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.
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.
Dubbed the ‘Paris of East Java’, Malang is among the region’s biggest urban hubs, known for its intriguing historical attractions and its temperate climate. Despite its magnitude, it is a pleasant and atmospheric city that has retained much of its cultural heritage, which is complemented by a thriving contemporary art scene and vibrant nightlife (in part due to its sizeable student population). Nearby attractions include the series of beaches at Balekambang, the spectacular ancient Hindu temple complex of Singosari, and Sempu Island, with its inland lagoon and densely forested limestone outcrops.
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.
If you find Kuta too wild and Nusa Dua too placid, Sanur might be the strip of Balibeachfront resort you’re looking for. Combining great eating spots and bars withfamily-friendly beaches, Sanur has a balanced, energetic, yet chilled ambiance. EveryJuly Sanur hosts the International Kite Festival, and the brilliant blue skies are filledwith colourful kites of all shapes and sizes. Le Mayeur Museum, the former home ofthe eponymous artist, is a worthwhile visit, as is a trek through the incumbentmangrove forest or a session at the Turtle Conservation Centre.
