Welcome to travel in Indonesia with us! With 18,110 islands, 6,000 of them inhabited, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world offering a virtually unrivalled range of holiday options. While the picturesque island of Bali remains the most well known and the most popular of Indonesia’s tourist destinations, there is so much more on offer for those willing to step off the beaten track. Pack your itinerary with visits to: the historic monuments and temples of Central Java (Borobudur, Yogyakarta and Solo); the world renowned dive sites of idyllically remote Raja Ampat; the extraordinary Island of Komodo, home of the unfathomably large Komodo Dragon; as well as a range of vast tropical forests of Kalimantan and Sumatra providing sanctuary to incredibly diverse wildlife from Orangutans and other primates to critically endangered Javan Rhinoceros and Tigers. The range of choices is mind-boggling but, however you decide to spend your time on this remarkable group of islands, you are sure to have some truly exhilarating experiences and some unforgettable adventures. With pristine and unspoiled nature, paradise beaches and tropical waters year round combined with diverse culture and traditions Indonesia is the perfect destination for holidays in Asia. Famous for its stunning beaches, excellent surfing, and world-class dive sites, Bali is the best known of the 17,000 islands that make up the exquisite Indonesian archipelago. Commonly referred to as the ‘Island of the Gods’, Bali’s diverse landscape is characterised by lush rolling hills dotted with satisfying rice terraces, towering volcanic mountains, rugged coastlines and gorgeous stretches of both black and white sand beaches. Culture enthusiasts typically head to the bustling cultural hub of Ubud to explore its various museums, arts and crafts shops and its thriving live music venues, while those seeking a boisterous party usually head for Kuta Beach for the booming social scene. With its world-renowned luxury spas and tranquil yoga retreats, impressive temples, extraordinary local cuisine and its wonderfully laidback locals, it is easy to see why Bali has long been ranked as one of the world’s most popular island destinations. Just east of its more popular sibling, Bali, Lombok is relatively untouched by mass tourism and offers isolated stretches of paradise, ease of access, and raw natural beauty. Mount Rinjani, the second highest volcano in Indonesia, can be summited by means of a strenuous hike – those who reach the top can indulge in a refreshing dip in the dazzling crater lake or a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Pick up a pearl from one of the local pearl farms as a memento of your trip. Enthralling and plentiful marine life provide stunning underwater scenes for diving. Situated just off the coast of Lombok in Indonesia, the Gili Islands are comprised of three lovely little islands: Gili Air, Gili Meno, and Gili Trawangan. These exquisite islands are best known for their vibrant nightlife and their wonderful live music scene. All three islands are the epitome of a tropical paradise with a laid back atmosphere and an array of beachside cafes, restaurants and bars. Best of all, there are no cars or motorbikes to disturb the peace. While the excellent snorkelling and diving are undoubtedly the main attraction, there are a number of other activities available including surfing, stand up paddle boarding, fishing, island hopping, and even visits to the local turtle sanctuary. Known for its spectacularly scenic landscapes, the small island of Nusa Lembongan features crystal-clear, impossibly turquoise waters lapping white-sand beaches and meeting lush forested slopes. Located just off the southeastern coast of Bali, this island is quickly becoming one of Bali’s biggest attractions. Visitors can stroll along the network of winding coastal paths and count the boats dotting the coast, discover the mangrove forests and enjoy the famous beaches of Jungut Batu and Mushroom Bay. Other popular activities include: snorkelling, surfing, and diving. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit Dream Beach, a secluded gem beautifully framed by limestone cliffs. Dotting the Bali Sea just off the coast of mainland Bali, Nusa Penida is the largest of the three Nusa islands including Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Ceningan. The island boasts a blend of cultural influences with its rare cultural highlights and unique Hindu Temples. It is home to breathtaking landscapes featuring hidden coves, dramatic cliffs, fascinating caves and white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise water. Visitors can look forward to excellent diving off the coast of Crystal Bay offering pristine coral reefs which are home to an array of marine life including the giant manta rays, oceanic sunfish, and whale sharks. Other popular activities include: exploring the underground temple in the Pura Goa Giri Putri Cave, viewing the rugged cliffs encircling Atuh Beach and enjoying a float in the magical waters of the chrystalline Angel’s Billabong. The stark contrast between active volcanoes, vivid green rice paddies and white sandy beaches against bustling metropolises sets the scene for Java, the island at the very heart of Indonesia. Jakarta, the capital of the country, is one of the most densely populated places on earth, and is the gateway to the island. The city offers endless opportunities for nightlife and dining, and a wide array of museums and theatre. Many, however, use the city simply as a launching point for expeditions into the spectacular rural beauty and charm of the rest of the island – from the sparkling waters of Karimunjawa Marine Park and the intriguing cultural lessons of Yogyakarta, to the iconic magnificence of Borobudur temple. Kota Kinabalu’s now-sleepy little sister, Sandakan was in fact the capital of British North Borneo until 1946. Today, the town functions as one of the main