Indonesia Travel Blog

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Reasons to Visit Sumatra

Sumatra is one of the largest and most beautiful islands in Indonesia; it's three times the size of the UK and, unlike its neighbouring islands of Bali and Java, sees far fewer tourists. It's also one of the most biodiverse areas on earth, known for its extraordinarily rich flora, fauna and wildlife. Want the lowdown? Read on to discover our reasons why you should visit Sumatra. 1. Step into the unknown2.

24 Hours in Central Java

Small but mighty, Central Java is renowned for its cultural traditions, ancient temples and lush landscapes. From lofty volcanoes and cascading waterfalls to sprawling tea plantations and elaborate monuments, there’s plenty to pack into 24 hours in Central Java. If you’re worried you’ll be short on time, fear not. Our clued-up local Concierges are the ultimate insiders and can handpick the top experiences for you.

Reasons to Visit Indonesia in September

September’s beautiful blue skies and toasty temperatures make it an excellent time to visit Indonesia. With the summer crowds dwindling, you can enjoy the country’s awe-inspiring scenery (think active volcanoes and clear waters) and learn about its cultural heritage (we’re talking captivating temples and traditional dances). Need more convincing? Read on for our roundup of reasons to visit Indonesia

24 Hours in Ubud

Often hailed as Bali’s spiritual and cultural centre, Ubud attracts travellers with its terraced rice paddies, ornate temples and dense rainforest. You could easily spend weeks here, experiencing the colourful customs, indulging in traditional Balinese cuisine, soaking up local life and finding your zen during yoga and meditation sessions. But if you’re on a tighter timeline, our clued-up local Concierges are the ultimate insiders and know how to narrow down these manifold choices.

Just Back: Rachel’s Research Trip to Indonesia

Rachel, part of the specialist team at our aptly named sister brand, Original Diving, recently ventured into Indonesia’s watery world for a diving research trip. Along with checking out the super-luxe beach resorts dotted along the coasts of Bali, Sumbawa and Flores, she tried her hand at muck diving and learnt about the important process of coral transplantation. Eager to dive into Indonesia’s marine world?

Sustainable Tourism in Indonesia

In a world of fleeting travel trends, we’re confident that sustainable tourism isn’t just a phase; it's here to stay. Since the wrecking ball of the pandemic, we’ve been set on repairing tourism’s fragile fault lines in a way that embodies the Japanese art of kintsugi – repairing pottery with gold lacquer to create something even more beautiful than before. When it comes to Indonesia, a country renowned for its beauty, it's only right that we do our part to keep it that way.

Top Seven Komodo Dragon Facts

Not to be confused with the fire-breathing, winged variety, the Komodo dragon is a real-life force to be reckoned with. A creature that wouldn’t look out of place in Jurassic Park, the Komodo dragon, or Komodo monitor, was first documented in 1910. But don’t let its prehistoric persona lull you into a false sense of security: the Komodo dragon is anything but primitive. To learn more about this fascinating species, read on to discover our list of the top seven Komodo dragon facts… 1.

Nine Best Places to Surf in Indonesia

Indonesia, the world's largest island country, has more than 13,000 islands. That’s a lot of coastline. 61,567 miles in fact. So, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that it is one of the world’s most decorated and celebrated surf spots. While Bali and East Java lead the pack with their trailblazing swells in G-Land and Uluwatu, who offer year-round rides, sunshine and Bintangs on tap at their surrounding beach bars, there’s also a whole host of untrodden frontiers that come with their own unbridled wilderness and palm-lined shores.

Best Temples in Bali

Bali is known for surf, sand and sunshine, but when you need a break from the beach or a more spiritual sojourn, there are thousands of temples to discover in Indonesia’s island paradise. These sacred places or 'puras' (Balinese for temple) are found across the region and continue to be used for daily worship and religious ceremonies by Bali’s predominantly Hindu population. Often tourists aren’t permitted to enter the main worship area or inner sanctum of a temple, however the best temples in Bali are set in stunning surroundings which make them just as beautiful from the outside.

Things to do in Ubud

Few places can captivate travellers like the 17,000 islands that make up Indonesia, with the spiritual mecca of Bali the gem in the Indonesian crown. It’s a province that’s home to dramatic (and active) volcanoes and vegetation-rich landscapes woven with traditions that have spanned centuries. It’s easy to see why so many find themselves flocking to this paradise spot in search of something new and why so many gravitate to the town of Ubud.

The Best Islands in Indonesia

A smattering of green smack bang in the middle of the Indian Ocean’s cerulean seas, the Indonesian archipelago is a true island paradise which is home to incredible stretches of predictably powdery beaches, a mind-boggling diversity of marine life and a scattering of charming farming villages that cling tenaciously to the craggy coastline. Deciding on the best islands in Indonesia, however, is akin to choosing whether you need a coat or not during spring in the UK – a near impossible task.

Visit Bali

Your first experience of Bali starts just as you leave the airport; the air is warm, maybe even welcoming, and there are smiling faces everywhere. The Balinese are open,caring and are very hospitable towards visitors, making it easy to see why so many are compelled to visit Bali and discover all that this remarkable island has to offer.   The Balinese believe they must share what they have because according to the island's tradition, its fertile land and lush vegetation do not belong to humans but to the deities and ancestors who join them.

A Jaunt Around Java

Our resident Indonesia expert has been lucky enough to travel around the archipelago many times, and recounts how her visits to Bali, Lombok and Sumatra have really brought home just how different and unique all of the Indonesian islands are. And it was on her latest trip to visit Java, that she discovered an entirely new side to this ever-fascinating island nation…   Something different Sure enough, Java brought its own charm and something entirely different to my knowledge of Indonesia than the other islands had.

Best Places to See Komodo Dragons

Rather than resembling the fire-breathing dragons of fairy tales, Komodo dragons are in fact the world's largest and heaviest lizards. But they don’t roam far flung mythical lands, so knowing where to see Komodo dragons is easier than you think. Our Indonesia experts can help you locate the best places to see Komodo dragons. They are found in the harsh climate of Komodo National Park, Rinca and some parts of Flores Island in Indonesia,

Water Buffalo Racing in Bali

Water Buffalo Racing in Bali   Water Buffalo Racing Think water buffalo and the image that probably springs to mind is of a large, sedentary animal up to its waist in a paddy field munching merrily away. Find yourself at a makepung water buffalo racing tournament in the Jembrana province of Bali, however, and you might just want to reconsider as two half ton adults connected to a flimsy chariot come thundering past at high speed.

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