Indonesia is rich in natural beauty and culture. Many hidden gems in eastern Indonesia are wonderful and largely untouched. Most of these tourist destinations are still quite limited in terms of access, so it's no surprise that getting there is quite expensive. However, this is not an obstacle for some tourists, especially tourists who enjoy adventure tourism. I am one of those tourists who enjoys these hidden places.
7 Recommendations for Hidden Gems in Eastern Indonesia
Here are some hidden gems in Eastern Indonesia or hidden tourist spots that domestic and foreign tourists rarely visit.
1. Alor Island, East Nusa Tenggara
The first hidden gem in eastern Indonesia is Alor Island, in Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. This remote island has an area of 2,125 square kilometers. Alor Island is famous for its beautiful and pristine seas, perfect for tourists who enjoy diving or snorkeling. Additionally, it boasts stunning beaches. The island is also known for its unique cultural traditions and ethnic and linguistic diversity.
2. Kenawa Island – West Nusa Tenggara
Kenawa Island is a small, uninhabited island offering the stunning natural beauty of eastern Indonesia. Lush green grasslands, white sandy beaches, and crystal-clear blue waters make it one of East Indonesia's most captivating hidden gems.
Tourists can rent a boat to explore the island or enjoy the beautiful grasslands for photo opportunities. Visitors can also witness stunning sunsets and sunrises on this exotic island or interact with the local community, who still wear traditional attire. However, it requires a lengthy journey to reach this exotic island.
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3. Pergasingan Hill – Lombok
If you have been to Mount Rinjani, you must have seen this hill. Pergasingan Hill offers a 360-degree view of rice fields, mountains, and the vast sky. Tourists can stay overnight on this hill and watch the beautiful sunrise in the morning.
Accompanied by expansive rice fields and green mountains. There are also many domestic animals belonging to the locals that climb this hill. This creates a unique beauty when the animals, sun, and nature come together. It takes approximately 3–4 hours from Lombok Airport to reach the base of this hill. From there, it's another 3–4-hour trek to the summit.
4. Saronde Island – Gorontalo
Saronde Island is a tourist paradise in North Gorontalo that remains a hidden gem of Eastern Indonesia for travelers. Its name is not yet widely known among all travelers. However, its breathtaking beauty is undeniable. It is perfect for a vacation or honeymoon.
The atmosphere of this hidden gem tourist destination is very peaceful and beautiful. This hidden gem in Eastern Indonesia features fine white sand and crystal-clear blue waters. To reach this small island, travelers can depart from Kwandang Port. Once again, access to this location is not easy.
5. Selat Pantar Marine Park - East Nusa Tenggara
The Pantar Strait Marine Park is a hidden gem in Eastern Indonesia. It is located in the Pantar Strait, which separates Alor Island from Pantar Island in Alor Regency, East Nusa Tenggara. This tourist destination is famous for its stunningly beautiful seas, perfect for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts.
One of its highlights is Shark Close, a place where visitors can interact with sharks. The beach also features healthy coral reefs and diverse marine life. Reaching this island from Jakarta takes several hours.
6. Wae Rebo Traditional Village – Flores
Wae Rebo Traditional Village is one of the hidden gems of eastern Indonesia that is still rarely visited by tourists. In addition to the high cost, access to this place is also not easy. It takes about 6 to 7 hours from Labuan Bajo City. After that, tourists still have to trek for 2-3 hours.
The traditional Mbaru Niang houses, the unique features of Wae Rebo Traditional Village, are the main attractions of this hidden gem tourist destination. There are only 7 of these houses, which are thousands of years old. Located on a mountain surrounded by valleys, they are wonderful and unique. The uniqueness of these houses has earned the traditional village numerous international awards.
7. Weh Island, Sabang
For snorkeling enthusiasts, Weh Island in Aceh is one of the hidden gems of eastern Indonesia. It boasts stunning and pristine underwater beauty. Tourists can witness healthy coral reefs, natural marine life, and crystal-clear seawater.
Its location in the Andaman Strait, which is still quite challenging to access, makes it one of the hidden gems of eastern Indonesia that has not been explored much. This paradise for divers and snorkelers can be reached by ferry or speedboat from Ulee Lheue Port to Balohan Port, Sabang.
To reach this hidden gem of East Indonesia, you can plan your trip with friends or family or even go alone. And if you plan to visit a destination that falls under the hidden gem category, meaning it's not widely known or rarely visited, it certainly requires extra effort.
So, which hidden gem in East Indonesia have you already visited? Feel free to share in the comments section.
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