[Updated 30 September 2019]
Everyone always yearns to "travel like a local", but imagine taking it a step further now. It's time to explore even more than locals do! We're taking you on a journey from the East to the West of Indonesia where we give you the first dibs on these hidden island resorts in Indonesia that even locals don't know about!
Credit: giphy
If you thought you knew all there is to Indonesia, it's time to say bye-bye to that and hello to even more hidden gems ?
1. Labengki Nirwana Resort
Labengki island area is often called the miniature version of Raja Ampat, Indonesia's diving haven. This island is a conservation area protected and owned by the government of Indonesia. This can only mean one thing - the gorgeous nature here is untouched!
To witness the most beautiful underwater life, we highly recommend going island hopping (especially to Sombori Island) here! The cherry on top of the experience is if you spend some nights on the island. Their floating resorts are perfect if you love waking up to the sound of waves crashing ?
The resort offers a wide range of seafood for your meals, so just let them know of your dietary requirements!
#HHWT Tip: To get there, fly to Kendari (Southeast Sulawesi), and take a speed boat for a nearly 2 hour-trip to Labengki Island
Rate: Starts from RM250 / IDR 850,000 for 2D1N package
Address: PT. Labengki Nirwana Resort, JL. IR. H. Alala By Pass No. 144 Kendari
Contact: +62 823 4428 8999
Website | Facebook | Instagram
2. Nihi Sumba Resort
Bringing luxury to another level of perfection, this resort truly attests to their vision of "returning to a life well lived" ? It's nestled in the heart of nature and is the only resort on the gorgeous island. So you're rest assured of utmost privacy!
Here you will be pampered with so many choices of accommodations, each with its own merits. If you love the water, opt for their wavefront villas! With the water, beach and mountains all within sight - there's really nothing left to do than for you to unwind and relax.
Don't spend all your time here lazing around though! There's plenty of activities to indulge in, from beach horse riding to a Spa Safari which boasts breathtaking views of the ocean. The resort caters to any diet, so rest assured that upon request, you will be served Halal food.
#HHWT Tip: To get here, Sumba Island is close to Bali. From Ngurah Rai International Airport in Denpasar, Bali, take a 90-minute domestic flight to Sumba, then another 90-minute road trip to the resort.
Rate: Starts from RM3,747 / IDR 12,676,985
Address: Hoba Wawi, Wanokaka, Kabupaten Sumba Barat, East Nusa Tenggara
Contact: +62 811 3978 550
Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Nabucco Island Resort
Just off the east coast of Kalimantan (Borneo) is this secret island resort that lays hidden and unknown to many. Immerse yourself in an exotic combination of nature and the best of service here!
The resorts might look simple from the inside, but they have an amazing view and direct access to the pristine beach! Best part is that it's more affordable compared to the other hidden resorts ?
#HHWT Tip:
To get to the resort, fly to Balikpapan in East Kalimantan. Then, take a 1-hour domestic flight over the amazing jungle and mountains will take you to either Berau or Tarakan. A resort employee will welcome you and take you to the nearby jetty for the 3-hour boat ride to Nabucco Island Resort.Rate: Starts from RM412 / IDR 1,393,893
Address: Nabucco Island Resort, East Kalimantan – Maratua Atoll, Indonesia
Contact: +620 812 540 6636
4. Gangga Island Resort and Spa
Many have heard of Manado, but not many know of Gangga Island. It is here that the Indian and the Pacific Oceans meet and where your dream island vacation comes true ?
The resort lies on a calm beach surrounded by tropical trees and plants at the base of a jungle-covered hill. It boasts beachfront bungalows for any combination of traveller groups, a fully equipped dive center, a salt-water infinity pool, open-air restaurants, top-of-the-line spa, and free babysitting services! Yay ?
Try their outdoor Bamboo Restaurant which serves fresh fish barbecues 2 nights a week, accompanied by amazing Polynesian style music! They serve a wide variety of menus, but the chefs will do their utmost to accommodate any dietary request, including Halal food. Check their live music schedule ahead of time to plan your trip!
#HHWT Tip: Head by rented van from Manado airport to Serei pier (1-hour ride) where you will be met by one of the resort boats, then take a 20-minute boat trip from mainland Sulawesi to Gangga Island.
Rate: Starts from RM1,038 / IDR 3,511,799 on Agoda
Address: Pulau Gangga, Desa Gangga Satu, Likupang Barat, Manado, North Sulawesi
Contact: +62 815 2301 943
Website | Facebook | Instagram
5. Jeeva Klui Resort
From the moment you arrive at this resort, you’ll know that your beach vacation will be different this time. This is the resort known for its spectacular beauty and environmental-friendliness!
This resort is on Lombok Island, combining the ease of its mainland location and the hidden chunk of pristine beach only a few know. Don’t worry, this doesn’t mean they come with exorbitant price tags? They have different types of accommodations for every budget!
We recommend telling the resort in advance of your dietary requirements as they do serve alcohol!
#HHWT Tip: Fly to Lombok International Airport (or to Bali then take a boat trip to Lombok), then take a taxi to the above address.
