Skip Jakarta. Go Straight to Bali (and Beyond)

I’ll say it straight: Jakarta is not for everyone. If you’re expecting a graceful entry into Indonesia, the capital might not deliver. It’s chaotic, intense, and demands energy. So unless you’re going for work or family, I always suggest flying in — and flying out — as soon as possible.

Sunset Indonesia

Sunset Nusa Penida

Because Bali awaits. And Bali, if approached with the right mindset, is every bit as magical as you hope it will be.

But even more — beyond Bali lie the Nusa islands and the Gili archipelago, each offering a slice of paradise with its own rhythm. Nusa Lembongan is laid-back, perfect for quiet mornings and snorkeling afternoons. Nusa Penida is wild and dramatic, with cliffs that look photoshopped and beaches that feel like secrets. The Gili Islands — especially Gili Air — are soft, slow, and barefoot-luxury kind of lovely.

Kelingking Beach, Indonesia

For those who want a trip that blends soul, sun, and scenery, I design routes that skip the obvious and dive into the moments people remember: cooking classes in Ubud, sunrise yoga overlooking rice terraces, boat rides under impossible skies.

Indonesia is massive. You can’t do it all in one trip. But you can do it right. And sometimes, that starts by skipping the obvious starting point and heading straight to where the real wonder begins.

If you're planning to explore the Gili Islands, getting there from Bali usually involves a fast boat — around 90 minutes, depending on weather. From Gili to Gili, you can hop on a local boat, often shared and charmingly informal. Each island offers its own atmosphere: Gili Trawangan is social and lively, Gili Meno is peaceful and romantic, and Gili Air strikes a soft balance between the two. You don’t need to pick just one.

The Nusa islands are similarly accessible: you can reach Nusa Lembongan or Nusa Penida by speedboat from Sanur, often in under 40 minutes. Once there, renting a scooter is the best way to explore — if you’re feeling adventurous. Otherwise, private drivers are available and surprisingly affordable. The connection between these islands is quick and easy, which means your adventure doesn’t have to feel rushed.

Activities? Snorkeling is non-negotiable. Swimming with manta rays near Nusa Penida is an unforgettable thrill — almost meditative, strangely humbling. And the sea turtles around Gili Meno glide by so gracefully you’ll forget you're just a visitor. Add in hikes to clifftop viewpoints, temple visits, island hopping by boat, and evenings lit by lanterns on the beach, and you have a rhythm that’s slow, rich, and absolutely unforgettable.