A Trip to Indonesia

Which sights to see in Java?

Java is the most populous Indonesian island and it’s full of things to see. Its cultural capital is Yogyakarta, a city of fascinating history. Exploration of buildings of thousands of religions await you. From Hindu and Buddhist temples to Muslim mosques and 19th- and 20th-century colonial houses. One of the most famous Hindu temples, the architecturally wonderful Prambanan is full of stories about the Hindu vision of life. Interestingly, the city is still ruled by the sultan who lives in the Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat palace complex. After visiting all these temples, it’s quite relaxing to explore the fish market on a traditional rickshaw. Head out of the city and explore the countryside where you’ll learn about the lives of the locals. The best way to see the city’s surroundings is by going on a bike tour. If you’re visiting Java, stopping by the largest Hindu temple is a must. The magical Borobudur lies in the middle of endless rice fields. A strong Buddhist message is carved into the temple’s boulders and there are more than 500 statues of Buddha inside. Smile at the sleeping Buddha. Who knows, he might grant you a wish. The temple is best viewed with a guide, so you really learn all its secrets. There’s a crater with a gorgeous lake nearby and I suggest visiting it at sunrise, so you can enjoy the endless view. Java has a tradition stretching back a thousand years, known as Wayang Kulit or shadow puppetry. A trip to Surabaya by train will be an interesting activity for travellers. There you can see many tropical animal species in their natural environment. There’s an active volcano near the city, known as Mount Bromo. It last erupted in 2019, but you can still go all the way to its edge. Explore the Selogriyo temple as well, the most hidden temple on the island. Enjoy the astounding view while walking through the picturesque rice terraces.

What to do in Bali?

A trip around Indonesia wouldn’t be complete without a visit to Bali. The island has everything, from wonderful beaches to unique culture. There’s a special guided tour that will take you to all the major tourist spots and enable you to see Bali in a single day. But, of course, you’ll have to take more time to explore the island after that. You can enjoy the best morning views of the island on treks to the Batur volcano. You’ll get captivated by the volcanic landscape and the vast ocean. After you’re done trekking, jump into the hot springs. If you’re looking for the best spot for surfing, you should visit the Kuti Beach. There’s the beautiful Lake Bratan high up in the rice fields. And don’t forget to visit the temple on Tanah Lot island. In order to enjoy a genuine interaction with the locals, head to Candikuning, a town that’s famous for its spice and tropical fruit market. The small island in the middle of the lake is home to a wonderful temple of a river goddess. Bali’s cultural capital is Ubud and I recommend taking a walk along the numerous artisan shops. There are multiple waterfalls around the town and it makes for a nice refreshment on a hot day. Ubud is known for being a sleepy town. You can get to know it’s calm vibe by spending a day at the wellness and enjoying a Balinese massage. You’ll also learn about other traditional methods of relaxation. Bali is surrounded by multiple islands that are famous for their beaches. The western coast of Nusa Penida is especially popular because of the beaches. Why not grab this excellent opportunity and go diving on the coral reefs? Nearby you can find Lombok. Just use the fast boat transfer to get there. Visit the famous Pusak monkey rainforest that’s located at the altitude of one thousand metres. You should also visit Pura Lingsar, the island’s most important Hindu temple. But if you want more relaxed holidays, then head to the neighbouring Gili Islands that are surrounded by coral reefs.

The best way to experience Indonesian culture is to visit the mountain land, Tana Toraja, on Sulawesi. It’s known for its unique combination of Christianity and traditional religions, which place a great deal of importance on worshipping ancestors. Explore the numerous rituals, the most remarkable of which are the shadow puppetry rituals.

What to see in Sumatra?

The largest island in the whole of Indonesia is Sumatra. It’s a diverse and charming island and is synonymous with adventure. It’s like Wild West of Indonesia. Go on a trek through the Gunung Leuser jungle where you can see tigers and orangutans. Or head to Lake Toba, the world’s largest volcanic lake. Samosir island lies in the middle of the lake and is similar in size to Singapore. The landscape is simply picturesque, and locals are connected by rich cultural tradition that you can find in the villages of the Batak people. The mountains in the western part of the island are home to Bukittingi, a city with rich history. It was once a fortress and a Japanese military base. Meet the indigenous ethnic community and visit the emerald green Lake Maninjau with all its surrounding landscapes.

Explore the hidden Indonesian places

With all these travel tips for numerous islands one has to keep in mind that Indonesia is comprised of a multitude of islands that are worth discovering, making your very own story in the process. They’re not as easily accessible as the main tourist islands, which means there are many more opportunities for experiencing a genuine contact with the locals, rich traditions and nature. Time literally stops there. One such example is the Maluku Islands, which can’t be found in tourist brochures, but they do offer some peace and give you time to explore the remote villages. Don’t expect comfortable modern hotels here. There’s just the simplicity of wooden cottages. These islands used to be known as the Spice Islands. The most interesting of the group is Ternate that was once home to the profitable spice trade. Multiple fortresses can be found on the island, but many of them are in ruin. Bunaken Island is famous for its rich underwater world. Around 70 per cent of all Pacific fish species swim in its waters. The island is also known for its white wine. One of the most beautiful landscapes can be found on Flores. From there, travellers can continue onwards to Komodo, which is famous for its Komodo dragons. At Mount Kelimutu, you can marvel at the crater lakes, which often change their colour due to volcanic gases. In the Papua region in Indonesia, you can find the Raja Ampat islands. They’re known for their high biodiversity both under the water and above it. Many rare birds of paradise nest here. These islands also have spectacular beaches with shallow blue waters and fine white sand. Popular activities include socialising with the locals and learning the local crafts and skills. Sumba Island in eastern Indonesia offers the typical Indonesian beauty minus the tourists. Even though these islands aren’t as easily accessible, they’re full of things to see, such as hidden lagoons, quiet beaches and gorgeous views. One such example are the mangroves at Valakiri Beach.

How to send a postcard from Indonesia?

Enjoy while exploring Indonesia and don’t forget to send postcards with MyPostcard. All HI members get 25% off. New users can send their first postcard for free with the HIGlobetrotter promo code through the Globetrotter profile. You can read more about it here.

Secure your trip with World Nomads

Wherever you go, your trip can be safe, with simple and customisable international travel insurance for solo travellers and families. Get travel insurance through World Nomads and get a policy with 24-hour assistance and transport for medical emergencies, as well as cover for more than 220 sports and leisure activities on snow, water, air and land. The insurance policy may include, among other things, coverage for experiential activities, such as au pairs – part-time or voluntary work with children, working in a bar, fruit picking, office work, teaching and some other work abroad. Protect yourself or your family with World Nomads travel insurance.