Looking for Where to Go After Bali?
Spend 3 Days in Sumbawa
Bali may be the beginning of your Indonesian journey, but it doesn’t have to be the end.
If you have three more days and want somewhere quieter, more open, and closer to nature, consider continuing east to Sumbawa.
Just a short flight from Bali, Sumbawa offers uncrowded beaches, dramatic landscapes, local culture, waterfalls, island adventures, and some of Indonesia’s best-known surf destinations — without the pace and crowds of Bali.
Opening in May 2027, BlackGates Hilltop offers a new base for discovering this different side of Indonesia.
Why Visit Sumbawa After Bali?
Bali and Sumbawa offer two very different island experiences.
After Bali’s restaurants, nightlife, shopping, temples, and busy tourism areas, Sumbawa gives you space to slow down.
Here, the journey is about open landscapes, quiet coastlines, small islands, local communities, outdoor adventures, and experiencing a part of Indonesia that still feels relatively undiscovered.
Choose Sumbawa after Bali if you are looking for:
- Fewer crowds and a slower pace
- Beaches and tropical islands
- Surfing, snorkeling, diving, and outdoor adventures
- Mountains, waterfalls, and natural landscapes
- Authentic local experiences
- A short escape that feels very different from Bali
Your 3-Day Sumbawa Escape
Day 1 — Arrive, Slow Down & Discover Sumbawa Besar
Fly from Bali to Sumbawa and begin your stay at BlackGates Hilltop.
After arriving, take the first day at a slower pace. Settle in, enjoy the surrounding landscape, and explore Sumbawa Besar and its local atmosphere.
This is your transition from busy Bali into the quieter rhythm of Sumbawa.
Suggested experiences:
Local food, Sumbawa Besar, cultural attractions, sunset, and a relaxed evening at BlackGates Hilltop.
Day 2 — Explore the Coast, Islands & Underwater Sumbawa
Make your second day about the water.
Sumbawa is surrounded by beautiful coastline and smaller islands, creating opportunities for snorkeling, diving, boating, beach exploration, and island hopping.
Depending on your itinerary, spend the day discovering the waters around Sumbawa before returning to BlackGates Hilltop in the evening.
Suggested experiences:
Island hopping, snorkeling, diving, secluded beaches, and a coastal sunset.
Day 3 — Nature, Culture & One Last Adventure
Use your final day to discover another side of Sumbawa.
Explore waterfalls and landscapes, experience local culture, visit traditional communities, or take a scenic journey through the island before continuing your Indonesian adventure.
Three days will only introduce you to Sumbawa — but that is part of its appeal.
There is always more to discover.
Bali vs Sumbawa:
Two Different Sides of Indonesia
Bali
Established tourism destination.
Busy tourism areas.
Restaurants, shopping & nightlife.
Extensive tourism infrastructure.
Famous worldwide.
Sumbawa
Emerging island destination.
More space and fewer crowds.
Nature, coast & outdoor exploration.
More adventurous travel experience.
Still waiting to be discovered.
You don’t necessarily have to choose between them.
Experience Bali first. Then discover Sumbawa.
Where to Stay in Sumbawa
Make BlackGates Hilltop Your Base
Opening in May 2027, BlackGates Hilltop is an orchard resort & spa in Sumbawa Besar designed as a comfortable base for exploring the island.
Set across a seven-hectare estate surrounded by tropical orchards and open landscapes, BlackGates Hilltop combines space, nature, and hospitality while keeping guests connected to Sumbawa’s attractions.
Its location just 6 minutes from Sumbawa Besar Airport also makes it particularly convenient for a short three-day escape after Bali.
Getting from Bali to Sumbawa
The easiest way to add Sumbawa to a short Bali itinerary is by air.
Flights connect Bali with Sumbawa, allowing travelers to move from one island experience to another without spending a full day travelling overland.
BlackGates Hilltop is located just minutes from Sumbawa Besar Airport, so your Sumbawa experience can begin shortly after arrival.
Read our complete guide: How to Travel from Bali to Sumbawa
More Reasons to Discover Sumbawa
Three days can be enough for an introduction, but Sumbawa has much more to explore.
From world-class surf and tropical islands to waterfalls, mountains, local culture, wildlife, and remote beaches, different parts of the island offer completely different experiences.
Add Sumbawa to Your Bali Journey
If Bali shows you one side of Indonesia, let Sumbawa show you another.
Spend three days surrounded by nature, coastline, culture, and open space — then make BlackGates Hilltop your starting point for discovering the island.
BlackGates Hilltop — Sumbawa Besar
Opening May 2027
FAQs
Yes. Sumbawa offers a very different experience from Bali, with fewer crowds, extensive natural landscapes, beaches, islands, outdoor adventures, and a slower pace.
Three days is enough for a first introduction to Sumbawa, although a longer stay allows you to explore more of the island.
Yes. Flying is the most practical option for a short trip, making it possible to combine Bali and Sumbawa within one Indonesia itinerary.
For travelers exploring the Sumbawa Besar area, BlackGates Hilltop will offer an orchard resort & spa just six minutes from Sumbawa Besar Airport, opening in May 2027.
Generally, yes. Sumbawa receives significantly less tourism than Bali and offers a more spacious, nature-focused travel experience.