There’s no denying Bali is beautiful. But if you’re the kind of traveller who prefers jungle hikes over resort pools, remote islands over packed beach clubs, and local culture over cookie-cutter cocktails, there’s a whole lot more to Asia waiting to be explored.
At Back Track, we love helping travellers discover Asia’s more off-the-beaten-track gems. These are places where wildlife, history, mountains, markets and tradition come together. You can step into a different pace of life, experience something authentic, and still enjoy your creature comforts along the way.
Here are some of our favourite Asian destinations that go well beyond Bali, offering the kind of rich, active, and meaningful travel we love to plan.
Borneo: Wild Jungles and Close Encounters with Orangutans
If you’re drawn to wildlife and wilderness, Borneo is hard to beat. Home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, this vast island (shared by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei) is one of the last places on Earth where orangutans still live in the wild.
Head to Sabah in Malaysian Borneo where you can trek through the Danum Valley, cruise along the Kinabatangan River, and spot pygmy elephants, hornbills and proboscis monkeys. A visit to the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is both humbling and inspiring.
There’s also Mount Kinabalu for hikers, vibrant night markets in Kota Kinabalu, and rich indigenous culture to explore. This is adventure travel with purpose, with eco-lodges, conservation experiences, and the kind of natural beauty that sticks with you.
Sri Lanka: Temples, Tea Trails and Untamed Coastlines
Sri Lanka is compact but full of contrast. One day you’re exploring ancient Buddhist cave temples, the next you’re walking through emerald-green tea plantations or watching elephants wander across open plains.
For active travellers, there’s so much to love. Hike the trails around Ella, climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya, or explore national parks like Yala or Udawalawe on safari. You’ll find everything from boutique eco-lodges to stylish heritage homes, many with locally sourced food and sustainability at the core.
There’s also a growing food and wine scene, especially in Colombo and Galle, with Sri Lankan curries, seafood, craft gin and local wines. Add some time on the quieter south coast beaches and you’ve got a trip that balances culture, nature and relaxation without the crowds.
Japan’s Nakasendo Trail: Walk Through History, One Village at a Time
For travellers looking to combine nature, tradition and a touch of nostalgia, walking the Nakasendo Trail is one of Japan’s most rewarding journeys. This ancient route once connected Kyoto to Tokyo during the Edo period, winding through the mountains and post towns of central Honshu.
Today, you can walk sections of the trail at your own pace, staying in traditional ryokans (inns), eating multi-course local meals, soaking in onsens, and experiencing the slower side of Japan. There’s no better way to step into the country’s cultural heart.
This is not a tough trek. Expect well-marked forest trails, paved paths, and beautifully preserved villages. It’s ideal for those who want their travel experience to be about what they feel and learn, not just what they see.
The Remote Islands of Indonesia: Raja Ampat and Flores
While most travellers flock to Bali or the Gili Islands, Indonesia is made up of more than 17,000 islands. Many of them feel like a completely different world.
Raja Ampat, off the northwest tip of Papua, is a diver’s paradise and home to the highest marine biodiversity on the planet. It’s a place of turquoise lagoons, limestone karsts, jungle-clad islands and tiny fishing villages. Getting there takes effort but the reward is incredible. Think snorkelling with manta rays, kayaking through hidden coves, and eating seafood straight from the boat.
Flores is another underrated gem. Trek to the tri-coloured lakes of Mount Kelimutu, explore traditional Manggarai villages, and see Komodo dragons in the nearby national park. Flores is wild, beautiful, and still relatively untouched.
These islands are perfect for travellers who want to slow down, get off the grid, and experience nature without the crowds.
Northern Vietnam: Mountains, Markets and Slow Food
While Hanoi and Halong Bay are well known, heading north into the hills offers a different kind of Vietnamese experience. Regions like Ha Giang and Sapa are home to dramatic landscapes, ethnic minority cultures, and some of the best hiking in Southeast Asia.
Trek between remote villages, stay in family-run homestays, and take in views of rice terraces that stretch into the distance. This is Vietnam at its most raw and real.
The food in the north is worth the trip alone. Expect fresh herbs, sticky rice, grilled meats, and steaming bowls of pho enjoyed with a mountain view. There are also lively markets where you can try homemade rice wine and learn about traditional crafts.
For cultural connection, walking and community-based travel, northern Vietnam is a standout.
Bhutan: Hike, Reflect and Breathe Deep in the Himalayas
Tucked between India and Tibet, Bhutan is often called the last Shangri-La. The country famously measures success in Gross National Happiness, placing culture, the environment and well-being above mass tourism.
Travelling in Bhutan requires booking through a licensed operator, and we can help with that. What you get in return is a carefully curated experience. Hike to cliffside monasteries like Tiger’s Nest, stay in beautiful lodges, and meet locals who live closely tied to the land and their beliefs.
Bhutan is made for slow, intentional travel. Walk through rice paddies, share meals with families, attend colourful festivals, and discover a place where spirituality is part of everyday life.
For adventurous travellers who want something deeper, Bhutan delivers something truly special.
Ready to Explore Asia Beyond Bali?
These destinations are just the beginning. Asia is full of places that reward curious, active travellers. Whether you’re into hiking, food, wildlife, ancient culture or a bit of everything, there’s no shortage of meaningful experiences out there.
At Back Track Adventures, we specialise in building journeys that go further and leave a lasting impression. If you’re ready to explore a side of Asia most travellers miss, get in touch. We’ll help you find the right destination, plan the details, and connect you with trusted local experts for a trip you’ll talk about for years.
Check out our Back Track Journeys here.
