6 best destinations to visit in Indonesia (other than Bali)

Indonesia is a diverse archipelago that stretches across thousands of islands, each offering a unique blend of culture, nature, and adventure. Bali as a destination is very popular amongst travelers worldwide, and is especially popular with digital nomads. But, Indonesia is more than just Bali. There are numerous other hidden gems scattered throughout the country waiting to be discovered.

1. Yogyakarta

Known as the cultural heart of Java, Yogyakarta is a city steeped in history and tradition. Home to the majestic Borobudur and Prambanan temples, this destination allows travelers to immerse themselves in the rich heritage of Indonesia. Yogyakarta is also famous for its vibrant street art scene, bustling markets, and the Sultan's Palace, making it an ideal destination for history enthusiasts and art lovers alike.

2. Belitung Island

Belitung Island, located off the east coast of Sumatra, is a pristine and relatively untouched destination. Belitung is known for its stunning landscapes and beaches with very soft and white sand. The island is also surrounded by over 100 smaller islands, each decorated with unique granite rock formations. Hire a boat from the local fishermen to explore the neighbouring islands, or spend the day snorkeling and swimming in the pristine waters.

3. Raja Ampat

Situated in the West Papua Province, Raja Ampat is a tropical paradise renowned for its unparalleled marine biodiversity. This archipelago has four main islands and over 1,500 smaller islands surrounding it. Raja Ampat is a haven for diving and snorkeling, offering crystal-clear waters teeming with vibrant coral reefs and an abundance of marine life. Beyond the diverse underwater sights, Raja Ampat's lush landscapes, traditional villages, and stunning viewpoints make it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil escape.

4. Gili Islands

The Gili Islands are a popular alternative to Bali, and it is increasingly touristy - though it is still not as touristy as Bali. If you are looking for a first-time destination to Indonesia but want to avoid the crowds at Bali, Gili Islands is a good choice. Known for their pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs, Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air offer a laid-back atmosphere perfect for relaxation and water activities.

5. Bandung

Just a 2.5 hours drive away from Jakarta, Bandung is a vibrant city surrounded by lush tea plantations and volcanic landscapes. With a good balance of nature, culture, and city-life, Bandung is a good destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Jakarta. Beyond its colonial architecture, trendy cafes, and outlet malls, Bandung has its fair share of nature. Head to Lembang, just north of Bandung, for mountainous sceneries and wonderful sights.

6. Komodo Island

For wildlife enthusiasts, Komodo Island is a must-visit destination. Located between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores in the East Nusatenggara province, the Komodo National Park encompasses 29 volcanic islands and is home to over 2,000 Komodo dragons, the largest lizards on Earth. Beyond the dragons, the marine environment around Komodo Island is very diverse with a large range of flora and fauna waiting to be discovered.

Get a Nomad eSIM for Indonesia on your next adventure

No matter where your next adventure to Indonesia takes you, it is important for you to be able to stay connected.

Travel without worrying about connectivity issues when you get a Nomad travel eSIM for Indonesia. Nomad offers various data eSIM plans for Indonesia with varying data volumes and rates from as low as $1.40/GB. And if you are someone with high data consumption patterns, there are also unlimited plans available for you.

Nomad's eSIMs for Indonesia work with the Telkomsel network, giving you the benefit of the extensive coverage and stable connections, but also saving you the hassle of having to purchase a SIM card at the airport after arrival.

And if you ever run out of data, or if your data plan is about to expire, you can easily purchase an add-on from the Nomad app to extend the validity or top up your data volume. You will get data added to the same eSIM plan in just a few taps on your device! Note that add-ons are not available for unlimited data plans for Indonesia.

How to get a Nomad travel eSIM for Indonesia?

You can easily get a Nomad travel eSIM for Indonesia by creating an account with Nomad, finding an Indonesia data plan that best fits your needs, and check out! It's as simple as that.

Once you complete your purchase, you will receive an email containing the installation and activation instructions for your eSIM. Remember, you will need a stable internet connection for the purchase and installation of your eSIM, so it is recommended to buy and install your eSIM before you fly.