The stunning Indonesian island that's being dubbed the "new Bali"

If you want a fun, low-cost beach holiday, Bali is an absolute no-brainer.

It's been a beloved spot for Aussie families, couples, friends and solo travellers for decades, and it doesn't look like our love affair will wind down any time soon.

But Indonesia has a lot of other islands on offer, if you're looking for something a little more low-key.

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In fact, Indonesia was recently crowned the best country in the world for island-hopping, with over 17,000 islands - only 6,000 of which are inhabited.

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The best beach in Southeast Asia has been crowned

So if you've done Bali and want to set your sights further than Ubud and Canggu, here are some ideas for your next holiday.

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Belitung Island

Just an hour's flight from Indonesian capital, Jakarta, Belitung looks like a desktop screensaver come to life. The coast is lined with massive white granite boulders and has calm, turquoise water that's so inviting.

In fact, it's often called Indonesia's "mini-Maldives" or "new Bali" for its natural beauty.

It's a quiet and laid-back island, so don't come here if you're in the mood to party.

Belitung is ideal for nature lovers and beach enthusiasts seeking quieter alternatives to Bali or Lombok.

Highlights include taking a trip to the nearby Lengkuas Island, which is home to a 19th-century Dutch lighthouse, and exploring the town of Manggar, which has a thriving coffee culture.

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Flores

Flores isn't as much of a hidden gem as it once was, but compared to Bali, it's a peaceful oasis. The island - a one-hour flight from Bali - is a large mountainous island and a gateway to Komodo National Park.

Here you can swim in water so clear and blue it feels like the Maldives. You can hike grassy volcano craters, snorkel with manta rays, see Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat, and swim in sea caves and waterfalls.

Many people stay in the town of Labuan Bajo, where you can nab luxury accommodation for under $200 a night in the low season.

A boat trip from Labuan Bajo to Komodo Island typically takes around two hours - most travellers book an island hopping tour to see the dragons, the famous pink beach, and the hike on Padar Island.

Sumba

Often called the "forgotten" island, Sumba is twice the size of Bali but feels centuries behind in terms of modernisation. It is famous for its free-roaming horses and ancient megalithic tombs.

Think rugged landscapes, rolling hills, cascading waterfalls, and a true off-the-grid holiday.

Don't miss a visit to the Weekuri Lagoon, a crystal-clear salt lake where you can swim, snorkel and laze around on a raft.

The island also has world-class surfing opportunities, with great beaches with gentle waves for beginners as well.

Because it's a largely undeveloped island - and it's so big - you'll need to rent a motorbike or hire a guide to explore efficiently.

Raja Ampat

Raja Ampat is actually a collection of 1,500 islands and cays, and you'll need to take a combination of plane, ferry, and boat to get there. But it's worth it.

The region is considered the most biodiverse marine environment on Earth. Dubbed an "aquatic Amazon", it features dramatic limestone karsts rising out of emerald waters, and is a must-see for keen divers.

For the best viewpoint, head to Piaynemo, where you can see the "star-shaped" islands below, then cool off by snorkelling in lagoons filled with stingless jellyfish.

Weh Island

Located at the northernmost tip of Sumatra, Weh is a volcanic island that marks "Kilometre Zero" of Indonesia. It has a rugged, jungle-meets-ocean aesthetic.

It's low-key and great for travellers on a budget, plus the locals are friendly and welcoming.

Iboih Beach has incredible shore snorkelling, where you can see abundant marine life just off the beach. The active underwater volcano vents at Pria Laot are also a must-see.

Animal lovers will never want to leave - the island is home to monitor lizards and monkeys; dolphins and whale sharks live just offshore.

It's easy to get to - a flight to Banda Aceh, then a 45-minute boat trip to the island.

Kei Island

Hidden in the Maluku province, the Kei Islands are home to beaches that many travellers claim has the finest, most flour-like white sand on the planet.

If you want total isolation and paradise-island perfection, this is the place to come.

A relatively untouched archipelago of islands, here you'll find water that's mind-blowingly clear and bright, with rich marine life.

As tourism infrastructure is limited, don't expect a luxury holiday - but it's a great way to get a glimpse of everyday Indonesian life in the islands' fishing villages.

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