The breathtaking beauty of the land of promise and harmony
From the largest volcanic lake in the world to picture-postcard beaches, ancient UNESCO-recognized places of worship, the excitement of a state-of-the-art motor racing facility and the home of the indigenous Komodo dragon, Indonesia has something for everyone.
As travelers take their first tentative steps after years of enforced restrictions, the world’s largest island nation is ready to welcome you. Already popular before the pandemic, the people of this diverse and endlessly fascinating region have been preparing for the time they would be able to once again share the wonders of their land with outsiders.
And the recent lack of travelers has arguably had a positive impact on much of the natural environment. The seas seem bluer, the jungle canopy a more vibrant green and the sand of our beaches more dazzling than before.
Anyone looking for a destination with a difference should explore some of Indonesia’s lesser-known locations.
Lake Toba / North Sumatra
Surrounded by dramatic peaks reminiscent of an alpine region, Lake Toba is a sharp contrast to a travel destination best known for golden beaches and tropical breezes.
Surrounded by dramatic peaks reminiscent of an alpine region, Lake Toba is a sharp contrast to a travel destination best known for golden beaches and tropical breezes.
Lake Toba is a place of superlatives – the biggest in Indonesia and the largest volcanic lake in the world – and offers countless outdoor adventures for anyone looking for an alternative to beach resorts or an urban vacation.
Around 100 km long and 30 km at its widest point, the lake is the flooded caldera of an ancient super-volcano and, at an altitude of 900 meters above sea level, offers a cool and refreshing break from elsewhere in Indonesia.
Most of the people who live on the shores of the lake are ethnic Bataks, whose colorful homes have roofs that distinctively curve up at each end, mimicking the shapes of their traditional canoes. The Batak king is believed to have been born in Bakkara, a valley off the lake where the community has grown around the sacred freshwater spring Aek Sipangolu.
Visitors are able to explore the lake in rental kayaks or other larger vessels, with the spectacular waterfalls of Efrata and Situmurun popular sights. The lake is also ideal for swimming and the surrounding hills are criss-crossed with hiking trails. Camping is also catching on as an alternative to traditional hotels.
The best views across the placid waters of the lake can be obtained from Simarjarunjung Hill or Siadtaratas Hill, both of which are perfect for stunning sunrise and sunset panoramas across the lake.
Likupang, Manado / North Sulawesi
Even in a nation that is famous for its beaches, Likupang stands out. Still relatively overlooked by many travelers, this part of North Sulawesi is blessed with picture-perfect stretches of golden sand backed by a lush green interior.
The sparkling waters off Likupang are sheltered, making them ideal for families, while visitors are able to try out a wide range of sports, including snorkeling, diving, kayaking and windsailing. It’s a similar story at nearby Paal and Pulisan beaches; stop off at one of the gazebos along the shore and look on as the evening sun dips into the ocean.
A short motorboat journey offshore is Gangga Island, a tranquil dot in the azure waters of the Celebes Sea that is renowned for coral reefs that teem with multicolored life.
The city of Manado serves as the gateway to Likupang and has a number of attractions in its own right, including the 890-square-km Bunaken National Park, which protects a range of fragile coastal and offshore ecosystems in the north-east of the island.
And don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of the region’s unique cuisine. Nasi Kuning literally means yellow rice and is an aromatic dish cooked with coconut milk and turmeric, with the local version usually served with spicy shredded skipjack tuna. Alternatively, try lalampa, sticky rice filled with minced tuna, herbs, and spices before it is cooked in coconut milk. A favorite local snack is panada, a pocket of dough that can be filled with fish, vegetables and spices.
Borobudur Temple, Magelang / Central Java
Even though it is arguably the most famous sight in all of Indonesia, the Borobudur temple complex still has the power to take the first-time visitor’s breath away.
The scale of the 7th century Mahayana Buddhist temple, combined with the graceful stupas on the upper terraces and hundreds of intricate stone carvings of the Buddha, have made Borobudur a must-visit location in central Java. UNESCO has recognized the structure’s importance by adding it to the list of World Heritage sites.
The temple – the largest Buddhist monument in the world – rises out of the lush green forests of Java’s Kedu Valley. Constructed between AD780 and 840, the complex reflects Indian influences, combining them with indigenous imagery, including 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues.
