Beyond Bali: Komodo by boat, Yogyakarta's temples, and the Gilis

Bali is the start, not the whole. From Labuan Bajo on Flores, boat trips reach Komodo National Park's dragons and Pink Beach; book a two-day liveaboard rather than a rushed day trip. Yogyakarta on Java has Borobudur (sunrise visits are limited and ticketed) and Prambanan, and the city's own batik and street-food culture. The Gili Islands off Lombok are car-free and small; Gili Air is the calm one. Flights between islands are cheap on Garuda, Lion, and Citilink.