Borobudur
Set in the heart of central Java, Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, featuring intricate carvings and stupas, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
Indonesia’s archipelagic nature means there are endless possible combinations of islands and regions. A curated selection of sample Indonesian adventures is below. All our trips are 100% bespoke and will be tailored to your interests.
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This land of contrasts will surprise and delight at every turn. Each region is almost a country unto itself, with its own language, culture, religious observances, and cuisine. From the ancient temples of Java, the Toraja funeral ceremonies of Sulawesi, and the traditional villages in Sumba, visitors will discover an enchanting blend of customs, traditions, and ways of life.
For adventure seekers, Indonesia has no shortage of thrilling activities: climb active volcanoes, dive in pristine coral reefs, trek through vast national parks, and even spot orangutans in the wild. And if you are looking for a relaxing escape, Indonesia’s white sand beaches, lush tropical forests, and luxurious resorts are sure to rejuvenate your mind and soul.
But that’s not all. Indonesia is also famous for its mouth-watering cuisine: a tantalizing fusion of flavors and spices that changes and evolves from island to island. And with its warm and welcoming locals, you will feel at home from the moment you step foot in the country.
Bali grabs the headlines of course, but look further afield and the riches keep coming. To the immediate west is Java: Indonesia’s most populous island, housing the UNESCO Heritage temples of Borobudur and the magnificent Ijen and Bromo volcanoes. To the immediate east is Lombok, home to the imposing Mount Rinjani, and the laidback, postcard-perfect Gili Islands. Further still are unforgettable cruise charters around Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat, the alluring, untamed landscapes of Sumba, wild West Papua, and adventures galore in Sumatra, Kalimantan, or Sulawesi.
Set in the heart of central Java, Borobudur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple, featuring intricate carvings and stupas, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
The surreal, lunar-like landscape of the Bromo-Tengger Caldera is littered with smoking craters and dramatic sunrises, and is a magnet for adventurers and photographers alike.
Glide gently through the lush rainforest and rivers of the immensely biodiverse Tanjung Puting National Park, watching orang-utans and hornbills fly through the canopy above.
This UNESCO-protected national park, famed for Komodo dragons, encompasses stunning islands, vibrant coral reefs, and diverse marine life, offering a remarkable blend of nature and wildlife.
The valleys and villages of central Sulawesi reveal rich Torajan heritage through unique funeral ceremonies, traditional architecture, and picturesque landscapes adorned with rice terraces.
Rugged, wild, and truly enchanting, Sumba blends off-piste adventure with lush nature, world-class diving, and incomparable luxury accommodations.
The best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season from March to October. These months offer ideal weather conditions for exploring the diverse landscapes and islands. Bali, Java, and Lombok are particularly inviting during this period. However, it’s worth noting that the archipelago’s vastness means regional climates may vary. For instance, Komodo and Raja Ampat are best visited from October to April.
During the wet season, from November to March, some areas experience heavy rainfall, yet it can be an excellent time for surfers. With such a large range of islands to explore there are all kinds of micro-climates to consider, so please speak to your consultant for expert info!
Check out The Best Time to Travel to Indonesia for more details.
Where to start? Each of Indonesia’s island destinations offers immense history, great food, and stunning natural beauty. Java specifically has volcanoes and UNESCO sites; Kalimantan the steamy jungles of Borneo; Lombok and Flores have rugged, untamed beauty and pristine white sand beaches; and Sulawesi offers a glimpse of unique cultural traditions found nowhere else on the planet.
Take a seat at the top of Borobudur’s towering temples as the sun peeks above the horizon, rising slowly above a skyline of soaring volcanoes and tropical jungle, watching as the colors above you move from inky blue through pinks, purples, reds, and oranges.
Komodo is made up of countless earthy-toned islands, contrasted by beautiful coral blues and pink-hued beaches. The best way to explore is by charter cruise, traveling from islet to islet, coming face to face with Komodo dragons, and myriad other unforgettable adventures.
Sulawesi has a wealth of attractions, but top of any list is a remarkable journey into the highlands to meet the Toraja, who have fascinated anthropologists and intrepid travelers alike for centuries. Visiting this region is an experience unlike any other in Indonesia – or the world.
A Bali-only trip could be as little as 6-7 days; although compact this would be (just) enough time for a few nights around Ubud backed up with a beach break down on the south coast. A full round-island trip would require 10-12 days minimum. Pairing Bali with one or more of nearby Java, Lombok, or Flores would best be done in 13-14 days – or more…you really can’t ever stop exploring Indonesia, so the more time you have the better!
Located close to the equator Bali has a relatively settled – but tropical – climate year-round. Temperatures remain pleasantly hot and humidity mild, with rainfall at its lowest from March through to October. Although there is a slight uplift in the probability of rain from November through to February there is no monsoon as such, and this shouldn’t put anyone off planning an escape through the winter holidays.
Those islands on a similar latitude to Bali typically follow a similar pattern: Java, Lombok, Flores, and Sumba. Sulawesi likewise, albeit with a mini monsoon in the hills of Tana Toraja around March and April. Regions of Indonesia that fall on the other side of the equator – chiefly the jungle and wildlife destinations of Kalimantan and north Sumatra are in the inverse, seeing their best weather from October through to March.
100% yes. The center of Bali holds rolling hills and mountains, and two majestic volcanic peaks in Mt Agung and Mt Batur. There are miles upon miles of slopes, dense forests, and secluded waterfalls to trek or mountain bike to, while at lower elevations you’ll find a rich carpet of emerald rice fields for lighter hikes or cycling. Several fast-running rivers lead to rapids for kayaking or rafting. Off-shore you’ll find several patches of underwater wonderland – primarily around Menjangan, Amed, Candidasa, or Nusa Lembongan – for keen divers and snorkellers.
Bali is best thought of as a destination for culture, nature, relaxation, and adventure. Wildlife interaction is possible in Bali’s bird and reptile parks, and there are plenty of monkeys and other tropical critters around, but for big-hitting wildlife activities, we suggest turning your attention to Sumatra or Kalimantan. Both house epic national parks, home to orang-utans, elephants, rhinos, and – very elusively – tigers.
Indonesia is a settled democracy suffering little disruption from political action, strikes, or extreme activity. Its tourist centers – primarily Bali, but also Java, Flores, and Sulawesi – are well away from densely populated areas and you’ll find a general sense of calm and positivity throughout the country. As with most of Asia, petty crime is nearly unheard of and you’ll find locals on the whole warm and highly welcoming.
Tours of Bali are conducted 100% by road. No two parts of the island are more than 3-4 hours’ drive away, and the scenery is simply unforgettable, so these journeys are an absolute joy. Next-door Java is connected by a very short ferry transfer, so a full overland trip from Jakarta or Yogyakarta is entirely possible. Otherwise, it’s short, comfortable, efficient domestic flights; Indonesia has half a dozen or more domestic airlines competing to keep fares cheap and service high: if you’re combining 2 or 3 islands you’ll probably become very familiar with them!
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