Indonesia might have taken the tourism world by storm with its glimmering Island of Gods, Bali. Travelers, including JoinMyTrip community, flock to Bali to experience its captivating culture, soak up the sun on the pearly beaches, and have a picturesque lunch overlooking lush rice fields. However, the ‘dark side’ of Bali includes overtourism and skyrocketing prices. But here is the good news – there are tons of places in Indonesia that can rival Bali’s beauty!
Comprised of 17,000 islands and cloaked in lush rainforests, Indonesia gained the nickname ‘Emerald of the Equator’. Most travel destinations include untouched islands, breathtaking volcanoes, and mind-blowing diving spots. Take this list of hidden gems in Indonesia as an insider’s tip – compiled by a writer who was born and raised in the country. I compiled these secret places based on my travel experience and discussions in Indonesian travel forums. So, get ready to be blown away!
Hidden Gems in Indonesia – Summary
- Belitung Island, Sumatra
- Tangkahan, Sumatra
- Weh Island, Sumatra
- Peucang Island, West Java
- Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, East Java
- Beaches of Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta
- Labuan Cermin Lake, Borneo
- Derawan Islands, Borneo
- Kei Islands, Moluccas
- Baliem Valley, Papua
1. Belitung Island, Sumatera
Tucked off the coast of Indonesia’s westernmost island, Belitung Island was a hidden gem even for Indonesians. We discovered Belitung’s beauty in 2008 due to an Indonesian box office showcasing the island. It had gained more travelers – mostly locals – for the next five years. Tourism might have slowed down in Belitung Island, but it never ceases to amaze travelers.
Belitung Island is famous for its mineral resources, making it one of the main mining sites in Indonesia. Interestingly, the former mining sites formed beautiful lakes tinted in aquamarine and turquoise. We call them Danau Kaolin and it stays as a popular spot in Belitung. Another thing that I love the most about the island is the beaches. Belitung’s beaches, dotted with gigantic granite boulders and fringed with powdery sand, rival Bali’s world-class beaches. I highly recommend going on an island-hopping trip, in which you’ll get to explore Belitung’s unique smaller islands. My favorite is Kelayang Island, an small island dotted with gigantic rocks forming natural pools and caves.
How to get there: Direct flight from Jakarta (CGK) to Belitung Tanjungpandan Airport (TJQ) by Citilink Indonesia, Lion Air, or Sriwijaya Air
2. Tangkahan, North Sumatera
Close your eyes and let the harmony of nature melt your stress away. In the deep jungles of Tangkahan, you are asked to unwind and leave your bustling everyday life behind. Verdant canopies, gentle rivers, and a glimpse of swinging monkeys welcome you for an exciting adventure. It only gets better as you encounter Sumatran elephants bathing on the river and grabbing some leaves to munch. A haven where people and wildlife live peacefully, Tangkahan defines ecotourism perfectly.
Tangkahan is one of the must-visit hidden gems in Indonesia for nature lovers. It is a chunk of rainforest on Indonesia’s third-largest island, Sumatra. You can have close contact with the Sumatran elephants. You can interact with the gentle giants, which includes bathing, touching, and feeding them. Thus, Tangkahan has a long journey of animal conservation. The elephants that call Tangkahan ‘home’ were rescued from the conflicted area and damaged jungles in North Sumatera. Since Tangkahan is located in a remote area, you will need a guide to take you there.
How to get there: Direct flights from Jakarta (CGK) to Medan (KNO) or connecting flights from Bali to the same airport with Indonesian airlines such as Citilink and Sriwijaya Air. Once you’re in Medan, you can drive a car, book a taxi, or join a group trip to head to Tangkahan (30 minutes drive).
3. Weh Island, Aceh, Sumatera
As the northernmost region of Indonesia, Weh Island is simply unique. The idyllic island overlooks the endless Indian Ocean, offering a spectacular landscape. It houses beautiful white-sand beaches, jungle-clad hills, and astonishing marine wonders. Thus, a unique monument that marks the zero-kilometer point of Indonesia also stands on the island. Not to mention, it stays off the tourists’ radar and fits the category of ‘hidden gems in Indonesia’ perfectly.
Traveling to Weh Island can lead you to a lasting memory. The beautiful underwater landscapes, quaint beaches, and stunning viewpoints of the island are hard to forget. However, make sure to dress modestly and display a kind manner when visiting the island. Weh Island is a part of the Aceh Province, which is home to Indonesia’s largest Muslim community. Nonetheless, get ready to meet friendly faces and warm gestures from the locals of Weh Island.
How to get there: Direct flights from Jakarta (CGK) to Medan (KNO) or connecting flights from Bali to the same airport with Indonesian airlines such as Citilink and Sriwijaya Air. Once you’re in Medan, you can drive a car, book a taxi, or join a group trip to head to Tangkahan (30 minutes drive).
4. Peucang Island, West Java
Traveling to this island feels like a treasure hunt. Yes, since you have to go through 5-hour bus ride from Indonesia’s capital city and then hop on a boat for three more hours. But once you reach the island, all the leg sores and tired bodies are gone. You finally found the treasure – a beautiful untouched island with shores covered in powder-like sand, glimmering blue waters, and lush rainforests. The only residents of the island are wild deers, monkeys, boars, and buffalos. I have been to Bali, Lombok, and other Indonesian beach destinations. Yet, Peucang Island stuns me the most.
Visiting Peucang Island is a true escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. You can get electricity for 8 hours, starting from 6 PM, and barely any cellular connection. So, it is the perfect place to get in touch with Mother Nature. You can go trekking into the forest, soak up the sun on the flawless beach, and see wild animals. Moreover, don’t miss checking out the snorkeling spots. Peucang Island’s underwater landscape is the most astonishing one I’ve ever seen. You can even spot dolphins swimming around the island!
5. Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, East Java
Imagine yourself being rewarded with an extraordinary scene of a massive waterfall surrounded by jungle-clad cliffs. You can get this unforgettable experience in Tumpak Sewu Waterfall, East Java. Tucked in the outskirts of Lumajang, a small regency in East Java, Tumpak Sewu fits the word ‘hidden gem’ perfectly. Shrouded in limestone hills and thick rainforests, the 120-meter-high waterfall will captivate everyone who visits.
Tumpak Sewu Waterfall gains popularity as its picture-perfect landscape hits the internet. With the backdrop of the mighty Mount Semeru, Tumpak Sewu Waterfall offers a magical scene of cascading waterfalls and gaping canyons. Thus, you need a 2-3 hour hike to reach the waterfall. The challenging and slippery hike will be worth it as you reach the bottom of the giant waterfall.
6. Beaches of Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta
Bali and Lombok come at the top of the list when we talk about Indonesia’s best beach destinations. However, if you are into traveling beyond the tourist map, there are plenty of hidden beaches in Indonesia worth exploring. I recommend heading to Yogyakarta, a city known for its culture and laidback lifestyle. Instead of immersing in its antique city scene, head to the southernmost area named Gunungkidul. It is where the most beautiful beaches, fringed with limestone cliffs or pearly-white sand, can be found. Gunungkidul’s beaches will remind you the beaches in Uluwatu, sharing similar cliffs, coves, and big waves.
When you search for beaches in Gunungkidul on Google, they will recommend the famous ones such as Indrayanti and Drini Beach. Those beaches are drop-dead gorgeous, but the crowds might make you feel overwhelmed. Instead, head to the more quaint and hidden beaches. My recommendations include Watunene Beach, Pok Tunggal Beach, and Dawud Beach. Their remote locations fit the phrase ‘hidden gems in Indonesia’ so well.
7. Labuan Cermin Lake, East Borneo
Tucked away in the deep jungles of Borneo, Labuan Cermin is one of the most sensational hidden gems in Indonesia. This enormous lake features an enchanting gradient of blue, turquoise, and emerald. Thus, the name ‘Cermin’ means ‘mirror’, which represents the crystal-clear water that reflects the items and landscapes above it. For that reason, visitors won’t leave the lake without taking a bunch of pictures of this unreal destination.
Besides that, Labuan Cermin Lake features both freshwater and saltwater. The water comprises two layers, with freshwater being the top layer and saltwater being the bottom layer. Thus, you can get a unique experience of finding both marine and freshwater animals in the lake. This unique phenomenon makes Labuan Cermin Lake a bucket list-worthy destination.
8. Derawan Islands, East Borneo
The name ‘Borneo’ might ring a bell. This exceptional Southeast Asian island is home to lush rainforests and exotic wildlife species. However, Borneo is more than that. The island also offers glimmering beaches, idyllic islands, and mesmerizing marine life. Head to Derawan Islands and let this archipelago of four islands show you what a perfect vacation looks like.
Derawan Islands feature beautiful beaches, diverse coral reefs, impressive wildlife, and captivating natural scenery. Traveling to Derawan Islands is perfect for the adventurous souls out there. You can spend a relaxing day on the pristine beaches, spot a whale shark during a diving session, explore mangrove forests, and dip yourself in natural pools. Moreover, make sure to visit Kakaban Island and dive into the Kakaban Lake. It is home to a huge group of stingless jellyfish. Therefore, Derawan Islands is one of the must-visit hidden gems in Indonesia.
9. Kei Islands, Moluccas
We won’t leave Moluccas out when we talk about hidden gems in Indonesia. Land of precious spices and astonishing beaches, Moluccas is an extraordinary destination to visit. Thus, Kei Islands will give you a glimpse of how amazing this Eastern Indonesian region is. The islands are blessed with flawless beaches, mesmerizing caves, unique mangrove forests, and distinctive culture. Besides that, Kei Islands are home to friendly faces that will welcome you like their own family.
Traveling to Kei Islands is an interesting blend between beach vacations and cultural trips. You can spend your days exploring the white-sand beaches, dipping yourself in the warm turquoise ocean, and seeing a flock of pelicans on an inhabited island. On the other hand, you are invited to immerse yourself in the unique culture. You can visit traditional fishing villages, join a cultural festival, and learn about the sustainable practices of the locals.
10. Baliem Valley, Papua
As the easternmost island of Indonesia, Papua is simply charming. Biodiversity, diverse culture, and magnificent landscapes dwell in this bird-shaped land. Thus, one of the must-visit places in Papua is the Baliem Valley. Sits at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level, Baliem Valley offers an exquisite natural landscape and charming cultural wonders. You can see a series of meadowed hills surrounded by towering rocky mountains. Therefore, hiking through the Baliem Valley will lead you to an unforgettable experience.
Besides its unspoiled natural beauty, Baliem Valley is known as the settlement of the Dani tribe. This indigenous Papuan tribe practices their generational traditions until today. Learning about their culture and way of life is a one-of-a-kind experience that will enrich your horizons. Moreover, you can see the diversity of the local tribes in Papua through Baliem Valley Festival. This annual festival features traditional costumes, dance, music, and many more from the tribes.
Indonesia is incredibly beautiful! Thus, its hidden gems are something you should put on your bucket list. Do you want to explore Indonesia and see the amazing hidden gems? We have a great idea for you!
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