Overview of Indonesia
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Indonesia has something to offer everyone visiting. Consisting of over 18,000 islands and only one-third of them inhabited, each of the areas will have differing landscapes, cultures and even religions. Check out some of the best places to visit in Indonesia and some of the top attractions to add to your must-see list:
Where to Go and What to See
Bali
One of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, Bali is loved for its varied landscapes, volcanic hillsides and picturesque settings. Bali features colourful cultures with deeply spiritual roots. Unlike the others islands mostly consisting of the Muslim culture, Bali is engulfed in the Hindu culture and as such, you can see offerings being given by the Balinese people, as well as witness many spiritual festivals.
- Kuta Beach is the most popular destination in Bali, located in South Bali. Known for its excellent surfing, you can learn the sport, or relax along the oceanfront.
- Hindu Temples are one of the sights you won’t want to miss. They are an integral part of the Bali culture and its architecture.
- Bali is a spa lover’s paradise and it would be strongly recommended to treat yourself to one of the many Balinese treatments such as Balinese Massage, Lulur Body scrub or creambath. Bali also hosts a number of Hot Springs such as Air Banjar, set in a lush garden, with naturally warmed water passing between two pools where you can relax.
- Bali hosts some of the best beaches in Indonesia so if water sports are a must for you, you can check out some of the many scuba diving spots, sailing, yachting, whitewater rafting and sport fishing.
- Bali also hosts some great shopping where you can get popular designer goods, but also local delicacies such as paintings, basketware, stone and wood carvings, dried spices, etc.
Java
Named, “The heartland of Indonesia,” Java is quickly picking up speed as one of the most populated areas in the world. With glorious nightlife, wondrous volcanoes and beautiful architecture, you may need more than a few days to make the full trek around Java.
- Mount Bromo is an active volcano is East Java, whose top has been blown off so the crater left inside continuously emits white smoke. It is a spectacle to see, especially with the surrounding mastiffs allowing for a breathtaking view.
- Borobudur is in northwest of Java and is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world. Built over a period of 75 years with over 2 million blocks of stone, this is one of the top tourist spots in Indonesia.
Other Areas of Indonesia
Tanjung Puting National Park
For those who want to experience wildlife in its natural habitat, the Tanjung Putting National Park will give wonders. Located on the island of Borneo, the park is famous for its orang-utan conservation, you can see the primates swing from the treetops. You can also view pythons, wild boars, macaques, clouded leopards, crocodiles and more.
Baliem Valley
The Baliem Valley, located in New Guinea, will offer a glimpse into the lives of native peoples and beautiful landscapes as far as the eye can see. The Dani people that live there have adopted many modern ways and new beliefs, while maintaining their traditions. You can take in their way of life as you trek to this isolated, but breathtaking, valley with roaring rivers and lush forests.
Bunaken
On the island of Sulawesim you will find Bunaken, Indonesia’s most famous diving and snorkelling centre. You can catch a glimpse at more than 70 percent of all the fish species living in the Western Pacific Ocean from here.
Komodo National Park
Named after the famed Komodo dragon, the park is located in the Lesser Sunda Islands with three large islands and over 25 smaller ones. A particularly notable inhabitant is that of which the National Park is named after, the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest reptile. The park is also rich in marine life such as whale sharks, manta rays, coral and pygmy seahorses. You can also find wild boar, wild buffalo, crab-eating macaques and the helmeted friarbird.
Seasonality
Upon descent from the plane you will notice the humid, hot air in Indonesia. There are not four seasons, but instead only two: the wet and dry seasons. You may want to investigate the particular temperatures of the areas you plan to visit and pack accordingly.
Travel Tips
- When travelling to Indonesia it may be important to note that if you are planning to rent a car, you will need to hold an International Driver’s License, an Australian License alone will not do.
- You may also want to note important religious holidays such as Ramadhan where Muslims refrain from passing anything through their lips between sunrise and sunset. Non-Muslims are exempt from this, but, out of respect, you may want to refrain from eating or drinking in public.
- You must have a visa to enter the country, as only 15 countries are exempt from this rule, Australia not being one of them. You can receive one upon arrival or prior to your trip by visiting the local consulate.
- In recent years, the crime rate has increased with several disruptions occurring in Bali. You are to exercise extreme caution when visiting Indonesia and keep up to date with current events happening there so as to determine if it is safe to travel at the time of your departure.
- Most diseases known to man are present in Indonesia so you may want to prepare appropriately with vaccinations. It’s strongly urged that you pack mosquito netting and spray with you.
Protect your holiday, your investment and your health with a travel insurance policy from youGo. No matter what fun you get up to in Indonesia for your holiday, youGo will be available to help you navigate and get help if and when you need it. Plus with a youGo travel insurance policy, you are automatically covered for a number of adventure sports activities so if you get there and want to try jetskiing or paragliding, you’ll be automatically covered for those events. As always, carefully read the PDS before departing to make sure you know exactly what your policy covers for your Indonesian holiday.