Highlights
Scuba Diving
Forming one corner of the 'Coral Triangle' and containing over 3,000 fish species and 600 species of coral, steep walls, deep water trenches, underwater volcanic mountains, World War II wrecks, and an endless variety of macro life, Indonesia is probably one of the worlds’ best dive sites. To the east of Bali lies the Lombok Strait, through which flows the greatest volume of tidal water on earth, creating some powerful currents and rollercoaster rides that characterise Bali’s best scuba diving sites. The strong currents cleanse the water and create fantastic visibility of the pelagic fish – mola mola and sunfish – that visit regularly.
Temples and Monuments
A nation of spirituality and various religions, Indonesia is home to some of the world’s most beautiful, striking and intriguing temples. Take a trip to beguiling Bali, home to an utterly staggering 10,000 temples, or visit the gem in Java’s crown: the famed and stunning Borobodur Temple, the largest Buddhist monument in existence. Other islands house a number of these beautiful sites of worship, whilst Lombok boasts a unique mixture of temples and mosques. The holiest compound on the island, Pura Lingsar, is multi-denominational, offering spaces of prayer for both Balinese Hindus and Lombok’s strand of Islam.
Culture
Forget your modern worries and lose track of time as you immerse yourself in the various beguiling cultures of Indonesia’s islands. Live like a local as you experience the hustle and bustle of traditional markets, stroll past ancient villages, or take a trip through the picturesque rice fields of Bali and Java. The beautiful city of Ubud in Bali is home to countless temples, museums and galleries; Java’s Yogyakarta showcases the island’s spirituality, tradition and creativity; whilst Sumba’s regions each boast their own world-famous and beautiful Ikat weavings.
Beaches
Walk atop inimitably pristine, powdery white sand that leads you out to the clear, turquoise-coloured waters of the Indian Ocean – welcome to paradise! For exclusivity and luxury, Bali’s beaches are among the best in the world, whilst Lombok offers the same stunning natural beauty in quieter, more rustic surroundings. Enjoy a mesmerising boat ride to Indonesia’s Gili Islands for a true taste of island paradise, or take to the waves with world-class surfing around the archipelago; Sumba Island boasts one of the world’s most coveted waves, ‘God’s Left’, offering a real challenge to even the most experienced surfers.
Wildlife Encounters
The diversity of Indonesia continues to the archipelago’s wonderful wildlife; prepare to encounter some fascinating, varied and beautiful creatures, both on land and at sea. Meet the cheeky Balinese Long Tailed Monkeys at Bali’s captivating Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary, observing the daily activities of these charming animals. Home to an array of rare, intriguing wildlife, why not visit Java’s UNESCO-listed Ujung Kulong National Park, the last refuge of the One-Horned Javan Rhinoceros – one of the world’s most endangered species? For utterly mesmerising life beneath the Indian Ocean, embark on a mind-blowing scuba-diving excursion, meeting colourful tropical fish, octopus, Reef Sharks and more!
Volcanoes
Boasting some of planet Earth’s most dramatic and striking landscapes, Indonesia is home to a number of utterly breathtaking volcanoes. Java houses the famed Gunung Bormo peak, standing at 2392 metres tall, whilst the neighbouring island of Krakatoa is home to the iconic, world-famous Krakatau Peak. Not only are these volcanic landscapes a joy to marvel at and explore, they are also considered holy by many Indonesians; the trinity of sacred mountains, according to the Balinese, comprises Mount Rinjani – the second tallest in Lombok – Agung in Bali and Java’s Bromo mountains.