Island Hopping Indonesia - Hidden Gems Beyond Bali

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:

• A long sleeve swimsuit for sun protection and surf
• A seamless bikini for easy, everyday wear
• A versatile one piece that can double as a bodysuit
• Lightweight layers for cultural areas and travel days
• A sarong - always

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.

How to plan an island hop from Bali

The beauty of Indonesia is that you can string islands together almost endlessly. A simple first trip might look like this: fast boat to Nusa Lembongan for snorkelling, on to the Gili Islands for turtles and car-free days, then across to Lombok for quiet beaches and waves. With more time, fly east to Labuan Bajo for the Komodo islands, or south to Sumba for wild coastline and traditional villages.

Pick fewer islands and stay longer. The magic happens on day three, not day one.

Island hopping essentials

• Book boats with reputable operators and check the weather, especially in the wet season.
• Carry cash. Smaller islands often have limited ATMs.
• Pack light. You will be carrying your bag on and off boats and along sandy paths.
• Cover up for long boat days. A long sleeve UPF swimsuit and a hat save your skin on open water.
• Dress respectfully in villages. A sarong over your swimsuit is always welcome.

Boat day ready

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Questions we get asked

What are the best islands to visit near Bali?

Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida, the Gili Islands and Lombok are all easy to reach. Komodo and Sumba are a short flight away.

How do you travel between islands in Indonesia?

Fast boats connect Bali with the Nusa Islands, Gilis and Lombok. Domestic flights reach further islands such as Flores and Sumba.

If you’re ready to explore beyond Bali, start here

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