Aussie model ditches Bali for hidden island in Indonesia instead

Despite attracting over one million Australians each year, Aussie model and beach-lover Elyse Knowles said she’s found an even better place to stay.

Surrounded by crystal clear waters and dotted with natural swimming holes on the edge of the Suva Sea, one island awaits that’s previously been dubbed as the quiet alternative to Bali.

A place where wild horses still roam the white sandy beaches, Sumba is an island that’s caught the attention of Aussie model Elyse Knowles for years — and now, she’s about to visit once again with her young family.

Despite being twice the size of Bali, Sumba has only a fraction of the population — with the island often compared as the Bali of yesteryear

Elyse Knowles has opened up about an Indonesian island she’s obsessed with.

Elyse Knowles is a mum-of-three, and has revealed how she likes to travel.

Just a 90-minute flight from the Island of the Gods, Sumba is still relatively untouched from the outside world despite its proximity to some of Indonesia’s most popular corners.

The island is rich in culture and tradition, with locals believing their ancestors live in the trees, in the stones and the sea.

Speaking to news.com.au, Knowles said she cannot wait to visit the island with her young family later this year, having spent time there with her partner Josh Barker in 2019.

Elyse Knowles has opened up about juggling motherhood and travel.

Elyse Knowles said since visiting Sumba in 2019, she’s been desperate to return.

“We are about to head back to the island Sumba, in Indonesia, as a family,” the 32-year-old said.

“Josh and I travelled there about 6 years ago and we have been thinking about it ever since. We have watched our best friends build a boutique hotel from scratch – learning the language, employing locals and living off the island in the process.

“We are so excited to see their hotel, Alamayah, and enjoy this untouched island again. Its raw beauty provides amazing adventures, and we can’t wait to explore with our kids this time.”

Despite being a much larger island than Bali, Sumba has just a fraction of the population. Picture: supplied.

Knowles said she expects her next visit to be a little different to her first, given she will have three children under five years old in toe.

“I adore taking our kids on holidays and creating memories, but my gosh it can be wild,” she said.

“We had a very rough experience taking Sunny over to Thailand. But that was just bad luck …. we adored island hopping over there.

“I would go through all that again to go to Thailand. I say pick your battles. I’ve never done Europe and I probably won’t while the kids are young as it’s a long way with three young kids. One day!”

Elyse has been to various destinations with her young family.

Elyse says travel has changed since becoming a mum.

As the ambassador for Bugaboo — a Dutch design company popular for its prams and highchairs — Knowles, who is mum to Sunny, 4, Zali, 2, and newborn daughter Java, said she’s finetuned her travel must-haves when venturing both domestically and abroad.

“When Java came along, we switched to Bugaboo’s newest pram, the Bugaboo Kangaroo, which can adapt from newborn single-pram mode to carry up to three kids at once with the comfort wheeled board attachment,” she said of one of her essential travel items.

At the top of the model's list, is the new Bugaboo Kangaroo pram which has the ability to carry her three young children.

“It’s so ideal to get all the kids to the destination without anyone having to walk … except mum of course!”

“I always take with me a little white noise machine. It’s compact and provides a block out noise to ensure you are going to get some sleep on your trip. Snacks and toys are also essential in this stage of my life!

The 32-year-old model and mum cannot wait to take her children to her favourite spot Sumba

Elyse Knowles has revealed the items she won't travel without.

When it comes to plane travel, Knowles said she will usually pack her Bugaboo Butterfly — a lighter travel pram that’s able to be taken as carry-on into the cabin.

“It folds up and packs away too and fit in the cabin overhead, so it’s great for when you need to catch a flight,” she explained.

“I also download music, have a change of clothes for everyone. Josh and I wear a back pack so our hands are free. And take a good camera to capture the amazing, wild and crazy adventures.”