East of Bali: Where to Stay in Indonesia for Rest, Play, and Discovery

Beyond Bali: Where to Stay in Indonesia – NIHI Sumba

Bali is a name everyone knows, a byword for beauty, endless resorts, and the gentle choreography of holidays perfectly planned. Yet with all its fame, Bali’s magic can sometimes feel blurred by its popularity. Familiar, beautiful, but rarely surprising.

If you find yourself searching for more than what’s easy or expected, you’re not alone. Beyond Bali’s well-trodden paths, there’s a new kind of adventure waiting. What if the answer to “Where should I stay in Bali?” is, in fact, a question worth expanding?

Sometimes, the best place to stay in Bali isn’t in Bali at all. Just a short flight away, on the wild island of Sumba, NIHI resort invites you into a new kind of adventure. Here, comfort and discovery go hand in hand, and every day brings the possibility of true connection with nature, culture, and yourself.

Sumba: For Stays That Don’t Follow a Script

East of Bali, Sumba Island remains wild and unrushed. Here, rugged coastlines meet emerald hills, horses wander the beaches at dawn, and forested paths lead not to crowds, but to moments of quiet awe.

This is where NIHI stands: not as an escape, but as an invitation to play, to explore, and to let your days unfold naturally. It’s not just all-inclusive; it’s a rare kind of freedom. The resort is woven into the island’s landscape and culture, offering generous space and an intimacy that Bali’s busiest resorts rarely allow.

Explore how to get to Sumba’s shores from nearby Bali.

A Stay for Every Pace, Every Passion

For travelers who seek experience over expectation, NIHI provides room to rest and room to be surprised. You might paddle down the Wanukaka River at sunrise, learn the intricate art of Sumbanese ikat weaving, or try your hand at fishing the way it’s been done for generations.

What makes NIHI truly unique is how it offers something for everyone, whatever your pace or passion. Adventurers can surf legendary waves, ride horseback at sunrise (or sunset), or hike to secret waterfalls. Those drawn to exploring culture can visit traditional Sumbanese villages or learn the art of Ikat weaving. Families and solo travelers alike find space, whether that means exploring with guides or simply lingering on your private terrace with nothing but the ocean for company. Wellness seekers are welcomed with open-air yoga, mindful spa journeys, and equine wellness sessions, all shaped by the rhythms of the island. 

At NIHI, every guest is invited to find their own journey, with experiences that range from exhilarating to deeply restorative, all woven into the living story of the island.

Private Villas, Open Possibilities

At NIHI Sumba, your villa is more than a place to sleep. It’s a sanctuary set between sea, sky, and open space. Each retreat is carefully placed for maximum connection to nature, with ocean views, private pools, and the sounds of the island drifting through every window. You’ll find space to breathe, whether on sunlit terraces or in shaded corners perfect for reflection or conversation.

Here, you can disconnect from the noise of daily life or deepen your sense of presence by reading under a thatched roof, watching storms roll in, or simply letting time slow to the pace of the tides. Service at NIHI is intuitive and warm, woven into your experience without ever intruding on your freedom. The comforts are genuine, the welcome instinctive, yet each day unfolds with the spontaneity of the island, never set to a script.

Discover the villas that become your home at the Edge of Wildness.

Looking Ahead: NIHI Rote

Soon, travelers will have another island to explore. NIHI Rote, set to open in 2026, promises a fresh approach to stays in Indonesia, where each day is guided by the tides, the sun, and your own curiosity.

Here, time moves more softly. It’s a place for surfing at sunrise, wandering quiet beaches, and letting nature set the pace. If Sumba grounds you, Rote lifts you: a lighter rhythm, with the same sense of openness and connection at its core.

The promise of NIHI Rote is simple: a retreat that’s as open as the ocean it overlooks.

Learn more about what’s coming at NIHI Rote.

For Those Who Seek More Than Just a Stay

The world is full of places that capture our fascination, but not every stay leaves a permanent mark. At NIHI, you remember both the views and the feeling of being welcomed, of belonging, and of stepping off-script to let discovery lead you somewhere unforgettable.

If you’re drawn to something beyond the expected, it may be time to look past Bali and toward Indonesia’s quieter corners. Here, each journey is designed for travelers who seek moments that are rare, inspiring, and deeply memorable.

To begin planning your own story at the Edge of Wildness, email [email protected] or contact us at +62 811-3821-2910.