When mentioning Indonesia, the first thoughts of many centre on Bali but there is a great deal more to this country than the island of Bali. Indonesia is a country rich in culture and with landscapes of the most extraordinary beauty throughout its archipelago of 17,000 islands.
Whatever one’s preference is for a holiday environment, Indonesia has something for everyone. Choices range from tropical beach scenes, the rugged power of volcanoes, historical ancient sites, amazing diving sites, dragons and so much more.
It is impossible not to be overwhelmed by natural beauty of Indonesia and having so said, have listed five favourite holidays destinations for both local and international tourists
BALI
It’s no secret that Bali has charmed its way into the hearts of many. The island is blessed with lush beautiful landscapes that support a colourful culture. Gorgeous beaches, Hindu temples, rich paddies, waterfalls and the famous Bali Smiles are all part of the supreme wonder of the place. Something not to be missed is the Jatiluwih Rice Terraces, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that epitomises the sensual scenic wonder of the island as terraced paddies step downwards from the foot of Mt. Batukaru towards the coast. The beautiful Sekumpul Waterfall is a site that roars homage to the verdant lushness of this tropical paradise.
Take a look at nature’s raw power and visit Mount Batur situated aside Batur Village in Kintamani. Mount Batur is an active volcano standing 1,717 metres above sea level over its caldera base that has formed into a large lake. A look at the high ridges around the lake will explain the gigantic explosion that occurred all those millenniums ago.
CENTRAL JAVA
Yogyakarta is a historically iconic city in Java. Here at Jawa Tengah are sited the two spectacular temples of Candi Borobudur and Candi Prambanan. These two UNESCO World Heritage Sites draw huge numbers of Indonesian and international visitors.
Karimun Jawa located not too far from Semarang has become more and more popular for travellers with a wish to visit the crystal clear waters and island beauty of the area. Established as a national marine park where magnificent diving and snorkelling is to be had; Karimunjawa is comprised of many small islands with the larger two of Karimunjawa Island and Kemujan Island acting as the area’s hub for visitors.
EAST JAVA
Mount Bromo is undoubtedly the Indonesia’s best-known volcano. This very active volcano and natural of wonder stands 2,329 metres above sea level on the Eastern side of Java. The mountain stands in the midst of vast plain called the “Sea of Sand” or “Segara Wedi” – a protected nature reserve since 1919.
Another amazing mountain site is the Ijen volcano that has the world’s largest acidic volcanic crater lake called Kawah Ijen, which is well known for its startling turquoise brilliance. The volcano is one of several active stratovolcanoes that have risen over a 20 km wide Ijen caldera, the largest caldera in Java.
RAJA AMPAT
Translating to The Four Kings, Raja Ampat is made up of the four island groups of Salawati, Batanta, Waigeo and Misool that lie off the province of Papua. The four groups make up an archipelago of more than 1,500 islands, cays and shoals.
The area has drawn visitors and researchers from around the world to absorb the timeless natural wonder of rich marine life and island vistas.
Raja Ampat is a diver’s paradise where the marine diversity, according to Conservation International, is the highest recorded on Earth. Raja Ampat is a living library displaying throughout its reefs an underwater biota consisting of 75% of the world’s marine species.
FLORES
The UNESCO World Heritage site of Komodo National Park has also been selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Founded in 1980 in order to protect the Komodo dragon, the world’s largest lizard, the park includes the three larger islands Komodo, Padar and Rincah, and 26 smaller ones with a total area of 1,733 km2.
Another very interesting spot is Mount Kelimutu, located close to the small town of Moni in the centre of Flores. Kelimutu is a volcano that rises 1,639 meters above sea level and is recognized for its three remarkable summit crater lakes each containing their own distinct colours of red, blue and green water.
