Beyond Bali: Sailing Through Indonesia’s Hidden Island
Published: May 12, 2026
Author: Haley Whitelaw, Independent Travel Advisor at Ellison Travel
When most people think of Indonesia, Bali is the first (and sometimes only) destination that comes to mind — the beach clubs, the yoga retreats, the bustling nightlife. And while Bali absolutely has its place, I recently discovered a side of Indonesia that feels a world away from the well-worn tourist trail.
I joined a small-group sailing adventure with Intrepid Travel that took us from Bali through a chain of lesser-known Indonesian islands — Kenawa, Satonda, Banta, Rinca, Moyo, and finally Lombok — and I can say without hesitation that it’s one of the best trips I’ve ever taken across 24 countries.
Here’s why.
A Smart Stopover in Taipei
I flew into Denpasar aboard EVA Air with a connection through Taipei, and I’d highly recommend building a layover into any long-haul flight to Southeast Asia if you can. I booked a five-hour stay at the Plaza Premium Lounge, and it completely changed the travel day. Fresh hot food, comfortable seating, a private shower — I boarded my connecting flight to Bali feeling refreshed instead of running on fumes.
If you’re flying to Indonesia from Canada and dreading the journey, a quality lounge stopover makes all the difference.
Settling into Bali
After landing in Denpasar, I checked into The Vira Bali Boutique Hotel & Suite — a lovely courtyard-style property centred around a tranquil pool area. It was the ideal spot to rest up before the sailing itinerary began.
That evening, our group gathered for dinner and met our Intrepid leader along with the fellow travellers who would soon become our companions for the week ahead. There’s something about that first-night energy on a group trip — a mix of excitement and curiosity — that always sets the tone beautifully.
Bali’s Sacred Side: Monkeys, Spirits & Ancient Traditions
Before boarding our sailboat, we had a free morning to explore Bali with a private local guide, and one of the highlights was visiting the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary near Ubud.
The sanctuary is both a conservation area and an active spiritual site. Conservationists are on hand to make sure tourists behave respectfully around the monkeys, who are playful, clever, and more than a little mischievous. My advice? Leave anything loose in your bag — these little ones will grab whatever they can carry off.
Watching the baby monkeys interact with their mothers was delightful, but what fascinated me most was the spiritual atmosphere woven throughout the forest. Many trees were wrapped in ceremonial cloths signifying the belief that spirits inhabit the area, and several sacred structures on the grounds are still actively used for ceremonies — completely off-limits to visitors.
Our guide also explained local Balinese burial traditions, where families may temporarily bury the deceased while preparing for ceremonial cremation rites. It was the kind of insight that gave me a much deeper understanding of Balinese spirituality than any typical tourist experience could.
Later, we attended a traditional Balinese Barong dance performance — dramatic makeup, intricate costumes, live gamelan music, storytelling, and puppetry all woven together. Our guide even brought us backstage to watch the performers getting ready, which made the whole experience feel personal and immersive in a way I hadn’t expected.
Life on a Sailboat in Indonesia
That afternoon, we boarded our sailboat and settled into what would become our floating home for the next several days.
The accommodations were surprisingly comfortable — cozy cabins, a relaxing sun deck, onboard meals, games, cocktails, and plenty of space to just sit and watch the scenery drift by. After a welcome dinner, we began sailing overnight while we slept, waking up each morning somewhere entirely new.
There’s something truly magical about falling asleep under the stars and opening your eyes to a remote island appearing on the horizon. If you’ve ever wanted to completely disconnect, this is how you do it.
Kenawa Island: Turquoise Water & Total Serenity
Our first island stop was Kenawa, a tiny uninhabited island surrounded by brilliant turquoise water.
The heat was intense (sun hats and plenty of water are non-negotiable here), but we hiked uphill for panoramic views overlooking the island and our sailboat anchored offshore. Standing up there, looking back at our little vessel bobbing in all that blue — it was one of those “pinch me” travel moments.
The crew surprised us with refreshments and snacks brought right to shore, and we spent the rest of the afternoon back on the boat with drinks, games, and easy conversation as we sailed onward.
Hiking a Volcanic Crater on Satonda Island
Next came Satonda Island — a volcanic island with a crater lake formed by rainwater collected inside the caldera.
I’ll be upfront: the hike to the viewpoint was the most physically demanding part of the trip. But it was absolutely worth every step. From the top, the crater lake looked almost surreal, framed by lush greenery with the ocean stretching out beyond it.
Along the way, we startled large colonies of fruit bats into flight — an incredible thing to witness up close. And after the climb, we were rewarded with a swim in the crater lake itself, which was the most refreshing cool-down I could have asked for.
