Type 2 diabetes is a lifelong metabolic disease closely related to unhealthy lifestyle behaviours. This study aimed to identify factors explaining the healthy lifestyle behaviours of patients with type 2 diabetes in rural Indonesia. The extended health belief model, demographic characteristics, clinical lifestyle factors and diabetes knowledge were investigated to provide a complete description of these behaviours.A sample of 203 patients with type 2 diabetes representing a cross-section of the population were recruited from community health centres in the rural areas of Bali province. The data were collected through questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and a hierarchical regression test were employed.This study showed demographic characteristics, clinical and lifestyle factors, diabetes knowledge and the extended health belief model accounted for 71.8% of the variance in healthy lifestyle behaviours of patients with type 2 diabetes in rural Indonesia. The significant demographic factors were age, education level, employment status and traditional beliefs. The significant clinical and lifestyle factors were alcohol use, diabetic medicine and duration of symptoms. Finally, the significant extended health belief model factors were perceived severity, susceptibility, barriers, family support, bonding social capital and chance locus of control.The extended health belief model forms an adequate model for predicting healthy lifestyle behaviours among patients with diabetes in rural Indonesia. The contribution of this model should be strengthened in developing the diabetes management.