Often overshadowed by its considerably larger neighbour, Yogyakarta, Surakarta - also known as Solo - is an ideal destination for travellers seeking a quieter, more traditional, off-the-beaten-track experience. This historic royal city boasts an idyllic setting on Indonesia’s Java Island, with three volcanoes presiding over the city from afar. The broad, tree-lined avenues are a pleasure to explore, with countless restaurants, art galleries, malls, palaces and museums to discover in the relatively compact city centre. Solo is particularly well-known for its excellent shopping opportunities with an impressive range of markets, including a lovely antique bazaar and a large market specialising in batik fabric. Despite possessing all the trappings one might expect of a modern city, Solo has managed to retain its sleepy village ambience and, as the least Westernised city in Central Java, and its rich Javanese cultural heritage remains apparent throughout the city.
Considered the soul of Java, Yogyakarta – commonly known as Yogya – is the flourishing, exciting capital of the Yogyakarta Special Region in Indonesia’s Java Province. This massive urban centre, with a population of well over a million, skillfully maintains its rich cultural heritage while embracing modernity, boasting an impressive wealth of stunning heritage attractions too long to list as well as plenty of hip locations. The Ullen Sentalu and Affandi museums are not to be missed, and a visit to the science park or zoo will keep the kids happy, while top-notch bars, clubs, impressive galleries and vibrant street art attract a young crowd. Besides all of the wonders Yogya itself has to offer, the city is ideally situated near some of the country’s most important archeological sites – namely Borobudur and Prambanan.
This national park in East Java takes its name from Mount Bromo and Mount Semeru - the two highest peaks within it - and the Tenggerese people who are native to the area, who can often be seen riding their horses across this strange wilderness in traditional garb. Mount Bromo is one of the region’s major attractions - this volcanic crater belches a steady flow of sulphurous smoke and is surrounded by the ‘Sea of Sand’ - a wasteland of ash that is home to the ancient Hindu temple called Pura Luhur Poten. Hiking both the park’s epic peaks is a popular tourist pastime, although planned treks can be disrupted by another kind of activity - the volatility of these unpredictable volcanoes.
Resting at the far eastern end of Indonesia’s island of Java, the city of Banyuwangi serves as the administrative capital of the eponymous regency. The city features a lively local market and makes a comfortable base for travellers eager to experience the spectacularly scenic surrounding area. Visitors can look forward to trekking through the savannah of Baluran, discovering a diverse range of exotic wild animals in the magnificent Alas Purwo National Park, or simply relaxing on the pristine beaches at Pulau Merah or G-Land. The area also offers some fantastic hiking opportunities, with Mount Ijen and its pretty aqua blue crater lake promising an unforgettable experience.
Resting about 5 kilometres west of Singaraja on Bali’s northern coast, the tranquil beach town of Lovina beckons with its gorgeous black-sand shores, sea-facing bars, and idyllic hot springs. This is also prime dolphin-spotting territory, and there are numerous boat tours on offer to watch the Bottlenose at play. Other activities include diving, snorkelling, night-time volleyball, and visits to the enthralling neighbouring islands. The soft-sanded beaches are lapped by stunning waters which are perfect for swimming, and several luxe spas complete the package.
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.
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.
Situated just off the coast of beautiful Lombok, Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T, is the largest and most popular of the three Gili Islands. This tropical paradise features among Indonesia’s top destinations with its bohemian beach bars, top-notch restaurants, and trendy guesthouses. The island escape boasts pristine white-sand beaches lapped by crystal-clear turquoise water and spectacular sunsets over still waters dotted with colourful, wooden fishing boats. Visitors can look forward to a number of exciting activities including diving courses at one of the many diving schools, yoga classes, and renting a see-through kayak or canoe to discover an underwater wonderland from the surface.
