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.
Set on the far western shores of Papua New Guinea, Sorong is a strange mix of a port city, industrial centre and relaxed coastal town. Despite its urban buzz, it has a distinctly laid-back ambience and is the gateway to some of the most idyllic tropical islands and phenomenal scuba diving spots in the world - the Raja Ampat Islands. Start the day with an early morning visit to the local market and observe local fishing boats return with their catch. Visit bustling batik shops to browse a wide variety of traditional Indonesian cloth and various art and craft shops that feature traditional artefacts. The next stop is the Raja Ampat Islands, a pristine archipelago located in the famed Coral Triangle, said to be among the planet’s most biodiverse marine ecosystems.
Bounded by the turquoise waters of West Papua, Gam Island is a slice of paradise idyllically arrayed with a lush hilly terrain, limestone cliffs, and a dense jungle brimming with birdlife. Bring your binoculars and observe the Red Birds of Paradise, Western Crowned Pigeons, Palm Cockatoos and the Maleo: a ground-dwelling bird that builds huge nest mounds on the forest floor. Opportunities for snorkelling and diving are excellent, and the southern coast is lined with traditional beachfront homestays nestled near lively local villages. Kayaking and dolphin watching are popular activities at Kabui Bay, with white sand beaches and clear waters on the south side, while the northern parts are lined with mangroves and filled with karst islands.
