2. Meet the Dragons of Labuan Bajo

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.

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

• 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 

• 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)

• 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)

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
  
  

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.