ports for oil, tobacco, coffee, sago and timber exports. Places of interest include the elaborate Puu Jih Shih Buddhist Temple on the hill and, just out of town, the fishing village of Buli Sim Sim, where residents live on stilt houses perched above the water. Further afield is the Sandakan Memorial Park, which is situated on the original site of a notorious WWII prisoner-of-war camp. With its small museum and leafy surrounds, it is a must for history buff as well as nature lovers. Between Borneo and Maluku islands lies Sulawesi, one of the larger territories of Indonesia. The strangely shaped land mass – some liken it to a spider, the other to the letter ‘k’ – comprises four peninsulas, with the majority of the island’s 15-million-strong population living in the south. Tourists are attracted to the island for its abundant diving and snorkeling options, the unique blend of native cultures, breathtaking scenery, unusual architecture, and vibrant festivals. Fans of unusual exhibits of nature will delight at the mysterious granite megaliths, which date as far back as 3000BC, found in the central province. A visit to Kalimantan, an immense island that dominates three-quarters of Borneo, is like travelling back in time. The landscape is characterised by a lush jungle with endless opportunities for epic rainforest hiking, sliced through by rushing rivers and dotted with exotic wildlife and the odd remote tribal village. The highlight for novice and ardent adventurers is the Derawan Archipelago, which offers perfect conditions for snorkelling and diving. A visit to the world’s third-largest island wouldn’t be complete without visiting a national park to see orangutans in their natural habitat. Tourists are minimal, and locals are friendly, making it a dream destination for those who prefer to be off the beaten track. Komodo Island is an amazing destination for adventurers and nature lovers alike. Located in the Flores Sea, it is home to the world’s largest lizard species – the Komodo dragon. The island is also a great spot for snorkeling, swimming, and diving with its crystal clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. It also offers plenty of opportunities to explore its unique wildlife, such as wild boar, deer, water buffalo, monkeys, and birds. With its breathtaking scenery and abundance of activities to choose from, Komodo Island is sure to be a memorable experience for any traveler! With its abundance of lush green forests, it’s not hard to work out how this island got its name. Add this to its white-sand beaches, temperate bays ideal for snorkelling and diving, a skyline rimmed by volcanoes, and countryside dotted with multi-hued lakes, and it’s easy to see why Flores has a reputation as a tropical paradise. Quieter and more remote than many of its counterparts, the island is still something of a hidden gem, although it is increasingly regarded as the country’s ‘next big thing’. A visit here wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Komodo National Park, where you have the opportunity to get up close and personal with magnificent, if somewhat intimidating, Komodo ‘dragons’. Encircled by a white sandy beach in Indonesia’s East Nusa Tenggara Province, Sumba is a remarkably unspoiled island of long-held traditions. Only an hour’s flight east of Bali, the island is relatively easy to reach, yet, despite this accessibility, it is seldom visited by Western tourists, allowing the locals to uphold many of their traditional customs. Surfers were the first visitors to camp out on its spectacular wild beaches, having discovered a mesmerising left-hand break that barrels onto one of the island’s perfect beaches. Today this same stretch of beach is home to the eco-resort of Nihiwatu, where visitors can enjoy the unique cultural experiences, virgin beaches and exquisite wilderness of Sumba in outstanding comfort and understated luxury. Recommended activities include world-class surfing, hiking through waterfalls, ancient villages and butterfly trails and stand-up paddling down the Wanukaka River. Maluku (otherwise known as the Moluccas) is an archipelago of tropical islands that rose to global fame as a centre of spice agriculture in the 16th century, when its yields of cloves and nutmeg were invaluable bartering commodities. When the region’s spice production was overtaken by larger global producers in the 1900s, it faded largely into international oblivion – but since then it has slowly started creeping back onto the itineraries of intrepid travellers due to its exceptional natural charms – endless stretches of pristine sand beach, flourishing coral reefs,and rugged volcanic peaks – and its historical architecture. It is no wonder the Raja Ampat Islands are fast earning a reputation as one of Indonesia’s hottest new travel destinations – this remote cluster of islands is blessed with exquisite scenery, idyllic beaches and an underwater environment second to none. Dubbed the ‘Amazon of the world’s reefs’ Raja Ampat is located in the famed Coral Triangle, said to be among the planet’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems. The archipelago constitutes four major islands and 1000-odd islets and limestone karst outcrops covered with verdant rainforest and dotted amid temperate aquamarine seas teeming with life. it is home to a staggering 75% of the world’s coral species (some found nowhere else on earth) as well as myriad other ocean creatures – including manta rays, sea horses, turtles, dugongs and a dazzling array of tropical fish. Also known as Western New Guinea and formerly Irian Jaya, West Papua is an Indonesian province occupying the western half of the island of New Guinea, while the eastern half is the independent country of Papua New Guinea. Though no longer home to the cannibals and headhunters it was once famous for, West Papua still offers plenty of opportunities to go where few have gone before among some of the most exotic cultures, spectacular scenery