Indonesia’s Best-Kept Secrets : Hidden Gems Waiting to be Explored

If you always go to Bali or Jakarta for your holidays in Indonesia, it might be time to try something new. As the largest archipelago in the world with over 17,000 islands—around 8,000 of them inhabited—Indonesia has many other interesting places to visit. We have picked five lesser-known destinations that offer amazing experiences. Whether you are looking for peace on a quiet beach, unforgettable adventures, or a mix of both, these places will surely satisfy you.

Experience the mesmereizing blue flames of Mount Ijen in Banyuwangi

Mount Ijen

    Banyuwangi is a regency located in East Java, Indonesia, known for its natural beauty and cultural richness. One of the must-visit places is Mount Ijen. To reach it, you have to embark on a journey from Banyuwangi. Start by traveling to the base camp of the mountain, which is approximately a 1.5 to 2-hour drive from Banyuwangi city center. From the base camp, you’ll need to hike for about 1.5 to 2 hours to reach the rim of the crater. Along the way, you’ll traverse through lush forests and steep paths, guided by the natural beauty of the surroundings. Once at the crater rim, you can descend into the crater to witness the mesmerizing blue flames, a unique natural phenomenon caused by ignited sulfuric gas. The experience of witnessing these ethereal blue flames amidst the dawn is truly unforgettable and worth the effort of the journey.

    Mount Ijen presents a beautiful sight from its summit, featuring a large turquoise-green crater lake adorned with mesmerizing sulfuric fog and smoke. The air there is extremely cold, ranging between 10 to 2 degrees Celsius, enhancing the unique experience. Surrounding the area are characteristic highland plants such as Edelweiss flowers and Mountain Pines.

    In the morning, visitors can enjoy a breathtaking view as sunlight illuminates the turquoise-green crater lake, casting golden reflections. Along the crater's slopes grow red-leaved Manisrejo trees amidst yellowish sulfur walls, creating an impressive panorama. From Mount Ijen, you can also behold other mountains like Mount Merapi to the east, Mount Raung, Mount Suket, and Mount Rante within the Ijen Mountains.

    Additionally, one of the remarkable natural phenomena at Mount Ijen is the Blue Fire, which appears amidst sulfur mining activities. This rare spectacle can only be seen during the early hours, around 5:00 AM, just before dawn. The Blue Fire phenomenon is unique to Ijen and Iceland, making it highly sought after by tourists, particularly foreign visitors.

Swim under stunning waterfalls and discover breathtaking calderas in Bandung

Malela Waterfall

    Still in Java, specifically in Bandung. There are also places that offer spectacular things to visit. Usually Bandung is filled with locals keen to swap the hustle and bustle of JakartaIt’s also gaining popularity among international visitors, especially from nearby Singapore due to its short flight distance. This city, Indonesia’s third largest, offers surreal sights, great shopping deals, and delicious food.

    One of the top attractions is Tangkuban Perahu, known for its three craters to explore, and Tebing Keraton, offering panoramic views of the area. Kawah Putih, a crater lake with light turquoise water and often covered in mist, is another must-see spot.

    Bandung boasts numerous stunning waterfalls, such as Curug Cimahi or Rainbow Waterfall, which lights up with colorful hues at night due to installed lights behind the water curtain. Another impressive waterfall is Curug Malela, often called the ‘Little Niagara of West Java’, with its staircase-like cascade.

Try to discover South Sumatra's hidden treasures, Lahat 

Serelo Hill

    Moving to the island of Sumatra, Lahat is a city located in South Sumatra Province, Indonesia. The city is known for its stunning natural beauty, including captivating green hills, rushing waterfalls, and serene lakes. One of its main attractions is Bukit Serelo Nature Reserve, famous for its panoramic views and diverse flora and fauna.

    For adventurers, Lahat also offers amazing waterfalls like Curup Embun and Curup Pusuk Buhit, where visitors can swim and enjoy beautiful scenery. The area is also rich in cultural heritage, with traditional villages showcasing local customs and crafts.

    Moreover, Lahat features several hiking trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints, perfect for nature lovers and photographers alike. Whether you seek relaxation amidst natural beauty or outdoor activities, Lahat in South Sumatra promises an unforgettable experience for travelers exploring Indonesia's hidden gem.

Frolic in some of the country’s best beaches and save the turtles on Bangka-Belitung islands

Matras Beach

   For amazing beaches, visit the Bangka-Belitung islands. They are just a short flight from Batam. These islands, off the east coast of Sumatra, have clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and unique giant granite rocks. Plus, they are not crowded, so you can take perfect selfies easily.

    Bangka and Belitung are the main islands, but there are many beautiful smaller islands around them. You can swim, snorkel, sunbathe, and island-hop. Some famous beaches are Matras Beach in Bangka, also called 'Heaven Beach', and Tanjung Tinggi and Tanjung Kelayang in Belitung. Kepayang Island is great too, especially during the turtle nesting season. You can visit the Conservation Centre to see baby turtles hatching or help rescue turtle eggs.

    For a cheap and fun activity, visit Danau Kaolin or Kaolin Lake. This old tin mine has bright blue water and white mineral deposits. It looks a lot like Pamukkale in Turkey but costs much less. Taking pictures here is a must!

Experience the sight of the world’s largest lizards and the breathtaking tri-colored crater lakes in Flores

Mount Kelimutu

    Travel just 90 minutes away from Bali and you’ll discover Flores, a place that’s a world away from its bustling neighbour. While Bali might have you jostling with the crowds to get the best spot on the beach or queuing for ages to get into one of its buzzing nightclubs, Flores lets you have your pick on its deserted, pristine beaches and gives you a front-row seat to some of nature’s most spectacular sights.

    And nothing is more stunning than the views up at Mount Kelimutu. Just 15 minutes away from the local village of Moni, this extinct volcano is home to one of the world’s most enigmatic crater lakes. Each of the three lakes have a different, vivid colour which supposedly changes frequently. 

    They were red, blue and white when they were first discovered in 1941 but black, turquoise and brown just a few years back. Locals regard the lakes as mystical because of their colour-shifting properties but scientists have put this phenomenon down to the interaction between the minerals in the lakes and volcanic gases. Best time to visit is in July or August, and be sure to make the trek up before sunrise to catch the lakes in their full glory.

    While you’re here, don’t miss out on catching a glimpse of Flores’ legendary dragons at the UNESCO-listed Komodo National Park. Measuring over three metres in length, these flesh-eating creatures are the world’s largest lizards. They are so huge and carnivorous that they’re able to feed on much bigger animals such as deer and water buffaloes. For the best chance of spotting these famed scaly beasts, go with a guide in the early morning.

So, what are you waiting for? Make your next adventure more meaningful by exploring Indonesia's hidden beauty that is waiting to be discovered ✈️🏝️⛰️🥳✨