Indonesia is often associated with Bali’s beaches and Jakarta’s busy city life, but there is much more to discover across the country’s thousands of islands. From quiet coastal escapes and lush landscapes to creative cities and historic neighbourhoods, Indonesia offers plenty of experiences for travellers looking to explore beyond the usual routes.
For those planning their next trip, these destinations offer a different side of the country, with opportunities to slow down, discover local culture and enjoy Indonesia’s natural beauty while staying at properties that make exploring each destination more convenient.
Discover a Different Side of Indonesia
Ubud, Bali
Even on an island as popular as Bali, there are still places where travellers can find a quieter pace. Ubud remains one of the best areas to experience Bali’s natural surroundings, with rice terraces, forests and traditional wellness experiences.
Travellers looking for a more peaceful stay can head to Hiliwatu, Bali Ubud, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, an eco-conscious retreat surrounded by greenery and rice terraces. The property offers a chance to reconnect with nature, with large glass windows overlooking the surroundings, private heated pools in selected villa areas and spa treatments inspired by Balinese healing traditions.
Beyond the resort, visitors can explore Ubud’s rice fields, temples, art spaces and local villages while enjoying a slower side of Bali.
Lombok
Just a short journey from Bali, Lombok offers a more relaxed island experience, with white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, waterfalls and dramatic mountain scenery. It is also an excellent destination for travellers interested in experiencing Sasak culture and exploring the natural landscape.
On Lombok’s northern coast, The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Lombok provides a base for exploring the island. Guests can paddleboard along calm waters, discover coral reefs around the Gili Islands or simply spend time on the resort’s stretch of white-sand beach.
With views towards Mount Rinjani and Mount Agung, Lombok is well suited to travellers who want a combination of outdoor activities, local culture and time to unwind.
Belitung
For a quieter coastal escape, Belitung in western Indonesia offers a landscape shaped by distinctive granite rock formations and clear waters. The island is part of the Belitong UNESCO Global Geopark, making it an interesting destination for travellers who enjoy nature and geology alongside a beach holiday.
Sheraton Belitung Resort offers an eco-luxury stay close to the island’s natural attractions. Visitors can spend their days exploring the coastline, discovering the island’s geological formations or enjoying the clear waters before returning to the resort for a more relaxed evening.
Bandung
Indonesia’s hidden gems are not limited to beaches and islands. Bandung offers a different experience, combining cool weather, creative culture, fashion and food.
Known as the “Paris van Java”, the city is home to local fashion labels, cafés, restaurants and historic architecture. Travellers can explore Gedung Sate, walk through the heritage streets of Braga or sample Bandung’s diverse culinary scene.
For accommodation, Four Points by Sheraton Bandung is located in the Dago area, offering a convenient base for exploring the city while also providing views of the surrounding mountains.
Lampung
On the southern tip of Sumatra, Lampung offers a coastal experience that is still relatively under the radar for many international travellers. The region combines beaches, natural scenery and local culinary traditions.
Lampung Marriott Resort & Spa sits along Hurun Beach and offers a resort-style escape with views of the coast. Food lovers can also make the most of its three restaurants, while the surrounding area provides opportunities to experience Lampung’s landscapes and local culture.
Manado
Further north, Manado is a destination where food and outdoor experiences come together. The city is known for its bold and spicy cuisine, while the surrounding region offers opportunities for marine adventures and nature exploration.
Courtyard by Marriott Manado provides a contemporary base within a premium golf complex and is around 10 minutes from the airport. Travellers can explore local Manado dishes before relaxing by the outdoor pool or spending time on the golf course.
Jakarta
While Jakarta is best known as Indonesia’s bustling capital, the city also has a quieter historical side. In Menteng, travellers can discover colonial-era architecture, independent shops and some of the capital’s long-standing neighbourhoods.
The Hermitage, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Jakarta occupies an Art Deco building dating from the 1920s, offering a glimpse into another period of the city’s history. From the hotel, visitors can explore Jalan Surabaya’s antique shops or head towards Blok M to discover cafés, creative spaces and newer urban hangouts.
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is one of Indonesia’s best destinations for travellers interested in art, history and Javanese culture. While the city is a popular gateway to famous temples, there is plenty to experience beyond the main attractions.
Visitors can explore the historic silver workshops and streets of Kotagede or visit the Ullen Sentalu Museum, which houses collections connected to Javanese royal heritage and sits against the backdrop of Mount Merapi.
Yogyakarta Marriott Hotel offers modern accommodation while providing a convenient base for exploring the city and its surrounding cultural attractions.
Surakarta
A short drive from Yogyakarta, Surakarta, also known as Solo, offers another perspective on Javanese heritage. The city is closely associated with traditional arts, batik and royal history.
Staying at Moxy Solo puts travellers along Jalan Slamet Riyadi, one of the city’s main thoroughfares. From here, visitors can explore the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace, discover local batik traditions and experience the city’s more relaxed atmosphere.
Surabaya
Surabaya combines a modern urban atmosphere with a long history as one of Indonesia’s major port cities. Its revitalised Old Town, colonial architecture and historic landmarks provide plenty for travellers to explore.
Visitors can walk around Surabaya Old Town, see Tugu Pahlawan and visit the historic Sunan Ampel Mosque. For a more contemporary experience, the city also has a growing selection of restaurants and lifestyle spaces.
JW Marriott Hotel Surabaya offers a central base for exploring the city, with six dining options within the hotel itself.
Marriott Bonvoy Offers More Ways to Explore Indonesia
To support travellers exploring these destinations, Marriott Bonvoy has launched its “There’s More to Indonesia” campaign, centred around the idea of “More to Explore, More to Experience”.
Members can receive 10% off room rates when booking directly through Marriott’s official channels at participating hotels and resorts across Indonesia. The offer is available for bookings made until 31 October 2026, with stays valid until 31 March 2027.
The campaign highlights the range of experiences available across Indonesia, from quiet island retreats and coastal escapes to culinary journeys and cultural discoveries in the country’s cities.
“Indonesia is a destination with diverse attractions to explore. Through our extensive portfolio of participating hotels across Indonesia, we are excited to open the doors for travellers to discover experiences that go far beyond mainstream destinations,” said Ramesh Jackson, Regional Vice President, Indonesia & Malaysia, Marriott International.
Cover: Athony Tampubolon/Pexels
Photo: Marriott International
