Bored of Bali? Try these tropical alternatives
Bali, with all its many luxuries, can feel repetitive to those who frequent the island. Here’s where to head instead.
You never forget the first time you get Bali belly. It’s sickening, and often is associated with a feeling that never quite escapes the annals of your memory. And while you may spend many hours sweating, crouching in the position most comfortable, searching for the source of your misfortune, chances are you’ll never find out. And so for some the mystery will keep them coming back to Bali, content with rolling the dice and enjoying the myriad other luxuries on the island. And chances are, you’ll be fine every other time.
But for some, one sour trip to the famed province is enough to put them off it forever. No amount of new hotels or glowing retirement prospects are enough to convince them into a return trip. Maybe Bali is just getting too busy, the unfaltering love we have for Bali has seen tourism boom there following the pandemic, making the already bustling streets even more full. Whatever reason you have for deterring your plans to travel there, there are alternatives!
So if you’ve found yourself in that position, craving an idyllic escape on a tropical island with crystal clear waters but without crowds, sickness, or sheer repetition, then you’re in luck. Of the 8,110 islands and islets that make up Indonesia, around 6,000 are inhabited, so striking off Bali leaves plenty of alternatives. With this plentiful amount of other islands, you can get everything you know and love about Bali — just somewhere new. Because variety is the spice of life, and the world is always full of unique places worth exploring.
Scroll on for the best Bali alternatives to visit on your next holiday.
Lombok
Sometimes to find the best alternative to Bali, you needn‘t look far. Enter Lombok. For those that like to island hop, Lombok is Just 20 minutes away from Bali by plane, or four hours by ferry. Lombok boasts everything Bali has — except the crowds. For the more surf-inclined the south coast of the island has become something of a mecca for those chasing the biggest waves. Otherwise, there’s hikes, the white sand beaches of Tanjung Aan, and you’re just a short distance from the Gili Islands, arguably Indonesia’s home of scuba diving. For one of the best views in all of Indonesia, head to the colourful rice fields at the foot of Pergasingan Hill. It’s a more peaceful take on Bali that hasn’t yet been inundated with the crowds.
Sumba
Right over towards the east of Indonesia, you’ll find Sumba. You might have seen images on social media of horses galloping across empty beaches through the water in Indonesia. Those would likely be taken from Sumba, where wild horses still roam the island. No clubs, or overly-trendy cafes, instead Sumba is a look at Indonesia before mass-tourism arrived. However, don’t expect to stay in shacks. There are a few boutique luxury hotel offerings to accommodate the small groups that have unlocked this hidden gem alternative destination. You can easily get to Sumba from Bali by taking a short, one and a half hour flight from Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali to Tambolaka Airport in Sumba.
Sumatra
As the largest island in Indonesia (plus the sixth largest in the world), Sumatra has a lot going on. Other than the active volcanoes, Sumatra has great surf, seeing you carve through crystal clear waters, stunning vistas across the hills, and for the wildlife chasers — plenty of local animals. From the Sumatran tiger, rhinoceros, elephants, to the many orang-utans on the island, Sumatra is a nature lover‘s dream. Another highlight is Lake Toba in the north, the world’s largest crater lake. It’s around a three-hour flight to get to Sumatra from Bali.
Sulawesi
For the history chasers, Sulawesi is well worth visiting as an alternative destination to Bali. There are several remote regions on the island where some of the world’s most ancient cultures are still kept intact. The scuba diving sites in Bunaken National Park and Wakatobi National Park are some of the best in the world, and the place where ‘muck diving’ has become very popular along the low-depth ocean floor. For the diners, the busier port town of Makassar in the south has some of the best seafood in Indonesia. With its deep connection to traditional culture, Sulawesi is more isolated than the more developed parts of Indonesia, it takes just over an hour to fly to Makassar from Bali, with travel time within the island depending on your destination.
Malolo, Fiji
Branching out from Indonesian locations, Fiji is another attractive destination for those seeking a Bali experience away from the hustle and bustle of the island. With a pristine natural landscape and countless beautiful beaches, Fiji is a comparable destination to Bali. Where it excels in its remoteness and quieter vibe, especially on the island of Malolo. Similarly, the culture is rooted in community, so expect plenty of friendly hospitality from locals. While some of the luxury food offerings might not compete with the development of Bali, the locavore movement is increasing in popularity, with plenty of fresh seafood on offer wherever you go.
Palawan, Philippines
Palawan, the largest province in the Philippines in terms of land size, is a picturesque location in southeast Asia that should be on any island-lover‘s radar. One of the top attractions in all of the Philippines in terms of natural beauty, the island counts the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Puerto Princesa Subterranean River, the white sand El Nido beaches, as well as the crystal-clear waters of Coron Island as its pre-eminent attractions. Palawan is a slice of paradise, and to some, might even boast much better natural attractions than Bali. Flights to Puerto Princesa are just an hour and a half from the Philippine capital, Manila.
The Cook Islands
If Bali is just too close for you, then why not try a really far-flung island destination in the Cook Islands. Surrounded on all sides by the blue expanse of the South Pacific, the Cook Islands are a true island escape. Culturally and linguistically linked with the Maori in New Zealand, today the Cook Islands is a blend of Western fare with Polynesian celebration. English is predominantly spoken on the island, and it‘s typically much quieter than Bali — all year round. For lovers of Balinese Villas, there’s plenty of self-contained holiday homes on the islands that are well worth visiting for anyone that likes to travel at their own pace.
Koh Samui, Thailand
While in places, Thailand is just as busy as Bali, much like its Southeast Asian neighbour, Thailand also has its quieter gems. Koh Samui is the second largest island in Thailand, and across its massive expanse you’ll find white sand beaches, coral reefs in crystal clear waters, and cultural hubs like temples and fishing villages. If you’re chasing more of the relaxed vibe that the island of Bali has become known for, there are also plenty of world-class luxury wellness spas that are suitable for any relaxing retreat. Flights go to Koh Samui from Bangkok several times per day, and it takes just over an hour.
