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Five secret Indonesian destinations that will amaze even the seasoned traveller

The ‘Amazon of the ocean’, the Kei Islands’ pristine beaches, orangutans in Borneo, mysterious Sumba and culture hub Solo – Indonesia still has plenty to offer if you’re avoiding Bali holiday now Mount Agung is threatening to erupt

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The sun sets over the ancient Candi Cetho Hindu temple in Solo, Indonesia. Photo: Alamy
Leighton Cosseboom

Cancelling your Bali holiday now that Mount Agung is threatening to erupt? Indonesia, spanning four time zones and with more than 18,000 islands, has plenty more treasures to offer adventure seekers.

Visiting every island would be virtually impossible, so we asked two of the country’s best known travellers and social media personalities, Alexander Thian and Adelia Suryani from Travass Life, to help us create a shortlist. Here are five of Indonesia’s best-kept travel secrets.

1. Kei Islands

Tucked away in the east of Maluku, Indonesia’s famed spice region, the islands, also known as the Kai Islands, are renowned for their pristine, untouched beaches.

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Kei Ketjil or Kecil (Little Kai Island), is part of the beautiful Maluku Islands, in Indonesia. Photo: Alamy
Kei Ketjil or Kecil (Little Kai Island), is part of the beautiful Maluku Islands, in Indonesia. Photo: Alamy

The crème de la crème is Ngurbloat beach, also known as Pantai Pasir Panjang, or “long beach”. Ngurbloat’s white sandy shore stretches for more than 5km – so soft and powdery it feels like flour under the feet. The water is crystal clear, the waves are calm, and the coastline is framed by thousands of coconut trees.

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If you want a bit of festivity, head over to Ngurtavur beach to watch squadrons of pelicans patrolling the sky and skimming the shorelines.

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