29-06-2025
Footloose in Nias: A quiet alternative to Bali and Lombok
Locals wear traditional ceremonial attire at the Bawomataluo cultural village on Nias, an island off the western coast of Sumatra. (All photos by Aisyah Llewellen except where indicated)
AISYAH LLEWELLYN
NIAS, Indonesia -- With around 17,000 islands, Indonesia offers a wide range of destinations -- yet only a handful have made a firm mark on the international tourist map. Bali, Lombok, Java and Sumatra draw the most visitors, while a few venture to Flores, home of the fearsome Komodo dragon. But few go beyond.
One reason why most visitors stick to the "big four" islands is that they are the easiest to reach -- travel becomes more challenging and costly the farther you go. But for those willing to journey deeper into Indonesia, hidden gems await, including Nias, an island off the west coast of Sumatra.
