An Indonesian island fast becoming a hotspot is Sumba, a few islands east of Bali in the East Nusa Tenggara province. It’s a more quiet alternative to its (at times) rowdy cousin, thanks to its mingling of pristine beaches populated by wild horses and buffalo, and enduring traditional culture. Days can be spent paying a visit to these clusters of thatch house-based villages, and purchasing locally crafted ikat, or surfing the many crystal-clear breaks around the island. Post-adventure, curl up in one of the growing number of luxury resorts that call this place home, Nihi Sumba included.

Slightly more developed is Lombok, a hotel-laden sandy stretch surrounded by turquoise waters that’s a part of the Lesser Sunda Island chain. Lombok has long been a favourite among surfers thanks to its many breaks, like Kuta and Banko Banko. But it’s not all beach-based activities – trek resident volcano Mount Rinjani or visit one of the island’s many waterfalls like Tiu Kelep. Getting to Lombok from Bali is also easy – jump on a quick flight, or do as the locals do and join a long-haul ferry (if you fancy an adventure).

While it’s Nusa Lembongan (and near adjoining Nusa Ceningan) that tends to attract the crowds, the duo’s cousin Nusa Penida is just as eye-catching. This rugged beauty of sharp cliffs fringed by idyllic beaches has no shortage of adventurous offerings both on and off shore. Go snorkelling with the local manta rays, drop by the cave-based Pura Goa Giri Putri Temple and make the clamber down (and back up again) to the Instagram favourite Kelingking or T-rex Beach.

If you have a soft spot for the wilderness, make your way straight to Flores. Sitting east of the Komodo Islands, this place is the gateway to Komodo National Park meaning it has no shortage of unspoilt beauty. Even when it comes out to sea – divers will already be well-acquainted with Flores thanks to its 50 revered dive sites among its surrounding reef. But you’ll also find Kelimutu National Park on Flores, which boasts a volcano and 3 richly coloured crater lakes, plus hot springs and caves galore.

For diehard surfers, one of the best alternatives to Bali is the Mentawais. A cluster of islands and islets 150 kilometres (ish) off western Sumatra, this place is somewhat of a surfing mecca. It’s not exactly easy to get her – you’ll need to fly into Padang from Jakarta or Singapore, then grab a boat (or two) to your island of choice. But for surfers (or those seeking solitude) it’s an effort that’s worth it courtesy of the paradise promised. Picture empty white sand beaches, crystalline waters, and consistent swell.