quiet.

Choosing the wrong one can completely change your trip.

Choosing the right one?
That’s where the magic happens.

Lombok – Bali, years ago

Lombok felt like stepping back in time.

Less developed. More raw. Fewer people.

In some places, you’ll still notice that it’s developing—but that’s also part of its charm.

We stayed at The Oberoi in the north—quiet, surrounded by nature, and a perfect base to explore waterfalls like Sendang Gile and Tiu Kelep.

If you want something more social, there are beautiful boutique resorts along the west coast.

It really depends on what kind of trip you’re looking for.

Ending the trip the smart way

Instead of going back to Bali, we flew from Lombok to Singapore and spent a few nights there before heading home.

Small decision—but it makes a big difference.

Less stress, better use of time, and a much smoother end to the trip.

And this is exactly how I plan trips: not just where you go—but how it all fits together.

A few things I always tell my clients

Tipping isn’t expected—but always appreciated.

Cash is still useful, especially for small purchases—but most places accept cards now.

Be careful with money exchange places offering “too good” rates. I got scammed once years ago—and I make sure none of my clients ever experience that.

Pre-book your transfers. It’s easier, cheaper, and saves you stress when you land.

And skip all-inclusive hotels.
Indonesia’s food scene is way too good to miss.

Two more things that really matter:

Respect the culture—especially in temples. A sarong goes a long way.

And plan around the seasons. Even in rainy season, you’ll get sunshine—but knowing when and where to go makes all the difference.

Why I do this

I don’t just recommend Indonesia—I know it.

I’ve been there multiple times, visited over 40 hotels, worked with local partners, and seen both the beautiful and the chaotic sides of it.

And that’s exactly why my clients trust me.

Because I don’t sell you a standard trip.

I help you experience the version of Indonesia that makes you fall in love with it.

If you’re thinking about going… let’s plan it properly 🌏✨