Simply uttering the word Bali evokes visions of an idyllic haven.
In the previous year, nearly two million Europeans landed in Indonesia, with the majority heading straight for the renowned beaches.
However, past the sun-drenched shores and bustling entertainment scenes, 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 mass tourism towards a more sustainable approach that highlights longer stays and regenerative practices, also bringing less-explored areas into the limelight.
At ITB Berlin 2025, 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 caliber of tourism has become their primary objective. This shift encompasses various aspects including environmental responsibility and culinary experiences.
Below are the top spots in Indonesia where you can enjoy everything, from Bali to further afield.
Straighten up your behavior in Likupang
Sustainable travel has become a growing priority for many vacationers, prompting Indonesia to initiate a nationwide ‘clean tourism’ initiative, supported by the authorities.
“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 garbage and raise awareness about sustainability.
Likupang in North Sulawesi offers an
eco-friendly haven
if you’re seeking to explore Indonesia’s natural beauty responsibly.
The area is known for pristine beaches, vibrant coral reefs and dense tropical forests, and is currently being designated as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ), an area designed to generate positive economic growth.
Unlike most SEZs in Indonesia, however, Likupang’s focus is on resort-themed tourism, balancing cultural, natural and economic aspects while preserving its beauty through zero waste management and a circular resource economy.
This area boasts a lively underwater environment, featuring unique creatures such as the green sea turtle; with some luck, you might be able to discreetly watch these animals up close.
Likupang Beach is where you should go, featuring extensive white sand shores and pristine waters ideal for this activity.
diving
Meanwhile, the islands of Lihaga and Gangga also provide incredible opportunities for divers.
Dive alongside the beams in Nusa Tenggara
Boasting more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is teeming with diversity.
marine experiences
from adrenaline-pumping water activities to up-close wildlife experiences.
You boast of beautiful beaches where one can engage in 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.
With spectacular diving, magnificent waterfalls and bubbling hot springs, the province of Nusa Tenggara ticks all the boxes.
Just an hour’s flight from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport lies a cluster of 500 tiny islands formed by volcanoes and surrounded by coral reefs. These islands boast vividly colored volcanic lakes, endless surfing spots with powerful waves and tubes, as well as marine environments brimming with vibrant sea 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 have countless recipes in Indonesia, and each one includes spices, which is why we’re called the Spice Islands,” explains Marthini. “Our aim is to showcase this heritage and present Indonesia as a must-visit food lover’s paradise.
Nestled in the heart of Bali’s central hills, Ubud has long been recognized for its artistic vibe. In 2024, however, it gained additional acclaim when it was chosen by the UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Product Development Project as a key culinary travel destination. This initiative seeks to bolster the area’s standing as an essential part of both cultural and gastronomical legacy, all while stimulating the regional economy, generating employment opportunities, and promoting sustainable growth.
The abundance of global dishes available here is remarkable.
Ubud
It suits a cosmopolitan city, yet the local cuisines should not be overlooked.
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 dish featuring an assortment of boiled veggies topped with creamy peanut sauce.
Discover serenity in Borobudur
The appeal of wellness tourism draws many visitors to Indonesia, with Bali being particularly renowned for its therapeutic massages offered at numerous health retreats throughout the nation.
Borobudur
Java provides something genuinely exceptional.
Surrounded by serene landscapes and rich cultural heritage, the area invites you to connect deeply with both nature and spirituality.
Reaching to the heavens, Borobudur Temple dates back to the 8th century and is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Here you’ll find a
peaceful energy
This improves yoga and meditation practices, whereas nearby wellness getaways 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 extend a warm greeting to visitors.
In distant villages, locals frequently welcome travelers into their homes through cozy accommodations called ‘penginapan,’ providing an genuine glimpse into Indonesian daily existence.
Over 6,000 villages across Indonesia are prepared to host travelers in 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 local villagers’ homes, thereby gaining cultural preservation whilst also contributing to their economy.
Homestays
Are widespread throughout Indonesia; however, less-famous locations frequently offer a more authentic travel encounter.
To find something genuinely distinctive, take a look at the
island of Sumba
situated in the south of the nation, this region features serene villages with massive stone graves, elevated homes, and timber chapels.