Your complete guide to offbeat Indonesia

OFFBEAT, INDONESIA Updated : Aug 24, 2016, 12.55 PM IST

Derek Freal

Derek Freal abandoned the American Dream in 2009 to travel the world and eventually realized that Asia is the best part, which is why most of his writing covers India to Indonesia (and everywhere in between). However Derek"s specialty is in unique and offbeat travel guides -- not just for Asia but countries across the globe -- and in producing travel videos. All this and more as the nomadic journey continues on http://blog.theHoliDaze.com.

Credit: Getty Images
17,508 islands! Even if you visited one island a day, it would take nearly 48 years to set foot on every Indonesian island. Needless to say, there are countless off-the-beaten-path sights and adventures waiting for you in Indonesia. Many of them are close to cities that you’ll probably visit, such as Yogyakarta, Surabaya and Bali.

From deserted beaches to traditional villages, exotic wildlife and untamed nature, let’s take a look at some of the more unique and overlooked destinations and activities across the Indonesian archipelago.
1
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, SIDOARJO

Sidoarjo Mud Volcano, Sidoarjo

In May of 2006, a drilling accident in Sidoarjo resulted in the formation of a mud volcano, and yes, that is exactly like what the name suggests. Mud has been flowing out ever since, swallowing up roads, houses, trees an...more

2

SIGHTSEEING, NUSA PENIDA

Tanglad Village, Nusa Penida

Nusa Penida Island off the coast of Bali is like what Bali was forty years ago. Deserted beaches. Sleepy island villages. Only a handful of motorcycles. A deserted paradise, and not a crowded tourist trap where everyone ...more

3
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, GUNUNGKIDUL

Ngandong Beach, Gunungkidul

Indonesia has no shortage of beaches. The problem is that all the ones in the guide books are crowded. Finding a quiet beach near a popular tourist destination is a challenge few manage to accomplish without local knowle...more

4

SIGHTSEEING, SULAWESI

Torajan Funeral Ceremony, Sulawesi

Toraja is world famous for its funeral ceremonies, which are the most complex in the world. Locals in Tana Toraja work and save their entire life not for their future, but for their funeral. These ceremonies last nearly ...more

5
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, SULAWESI

Nirwana Beach, Buton Island, Sulawesi

Buton Island has long been overlooked, but that is changing now. At a recent Indonesian travel blogging event in Jakarta, I learned that Buton is to be promoted as a new “undiscovered” cultural destination.

6
National Park

SIGHTSEEING, RIAU

Tesso Nilo National Park, Riau, Sumatra

Far away from everything on the island of Sumatra lies Tesso Nilo National Park, a wildlife hotspot and now an elephant sanctuary as well. The entire park sprawls out over 100,000 hectares, with a portion of it converted...more

7
National Park

THINGS TO DO, MALUKU

Manusela National Park, Seram Island, Maluku

Seram Island is the beginning of it all. At least according to local beliefs, which describe how all the people of Maluku originated from Seram. As such, the island is referred to as Nusa Ina, or Mother Island, which is ...more

8

SIGHTSEEING, INDONESIA

Tarakan Stilt Villages, North Kalimantan

Tarakan is the only city in North Kalimantan, Indonesia’s 34th and newest province, and therefore is an important stop for anything planning on exploring the Borneo jungle. It is also one of the most remote regions in th...more

9

SIGHTSEEING, YOGYAKARTA

Banyusumurup Traditional Village, Imogiri, Yogyakarta

Throughout Indonesian artwork, temple carvings, and souvenir shops there are small, ornate daggers known as keris. Keris are traditional Indonesian weapons as well as spiritual weapons. Often they were believed to have m...more

10
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, PAPUA

White Sands Beach, Jayapura, Papua

Papua is the farthest east province of Indonesia and also the most remote. A few dedicated scuba divers will visit West Papua, but very few foreign tourists ever make it to the eastern side. Only those who are planning o...more

11
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, INDONESIA

Crystal Cave, Kupang, West Timor

This is one place for which you will definitely need a local’s help to find it. The Crystal Cave of Kupang is a cool, hidden oasis, away from the city heat. In order to embark on this offbeat adventure, you will need to ...more

12
Religious

SIGHTSEEING, MAGELANG

The Abandoned Chicken Church, Magelang

Nearly every visitor to Indonesia who escapes Bali visits Java and takes a trip to Borobudur, Indonesia’s most iconic temple. However, what they don’t realise is that they are missing out on what is possibly the coolest ...more

13
Nature

SIGHTSEEING, INDONESIA

Kreusik Island, Banda Aceh

What if I told you about a small island with zero inhabitants, pristine white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters and absolutely no mosquitoes. That would sound like heaven, no?

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