incredibly beautiful destinations in eastern indonesia

The Indonesian archipelago, featuring 17,000 islands, has so much to offer insatiable adventurers. While more and more expat travellers are beginning to venture beyond Bali and Lombok, planning holidays in Eastern Indonesia can be tricky with the region’s tourism industry still in its infancy and most information remaining offline.

But for those willing to make a leap of faith, rewarding experiences and unmatchable memories await. Eastern Indonesia is a vast playground of thrilling underwater escapes, unforgettable outdoor adventures and distinct historical cultures.

Don’t forget to bring comfortable outdoor apparel and shoes, protective swimwear, a raincoat, sun protection, flashlights and extra batteries as well as plenty of cash.

Kalabahi, Alor, NTT

Rising in popularity among expat travellers, Kalabahi is a balmy coastal town where tourism is discreetly present. Expect an intimate encounter with a multicultural Eastern Indonesian small town, underwater adventures brimming with local folklore and village communities eager to introduce you to their ancestral customs.

Around Kalabahi: Spend a day bumming around Batu Putih Beach. Dive and snorkel around Pulau Pura, Kepa or Ternate and visit the village to shop for naturally coloured ikat textiles bearing the turtle motif. Before watching the sunset at Alor Kecil, explore nearby historical sites such as the Dragon House of Baoraja, and Masjid Jami Babussholah which houses a Qur’an made of tree bark. Arrange welcoming ceremonies at Takpala and Monbang, the latter of which makes clothes out of an endemic wood bark. Visit the Museum 1,000 Moko to learn of the mysteries of moko, ornate copper drums believed to originate in Vietnam.

Soë, South Central Timor, NTT

Proudly dubbed “the heart of Timor” by locals, Soe is situated at the foot of Mount Mutis, a major source for four major rivers which distribute water throughout Timor. If you don’t mind DIY adventures relying on the hospitality of locals, Soe makes a great base for long distance motorbike rides across mountains, horse ranches, coasts and pre-Indonesian cultural villages.

Around Soe: Take a scenic morning walk along the Oelbubuk intercity road. Trek the forests around the Oehala waterfall. Have a Dawan language interpreter take you to Boti, a secluded pre-Indonesian kingdom which still practices the Halaika religion and natural dye ikat weaving. Camp overnight at Kolbano beach and watch the sunrise the following morning. Stay at Lopo Mutis in Fatumnasi to arrange an excursion to the Bonsai Forest and Mount Mutis. Visit Fatu Naussus and learn about the indigenous resurgence that closed down a marble mine in 2006 under the leadership of Mama Aleta Baun.

Taliwang, West Sumbawa, NTB

If your idea of a holiday includes secluded surf spots and adventure sports overlooking scenic landscapes, Taliwang may be worth a visit. With plans to open the Sekongkang Airport later this year, and the rise of homestays popular among foreign visitors, Taliwang may expect a rise in tourism in the coming years.

Around Taliwang: Spend a day riding the waves at Sekongkang Beach or Kertasari Beach and have dinner at Maluk Beach. Ask your homestay in advance to help organize a paragliding excursion at the Mantar Highlands, or fly a drone from here. Jump into the waterhole at Tiu Kalela waterfall. Tour the Kemutar Telu Centre with a local guide to learn the history of Taliwang as a vassal state of the Sumbawa Sultanate. Check out the local Main Jaran horse races.