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.
Sengkang, resting on the eastern banks of the wondrous Lake Temple, is a charming town within the South Sulawesi province of Indonesia. This lovely destination hosts a historic market town feel, retaining cultural traditions such as silk weaving, colourful wedding celebrations and the quaint floating homes for the fishermen. Travellers to the wondrous Sengkang can meander through the lively city centre, sample the mouth-watering local cuisine, tour one of the high-end silk factories, or visit one many delightful sites of worship. Nature enthusiasts’ and bird lovers’ alike will be thrilled at the spectacular bird watching opportunities of Lake Temple. Sengkang makes a great stopover when travelling from Makassar to Toraja.
A visit to Tana Toraja is like wandering through a National Geographic documentary. The regency, found in the South Sulawesi province of Indonesia, is home to the Toraja ethnic group, who are renowned for their elaborate and unusual funeral rites. The opportunity to attend a funeral, which are social events that last for several days, would be a highlight for any visitor, but the breathtaking scenery – including the eerie cliff-side cemeteries – and hospitality of the local people is reason enough to travel here. July and August – the dry season when the biggest funerals are held – are the best months to visit Tana Toraja, although you are likely to encounter a large number of tourists over this period.
It’s impossible to be bored in the ever-expanding metropolis of Makassar, also known as Ujung Padang, set on eastern Indonesia’s Sulawesi island. The bustling city is full of exciting sights, smells, and sounds, and the friendly locals will charm you into feeling right at home. The first stop for visitors is Fort Rotterdam, a reminder of the area’s Dutch occupation, which provides a fascinating architectural study. There is a lot to learn about the area from the two superb museums, while just outside of the city you can find a Gowanese palace, scenic waterfalls, and historical cave paintings by the first inhabitants of Sulawesi. Don’t forget to savour some of the local seafood dishes the area is renowned for.