That evening, the vibe onboard shifted into full celebration mode. Karaoke broke out on deck, everyone sang late into the night, and at some point I looked up and realised I had never seen stars so bright in my life. With zero light pollution anywhere around us, the night sky was absolutely overwhelming. That’s a moment I’ll carry with me for a very long time.
Walking Among Komodo Dragons on Rinca Island
The stretch through Komodo National Park was the part of the journey I’d been anticipating the most.
While many travellers know about Komodo Island, we actually visited nearby Rinca Island, which offered a quieter, less crowded experience — and honestly, I’d recommend it over Komodo for that reason alone.
Walking among Komodo dragons in their natural habitat was both exhilarating and intimidating. They truly look prehistoric — enormous, powerful, and unlike anything else I’ve ever encountered in the wild. Conservation staff guided visitors carefully along protected boardwalk trails, keeping both humans and dragons safe.
What I didn’t expect was the cultural element. We learned about the deep spiritual connection local communities feel toward the Komodo dragons, believing that the well-being of both species is intertwined. It added a layer of meaning that went well beyond the “bucket list” moment.
Nearby on Banta Island, we visited a stunning pink sand beach at sunset. Watching the pink-toned sky reflect onto the blush-coloured sand was one of the most visually surreal moments of the entire trip — and that’s saying something on a journey full of them.
Waterfalls, Village Life & the Heart of Lombok
On Moyo Island, we hiked to a lush waterfall where we swam beneath the cascading water. Another pinch-me moment in a trip already overflowing with them.
But the most meaningful part of the entire journey came in Lombok.
One of the things that truly set Intrepid apart was the presence of two exceptional Indonesian guides from Lombok itself. Throughout the trip, they shared insights into religion, family life, cultural traditions, and social norms in a way that made every destination feel deeply personal.
At one point, we visited the home village of one of our guides — a place rarely visited by tourists. As we arrived, the village welcomed us with a musical parade traditionally reserved for special occasions like newlyweds returning home.
It was incredibly moving.
Children laughed and sang while families stepped outside their homes to watch us pass by. In a lovely twist, many of the locals were actually taking photos of us — because foreign visitors were such a rarity there.
We spent time learning traditional weaving techniques from local women, tasting Indonesian coffee, walking through rice paddies, observing farming practices, and sharing a homemade lunch prepared with extraordinary care and hospitality. Since Lombok is predominantly Muslim, I made sure to dress respectfully by covering my shoulders and knees — a small gesture that felt important and appropriate as a visitor.
Compared to Bali’s busy tourism scene, Lombok offered something quieter and more grounded — a slower, more authentic connection to everyday Indonesian life. It was, without a doubt, the emotional highlight of the trip.
Why This Trip Stood Out
I’ve been fortunate to travel to 24 countries, but this sailing journey through Indonesia stands out as one of the very best.
Part of that was the destinations themselves — volcanic craters, pink sand beaches, Komodo dragons, waterfalls, and villages untouched by mass tourism. But a large part was the style of travel. Sailing between remote islands removed the stress of logistics and planning entirely, letting us simply be present and experience each place as it came.
What impressed me most about Intrepid Travel was how intentional the itinerary felt. The trip emphasised respectful cultural exchange, environmental conservation, and supporting smaller local economies rather than feeding into over-tourism. It never felt rushed, performative, or commercialised. Instead, it felt immersive, thoughtful, and deeply human.
My Top Tips for Sailing Indonesia
- Build in a layover. A quality lounge stopover (like the Plaza Premium Lounge in Taipei) on your way to Southeast Asia can completely change how you feel when you arrive. It’s worth the small investment.
- Pack for the heat. Sun hats, reef-safe sunscreen, and a reusable water bottle are absolute essentials. The tropical heat is no joke, especially on island hikes.
- Be open to small-group travel. Sailing with a small group meant we could access places that larger tours simply can’t reach. It also meant the cultural exchanges felt genuine, not staged.
- Dress respectfully in Lombok. Covering shoulders and knees is appreciated in Muslim-majority communities and goes a long way as a sign of respect.
- Say yes to the unexpected. Some of the best moments — karaoke under the stars, a village welcome parade, fruit bats lifting off a volcanic crater — aren’t things you can plan for. Just let them happen.
Ready to Go Beyond Bali?
Indonesia is so much more than beach clubs and yoga retreats. If you’re looking for a trip that combines adventure, culture, wildlife, and genuine connection — this sailing itinerary is one I’d recommend to anyone.
Get in touch with me, Haley Whitelaw, at Ellison Travel & Tours — I’d love to help you plan your own Indonesian adventure.
