Bali – Indonesia

Straddling the equator, Indonesia is comprised of over 17,000 islands and offers some of the most diverse landscapes and cultures of any country on earth. This beguiling archipelago of tropical islands is the perfect destination for those looking for exciting and unique travel experiences. Within a two-week luxury holiday you can snorkel the most impressive coral reefs on earth, climb volcanoes at sunrise and see wildlife such as Orangutans, Tarsiers and Komodo Dragons in their natural habitats. In addition you will have time to explore the largest Buddhist temple on earth and stay at some of the very best luxury accommodations anywhere in Asia. Indonesia really does offer something for everyone.

Bali – Indonesia Overview

Sumatra, Nias and the Mentawai Islands

Bukit Lawang is a lazy riverside village in jungle shrouded Sumatra and one of the best places in the world to see Orangutans in the wild. The wonderful jungle trekking experience is well worth the lack of luxurious accommodation on offer here.

Nias and the Mentawai islands are an island chain off the coast of Sumatra in the Indian Ocean. These islands are an up and coming destination and for good reason. Due to world class surf these islands have been a Mecca for surfers for decades. Because of easier access by fast ferry and the idyllic white sand beaches, coral reefs, hunter-gatherer tribes these islands are now becoming more popular with non surfers too. Asia Travel Specialist expects some luxury resorts in the next five years, and will keep a keen eye on developments.

Java

The most populated island on earth, Java is home to the nation’s capital Jakarta and is very much the economic hub of Indonesia. For the luxury traveller, many treasures await.

Borobodur is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and is an awe inspiring sight at sunrise. Climb the temple at sunrise and witness the early morning mist evaporate as you enjoy the panorama of rice paddies and surrounding volcanoes. Nearby, the intricate Hindu temples of Prambanan are well worth your time. As you relax after a day at the temples, you will likely hear evening prayer ringing out from distant Mosques, for this is also one of the most populous Muslim countries on earth. Indonesia truly is a melting pot of cultures.

Further east the volcanic caldera of Mount Bromo is one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes. Witness sunrise from the caldera rim before trekking across the sand sea to Bromo crater itself. Nearby the port city of Surabaya showcases its trading past with an Arab Quarter, Chinatown and impressive Dutch architecture.

In the far east of Java, Mount Ijen is one of the last active sulphur mines. The gentle climb up the rain-forest shrouded volcano is rewarded by a stunning sight. The colourful crater lake is surrounded by steamy yellow fumaroles, the source of the ‘devil’s gold’. Local people extract this sought after natural resource and walk it out of the volcano in baskets, back breaking work.

Bali and Lombok

The most famous and tourism dependent island is Bali. Bali is a majority Hindu Island located to the east of Java. Lush green rice paddies abound, often overlooked by a Hindu temple or two. Asia Travel Specialist highly recommends some time exploring the interior of Bali. In the Ubud area, the choice of luxury hotels is immense, with fantastic offerings such as Amandari, Viceroy or Mathis Retreat. There are some fantastic walking trails around Ubud town and a great choice of restaurants too. Further north is the quieter and more low-key, Sanak Retreat in Munduk. Sanak Retreat is the perfect base for those looking to get away from it all.

Bali’s coastline is relentlessly pounded by surf making it one of the best destinations for surfing, but hazardous for swimming.  The north coast of Bali is very different, safe for swimming and features dark volcanic sand beaches. Whilst there are some stunning beach resorts in Bali, Asia Travel Specialist prefers the quieter beaches on neighbouring Lombok.

Lombok is a short speedboat ride from Bali , or a very short flight. Lombok is a similar in size to Bali and a majority Muslim island. Even though Lombok is close to Bali, the climate is drier and the landscape markedly different. Indonesia’s tallest and most impressive volcano, Mount Rinjani, dominates Lombok’s interior. The one or two night climb up to the crater rim is quite an adventure. Lombok enjoys picture postcard white sand beaches with few crowds and turquoise blue seas.  Asia Travel Specialist’s favourite beach is Sire beach, on the north coast.  Tugu Lombok enjoys prime position on Sire beach and is a fantastic characterful boutique hotel, full of quirky antiques.