Rate: Starts from RM339 / IDR 1,146,917 on Agoda
Address: Jalan Raya Klui Beach no. 1, Lombok 83352, West Nusa Tenggara
Contact: +62 370 693035
Website | Facebook | Instagram
6. Bawah Island
This island is so secluded (and exclusive ?) that you need a private plane to get there. Private planes to islands have always been synonymous to the Maldives but now that you know there's another alternative, your dreams can be a reality!
The entire resort is modern yet retains its traditional touch. We love the gorgeous blend of both! Don't stay indoors too much though as there's plenty to explore here. The area has five islands totalling more than 300 hectares and offers you ample space to unwind and explore this piece of the lost paradise?
The best part is that their rates include everything from the round trip transfers to water activities and massage services!
Try ordering the chef’s version of Bubur Sumsum, the Indonesian classic dessert. You won’t regret it!
#HHWT Tip: A limo cab picks you up at any location in Singapore, followed by a short ferry to Batam, Indonesia. From Batam airport, you will take a 70-minute flight aboard a private Bawah Seaplane, landing in the stunning lagoon right in front of your suite. Total journey time is around 3.5 hours.
Rate: Starts from RM8,290 / IDR 28,047,026
Address: Pulau Bawah, Desa Kiabu, Kepulauan Riau
Contact: +62 7781 163 3937
Website | Facebook | Instagram
7. Telunas Resort
At Telunas Resort, you get to choose between a pristine private island or at a classic beach resort. Both are overwater bungalows and whichever you opt for, you can be assured that it's amazing enough to indulge you in the best of nature!
Besides water activities, you can trek to the top of the island, learn to cook Indonesian delicacies, or stargaze with a telescope - without the city's light pollution!
To preserve the maximum comfort for guests, the resort has several “adult-only” dates. Do check this on the official website before booking if you plan to have a family vacation with your kids there!
#HHWT Tip: Fly or take a ferry to Batam. You will be welcomed at Sekupang International Ferry Terminal in Batam by the resort’s team for a boat ride of around 1 hour and 40 minutes to Telunas.
Rate: Starts from RM248 / IDR 839,042 on Agoda
Address: Pulau Sugi, Mentangun, Moro, Kabupaten Karimun, Kepulauan Riau
Contact: +62 811 7710 951
Website | Facebook | Instagram
8. Cubadak Paradiso Village
If the above resorts are not private enough for you, Cubadak Paradiso Village will do the trick! Its bungalows are facing the sea and spaced out comfortably from one another. There's even an overwater bungalow if you decide to splurge on the vacation or a family suite for the whole gang.
Make sure you spend enough time roaming around the beautiful island and meet locals who would be more than happy to welcome you!
You don't have to worry about Halal food as the area where the resort is located is home to one of the highest Muslim majority in the country!
#HHWT Tip: Fly to Padang (West Sumatera), and take a car-ride of 1.5 to 2 hours to the shore. Then, take a 15-minute boat ride to Cubadak Paradiso Village.
Rates: Starts from RM725 / IDR 2,452,846 on Agoda
Address: Pulau Cubadak, Kecamatan XI Tarusan, Koto XI Tarusan, Pesisir Selatan, West Sumatera
Contact: +62 812 6637 609
9. Palambak Island Resort
Located in Aceh, Indonesia's “Gate to Mecca” province, Palambak Island offers both ecotourism and adventure activities on top of its amazing accommodation!
You might not find extravagant luxury here, but everything is worth the rate and going back to nature will make you appreciate the simple things in life even more? Perhaps you can even try beach camping to complete your experience! As the resort is located in Aceh, you can be assured that the food served is Halal.
#HHWT Tip: Fly to Medan (North Sumatera), then head to Singkil (either by 40-minute domestic flight or 8-hour road trip). From Singkil, take a 4-hour boat ride to the main island in Kepulauan Banyak, then another 1.5 hours to Palambak.
Rate: Starts from RM74 / IDR 250,000
Address: Jl. Pembangunan No. 110, P.B. Selayang I, Medan Selayang, Medan, 20131 Sumatera Utara - Indonesia
Contact: +62 812 608 1916
10. Pulau Weh Resort
Pulau Weh is the northernmost point in Indonesian archipelago, just northwest off Sumatera Island. It boasts the rich tropical ecosystem of Andaman Sea, and is home to out-of-the-world creatures like rare megamouth sharks and exotic forest toads. So yes, snorkeling is definitely a must here?
Whether you choose to have a sea or garden view, all the bungalows are a stone's throw away from the beach and they have a private garden! We recommend taking a walk at the long jetty of the island whhich has amazing view of the horizon. Totally instagrammable!
As the resort is also located in the Aceh province, only Halal food will be served.
#HHWT Tip: Fly to Banda Aceh, the capital of Aceh Province. From Banda Aceh airport, the resort’s team will take you by a private car to the jetty for a boat ride to Pulau Weh (then another short transfer to the resort).
Rate: Starts from RM750 / IDR 2,537,427 on Agoda
Address: Iboih, Sukakarya, Sabang, Pulau Weh, Aceh
Contact: +62 652 332 4919
Now look at this neat map with the spots all around Indonesia you’ll be travelling to. What are you waiting for? Start turning your dreams into reality by booking these resorts now?