Spotlight on Indonesia

Indonesia    17.05.2024    David Abram

Forming a vast flight of stepping stones between mainland Asia and Australia, Indonesia comprises around 17,000 islands that encompass a truly astounding array of landscapes and cultures. While some feel like large countries in themselves, others are little more than tiny specs of coral-fringed rainforest in the midst of the deep-blue Indian Ocean.

Ancient Buddhist and Hindu sites testify to the deep roots of Indonesian civilization, while evocative Dutch and Portuguese trading posts, and their indigenous royal counterparts inland, preserve fascinating vestiges of the more recent past. Extensive tracts of tropical forest also survive, where you can see exotic creatures such as the orangutan and proboscis monkey in their native habitats. Frame this richness with an exotic backdrop of cloud-swept volcanoes and dazzling white-sand beaches, and you’ll understand why the country inspires such passion among those who have spent time here.

Yogyakarta and Surakarta, Java

Dubbed ‘Yogya’ and ‘Solo’ by Indonesians, these old Javanese towns remain vibrant repositories of local courtly arts and crafts, ranging from traditional costumed dance to fabulous hand-woven batik.

Borobudur and Prambanan, Java

Savour the spectacle of sunrise over these awe-inspiring, UNESCO-listed archeological sites, whose ancient carved figures and elaborately symmetrical terraces lay forgotten under a mantle of jungle until the 19th century.

Tanjung Puting National Park, Kalimantan

The large patches of primary rainforest surviving in Indonesia’s portion of Borneo offer the chance to see orangutans in the wild – from the comfort of a wooden klotok river boat.

Lake Toba, Sumatra

Trek through the jungle to hidden beaches and wonderful wild-swimming spots, or simply relax and enjoy the sublime scenery and unique local architecture of this turquoise lake, cradled by the volcanic hills of deepest Sumatra.

Ubud, Bali

With its vibrant craft workshops, tropical boutique hotels and trend-setting yoga schools, Ubud is a compelling fusion of traditional Balinese Hinduism and contemporary tropical chic, set in an irresistible landscape of rice terraces and palm forest.

Lovina

Soak up the soothing sea breezes of Bali’s less developed north coast, whose hinterland holds a mix of traditional settlements, ancient temples and beautiful forest, framed by a mesmerizing backdrop of mountains. Both Java and Bali offer superb treks to the rims of smouldering volcanoes, but the longest, toughest and highest is the one to the top of Gunung Rinjani in Lombok – a 3-day adventure culminating with an awe-inspiring view.