Indonesia is a sprawling and diverse country, made up of a whopping 17,000 individual islands. With so many places to explore, it’s difficult to know where to start. Should you head to all the favourite spots that everyone else raves about? Or should you seek out the quiet and tranquil places, unspoilt by thousands of tourists? Where you decide to go will depend on what you want to do. There’s something for everyone in this colourful country, whether you want to get back to nature or indulge in some shopping. Here are some of the best places you should consider visiting when you take your trip to Indonesia.
Bali for a bit of everything
If you’re not sure where to go in Indonesia because there’s so much to choose from, Bali could be the place for you. This island has something for everyone, whether you want nature, shopping or culture. Some of the best hotels in Bali are on the beach, so you can enjoy the sun, sea and sand for your whole stay. You can go shopping, sample the local cuisine or explore the island and discover some beautiful landscapes. It’s particularly popular with surfers, but people from all walks of life flock to Bali to sample its delights.
Jakarta for shopping
The capital of Indonesia is full of culture, but it’s also a fantastic place to go if you want to do a spot of shopping. While you’re going from shop to shop, you’ll get a taste for urban life in Indonesia. You can seek out the classy Plaza Indonesia mall, where you’ll find a mix of Indonesian design boutiques and huge designer names, from Cartier to Lacroix. For an even more authentic experience of shopping in the city, look for the famous flea market. There you can browse all manner of trinkets and other things to take home as souvenirs.
Lombok for nature lovers
If you want to explore Indonesia through its many, many incredible natural spots, Lombok is one of the best places to go. In the Gili Islands, you’ll find beautiful seas and towering mountains to explore. Go trekking to see Lombok on foot, perhaps walking up Mount Rinjani to get a fantastic view of the island from the top. Look for the waterfalls at Senaru for an incredible sight, and to take a quick dip too. Or if you’re happier in even more water, snorkel around the clear blue seas to try and spot some marine wildlife.
Tana Toraja for culture
If you’re heading toward Southern Sulawesi, this island is the most popular destination in the area. It’s full of culture and traditional villages, so you can get a better feel for how some of the people of Indonesia live traditionally. You can watch some interesting ceremonies, admire the painted houses and watch people working in the rice paddies. It’s a brilliant snapshot of the cultural side of Indonesia.
There are many more places to see in this vast and diverse country, but these few should get you started. If you can’t decide where to go, you can always keep going back.