Let me start by saving you the $300 mistake I made.
Back in 2018, I was itching for a raw adventure after checking off the big-name spots—Bali, Bohol, Komodo, Palawan—the whole lot. So when someone mentioned North Sumatra’s wild rainforest treks and the remote islands of Raja Ampat, I booked a ticket, packed my gear, and flew blind into Medan.
Big mistake.
I arrived smack in the middle of rainy season, half the roads were impassable, the jungle hike I'd planned to do in Bukit Lawang was a slip-n-slide of leeches, and the only orangutan I saw was a drenched statue. Just trying to get to Lake Toba took 13 hours on three buses and one driver who stopped mid-trip to buy durian. Lesson learned: planning for the offbeat still needs a solid roadmap.
If you're chasing uncrowded beaches, world-class diving, and lush jungle without elbowing through selfie sticks, here’s my hard-earned guide to lesser-known adventures in Indonesia and the Philippines—with a December kick-off in mind.
INDONESIA: Beyond Bali and Lombok
North Sumatra – Orangutans & Lake Dreams
Go for: Jungle hikes in Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatran orangutans, and the serenity of Lake Toba.
Best Base: Bukit Lawang for trekking, then hop to Tuk Tuk on Samosir Island (Lake Toba).
Getting There:
- Fly into Kualanamu Airport (Medan) [~$50–70 from Jakarta or Bali]
- Private car to Bukit Lawang (~3–4 hrs, $40–50 split with others)
Costs:
- Guided jungle trek: ~$25/day with accommodation in basic lodges
- Transportation to Lake Toba: Bus to Parapat then ferry to Samosir (~$12 total)
What to avoid: Don’t go if you're not okay with rough roads, occasional power cuts, and a serious lack of ATMs. Also, December rains are no joke—check with your guesthouse before arriving.
Backup Plan: If trails are too muddy, switch to Lake Toba early. Rent a scooter (~$6/day) and explore traditional Batak villages and hot springs.
Local Phrase to Know: “Horas!” Means hello, goodbye, cheers – you’ll hear it a lot around Lake Toba.
Raja Ampat – Earth’s Final Diving Frontier
Go for: Unreal underwater biodiversity, vibrant coral reefs, zero crowds.
How to Get There (Brace Yourself):
- Fly Jakarta → Sorong (~4.5 hrs, from $150 one-way)
- Sorong to Waisai by ferry (2 hrs, $10)
- Local boats to homestays on islands ($ negotiable – $5–20)
Costs:
- Homestay: ~$30/night with meals
- Diving: $90–120 per two-tank dive (worth every penny)
What to Avoid: Thinking you can book everything last minute. Internet is flaky—line up stays and dives in advance with local operators like StayRajaAmpat or RA Eco Dive.
Backup Plan: If ferry timings don’t work out, crash one night in Sorong. I spent an accidental layover at Swiss-Belhotel (not cheap at ~$70 but 10x better than that moldy windowless spot down the street).
Money-Saving Hack: Bring cash! ATMs are scarce, and card fees kill you. Exchange/rate in Sorong is OK at best—but WAY better than being stranded without dive funds on a coral paradise.
Lombok Revisited – Secret Spots Still Exist
You’ve already hit Senaru for Rinjani or Kuta for surf? Props. Now dig deeper.
Go for: Sea turtle snorkeling near Sekotong, deserted beaches in Ekas, epic ridgeline hikes in Tetebatu.
How to Get to Lombok Indonesia (the smart way):
- Direct flights to LOP (Lombok Praya Airport) from Bali (~30 min, ~$40)
- Or—slow boat via Padang Bai (~5–6 hrs, if budget matters more than time)
Hidden Routes:
- South Central: Tetebatu – rice terraces, Monkey Forests sans crowds (~2 hr drive from the airport)
- Southwest: Sekotong – peaceful bays, Gili Nanggu (think Gilis minus party noise)
Avoid: Staying only in Senggigi or tourist trappy Kuta. You’ll miss the soul of the island.
Local Tip: Ask locals about “warung makan” that don’t show up on Google Maps. Best meals I had were $1.50 tempeh feasts with farmers who insisted on teaching me Sasak words.
PHILIPPINES: Go North or Go Deep South
Northern Luzon – Mountain Tribes & Rice Terraces
Go for: Ancient rice terraces, tribal homestays, inland peace.
Start in: Banaue → Batad → Sagada triangle
Getting There:
- Overnight bus from Manila to Banaue (9 hrs, ~$14, Ohayami or Coda Lines)
- Jeepneys or hikes between villages
Cost Breakdown:
- Homestay: $10–15/night with breakfast
- Guide for rice terraces + trail to Batad: $15 max if you join other travelers
Avoid: Booking return tickets if dates are uncertain. Weather or canceled buses can delay you big time.
Backup Plan: Baguio isn’t far. Has cozy cafés and hot chocolate while waiting for clearer roads north.
Cultural Note: Locals appreciate respectful curiosity. Ask before taking photos, especially in smaller villages.
Mindanao – Surprisingly Safe and Stunning
Go for: White sand beaches in Camiguin, hiking Mt. Hibok-Hibok, waterfalls everywhere.
Honestly? Yes, Mindanao gets bad press, but most parts are stable. Just skip Marawi and stick to Northern & Eastern Mindanao.
Flights: Cebu or Manila → Cagayan de Oro (~1.5 hrs, ~$50), then ferry to Camiguin (2 hrs, ~$8)
Don’t Miss: Hot springs, Sunken Cemetery dive site, and island scooter circuit.
Avoid: Flashing valuables. It's safe, but stay low-key.
Money Saver: Camiguin Tourism Pass (~$5) gets you access to all the major sites. Worth every peso.
Local Word to Try: “Salamat kaayo!” = Thank you very much (Bisaya)
Final Pro Tip: Scout Before You Commit
Honestly, the best call I made recently was signing up for an aerial scout tour with FlyLombok.id. For under $100, they flew us over Lombok’s southern coast, revealing hidden coves I would've never found otherwise. You can plan smarter routes instead of wasting days on mopeds looking for the “secret beach” everyone vaguely describes.
In short:
- Plan for mud and setbacks
- Book essentials ahead (liners, guides, cash!)
- Skip the overly hyped, lean into local tips
Travel offbeat—but don’t travel blind.