By Jared Ranahan, Courtesy Forbes

Long renowned for its verdant landscapes and historic temples, the Indonesian island of Bali draws droves of tourists each year to surf and sunbathe along its sandy shores—but in recent years, this influx of international visitors has caused serious strain on its local communities. As the island grapples with endless traffic jams and increased pollution, ethically-minded travelers may wish to set their sights on a different destination to alleviate some of the pressure, with Sri Lanka offering abundant natural beauty and fascinating cultural experiences with far fewer tourists.

Though not particularly close to each other—Bali is a province within Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, while Sri Lanka is an independent nation off the coast of India—the two destinations are both renowned for their lush landscapes, with plenty of hiking opportunities found across both islands. While Bali tourists might take part in the Campuhan Ridge Walk or embark on a sunrise trek to the peak of Mount Batur, those who visit Sri Lanka can find a wide range of outdoor adventure experiences, with sites like Bible Rock, Ella Rock and the Knuckles Mountain Range all offering marvelous views of the countryside. Meanwhile, surfing enthusiasts can spend their visit in the waters of Arugam Bay or Mirissa, both of which serve as an alternative to Bali’s Uluwatu.

Beyond the natural splendor, Sri Lanka is also home to a storied culture that spans centuries, with bustling cities and idyllic temples found all across the country. During a trip to Bali, visitors are likely to visit iconic structures like the Uluwatu Temple and Tanah Lot Temple—and when it comes to eye-catching architecture, Sri Lanka is more than capable of matching the Lesser Sunda Islands, with sites like Isurumuniya and Thirukoneswaram Kovil drawing visitors in droves. Meanwhile, those who prefer urban exploration can spend their time navigating the storied streets of Colombo, with destinations spanning from the 1870s-era National Museum to the Dutch Hospital precinct, a lively plaza that’s brimming with restaurants and artisanal shops.

Though Bali and Sri Lanka are both rife with natural beauty, the latter outshines the former in one field in particular: wildlife tourism. While the Bali tiger was driven to extinction decades ago, Sri Lanka plays host to a staggering array of extant animals, with species like the sloth bear, leopard and Asian elephant roaming its lush forests. To catch a glimpse of its rich biodiversity in the flesh, Sri Lanka visitors can spend a day birdwatching with Yala Safari Holidays across the wetlands of Bundala National Park or spend a few nights at the Uga Chena Huts, a collection of seaside cabins that offer a seamless blend of world-class luxury and fauna-focused ecotourism.