Simply uttering the word Bali evokes visions of an idyllic haven.

In the previous year, nearly two million Europeans landed in Indonesia, with the majority heading straight for the renowned beaches.

But beyond the sun-soaked coasts and vibrant nightlife, huge swathes of Indonesia remain unexplored, offering tropical jungles, ancient temples, and stunning natural beauty.

In 2025, Indonesia has shifted its focus from mass tourism to a model that emphasises length of stay and regenerative tourism, and is now shining a spotlight on lesser-known regions.

At the ITB Berlin 2025 event, when speaking with Euronews Travel, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, who serves as the deputy minister for marketing at the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, highlighted that enhancing the quality of tourism has become their top priority. This approach encompasses various aspects ranging from sustainable practices to culinary experiences.

Here are the best places in Indonesia to experience it all, in Bali and beyond.

Straighten up your behavior in Likupang

Sustainable travel is becoming more important to an growing number of vacationers, prompting Indonesia to initiate a nationwide ‘clean tourism’ initiative, supported by the government.

“In the midst of the global problem of waste and plastic, we have a campaign all over Indonesia to make sure that rivers and oceans are clean,” explains Marthini.

The ministry collaborates with local authorities, students, and the community to collect waste and raise awareness about sustainability.

Likupang in North Sulawesi provides an

eco-friendly haven

If you’re looking to discover Indonesia’s natural splendor sustainably.

This region is renowned for its unspoiled shores, thriving coral reefs, and lush rainforests, and it is now being marked as a Special Economic Zone (SEZ). This designation aims to foster beneficial economic development within the area.

Unlike most SEZs in Indonesia, however, Likupang’s focus is on resort-themed tourism, balancing cultural, natural and economic aspects while preserving its beauty through zero waste management and a circular resource economy.

The region is home to a vibrant underwater ecosystem, including rare species like the green sea turtle which, if you’re lucky, you can quietly observe for yourself.

Likupang Beach is where you should go, featuring its extensive white sand shoreline and pristine waters ideal for this activity.

diving

, while nearby Lihaga and Gangga Islands also offer spectacular diving experiences.

Dive alongside the rays in Nusa Tenggara

With more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia is teeming with diversity.

marine experiences

from thrilling water activities to up-close wildlife experiences.

You boast of beautiful beaches where one can engage in activities like diving and snorkeling, as well as exploring the largest coral reef globally,” states Marthini. “Our aim is to highlight these offerings along with scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and much more.

Featuring incredible diving spots, stunning waterfalls, and geothermal hot springs, the region of Nusa Tenggara checks every box.

A one-hour flight from Bali’s Denpasar International Airport, the 500-strong chain of volcanic, coral-ringed islands offers technicolour volcanic lakes, unlimited surf breaks and barrels, and underwater worlds teeming with colourful creatures.

In Flores, you have the opportunity to go snorkeling directly from the shore amidst numerous shipwrecks teeming with marine life such as whale sharks, manta rays, and various species of fish.

Gobble gado-gado in gastronomic Ubud

“Indonesia boasts countless dishes, each containing spices, which is why we’re called the Spice Islands,” explains Marthini. “Our aim is to showcase this heritage and present Indonesia as a must-visit culinary destination.”

Ubud, located in the central hills of Bali, is already known for its artistic flair, but in 2024 it was also selected by the UNWTO Gastronomy Tourism Product Development Project as a gastronomic tourism destination. The project aims to strengthen the region as a pillar of cultural and gastronomic heritage while boosting the local economy, creating jobs and driving sustainable development.

The abundance of global dishes available here

Ubud

It suits a cosmopolitan city, yet the local cuisine shouldn’t be overlooked.

Apart from the affordable ‘warungs’ (small, family-run restaurants), there is a variety of options available.

upscale restaurants

serving genuine Balinese and Indonesian cuisine from various regions. You can treat yourself to specialties such as ‘babi guling’ (roast suckling pig) and ‘gado-gado’, which features an assortment of steamed veggies topped with a flavorful peanut dressing.

Discover serenity in Borobudur

The appeal of wellness tourism draws many visitors to Indonesia, with Bali being particularly famous for its therapeutic massages offered at numerous health retreats throughout the nation.

Borobudur

in Java offers something truly special.

Bathed in natural beauty and steeped in cultural history, this region encourages you to forge a profound connection with both the environment and your spiritual side.

Reaching to the heavens, Borobudur Temple dates back to the 8th century and is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Here you’ll find a

peaceful energy

This improves yoga and meditation experiences, with nearby wellness retreats providing comprehensive therapies including Javanese massages and herbal treatments.

Leave the tourist trail in Sumba

Are you ready to venture off the beaten path? Then dive into the jungle!

treehouses

, riverside lodges and beach shacks across the archipelago will warmly greet you.

Villagers in remote areas often open their doors to tourists, with cosy homestays known as ‘penginapan’, offering an authentic taste of Indonesian life.

“More than 6,000 villages in Indonesia are ready to welcome tourists in rural areas,” says Marthini. “We want to make sure that tourism is not only for big corporations, but also for the people that live their life in the

villages

, tailored for them, by them.

Visitors reside in the villagers’ homes, thus benefiting economically while maintaining cultural preservation.

Homestays

Are widespread throughout Indonesia; however, less-famous locations frequently offer a more authentic travel experience.

To find something genuinely distinctive, take a look at the

island of Sumba

situated in the south of the nation, this area features peaceful hamlets with massive stone sepulchers, elevated dwellings, and timber places of worship.