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.
7th June 2025 - Indonesia Adventure
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.
19th February 2025 - Indonesia 24 Hours In
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
9th January 2025 - Indonesia Travel Inspiration
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.
6th January 2025 - Indonesia 24 Hours In
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?
16th July 2024 - Indonesia Travel Tips
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.
22nd February 2024 - Indonesia Responsible Travel
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.
17th January 2024 - Indonesia Safari & Wildlife
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.
17th October 2023 - Indonesia Beaches & Islands
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.
10th July 2023 - Indonesia Travel Inspiration
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.
30th September 2022 - Indonesia Travel Inspiration
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.
13th April 2022 - Indonesia Beaches & Islands
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.
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Travel Inspiration
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.
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Adventure
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,
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Safari & Wildlife
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.
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Travel Inspiration
Want to experience a taste of Indonesia from the comfort of your own home? Here is an Indonesian food recipe for traditional 'Nasi Goreng' aka Indonesian stir-fried rice... Ingredients 2 tbsp groundnut oil 4 garlic cloves 2 red chilli, plus 1 red chilli to serve 1 tsp coriander seeds 1 tbsp fish sauce 1 tbsp tomato ketchup 2 large shallots 3 tbsp sunflower oil 300 g raw king prawns, peeled and deveined 2 skinless chicken breasts,
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Food & Drink
Have you ever wondered what it's like to really relax? To have all the weight of the world lifted from your shoulders, and breathe, really appreciating the world around you and everything that led you up to this moment? That's what it felt like to be a guest at Spa Tembok in Bali last month... Arrive and Unwind Off-the-beaten-track in the north of this paradise island, hidden amongst the palm trees, lies this hidden gem.
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Hotels
Up for adoption.. Adopt an Orangutan Magic monkey More monkey magic now as we bring up the half century. Borneo in Malaysia is a fabulous destination, catering for honeymooners and families alike.and if it's a family you're there with, then there is one clear must do. Actually make that two. Not only must you take the children to Sepilok Orang-Utan Sanctuary, located in an area of virgin equatorial rainforest, to see the so-called 'men of the jungle', but then adopt an orangutan.
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Safari & Wildlife
As the most popular Indonesian island among tourists, it’s no surprise that Bali is home to a wealth of fantastic accommodation options. To help you narrow down your choices, we’ve compiled a list of a few of our favourite luxury hotels in Bali… Nihi Sumba Island (Nihiwatu) In 2016 and 2017, luxury hotel Nihi Sumba Island was declared the number one hotel in the world by Travel + Leisure Magazine. With a mile-long beach exclusive to hotel guests,
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Hotels
One of the best ways to explore the island nation of Indonesia is from the water, and what better way to do this than by staying aboard a luxury liveaboard? Whether you’re a keen diver or snorkeller, or just enjoy spending time at sea, read on for our selection of the best liveaboards in Indonesia… Silolona If you want the ultimate in luxury liveaboards in Indonesia, then look no further than Silolona.
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Hotels
As the most populous island in the world and home to Indonesia’s capital city, Jakarta, it’s no surprise that Java boasts a wealth of accommodation options for all kinds of travellers. To help narrow down your options, we’ve selected a couple that we think are the best hotels in Java… Jiwa Jawa Resort Perched high in the mountains of Pobolinggo, East Java, lies one of the best hotels in Java; The Jiwa Jawa Resort.
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Hotels
The enigmatic beach-blessed haven of Lombok is fast becoming more than just a surfer's paradise. Nowadays keen explorers can discover Bali’s equally captivating neighbour with accommodation options to suit every holidaying experience. Thankfully, we’ve rounded up a list of our favourite Lombok hotels for all your surfing, trekking and sun basking needs. So, if you’re looking for where to stay in Lombok (whether you’re after private ocean views or laid-back tropical vibes) keep reading.
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Hotels
Amandari Set high above the Ayung River Gorge, Amandari overlooks working rice paddy fields, and designed to look like a Balinese village, it is clear to see how the hotel embraces local traditions. Accommodation is in 30 individual thatched roof suites, with Balinese-style stone pillars marking the entrance. The Balinese theme continues inside with the use of coconut wood and teak, and bamboo frame roofs lined with alang alang.
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Hotels
The Legian The Legian, Bali, is a tropical hideaway set on the shores of Seminyak Beach where sunsets are unrivaled, palm trees are aplenty and Zen fills the air. 67 suites and 11 intimate pool side villas sit amidst a swirl of coconut palms and boast fine views of the Indian Ocean. Modern amenities are featured including BOSE hi-fi systems and two ipods loaded with music. Dining options include the main restaurant, which boasts a laid back vibe and serves contemporary European and Asian cuisine, or private dining in a secluded beach pavilion.
28th June 2021 - Indonesia Hotels
Our team of destination experts will get to know you and your unique requirements for your holiday
We work with you to build an ultra-personalised holiday itinerary with your choice of accommodation, experiences and activities
All of our holidays include little extras designed to make a big difference to your trip, from fast-tracking you through airport check-in and security to our network of local Concierges
