Indonesia archipelago – Planning a travel adventure through this large country can be overwhelming! Where to start and where to end. What to do and what not. Don’t fret. Get in on the one side and out on the other side. In between, grab as many adventures as possible!
Here are my Top 10 recommended travel experiences not to miss:
1. Borobudur Temple – View Sunrise From The Ruins
The 9th century ruins of Borobudur temple on Central Java Island are spectacular. Choosing your visit during the right time of the year and the right time of the day is important.
Plan your visit to coincide with the annual Vesak Day Festival in April or May. Participate in the long and colourful procession as it winds through the streets from the Mendut temple to the main temple of Borobudur. Enjoy the evening and all-night festivities complete with chanting monks, meditation, colourful traditional dances, and the release of thousands of lanterns into the full-moon sky. Return to the main temple at 04:30 to enjoy and photograph a stunning sunrise over the ruins. The twilight period before the sun peaks over the smouldering volcanoes and the ruins will paint your photos in soft blue and pink hues. Awesome!
Sunrise at Borobudur temple
2. Orangutan Spotting in Sumatra
The riverside village of Bukit Lawang in the northern part of Indonesia’s Sumatra Island is the gateway to the Gunung Leuser National Park, home to the Sumatran orangutans. If you are on a very short stay, at least visit the feeding station near the village. Best is to hire a guide and set off into the jungle for at least one or two nights. A porter or two will take care of the tents and food. You should be lucky to come across many orangutans, Thomas leaf monkeys, gibbons, and other wildlife. Always remain eco-friendly and do not allow yourself or your guide to feeding the wildlife!
☛ Read more: Orangutans of Borneo & Sumatra
Orangutan, Gunung Leuser National Park, northern Sumatra Island
3. Temple Hopping in Bali and Central Java
Indonesia has no shortage of temples, which reflects its pre-Islamic history. The three main temple types that can be found are the Javanese ancient Hindu temples (candi), Balinese temples (puram), and the Indian Hindu temples (mandir). While modern Indonesia is predominantly Muslim with some Christians, Bali’s population remain followers of Balinese Hinduism. As most ancient temples across Indonesia are merely museum pieces, the temples of Bali are still home to daily worships and frequent colourful festivals. Many temples are in striking locations.
Taman Ayun Temple, Bali Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, Bali
4. Volcanic Active Dieng Plateau
Indonesia is both cursed and blessed with volcanic activity. Most of the islands, including the two largest islands of Sumatra and Java, are still being shaped by ongoing volcanic activity. In addition to witnessing active volcanoes from a safe distance, or sneaking closer during times of lower activity, one of the most exciting places to have close encounters with the raw force of thermal earth is at the Dieng Plateau in central Java Island. Located about 140 km north of Yogyakarta city, the plateau is dotted with steam vents, bubbling mud pools, geysers, and boiling sulphur lakes.
Kawah Sileri, Dieng Plateau, Central Java Kawah Candradimuka, Dieng Plateau, Central Java
5. Volcano Hiking Among Smouldering Vents
Almost every island in the Indonesian archipelago has an extinct or still active volcano to conquer, spanning all levels of difficulty and thermal activity levels. Some of the more accessible volcanoes, where finding an experienced guide is not too hard, are on Sumatra (Mount Kerinci), Java (Kawah Ijen, Mount Bromo, Mount Penanjakan, Mount Merbabu), Bali (Mount Agung, Mount Batur), Lombok (Mount Rinjani), and Flores (Mount Kelimutu). Some real easy sunset climbs are Sikunir Hill at Dieng Plateau and the peaks at Rinca Island in the Komodo National Park.
Mount Agung, Bali Sunrise at Sikunir Hill with views of Gunung Sindoro Volcano, Dieng Plateau, Central Java
6. Beaches – Unlimited and Unspoiled
With a coastline of over 50,000 km long, Indonesia has no shortage of beautiful beaches, many of which are remote and hardly visited by anybody. Just fly over the islands and you will be stunned by the number of remote white beaches with turquoise waters.
Among the easy-to-reach beaches are those on the south shores of Lombok Island, a short flight from Bali. In the small town of Kuta Lombok, rent a motorbike and head out to the east, visiting as many beaches as you can. The more remote and hard to get to, the more beautiful. Head west and discover more beaches.
Mawi Beach, Lombok Around Seminyak beach and northwards, Bali
7. Cultural Dances of the Balinese People
Bali has a rich history of traditional dancing which is largely influenced by its Hindu roots. Hence, most of the dances are sacred, rather than purely for entertainment purposes. The Wali dances such as the Baris war dance and the Sanghyang are mostly performed in the temples.
Some sacred dances are also performed at tourist venues. Among the dances often performed are the Kecak, Barong, Legong, Kebyar, and the Sanghyang fire dance. Some of the other dances include the Gambuh, Topeng, Pendet, Wayang-wong, Janger and the Joged dance.
Kacek dance at Pura Luhur Uluwatu, Bali Kecak Dance at Pura Dalem Taman Kaja, Ubud, Bali
8. Komodo Dragons – The World’s Largest Lizards
Using the town of Labuan Bajo on Flores Island as the springboard for a multi-day boating adventure among the idyllic islands, make a few stops within the Komodo National Park, which spans across several islands including Komodo and Rinca Islands where most of the Komodo dragons live.
These “dragons”, which are nothing but overgrown lizards, are huge and rather fearsome. Early mornings are best to visit, and you will be chaperoned by one of the park rangers equipped with a long stick to protect you from an attacking dragon, if they wake up!
Komodo dragons on Rinca Island near Flores Island, Indonesia
9. Manta Rays – Follow-the-Leader
On the same multi-day boating adventure, visit the manta rays at Manta Point, known as Karang Makassar by the locals. Some of these majestic creatures can have a wingspan of up to 4 m. Just swim along and they will likely lead you to where most of their friends are. Then, they will circle around you, checking you out. Don’t fear as they are as inquisitive as you are, and are totally harmless. Some other creatures you may come across are turtles, giant trevallies, huge clams, eagle rays, cuttlefish, and even the odd shark.
Manta rays near Manta Point, Flores Island, Indonesia
10. Hot Springs of Northern Bali
Being a volcanic active island, with smouldering volcanoes, Bali has many hot springs. Whether you like a secret hot pool nestled in the jungle, or a natural hot spring pool adjacent to your luxury hotel, you will find some place that fits your taste and budget. Along the shores of Lake Batur are several hot springs located in an idyllic spot. Alternatively, soak at the Tabanan Hot Springs on the banks of the flowing Yeh Panas River below Mount Batukara, the sacred healing waters of the Banjar Hot Springs in the central far north, or the hottest one: the Belulang Hot Springs.
☛ Read more: 9 Amazing travel experiences in Bali
Danau Batur Hot Springs, Bali
More of Indonesia:
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.
2 comments
This is a very informative post, you have shared so useful travel information about Indonesia, really this is an awesome place for Tourist lovers. Thanks for sharing. you did a great job, Keep updating.
Thank you Amana. Much appreciated. I really love travelling in Indonesia.