Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands.
And yet, most people only ever see one.
Bali is beautiful - we all know that. But beyond it lies a completely different kind of Indonesia. Quieter. Wilder. Less touched. The kind of places where the water is clearer, the crowds disappear, and the rhythm of life slows right down.
If you’re craving something deeper than beach clubs and busy streets, island hopping through Indonesia opens up a different experience entirely. One that feels raw, expansive, and unforgettable.
Here are some of the most incredible off-the-beaten-track islands to explore - especially if you love the ocean, movement, and that feeling of discovering somewhere not everyone else has been.
The Banyak Islands - Remote, Raw and Underrated
Tucked off the coast of Sumatra, the Banyak Islands are one of Indonesia’s best-kept secrets.
Think untouched beaches, glassy waves, and a pace of life that feels almost suspended in time. There’s no rush here. No overdevelopment. Just small island stays, local boats, and long days shaped by the tide.
For surfers, it’s a dream. For everyone else, it’s the kind of place where you reset completely.
You’ll spend your days swimming, snorkelling, reading, and watching the light change over the water.
Pack light, bring pieces that last, and lean into the simplicity. This is where a one piece swimsuit or a seamless bikini becomes your everyday uniform.
Sumba - Wild Beauty and Empty Coastlines
Sumba feels like stepping into another world.
Less visited than Bali, it offers dramatic cliffs, rolling hills, and beaches that stretch for miles without another person in sight. It’s raw, powerful, and deeply grounding.
The surf here can be incredible, but even if you’re not surfing, the landscape alone is worth the trip.
It’s also a place where culture runs deep. Villages, traditions, and ceremonies are still very much part of everyday life, so dressing with awareness and respect is important when you’re exploring inland.
In the water, though, it’s freedom. Long swims, quiet beaches, and that feeling of having the ocean entirely to yourself.
Alor - Freediving Paradise Without the Crowds
If you’re drawn to what’s beneath the surface, Alor is one of the most underrated freediving destinations in Indonesia.
Located in East Nusa Tenggara, it offers crystal-clear visibility, healthy reefs, and calm, quiet dive sites that feel untouched.
Unlike more well-known dive destinations, Alor still feels local. You won’t find big crowds or heavy tourism infrastructure. What you will find is space - to explore, to dive, and to slow down.
It’s the kind of place where you wake up, step straight into the water, and spend hours moving between the surface and depth.
A long sleeve swimsuit is ideal here - not just for sun protection, but for comfort during long sessions in and out of the water.
The Mentawai Islands - For Surf, Soul and Stillness
The Mentawai Islands are legendary for surf - but there’s more to them than waves.
Yes, the breaks are world-class. But between sessions, life slows right down. You’re surrounded by open ocean, disconnected from everything else, and fully present in the moment.
Days revolve around tides, meals, and movement. Early morning surfs, long swims, afternoons resting on deck, sunsets that stretch endlessly across the horizon.
It’s one of those places where what you wear matters less - and how you feel matters more.
Simple, well-made swimwear that stays on, supports you, and lasts the trip becomes essential. Not for aesthetics, but for ease.
Raja Ampat - The Dream Destination
Raja Ampat is often described as one of the most beautiful places on earth - and it lives up to it.
Located in West Papua, it’s known for its biodiversity, turquoise lagoons, and incredible marine life.
This is where island hopping becomes an adventure. Boat days, hidden coves, remote reefs, and endless opportunities to explore both above and below the surface.
It’s not the easiest place to get to - but that’s part of what keeps it special.
For women travelling here, it’s about being prepared. Respecting local culture, packing versatile pieces, and embracing the simplicity of life on the water.
You don’t need much - just a few swimsuits you love, light layers, and an openness to experience something completely different.
What to Pack for Island Hopping in Indonesia
When you’re moving between islands, less is always more.
Focus on pieces that can handle long days in the sun, salt, and movement:
The key is choosing quality over quantity. Pieces that last, feel good, and move with you.
Because when your days are shaped by the ocean, you don’t want to be thinking about what you’re wearing.
Why This Kind of Travel Changes You
Island hopping through Indonesia isn’t just about ticking destinations off a list.
It shifts your perspective.
You slow down. You disconnect. You start noticing things - the way the water moves, the rhythm of local life, how little you actually need to feel good.
And somewhere along the way, you come back to yourself.
Not the version shaped by routine or expectation, but the one that feels most alive in the ocean, under the sun, moving freely between places.
If you’re ready to explore beyond Bali, start here
Our Favourite Places to Freedive in Indonesia
Travelling Through Indonesia as a Woman - What to Wear and What to Know
Why UPF Swimwear Is the Summer Essential You Didn’t Know You Needed
There comes a point in every Bali trip where you start to feel it - the pull to go further. Beyond the cafés, beyond the beach clubs, beyond the familiar rhythm of Canggu and Uluwatu. Indonesia is made up of over 17,000 islands, and while Bali is the gateway, it’s only the beginning.
Finding the perfect one piece swimsuit can feel surprisingly difficult.
The truth is, a flattering one piece swimsuit isn't about changing your body. It's about finding a swimsuit designed to work with your body.
Travelling as a woman is powerful. You see more. You feel more. You connect more deeply with the places you visit. But it also comes with a layer of awareness - especially when it comes to how you dress.
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