East Nusa Tenggara

East Nusa Tenggara comprises the islands of Sumbawa, Komodo, Rinca, Flores, Alor and  Sumba. These island idylls are a perfect playground for those looking to get off the tourist track. here you can explore mysterious Animist tribal cultures, dive and snorkel the best coral reefs on earth. Explore the myriad of empty white sand beaches scattered throughout these rarely explored islands.

Komodo and Rinca islands are home to the famous Komodo Dragon and so a trek on one of these islands to see these creatures is a highlight of many tours of Indonesia. Another highlight of this region is the wildlife that resides under the sea surface. Snorkelling and diving excursions can easily be arranged from your luxury resort of Sudamala Seraya or Plataran Komodo in order to explore some of the best coral reefs on earth.

For the very best island hopping experience, join a luxury cruise around these islands. Charter a yacht if you are a big family or group of friends. Couples can take a cabin on a set departure date. The choice of luxury cruise has exploded in recent years. Fantastic options include, Si Datu Bua, Dunia Baru, Alila Purnama, Aqua Blu, Alexa, Tiare and Tiger Blue.

Sumba is a short flight from Bali and boasts the world renowned Nihi Sumba Resort. Once a surfers retreat due to the world famous wave that breaks in front of the resort, Nihi Sumba is now a luxury resort. Nihi Sumba is perfect for families, honeymooners and those looking to experience a unique and very special place. Remote but accessible, Nihi Sumba features luxurious rustic villas overlooking the Indian ocean. Explore the megalithic cultures of Sumba, swim under waterfalls, ride horses along the beach, relax in the spa and surf the famous wave if you dare.

Sulawesi

Centrally located in the Indonesian archipelagos, Sulawesi features many distinct landscapes and cultures. Manado city in the far north is easily accessed from Singapore. North Sulawesi is populated by the Filipino descended Minahasan ethnic group and boasts Bunaken Marine Park which offers fantastic snorkelling and diving. Nearby, divers can enjoy muck diving in the Lembah straight and encounter weird and wonderful sea creatures. At sunset in the rain forests of Tangkoko, follow troops of black macaque monkeys through the jungle and come face to face with the Tarsier, the world’s smallest primate.

The central highlands of Tanah Toraja feature beautiful hills and valleys and is home of one of Indonesia’s most confident and vivid cultures. The Torajan festival calendar is full of exuberant funeral ceremonies involving pig and buffalo sacrifices.

Wakatobi in south east Sulawesi features world class diving and snorkelling and luxurious accommodation. Wakatobi is easily accessed from Bali by a charter flight that runs twice a week.

Papua and Raja Ampat

Papua features impenetrable mountains and jungle that has meant that until the 1950s, the tribes here had no contact with the outside world. By taking a 30-minute flight from civilization deep into this untouched kingdom you can head back in time to the Stone Age and witness how humans use to live 10.000 years ago. Because the tribes of Papua are the very last of the “hunter-gatherer” societies on Earth, they are a huge draw to the adventure traveller. Rough, rugged, and naturally magnificent, expeditions to Papua, Western New Guinea are not easy but provide the adventure of a lifetime even for experienced travellers.

Raja Ampat is a collection of paradise islands off the coast of Papua and the heart of the coral triangle in east Indonesia. The seas here feature the most bio diverse marine life on earth which attracts avid snorkelers and divers from around the world. Tiny Batbitim island sadly used to be a shark fining camp. Batbitim is now the home of Misool Eco Resort, a rustic dive resort and the centre of a 300,000-acre marine conservation area patrolled by the Misool Ranger Patrol.  Bird watchers also migrate to Raja Ampat in order to catch a glimpse of the mythical Bird of Paradise.