Wander

From Bali to Beyond: Why Indonesia Deserves a Longer Stay

By PORTALTO Editor

21 May 2025

You came for Bali — maybe the rice terraces of Ubud, a surf break in Canggu, or sunset cocktails on the cliffs of Uluwatu. And fair enough. Bali’s magic is real. But what if we told you that the island is just the opening chapter in a far richer, more unexpected story?

Indonesia isn’t just one destination. It’s over 17,000 of them. Stretching from the borders of Malaysia to the tip of Australia, this archipelago holds untamed islands, marine sanctuaries, modern cities, ancient rituals, and stories that unfold only for those willing to stay a little longer.

Bali is Just the Beginning

The truth? Most travelers barely scratch the surface. A week in Bali, while dreamy, often becomes a loop of beaches, villas, and cafés. But the real power of Indonesia lies in its contrasts — wild to refined, remote to metropolitan, spiritual to adrenaline-fueled.

If your trip ends with Bali, you’ll miss the haunting beauty of Sumba’s savannahs, the surreal blue of Derawan’s waters, or the slow thrill of watching Komodo dragons stalk the shores of Labuan Bajo. You’ll miss the chance to see how Jakarta pulses with energy that’s nothing like the island calm. You’ll miss stories you didn’t even know were waiting.

So stay. Let your journey stretch.

Here’s why Indonesia deserves more than just a week.

Padar Island, Labuan Bajo

Praijing Village, Sumba

Pink Beach, Komodo Island, Labuan Bajo

Photo Courtesy of Arasatu Villas, Maratua Island

1. Discover Sumba — Indonesia’s Soul, Untamed

If Bali is grace, Sumba is raw poetry. Located just an hour’s flight east of Bali, Sumba remains beautifully underexplored. Here, thatched traditional villages sit on hilltops, wild horses gallop along untouched beaches, and rituals like Pasola — a ceremonial spear-fighting festival — still shape the local calendar.

Highlights:

Weekuri Lagoon – A surreal saltwater pool framed by jagged coral rock.
Praijing Village – An open-air museum of Sumbanese culture and architecture.
Pero Beach – Dramatic cliffs, pounding waves, and almost no crowds.

The light here hits differently. The quiet isn’t silence — it’s texture. And the welcome? Humble, honest, unforgettable.

And then there’s Nihi Sumba — the luxury eco-resort consistently ranked among the best in the world. Perched above a private beach with world-class surf, Nihi blends barefoot luxury with deep local connection. It’s more than a stay — it’s a reset.

Photo Courtesy of Nihi Sumba by Chris Burch

👉 Discover why Nihi Sumba has captured the world’s attention.

2. Meet the Dragons of Labuan Bajo

If mythical creatures ever walked the earth, they probably lived in Komodo National Park.

Labuan Bajo, once a sleepy fishing town in Flores, has transformed into the launchpad for one of Indonesia’s most iconic adventures: seeing the Komodo dragons in their wild habitat. But there’s more. Much more.

Snorkeling in Pink Beach, diving at Manta Point, hiking to the summit of Padar Island at sunrise — it’s a choose-your-own-epic kind of place. And when the boats return at dusk, the harbor fills with the soft clink of glasses and golden light.

For those seeking comfort and elegance amidst the wild, AYANA Komodo offers a luxurious base with direct access to the sea. You can even take a fast boat to their private island for curated experiences — from beachfront picnics to sunset bonfires — all in barefoot luxury.

Photo Courtesy of AYANA Komodo Waecicu Beach, Labuan Bajo

3. Jakarta — More Than Just a Transit City

Too many skip Jakarta. Big mistake.

Yes, it’s chaotic. But also? It’s electric. This is where Indonesia’s future collides with its past — skyscrapers next to colonial facades, rooftop bars over alleys of street food, tradition holding hands with Gen-Z trends.

Forget the clichés. Here’s what to actually do:

Senopati and SCBD

Photo Courtesy of Chao Chao, Jakarta

Jakarta’s beating heart for nightlife, brunch, and after-hours espresso martinis. From rooftop bars to concept cafés, it’s where the city’s trendsetters gather.

Blok M

Photo Courtesy of Daitokyo Sakaba, Artirasa, Uma Oma

A neighborhood that fuses nostalgia with the now. Enjoy Japanese izakaya vibes at Daitokyo Sakaba, indulge in fluffy cheesecakes and desserts at Artirasa, or savor comforting Indonesian home-style dishes at Uma Oma, known for their warm tagline, #SerasaDirumahNenek. This area continues to evolve as a vibrant food and culture destination, with hidden gems tucked between old arcades and modern hangouts.

Old Town (Kota Tua)

Photo Courtesy of Cafe Batavia

Step into Jakarta’s living postcard. This Old Town district echoes with the charm of Dutch colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and vintage bicycles with bright umbrellas. But it’s not just for Instagram. Inside the historic buildings, you’ll find museums like the Jakarta History Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts and Ceramics, plus art spaces and indie galleries breathing new life into the past.

Don’t miss Café Batavia, a colonial-era icon with vintage interiors, jazz tunes, and a window view over Fatahillah Square — perfect for a mid-afternoon escape.

Jakarta isn’t trying to charm you — it’s challenging you to keep up. And that’s exactly the point.

4. Derawan & Maratua — The Islands You’ve Never Heard of (But Should)

If turquoise water and total seclusion sound like your idea of paradise, head to East Kalimantan. The Derawan Islands, especially Maratua, are what overwater bungalow dreams are made of — minus the crowds and inflated price tags.

Accessible via Berau, these islands offer:

- Diving with turtles, whale shark, and stingless jellyfish
- Sandy, palm-lined shores that feel truly remote
- Friendly local villages where tourism is still respectful and light

One of the standout stays? Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary — a serene escape perched over the sea with direct views of nature at its rawest.

👉 We’ve captured the full Arasatu experience — from their overwater villas and seaside dining to a 4-day island itinerary, plus tips on optional island-hopping adventures like spotting whale sharks.

This is Indonesia’s answer to the Maldives — only it feels more like a secret than a show.

5. Make Time Work for You

The magic of exploring beyond Bali isn’t just in the destinations — it’s in the rhythm shift.

Suddenly, you’re not rushing. You’re lingering over black coffee in a Jakarta alley. You’re on a fishing boat as the sun rises behind Sumba’s hills. You’re snorkeling in silence off Maratua, with nothing but reef and breath and sky.

Indonesia isn’t made for ticking off a list. It’s made for discovery — slow, deep, and personal.

Planning a Longer Stay? Here’s What to Know:

- Visa Extensions: Indonesia offers a 30-day Visa on Arrival (extendable once), or opt for a longer e-visa if you're planning a month+ trip.
- Domestic Flights Are Cheap: Carriers like Citilink and Batik Air make hopping between islands affordable and easy.
- Different Islands, Different Vibes: Always research local customs — Sumba’s traditions differ wildly from Jakarta’s pace or Bali’s openness.
- Go Off-Peak: April–June and September–November offer great weather and fewer tourists.

Final Thought: Don’t Let Bali Be the Whole Story
There’s no shame in falling for Bali — millions do. But imagine if you flew all this way… and only tasted the starter.

From Sumba’s wide skies to Jakarta’s buzz, from Labuan Bajo’s ancient beasts to Maratua’s glassy waters — Indonesia isn’t a destination. It’s a collection of worlds.

Take the detour. Extend the flight. Stay curious.
Your next favorite place might be just one island away.