We want to get away from the crowds and discover less touristy treasures when travelling.
That’s why I was so happy to spot these ten secret places on my most recent trip to Eastern Indonesia, where I visited the provinces of Maluku (also called the Moluccas, Spice Islands or Moluccas) and Raja Ampat. Indonesia is so much more than Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands. The further you go from these destinations, the more opportunities you have to see heavenly places neglected by tourists.
How to discover the best spots while travelling
These hidden spots can all be found on Hidden Place, the ultimate guide to discovering travel destinations like a “local.” Make sure to save these remote places for when you plan your next adventure in Indonesia. If you feel like an explorer, you can also register on Hidden Place to share your hidden spots with their growing community of travellers.
10 spots not to be missed in Eastern Indonesia
Viewpoint on the Island of Kri
For a magnificent 360-degree view of the whole island of Kri, you have to trek for about 45 minutes across the jungle to reach the viewpoint. From the top, you can even see the neighbouring island of Mansuar and the sandbar that separates the two islands.
To find out how to get to this viewpoint and to discover tons of other hidden places around the world, download the Hidden Place app.
Starfish Bay on the Isle of Fam
This bay is aptly named because it is shaped like a starfish. The snorkelling here is phenomenal with fish and corals just like you’d see in an aquarium, only better.
To discover this heavenly bay, download the Hidden Place app.
Scuba diving with Wobbegong Dive Adventure
It is impossible to visit Raja Ampat without exploring the seabed. It’s the ideal place to marvel at turtles, reef sharks, manta rays and thousands of other species of fish and coral. For scuba diving, a visit to Wobbegong Dive Adventure is a must if you want to explore Cape Kri, Sardine Reef and Blue Magic.
To visit this destination on your own, download the Hidden Place app.
Bobale Island
There are no guesthouses on Bobale. For the rare travellers who venture to this island (which receives on average ten tourists per year), it is necessary to go to the village chief and ask his permission to lodge there. Since hardly anyone speaks English on the island, you will need to fully integrate into Indonesian culture.
To live an authentic experience on Bobale Island and find out how to get there, download the Hidden Place app.
Dukono Volcano on Halmahera Island
An ash cloud permanently surrounds the Dukono volcano on the island of Halmahera. The crater is accessible by a two-day jungle trek with a guide. Once at the top, it is possible to see the lava inside.
For the adventure of a lifetime at Dukono Volcano, download the Hidden Place app.
Kupa Kupa Beach
Owned by a German-Indonesian couple, Kupa Kupa Beach Cottage is the perfect place to watch the sunrise on the beach. There is an incredible coral reef for snorkelling, but watch out for sea snakes!
To swim or watch the sunrise in Kupa Kupa, download the Hidden Place app.
Ternate Island
You can easily cover the cone-shaped volcanic island of Ternate can easily in a day. The best way to explore the island is to rent a scooter to discover ruins, black sand beaches, lava fields and volcanic crater lakes.
To explore Ternate Island, download the Hidden Place app.
City of Jailolo
Jailola is one of the most beautiful cities in this region of Indonesia. The main attraction is the port at sunset. On the horizon, you can see the cone-shaped volcanic islands of Ternate and Tidor. With its magnificent red and white mosque and multicoloured houses, the town of Jailolo is picture-perfect.
To marvel at this sunset and find out how to get there, download the Hidden Place app.
Coral reef in Putih Lessi
Just outside Putih Lessi Indah (a small off-the-beaten-path resort on Saparua Island) is a huge coral reef where it’s easy to spend several hours watching the fish. It is even possible to see leopard sharks there!
To admire the coral reef in Putih Lessi and to discover other hidden places on the planet, download the Hidden Place app.
Sunset at Yengkawe Homestay
Hidden away in a small bay in the jungle, Yengkawe Homestay on Waigeo Island has its own private beach and pier overlooking the sea. It is the perfect place to rest and admire the sunset after a day of jungle trekking in search of the birds of paradise.
