Indonesia
Indonesia’s myriad islands offer boundless extraordinary opportunities. Orang utans in wildest Borneo, the best diving ever in remote Raja Ampat and classic tropical beach luxury in Bali. All this and more, in Indonesia.
Indonesia is an intriguing country with its rich tapestry of religions, traditions, cultures, languages and people. Each of its five main islands, that combined with 17,000 outlying islands make the world’s largest archipelago, has a rich identity and a distinct culture. Bali has the most extraordinary sense of calm and tranquility about it.
At the heart of Bali stands Ubud, nestled amongst terraced rows of paddy fields dancing in the sunlight. The island is dotted with hundreds of Hindu temples, shrines and places of worship, all decorated with bountiful offerings of flowers and food. For a really magical experience, visit the waterside Pura Ulun Danu Bratan Hindu-Buddhist temple in the centre of the island.
Java is the centre for traditional art and culture, and is home to two of Indonesia’s and South-East Asia’s greatest monuments. Borobudur, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is an truly inspirational 8th century Buddhist temple. Its size mixed with extraordinary attention to detail will leave you speechless. Perhaps built to rival Borobudur is the 9th century Hindu Prambanan Temple complex, said to be the most beautiful in Indonesia.
To add to the theatre and the total experience, try and time a visit to coincide with a performance by the Ramayanna Ballet from May to October which involves dancers, singers and musicians. If you’re after a lateral diversion, head to Indonesia’s least known province – Kalimantan. Venture into its deep, dark and mystical interior and you can discover orang-utans, proboscis monkeys and bird life.
Komodo Island, as the name may suggest, is home to the fearsome and famed Komodo dragons. They are the largest living species of monitor lizard and can weigh up to an incredible 70 kilos or more. Sulawesi is famed for its dive site at Palau Bunaken and Tana Toraja cave graves. The island is also home to extraordinary traditional villages, unique architecture and a fascinating culture.
Colourful and exotic, the vast archipelago of Indonesia encompasses more than 17,000 islands spread across 3,000 miles (5,000km) of ocean in Southeast Asia.
Inspiration & Further Reading
Laos – part of a journey around Asia Borneo, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Thailand & Vietnam
Indonesia – the best of Indonesia including Bali, Java, Borneo, Komodo & Raja Ampat
Indonesia – a journey around Bali, Java & Borneo
Australia – an amazing journey around Indonesia & Australia
Island hopping
Indonesian gems