The site was largely forgotten for ten centuries, concealed by volcanic ash and jungle growth, before being rediscovered and explored by British colonial administrators in the early 1800s. It took two decades to unearth the entire complex.
Today, Borobudur is once again a place of worship and pilgrimage, with ceremonies held at the site during the full moon in May or June every year in honor of the Buddha.
The temple sprawls over more than 2,500 square meters but is accessible to visitors on foot, while local people operate horse-drawn carriages. Do not miss an opportunity to wonder at the view of the surrounding peaks, including the volcanoes Mount Merbabu and Mount Merapi, from the very top of the temple.
Mandalika / West Nusa Tenggara
Mandalika is rapidly emerging as one of the premier tourist hot-spots in Indonesia, with large-scale investment in luxurious accommodation, restaurants, cafes and bars, countless retail outlets and entertainment options designed to appeal to both young and old. And that all complements the natural wonders that can be found across Lombok island.
And while it is close to Bali, Mandalika is less crowded and therefore ideal for anyone looking for the appeal of a high-end resort that still has a small-town feel to it.
Mandalika enjoys some of the best beaches on the unspoiled south coast of Lombok, with ribbons of golden sand between the azure ocean and the palm-fringed interior. It’s the perfect location for water sports, ranging from diving to kite-surfing, parasailing and sea kayaking – or simply enjoying the beach.
Unique local customs are on display at nearby villages that have been preserved to showcase their traditions to outsiders, including the rich cultures of the Sasak people in Sade and Ende villages. Sasak houses are constructed from woven bamboo, while visitors will be able to witness performances of centuries-old styles of music and dance.
The resort is also making its mark on the international sporting schedule, with the recently completed Mandalika International Street Circuit in March hosting the MotoGP in front of 150,000 motorcycle racing fans. The track is tight and demanding – sure to appeal to spectators – but also overlooks Kuta Beach, giving it arguably the most visually stunning backdrop of any racing venue in the world.
Labuan Bajo / East Nusa Tenggara
The prehistoric-looking creature lumbers across the savannah landscape, its forked tongue flicking around its lips. The Komodo dragon is the largest and heaviest lizard in the world and a fearsome predator – and found only in a few protected locations on the western end of the island of Flores.
The Komodo National Park covers three smaller volcanic islands and has been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site. Guided by experience park rangers, visitors will be able to see a Komodo dragon’s nest, where they lay their eggs, and witness these remarkable creatures in their natural habitats.
The park is also home to an amazing array of animal life, with around 50 dive sites bringing visitors face-to-face with sharks, manta rays, dolphins and dugongs and countless species of reef fish. The islands also have waterfalls and freshwater lakes that are ideal for swimming, while the most adventurous can kayak the craggy coastline, hike the rugged interior or explore mangrove swamps and sea caves.
The gateway to this slice of natural paradise is the town of Labuan Bajo, which has developed from a sleepy fishing village a generation ago to a bustling community that welcomes visitors with open arms.
Labuan Bajo has earned a reputation as a center for environmental tourism, with a selection of superb snorkeling and dive sites that are teeming with colorful life and trekking in the surrounding hills. And while it is known as the city of sunsets, the early evening is also time for another stunning natural spectacle – the sight of thousands of flying fox bats taking to the skies from the surrounding mangrove swamps.
InDOnesia CARE:
The InDOnesia CARE initiative has implemented comprehensive anti-coronavirus protocols to ensure cleanliness, health and safety throughout the travel industry.
Thorough guidelines have been introduced for all sectors of the industry, from hotels through restaurants and bars, scuba diving operators, homestays, spas, golf courses, rafting tours and other tourism operators.
Employers and staff are aware of the updated healthcare requirements, which include mandatory personal protective equipment, regular disinfectant procedures and frequent training.
Facilities are also required to obtain a certificate of CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability) to demonstrate that they meet the necessary standards and are vigilant in the campaign against the virus.
To prevent the coronavirus spreading, the Indonesian government is regularly updating requirements for anyone planning to visit the region especially with multiple international events held in Indonesia this year, including the upcoming 2022 G20 Bali summit. (Reuters/Wonderful Indonesia)