Indonesia Specialist Jacqui
My first trip to Indonesia was in 2010, backpacking with a friend. We arrived into Jakarta, promptly got ourselves on an overnight train to Yogyakarta, and woke up in Java’s cultural capital for our first full day in Indonesia. We headed to the ancient Buddhist stupa (domed shrine) of Borobudur on that first day, and the contrast between the serenity of Borobudur and the vibrancy of Beringharjo market in Yogyakarta set the tone for a varied and amazing trip.
I love being by and in the ocean and so an archipelago of over 17,500 islands was always going to be a hit! What I love most is the sheer variety of experiences – you can hike up to the crater rim of an active volcano and working sulphur mine at the crack of dawn in Eastern Java, and be snorkelling or diving the colourful reefs of Menjangan Island in Bali by the late afternoon. The archipelago is paradise for wildlife lovers too. Seeing orangutans in their natural habitat is an absolute privilege.
A week sailing and diving in the Komodo National Park, aboard the beautiful phinisi sailing boat Tiger Blue. I spent my days diving the vibrant reefs and channels in the marine park, trekking in search of wild Komodo dragons - endemic to Indonesia - devouring the freshest sashimi, expertly prepared by the onboard chef, and ending the days with barbeques on deserted beaches, under starry skies.
Although I have travelled to the island of Sumba already (wonderfully off-the-beaten-track, with beautiful landscapes, beaches and a fascinating animist culture), I would love to go back during the Pasola festival – a horseback battle, which commences upon the arrival of the sacred nyale seaworms to the shores of Western Sumba. In modern times the spears are blunted, but the spirituality and intensity of the celebration remains.
Monday – Friday : 9am to 6pm
Original Travel
111 Upper Richmond Rd
London SW15 2TL
Tel: 020 7978 7333
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
