Bali has long been one of Indonesia’s biggest tourist magnets, but could 2027 be the year travellers start looking elsewhere? According to a travel forecast from European news outlet Euronews, Indonesia’s lesser-explored destinations could attract more attention as visitors seek quieter, more authentic experiences beyond the island’s familiar hotspots.
In its travel predictions for 2027, Euronews highlighted a growing interest in destinations away from crowded tourist centres. Bali remains a beautiful holiday destination, but concerns about overtourism, traffic congestion and rising prices could encourage some travellers to explore other parts of Indonesia instead.
The good news? Indonesia has thousands of islands to explore, from volcanic landscapes and wildlife-rich national parks to remote archipelagos with incredible marine life. Here are three destinations that could be worth adding to your 2027 travel plans.
1. Lombok for Beaches and Mountain Adventures
Just east of Bali, Lombok offers a different pace of travel, with beautiful coastlines, rural landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventures. It could appeal to visitors who want to enjoy Indonesia’s natural beauty without sticking to Bali’s busiest tourist areas.
One of the island’s biggest attractions is Mount Rinjani, Indonesia’s second-highest volcano. Its dramatic landscapes and challenging trekking routes make it a favourite among adventure seekers, although climbing conditions and permits should be checked before planning a trip.
Lombok also offers beaches, traditional villages and access to the Gili Islands, where visitors can enjoy snorkelling and clear tropical waters. Travellers may find accommodation and dining options at different price points, although costs depend on the area, season and type of trip.
For anyone who loves outdoor activities and wants to explore beyond Bali, Lombok could be a strong contender for a 2027 getaway.
2. Komodo National Park for Wildlife and Island Hopping
For a holiday that combines wildlife encounters with spectacular scenery, Komodo National Park is another destination to consider. Located in East Nusa Tenggara, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its Komodo dragons, the world’s largest living lizards.
Visitors can join guided trips to see these remarkable animals in their natural habitat, while the surrounding islands offer plenty of opportunities for boat trips, snorkelling and diving. The park’s rugged hills, white-sand beaches and clear waters also make it a popular choice for travellers who enjoy exploring multiple islands in one journey.
Beyond Komodo dragons, the surrounding area is home to a range of wildlife, including deer, sea turtles, dolphins and whales. Marine activities can offer a closer look at the region’s rich underwater ecosystems, although sightings depend on conditions and the time of year.
Komodo National Park could be particularly appealing to travellers who want more than a typical beach holiday. With wildlife, hiking and island-hopping experiences in one destination, it offers plenty of reasons to venture beyond Indonesia’s best-known tourist spots.
3. Raja Ampat for Remote Islands and Marine Life
If your idea of a dream holiday involves remote islands, vivid blue waters and extraordinary marine life, Raja Ampat deserves a place on your list. Located in Southwest Papua, this archipelago is internationally recognised for its remarkable marine biodiversity and impressive coral reef ecosystems.
The region is made up of hundreds of islands and islets, many surrounded by clear waters and dramatic limestone formations. Travellers can explore by boat, visit secluded beaches, snorkel above coral reefs or go diving to discover the underwater world.
Raja Ampat is also a destination for those who prefer a more remote travel experience. Getting there generally requires flights to the region followed by boat transfers, so planning ahead is essential. Accommodation and transport options can also be more limited than in major tourist centres, making it important to organise the trip carefully.
Although reaching Raja Ampat takes more effort, the reward is an opportunity to experience one of Indonesia’s most distinctive natural environments. For travellers looking to escape crowded holiday destinations in 2027, it could be an unforgettable alternative.
Why Travellers Could Look Beyond Bali in 2027
The forecast reflects a wider interest in travel experiences that feel less crowded and more connected to nature and local surroundings. While Bali continues to attract visitors with its beaches, restaurants, cultural attractions and established tourism infrastructure, its popularity has also brought challenges, including congestion and rising costs in some areas.
Destinations such as Lombok, Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat offer different experiences, from mountain trekking and wildlife encounters to diving and remote island exploration. They also highlight how much more Indonesia has to offer beyond its most famous holiday island.
However, this does not mean Bali is disappearing from travellers’ itineraries. Instead, the prediction suggests that some visitors may be more willing to explore alternative destinations or combine Bali with trips to other parts of the country.
If you are planning your 2027 holiday, consider what kind of experience you want most. Lombok may suit beach lovers and hikers, Komodo National Park is ideal for wildlife and island adventures, while Raja Ampat could be the perfect choice for travellers drawn to marine life and remote landscapes.
