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Where to Stay in Indonesia Beyond Bali
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items Bali has plenty of beautiful places to stay, but I’ve been saving some really good ones outside Bali too. These are the hotels, villas, and resorts I’d keep in mind for a trip around the rest of Indonesia.
Sections
5
🌋 Java — Volcanoes, Heritage & Southern Coast
🌴 Sumatra — Lakes, Wildlife & Coast
🌿 Kalimantan — Rainforest & Island Escapes
🏝️ Nusa Tenggara — Island & Nature Stays
Raja Ampat — Island & Dive Stays
🌋 Java — Volcanoes, Heritage & Southern Coast
Java has a bit of everything — volcanoes to hike, ancient temples, and a seriously underrated southern coastline. These are the stays I’d look at when planning a trip beyond the usual Java itinerary.
Obviously, Borobudur is the big one, but don’t stop there. Candi Mendut, Candi Pawon, and Punthuk Setumbu are all easy additions to the trip.
Amanjiwo — Borobudur
Borobudur is right there, but I’d also make time for Punthuk Setumbu, Bukit Rhema, and Candirejo Village. It gives you a nice mix of temples, views, and local life.
Plataran Borobudur Resort & Spa — Borobudur
This one is for when you want the Bromo trip to feel a little more special. Bromo, Pasir Berbisik, and the savanna are all nearby, so you can pack quite a lot into a couple of days.
Plataran Bromo — East Java
The cabin vibe is cute, and the location makes Bromo really easy to explore. You’ve got Mount Bromo, Pasir Berbisik, and Bukit Teletubbies all in the same trip.
ARTOTEL Cabin Bromo — East Java
A nice cabin option without going full luxury. Stay here for Bromo, then add Pasir Berbisik and King Kong Hill for a few very different views of the area.
Manis ae Hotel, Cabin & Resto Bromo
Jungwok is just the starting point. Wedi Ombo, Sedahan, and Greweng are all nearby, so you can spend a few days hopping between some of Gunungkidul’s prettiest beaches.
Jungwok Blue Ocean & Resort — Gunungkidul, Yogyakarta
🌴 Sumatra — Lakes, Wildlife & Coast
Sumatra has a very different rhythm from Bali—big volcanic lakes, rainforest, wildlife, and long stretches of coast. I’d look here when the trip itself is meant to feel a little more off the usual route.
Lake Toba is the main reason to come, but Tuktuk makes a great base for exploring Samosir. Add Ambarita, Tomok, and a drive around the island for the Batak culture and mountain views.
Lake Toba — Marianna Resort & Convention Tuktuk
The sunset and ocean views are already a pretty good reason to stay here. From LUMMAY, you can also visit Menara Siger, Pantai Batu Lapis, and the beaches around Bakauheni.
LUMMAY Villa Resort — South Lampung
Tanjung Setia is the big draw, but Krui has plenty more coastline to explore. Add Pantai Walur, Pantai Labuhan Jukung, and a jungle or waterfall trip when you need a break from the beach.
BeOcean Krui
🌿 Kalimantan — Rainforest & Island Escapes
Kalimantan feels like a whole different side of Indonesia — rainforest, orangutans, clear blue water, and islands that still feel a little wild. These are a few stays for seeing a more adventurous side of Indonesia.
This is the kind of place where the wildlife is the whole point. Stay near Tanjung Puting, cruise the Sekonyer River by klotok, and keep an eye out for orangutans and other rainforest wildlife along the way.
Rimba Orangutan Eco Lodge — Central Kalimantan
Maratua is already beautiful enough on its own, but the nearby islands make the trip even better. Spend a day at Kakaban’s jellyfish lake, look for manta rays and turtles around Sangalaki, then explore the caves and clear waters around Maratua.
Arasatu Villas & Sanctuary — Maratua, East Kalimantan
🏝️ Nusa Tenggara — Island & Nature Stays
Nusa Tenggara feels a little different from the rest of Indonesia — dry hills, tiny islands, clear water, and landscapes that make you want to slow down. These are a few stays worth building a trip around.
Staying on a tiny island is already half the experience here. Use Seraya as your base for snorkeling and quiet beach days, then head out to Komodo National Park and the other islands around Labuan Bajo.
The Seraya Resort Komodo — Flores
Karoso Beach is right outside, but I’d definitely make time to see more of Sumba. Ratenggaro Village and Weekuri Lagoon are both great additions when you want a break from the beach.
Cap Karoso — Southwest Sumba
Raja Ampat — Island & Dive Stays
Island hopping, crystal-clear water, and some of the best reefs in the world. These are a few stays I'd happily use as a base for exploring Raja Ampat.
A great base if your plan is to spend most of your time out on the water. Island hopping, colorful reefs, and some of Raja Ampat's best snorkeling spots are all within easy reach.
Meridian Adventure Marina Club & Resort — Raja Ampat
HamuEco makes a great base for exploring Raja Ampat. Besides the famous reefs around Cape Kri and Blue Magic, I'd also make time for Gam and Mansuar while you're here.
HamuEco Rajaampat Dive Resort