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.
Jayapura sits on Indonesia’s far eastern edge, on the north coast of Papua, framed by forested hills and the Pacific Ocean near the border with Papua New Guinea. The city has a relaxed, frontier atmosphere, shaped by its coastal setting and strong Papuan identity. Visitors are drawn to the calm waters of Lake Sentani, where traditional villages dot the shoreline, as well as to quiet beaches and viewpoints overlooking the landmark Red Bridge of Youtefa Bay. Local markets offer a glimpse into daily life, with hand-carved crafts, fresh fish and tropical fruit. Sea breezes, birdsong and the shimmer of water define the sensory experience. Infrastructure is modest, and distances can be long, but for travellers seeking cultural depth and unspoilt scenery, Jayapura feels refreshingly authentic.
As previously described
