Australia’s Favorite Bali Alternative: Why Aussies Are Being Encouraged to Explore Beyond Bali
Australia’s long-standing passion for Bali remains strong, with around 1.5 million Australian tourists visiting the island annually. The appeal is understandable: Bali offers a comparatively short flight from Australia (five to 10 hours depending on departure city), diverse attractions, wellness retreats, and affordable travel experiences. However, Indonesian tourism officials and industry experts are now urging Australian travelers to broaden their horizons and discover other captivating destinations within Indonesia.
The Push to Explore Indonesia’s “Super Five” Destinations
While Bali continues to attract waves of tourists who flock to popular hubs like Kuta, Seminyak, Canggu, Legian, and Ubud, authorities are promoting a diversification strategy aimed at distributing tourism more evenly throughout the archipelago. This approach is designed not only to mitigate the effects of overtourism in Bali but also to spread economic benefits to other regions that offer unique cultural and natural experiences.
Central to this strategy is Indonesia’s “super five prioritisation plan,” which highlights five emerging tourist destinations identified as poised to become the “next Balis” for both international and domestic visitors:
- Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara
- Lake Toba in Sumatra
- Borobudur in Java
- Mandalika in Lombok
- Likupung in North Sulawesi
Labuan Bajo: The Rising Star of Indonesian Tourism
Among these destinations, Labuan Bajo is receiving special attention. This vibrant port town is the gateway to Komodo National Park, renowned worldwide as the natural habitat of the famous Komodo dragons. Besides its unique wildlife, Labuan Bajo boasts stunning coral-rich waters, picturesque coastal views, and a growing reputation as an exclusive eco-tourism hotspot.
Dwi Marhen Yono, the director of domestic tourism marketing at Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, emphasizes the goal is “quality tourism” rather than mass tourism in Labuan Bajo. He describes the town as the “Land of Thousand Sunsets” because of its spectacular coastal vistas that enchant visitors.
Unique Experiences and Affordable Luxury
Simon Bell, managing director of Wendy Wu Tours Australia, highlights that places like Labuan Bajo offer a richer and more relaxed travel experience compared to Bali’s busy tourist districts. “There’s a wealth of cultural, natural and historical treasures across Indonesia that deserve more attention,” he told news.com.au.
Travel bloggers and TikTokers have started raving about Labuan Bajo as a must-visit destination, noting that it is more affordable than Bali and dramatically cheaper than luxury destinations such as the Maldives. Overwater bungalow resorts have recently opened in the area, offering travelers luxury experiences akin to those found in the Maldives but at a fraction of the cost.
Australian travel influencer Shannon Thomson shared on TikTok that “you don’t have to travel to the Maldives and spend thousands of dollars to enjoy overwater luxury.” She calls Labuan Bajo “the gateway to Komodo Island,” just an hour’s flight from Bali, making it an accessible yet distinctive addition to any Indonesian itinerary.
Seamless Access and Expanded Flight Options
Reaching Labuan Bajo from Bali takes approximately one hour and 20 minutes. Several carriers operate on this route, including Batik Air, Indonesia AirAsia, and Garuda Indonesia. Indonesian officials are currently negotiating with airlines to increase direct international connections to Labuan Bajo, thereby enhancing its accessibility.
Akhmad Sadikin, acting president director of Indonesia AirAsia, reiterated that there are already eight domestic routes and 25 international routes served by the airline, with plans to expand further to strengthen Labuan Bajo’s tourism appeal.
Encouraging Wider Exploration Within East Nusa Tenggara
Beyond Labuan Bajo, tourism officials envision the town becoming a central hub for further regional exploration in East Nusa Tenggara. Dwi Marhen Yono expressed hopes for more tourists to experience neighboring cities such as Kupang, Ende, Maumere, and Ruteng, enriching their Indonesian adventure beyond the well-trodden paths.
Conclusion
For Australians planning their next Indonesian adventure, Bali remains a beloved destination, but emerging locations like Labuan Bajo and other “super five” sites beckon with unique natural wonders, cultural richness, and promising luxury at more affordable prices. As Indonesia aims to balance tourism growth with sustainability and inclusivity, savvy travelers have the exciting chance to explore new frontiers beyond the familiar beaches of Bali.
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