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; 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 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.
On Indonesia's uniquely beautiful island of Flores is the Kelimutu National Park, home to the mystical Mount Kelimutu volcano, famous for its three multi-coloured lakes. Although they share the crest of the same volcano and sit side-by-side, the lakes periodically and unpredictably change colours independently of one another depending on the volcano's activities or, according to the local inhabitants, on the mood of the ancestral spirits! Kelimutu is renowned as the only place on earth where this remarkable colour variation phenomenon takes place. Other park highlights include some steaming hot springs, breathtaking waterfalls and a fascinating cultural heritage with traditional architecture, dances, and ikat weaving still playing an integral role in the lives of the local people. The small farming village of Moli lies near the volcano and makes an excellent base for exploring the park.
Take a step back in time in Bajawa, a charming hill town surrounded by an alpine landscape in the central highlands of Flores. The most popular of these is Bena, where you can get a glimpse into the homes and lives of the native people, including displays of traditional fighting and dance. For a taste of the pristine natural surroundings, visit the authentic villages, discover one of the numerous waterfalls in the area, or spend a day relaxing in the hot springs amid the forest-covered mountains. Dominating the skyline around Bajawa is the nearby Gunung Inerie, the highest volcano on Flores and a rewarding trekking opportunity that boasts breathtaking scenery from the extraordinary summit.
Like many other popular tourist spots in Indonesia, Labuan Bajo, in the far Western region of Flores, was once a sleepy fishing village. Today it functions as a bustling departure point for visitors wanting to go explore the nearby Komodo archipelago – home to the legendary Komodo ‘dragons’, huge prehistoric lizards that can weigh up to 70 kilograms and grow up to three metres in length. Beyond the opportunity to encounter these fearsome reptiles in their natural habitat, travellers also visit the area for the outstanding diving and snorkelling conditions. Shark diving, dolphin and whale watching and all manner of water sports are also popular activities for holidaymakers.
