Indonesia is a land of vibrant traditions and sweeping natural beauty, where islands unfold in a tapestry of rainforest, reef, and ritual. Bali, with its temples and terraces, has long captured the hearts of travelers. But for those seeking something more uncharted, the journey doesn’t end there. Look beyond Bali to travel destinations in Indonesia where you can find space to breathe, room to roam, and a deeper kind of connection.
Indonesia holds far more than the familiar. Scattered across its thousands of islands are places that feel like well-kept secrets, shaped more by nature than by tourism.
Among these are Sumba and Rote, where culture is still lived and landscapes remain raw. This guide explores these extraordinary lesser-known islands and what makes them well worth your journey.
Far from the familiar paths of Indonesian travel lies Sumba, an island rich with tradition and the rhythm of nature. Located just east of Bali (a mere 50-minute flight), Sumba feels worlds away. Here, horses roam the hills, megalithic tombs still mark ancestral ground, and village life occurs much as it has for centuries.
The landscape is varied: golden beaches stretch for miles without footprints, jungle paths lead to hidden waterfalls, and rice paddies shimmer in the valley light. Yet it’s not just the scenery that lingers, it’s the feeling. On Sumba, there’s a rare sense of stillness and safety. A kind of spaciousness that invites you to exhale.
Tucked away on the western coast of Sumba Island, NIHI Sumba is just a short flight from Bali, but feels a world apart. After landing at Tambolaka Airport, guests journey through highland forests, traditional settlements, and sweeping valleys before arriving at this remote stretch of coastline. It’s here, between river deltas and rice fields, that Indonesia reveals one of its most unspoiled treasures.
NIHI Sumba offers a doorway into a way of life shaped by land, sea, and soul. From golden coastlines to timeless villages, every outing is designed to immerse you in Sumba’s raw beauty and living culture. Whether you’re chasing waves, riding at sunrise, or floating past riverbank farms, these moments are about more than checking travel boxes. They’re about feeling the island move through you. What follows is a glimpse into some of NIHI’s most memorable adventures. Many more await.
Chase the Falls at Lapopu
One of Sumba’s most breathtaking waterfalls, Lapopu spills down a jungle cliff in tiered cascades. Hike through protected forest, trace the edge of the river, and arrive at its moss-covered base where the water rushes and mist hangs in the air. The journey is just as rewarding as the destination, offering a real immersion into the island’s wilder beat.
Drift the Wanukaka River
Trade the ocean for the pulse of inland water. Paddle or canoe down the Wanukaka River past small villages, children laughing on the banks, and buffalo grazing in the shallows. This adventure offers an intimate view into daily life along the river that is slow, grounded, and deeply connected to the land.
Surf Legendary Waves
For experienced surfers, Occy’s Left is the crown jewel. This wave is a powerful, world-class left-hand break just offshore. For beginners, the NIHI Boathouse team offers guidance at gentler spots nearby. Whether you’re chasing barrels or just starting out, surfing here is wild and uncrowded.
Ride the Beach on Horseback
At Sandalwood Stables, equestrian adventures are woven into the fabric of island life. Ride along the curve of Nihiwatu Beach as the tide rolls in, or gallop through the shallows for that windswept, cinematic moment. Horses have long been part of Sumba’s identity, and here, they’re more than transport; they’re companions in the journey.
Chase the Currents, Dive into Depths
The waters around NIHI are a playground for ocean explorers. Head out from the Boathouse for a day of fishing, from trolling and jigging to deep-sea pursuits. For something more immersive, try spearfishing: after a short boat ride, you’ll enter a vibrant underwater world, guided by experts and supported with top-tier equipment. Lessons are available for beginners, and every excursion is customized to sea conditions and guest comfort.
Find Your Balance
The activities described above are just a few of the experiences Sumba offers, each grounded in the unique spirit of the island itself. Whether your idea of adventure is active, cultural, or contemplative, the island has a way of meeting you right where you are. Explore more ways to connect with Sumba, and start imagining the moments that will shape your journey.
Tucked into the far reaches of Indonesia’s island chain, Rote feels like a world apart. Just southwest of Timor, it’s the country’s southernmost island, a land of sun-scorched cliffs, quiet villages, and reef-lined shores. Life here moves slowly; It’s a place where travelers come not for crowds or nightlife, but for wind, water, and unfiltered beauty. Known for its world-class surf and laid-back energy, Rote is where simplicity becomes its own kind of luxury.
Rote’s landscape is a striking contrast to Sumba’s rugged interior and dense forests. Where Sumba rises into highlands and hidden waterfalls, Rote stretches low and wide. Its terrain is marked by arid hills, limestone cliffs, and windswept savannah. Coconut palms and lontar trees dot the horizon, and the coastline unfolds in long, golden beaches and reef-sheltered lagoons.
The sea here is ever-present, calm in some coves and roaring in others, drawing surfers and wanderers alike.
NIHI Sumba’s sister property, NIHI Rote, is set to open in 2026 on a quiet stretch of Bo’a Beach, offering a new way to experience Indonesia’s southern edge. Designed for travelers who crave both adventure and simplicity, days here will be crafted by the rhythm of the sea, offering surfing world-class waves, paddleboarding calm waters, or simply walking barefoot along untouched sand.
Here are just a few of the island’s signature experiences that make Rote feel both wildly remote and wonderfully personal.
Explore Bo’a Beach & Surroundings
Start your day with a sunrise stroll along the pristine white sands of Bo’a Beach. With its calm lagoon and shallow reef, it’s perfect for paddleboarding, foiling, or simply floating in clear water.
Catch Epic Surf at Batu Cetek
Rote is on the radar of surf enthusiasts for its uncrowded, reef‑protected waves, including Batu Cetek. This world‑class right‑hander is ideal for intermediate to advanced surfers seeking untouched breaks.
Village & Countryside Journeys
Rent a scooter or hire a guide and take a full‑day loop across the island. Rote is only about 90 minutes from coast to coast. Revel in the adventure as you pass villages, red earth plains, and towering limestone cliffs punctuated with coconut palms.
Cliffside Swimming & Snorkeling
Discover hidden coves framed by dramatic cliffs and turquoise waters. Stop at spots like Karang Taraje to snorkel over vibrant corals before settling in for a picnic and swim.
Wellness & Relaxation
Treat yourself to a massage or yoga session in the resort’s tropical garden, or simply nap in a hammock beneath the shade of lontar palms. Wellness here happens at your own pace.
Indonesia is a country of countless islands and infinite stories. Some of its most memorable moments happen far from the spotlight. Sumba and Rote are not just alternatives to Bali; they are beautiful destinations in their own right, shaped by nature, tradition, and a sense of wild peace.
This is slow travel at its best. Fewer stops, more meaning. At NIHI, experiences are curated with care but never scripted. There are no fixed schedules, only invitations to explore, to connect, to feel the land underfoot and the moment at hand. Whether you are riding through rice fields or peacefully drifting in a turquoise cove, your adventure is yours to shape.
To begin your journey, email us at [email protected] or reach out to +62 811-3821-2910.
Feel free to contact us if you need any further information
