Indonesia

Known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes, lush terraced rice fields and its infamous white beaches exuding peace and serenity. Enchanting with its vibrant Hindu culture, dramatic dances and colourful ceremonies, over 10,000 intricately carved temples, its arts and crafts, to its luxurious beach resorts, Bali has it all.

Bali’s infinite coastline boasts peaceful villages world-class surfing and diving and stylish hotels with unbroken ocean views. Inland, you can discover authentic Bali as well as white water rafting, bungee jumping and cycling for those in search of a more active escape.

Home to half of Indonesia’s population, Java is the planet’s most densely populated island. Both geographically and financially the centre of the nation, Java is situated between Bali and Sumatra and is home to two distinctly different cities, Yogyakarta, famous for its monks, natural beauty, distinct heritage and calm ambience and Jakarta, the county’s bustling, chaotic capital.

Yogyakarta, together with its twin city Surakarta (Solo), is the cradle of civilization on Java. This city was the seat of power that produced the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan in the 8th and 9th century and the new powerful Mataram kingdom of the 16th and 17th century. Yogyakarta is known as Neverending Asia for its endless appeals. This city is one of the foremost cultural centres of Indonesia.

Capital of the Republic of Indonesia, Jakarta is a huge, sprawling metropolis, home to 9 million people. During the day the number increases with another 2 million as commuters making their way to work in the city, and flock out again in the evenings. Located on the northern coast of Java, the province of Jakarta has rapidly expanded through the years, absorbing many villages in the process.

A must see during time in Java is Borobudur, one of the world’s most striking temple complexes and magnificent Buddhist tributes, adorned with 504 carved stone statues of Buddha.

Closest to Bali, Eastern Java, is the most untouched area of Java, boasting some of Indonesia’s most fantastical scenery. Located some 4 hours drive from Surabaya, the capital of East Java, Mount Bromo is a part of the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park that covers a massive area of 800 square km. While it may be small when measured against other volcanoes in Indonesia, Mt Bromo’s spectacular views and dramatic landscapes are simply breath-taking. The volcano an dit’s eerie surrounding landscape has particular significance for the Tengger people who believe that this was the site where a brave prince sacrificed his life for his family. The people here appease the Gods once a year during the annual Kasada festival where offerings of vegetables, chickens and money are thrown into the crater of the volcano.

With divine beaches, the majestic Mt Rinjani and spectacular marine life to discover, the island of Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara has no shortage of attractions both in and out of the water. It’s little wonder then that Lombok is the most popular destination in West Nusa Tenggara. Challenge yourself with a trek up steep volcanic peaks. Hire a bike and cycle through lush evergreen rice paddies. Whichever way you choose to spend your time you won’t be disappointed with the spectacular natural beauty on offer here.

Explore outstanding beaches such as the famous Tangsi ‘Pink’ Beach in the south east, with pretty corals blushing the shore. Discover the amazing Senaru and Benang Kelambu Waterfalls to sooth the soul or get the adrenaline pumping at the Grupuk surf camp and brush up your wave riding skills at the splendid Selong Belanak Beach.

Join the locals of Sasak tribe and experience their daily life in the weaving village of Sade and Rambitan. You may learn a thing or two from the wonderful women with meticulous weaving skills producing fine quality textiles.