and unexplored trekking terrain in the world. While the majority of tourists are drawn in by the world-renowned diving opportunities and spectacular island scenery of the Raja Ampat islands, there are also countless land based activities on offer including visits to Southeast Asia’s largest national park, buying wonderful local handicrafts from Arborek Village, and exploring the island’s vast virgin rainforest. This upmarket Balinese village is characterised by mostly luxury accommodation, high-end spas, fashionable restaurants and bars and some lovely little boutiques. The atmosphere is much more sophisticated than the raucous party town of Kuta. During the day Seminyak’s Petitenget Beach offers a peaceful retreat away from the hordes of tourists common on other parts of this lovely little island. However, after sunset a livelier nightlife scene takes over with premier dining and entertainment venues such as Ku De Ta and the Potato Head Beach Club, all garnering international recognition. Seminyak has somehow managed to achieve that much desired balance between tranquility and a vibey atmosphere. If you are looking for a more elegant and laid-back alternative to Kuta and Legian, Seminyak is just the destination for you. Known as Bali’s beach hotspot, Canggu lies on the stunning south coast and encompasses the 8-kilometre stretch of coast between Kerobokan and Echo Beach. Popular with expats, the town boasts an array of new villas, contemporary restaurants, and street-side cafes serving the latest wellness foods. The surrounding landscape features magnificent terraced rice paddies and world-famous black-sand beaches. Visitors can enjoy fresh fish, lobsters and prawns on Nelayan Beach and experience authentic Balinese village life in Canggu. Venture further afield and enjoy the vibrant nightlife of the nearby Kuta, or visit Tana Lot, a sacred Hindu temple. Other popular activities include surfing, swimming, yoga, and golfing. Once a small fishing village, Jimbaran is now scattered with 5-star resorts and high-end villas, earning it the nickname of ‘The Beverly Hills of Bali’. Visitors to the area spend their days luxuriating on the white sand beaches, browsing the chic boutiques or swimming in the crystal waters of the bay. Dinner time in Jimbaran is a unique experience – diners can select their own live seafood at any of the restaurants along the waterfront, where it will be prepared immediately and cooked over a fire of coconut husks – a distinct and delectable taste sensation. A hidden gem on the east coast of Bali, Amed is a string of seaside villages. As a lesser-known area of Bali, Amed is a paradise for scuba divers and snorkellers, with prime access for those wishing to explore the wonders of the underworld, including a submerged wreck of the USS Tulamben. Infrastructure is relatively new to this area, but its popularity as a tourist spot is growing rapidly, particularly as a honeymoon destination. Besides the excellent diving, the area offers perfect relaxation conditions; quaint beaches lined with traditional fishing boats, delectable local eateries and plenty of places offering massages and yoga. For more unusual experiences, don’t miss the black sand beach and quirky shell museum. Uluwatu is a popular beach destination on Bali’s spectacularly rugged Bukit Peninsula. The name Uluwatu, meaning “lands end rock”, was borrowed from the area’s famous Pura Luhur Uluwatu Temple, perched on a cliff on the peninsula’s southwest tip. Renowned as one of the best surf destinations in the world for surfers of all abilities, Uluwatu attracts surfers from around the globe as well as travellers eager to experience the area’s exceptionally luxurious cliff-top hotels and villas. Whether you come just for the day to play a round of golf, explore the temple and hit the swells; or settle in for a few days at an elegant villa overlooking the sea, there is always something to stimulate the senses in exquisite Uluwatu. Far from the boisterous beach party scene of Kuta, in the central region of this remarkable little island, lies Ubud – the cultural centre of Bali. Surrounded by lush, terraced rice paddies, and exquisite temples, Ubud is jam-packed with tourist attractions. Its busy town centre is lined with a slew of art galleries, cafes, craft shops, and spas. One of the town’s most visited sites is the Sacred Forest Monkey Sanctuary, home to hundreds of wild monkeys as well as three Hindi temples. Spend your days strolling around the lively streets of central Ubud or get away from the hustle and bustle by cycling along ricefield-lined rivers where traditional village life carries on relatively undisturbed. Nights can be spent enjoying live music concerts, or one of the nightly Kecak Fire and Dance or shadow puppet performances. Idyllically situated on Bali’s unspoiled eastern coastline between the dramatic Mount Agung and the serene Lombok Strait, quiet Manggis is an ideal destination for travellers eager to escape the crowds and relax in a peaceful little pocket of paradise. The development of a number of quaint seaside villages along this stretch of coast has resulted in an increase in popularity of this once little known area. Manggis’s remarkable aesthetic appeal is matched by an equally impressive cultural allure with over twenty temples and shrines to explore including the exquisite Pura Besakih, one of Bali’s most important Hindu complexes. Other notable highlights include the spectacularly scenic rice paddies and terraces of the Sidemen Valley and some excellent local markets. WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOUBESPOKE TRAVEL AND TOURS IN INDONESIA
OUR FAVOURITES IN INDONESIA
Destinations in Indonesia
BALI
LOMBOK
GILI ISLANDS
NUSA LEMBONGAN
NUSA PENIDA
JAVA
SUMATRA
SULAWESI
KALIMANTAN
KOMODO
FLORES
SUMBA
MALUKU - SPICE ISLANDS
RAJA AMPAT
WEST PAPUA
BALI DESTINATIONS
SEMINYAK
CANGGU
JIMBARAN
AMED
ULUWATU
UBUD
MANGGIS
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