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Indonesia holds some of the more delicious islands in this world sprinkled with luxury. So if you’re having trouble picking the right ones, we’ve put together an experience taking in our top picks. Pack your sarong and look forward to:
- Getting a new perspective on life by taking an elephant safari through the local kampungs (traditional Indonesian villages)
- Exploring ancient monuments and ninth-century Buddhist sanctuaries
- Staying at the Amanjiwo, nestled deep in Java’s rural heartland
- Diving in paradise. Few places on earth rival the Gili Islands underwater seascapes: abundant fish, untouched reefs and warm currents
Read more about this trip…
ancient history in java
So, where do you start? We can tailor make any trip to this tropical paradise, but our current favourite journey starts with the ruggedly beautiful island of Java. In our eyes it’s one of the most peaceful spots in the world mixed with a generous dose of ancient history and culture. Stay at the Amanjiwo hotel and discover the peaceful zen-like tranquility of this beatutiful island.
borobudar valley
Get up early and grab a local guide who will share the temple’s history and secrets as you climb to the top in time to witness the sun rising over the volcanoes in the distance. Watching the deep purple and orange haze of the sun cast across the land as the fog and mist rolls through the valley below is a truly eerie, yet breathtaking experience.
catching waves in bali
If you fancy a slice of relaxation and total luxury on your Indonesian travels then we think you can’t go wrong with Bali.
catching waves in bali
Being one of the more developed of all the islands Bali is the perfect place to kick back and soak up all its beauty in pure style. Stay in your own private villa at the Samaya on the idyllic Seminyak beach and head to the sea for some of the world’s top surfing.
Being a Mecca for surfing aficionado’s not only means spending days catching waves in the crystal clear ocean, but long evenings partying hard, surfer-chic style in the lively nightlife.
thatched luxury in lombok
Less developed than Bali, we love Lombok as it’s still relatively untouched by mass tourism yet it still offers a mix of long sandy beaches, diving, hiking and intriguing culture.
lombok
Enjoy your own private thatched Balinese pavilion as you relax by the stunning infinity pool of The Oberoi Hotel on the North West coast. A 30 minute boat ride from here will take you over to the nearby Gili Islands. These small coral fringed islands provide the perfect back drop of white sandy beaches and crystal clear waters – an idyllic location for a day of sun and snorkelling.
wildlife in kalimantan
If after all this, you feel that it’s time to get a little more intrepid with your travels then we suggest heading to Kalimantan. Making up two thirds of the Indonesian side of Borneo, it’s an island that conjures up a feeling in your subconscious like no where else on earth. Ancient forests, huge waterways (Kalimantan means ‘river of gems’) and mythical tribes it’s by far one of the least travelled islands in Indonesia.
kalimantan jungle
As far off the tourist radar as you can possibly get, Kalimantan is reserved for those with a true adventurer’s spirit and passion for wildlife. Stay in a lodge in the Tanjung Putting National Park where you’ll be able to explore the dense jungle for Gibbons, Macacque monkeys and the infamous Orang-utans.
As scratching the surface goes, such an abundance of scenery, experiences and culture all in one trip certainly won’t leave you disappointed… In fact, the only choice you’ll be faced with on your return is how quickly you can get back to sample some more.
early morning borobudar valley
amanjiwo hotel
working the paddy fields
