Simply uttering the word Bali evokes visions of an idyllic haven.
Last year, nearly two million Europeans landed in Indonesia, with the majority heading straight for the well-known beaches.
However, past the sun-drenched shores and lively nightspots, extensive parts of Indonesia stay off the beaten path, featuring lush rainforests, historic shrines, and breathtaking landscapes.
By 2025, Indonesia had redirected its attention away from mainstream tourism towards an approach that highlights longer stays and regenerative practices, simultaneously bringing more recognition to less-explored areas.
At the ITB Berlin 2025 event, when speaking with Euronews Travel, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, who serves as the deputy minister for marketing at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, highlighted that enhancing the quality of tourism has become their primary objective. This shift encompasses various aspects including environmental sustainability and culinary experiences.
Below are the top locations in Indonesia where you can enjoy everything, from Bali to further afield.
Straighten up your behavior in Likupang
An growing number of vacationers are concerned about eco-friendly travel, prompting Indonesia to initiate a nationwide ‘clean tourism’ campaign supported by the government.
“Amidst the worldwide issue of waste and plastics, we’re running a campaign across Indonesia to ensure our rivers and seas remain pristine,” says Marthini.
The ministry collaborates with local authorities, students, and the community to collect waste and educate individuals about sustainability.
Likupang in North Sulawesi provides an
eco-friendly haven
If your aim is to discover Indonesia’s natural wonders in an eco-friendly manner.
This region is famous for its unspoiled shores, lively coral ecosystems, and lush rainforests, and it is now being marked as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This designation aims to foster beneficial economic expansion.
In contrast to many Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in Indonesia, Likupang prioritizes resort-style tourism. It aims to harmonize cultural, environmental, and economic elements while maintaining its aesthetic appeal via zero-waste practices and a circular resource economy.
This area boasts a dynamic aquatic environment teeming with unique creatures such as the green sea turtle; should you be fortunate enough, you might get the chance to discreetly watch these animals up close.
Likupang Beach is where you should go, featuring its extensive white sand shoreline and pristine waters ideal for this activity.
diving
Meanwhile, the islands of Lihaga and Gangga also provide remarkable diving opportunities.
Dive alongside the beams in Nusa Tenggara
Home to over 17,000 islands, Indonesia is packed full of
marine experiences
, ranging from adrenaline-pumping water sports to close interactions with animals.
You boast of beautiful beaches where visitors can enjoy activities like diving and snorkeling, as well as exploring the largest coral reef globally,” states Marthini. “Our aim is to highlight these offerings along with scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and much more.
Featuring breathtaking dives, stunning waterfalls, and frothy hot springs, the province of Nusa Tenggara checks all the right boxes.
Just an hour’s flight away from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport lies a cluster of 500 picturesque islands formed by volcanoes and encircled by coral reefs. These islands boast vibrant volcanic lakes, endless surfing spots with powerful waves and perfect tubes, as well as marine environments brimming with vivid aquatic life.
In Flores, you have the opportunity to go snorkeling directly from the beach among numerous wreck-filled diving locations teeming with whale sharks, manta rays, and various fish species.
Enjoy gado-gado in culinary-rich Ubud
We possess countless recipes in Indonesia, and each one includes spices, which is why we’re referred to as the Spice Islands,” explains Marthini. “Our aim is to enhance this reputation and present Indonesia as a must-visit location for food enthusiasts.
Located in the heart of Bali’s central hills, Ubud has long been recognized for its rich artistic atmosphere. In 2024, however, it gained further distinction when it was chosen by the UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Product Development Project as a key culinary travel destination. This initiative seeks to reinforce the area’s standing as an essential part of both cultural and gastronomical legacy while simultaneously stimulating the regional economy, generating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable growth.
The abundance of global dishes available here is remarkable.
Ubud
befits a cosmopolitan city, but the local delicacies shouldn’t be ignored.
Past the affordable ‘warungs’ (small, family-run restaurants), you will discover various options.
upscale restaurants
serving genuine Balinese and Indonesian cuisine from various regions. You can savor treats such as ‘babi guling’ (roast suckling pig) and ‘gado-gado’, a hearty serving of steamed veggies topped with a flavorful peanut dressing.
Discover serenity in Borobudur
The allure of wellness tourism draws many visitors to Indonesia, with Bali being particularly famous for its therapeutic massages offered at numerous health retreats throughout the nation.
Borobudur
Java provides something genuinely unique.
Bathed in natural beauty and steeped in cultural history, this region encourages you to forge a profound connection with both the environment and spiritual aspects.
Stretching towards the sky, Borobudur Temple dates back to the 8th century and stands as the world’s largest Buddhist temple. You will discover here an
peaceful energy
This improves yoga and meditation experiences, whereas nearby wellness retreats provide comprehensive therapies including Javanese massages and herbal treatments.
Stray from the beaten path in Sumba
Are you ready to venture off the beaten path? Then dive into the jungle!
treehouses
Across the archipelago, riverside lodges and beach shacks will warmly greet you.
In distant villages, locals frequently welcome travelers into their homes through cozy accommodations called ‘penginapan,’ providing an genuine glimpse into Indonesian daily life.
Over 6,000 villages across Indonesia are prepared to host travelers interested in exploring rural regions,” states Marthini. “Our aim is to ensure that tourism benefits not just large companies, but also the local communities who lead everyday lives there.
villages
, tailored for them, by them.
Visitors reside in the villagers’ homes, thereby enjoying economic advantages while maintaining cultural preservation.
Homestays
are popular across Indonesia, though lesser-known destinations often provide a more genuine travel experience.
To find something genuinely distinctive, take a look at the
island of Sumba
situated in the south of the nation, this area features peaceful hamlets with massive stone graves, elevated dwellings, and timber places of worship.
