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.
A combination of exquisite highland scenery, rich heritage, amazing biodiversity and relative accessibility makes Baliem Valley one of Papua’s most visited destinations. Set amidst rugged mountain peaks and bisected by the Baliem River, the valley’s scenic setting is as enticing as its cultural authenticity. A journey here allows visitors to encounter the indigenous Dani people, who still adhere strongly to traditional values and rituals. Among the region’s most popular activities is trekking to remote villages, where one can experience the age-old ceremonies and tribal costumes that form an integral part of the local way of life. The central city of Wamena is the ideal starting point to explore the region. Highlights include Danau Habbema lake, the mummies of Akima and Yiwika, and the eerie beauty of the stalagmites and stalactites of the caves.
Intrepid explorers will delight at the opportunity to explore this wild tropical land. The large, easternmost province of Indonesia spans half the island of New Guinea, and is largely undeveloped – it’s a thriving wonderland of primeval rainforests, gushing rivers, pristine beaches, tranquil lakes and epic mountains. Those who reach this remote destination will be rewarded as much by the untouched natural splendour of the majestic surrounds as by the rich cultural heritage of the local people – their tribal rituals and customs have remained intact for hundreds of years.
Set against the dramatic volcanic backdrop of Mount Salak, on the moisture-laden highlands of Java, bustling Bogar lies just an hour’s train journey south of the Indonesian capital of Jakarta. The city is centred around its internationally famous Bogor Botanical Gardens, a grand colonial estate shaded by lush trees, beautiful plants and flowers, and lilied ponds that rest upon stunningly landscaped lawns. In the northwestern corner of the gardens is Istana Bogor, a historic building once the summer residence of the Governor of Java and now serves the President of Indonesia. Other regional highlights include picturesque waterfalls, forested hills, lakes and tea plantations, visiting the Indonesia National Museum of Natural History, and a basketball museum known as The Bucketlist Indonesia.
