From the outdoor enthusiast to those seeking culture and healing, Indonesia has something for everyone.
Whether you’re exploring the islands indefinitely, or making a quick trip to escape reality, our list of Must-Do’s in East Indonesia will stir the wanderlust in everyone.
4-Day Boat Trip to Komodo Island (from Lombok)
Venture out to sea for an unforgettable few days full of remarkable snorkelling, hiking deserted islands, manta ray encounters, sleep under the stars (if you choose to), go for a dip in the ocean at night and be surrounded by glowing plankton lightning up the water in the darkness of night, and end at Komodo Island, the only place in the world you can see Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat.
Then go to Flores island, which is home to some of the top diving spots in the world. A scuba diver’s paradise! If you’re not a diver, rent a scooter and go on an adventure into the jungly hills of Flores. You won’t be disappointed! If you don’t have the time to do the whole trip, but you want to go to Komodo island or dive in Flores, you can fly from Bali to Flores and organize everything upon arrival!
White Water Rafting (outside Ubud, Bali)
Like a scene out of a Jurassic Park movie (minus the dinosaurs!), this scenic rafting trip provides all the beauty of nature and waterfalls, removed from the hustle and bustle in Seminyak. At the end of this nice little workout, you get an awesome BIG drop to wrap up the ride!
Visit the Tegalalang Rice Terraces in Bali
Sip on mango smoothies and have a local lunch overlooking the beautiful rice terraces. When you’re done, take a stroll through the green wonderland to appreciate the beauty from all angles! And don’t forget to have a friendly chat with the locals. Apa kabar? Baik baik.
Hike Mount Batur in Bali for Sunrise
Get up in the middle of the night and hike to the top of Mount Batur for sunrise. Enjoy breakfast cooked on steam from the volcano and enjoy the magical views. It’s an unforgettable experience!
If you make it to Lombok and want a more challenging hike, Mount Rinjani is an incredible! But please note it’s only open outside of rainy season, so plan accordingly if this hike is of interest!
Experience the Gili Islands
From the relaxing, quiet islands of Gili Air and Gili Meno to the party vibes of Gili Trawangan, these trio of islands are not to be missed. They have no motor vehicles, so you get around by foot, horse and cart, or bicycle. You can snorkel with sea turtles or relax with ocean view yoga. The islands are so close in proximity, you can even paddle board from one island to another! And make sure you don’t miss the incredible sunset photo opp on one of the island’s ocean swings!
A great thank you to Micaela Nauman who has co-written this travel guide for The Asia Collective. To follow her adventures around the globe head to her Instagram @micaelashalane!
