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The world brims with fascinating sights that compete to win a spot on your next vacation. With so many places to go, how do you pick? Well, if you’re a fan of nature or adventure – or both! – there’s one country that will easily satisfy your itchy feet: Indonesia.
The world’s largest island country, Indonesia has a mind-boggling and diverse array of offerings. Not only can you find modern wonders in the country’s metropolises, you could also uncover cultural wonders encompassing the arts and heritage, as well as sensory wonders that will ignite your taste buds and senses. Of course, Indonesia also teems with adventurous wonders and natural wonders, which we’ll be diving into soon enough!
Below, you’ll find a collection of suggestions on exactly where to go in Indonesia for adventure seekers and nature lovers. Simply match the ideas with your interests and you’re all set for a “wonder-full” adventure in Indonesia!
For those seeking adventure in Indonesia
Outdoor adventures as diving, sailing and hiking are aplenty in Indonesia.
Perhaps there is no destination in the country more acclaimed for diving in Indonesia than Raja Ampat, an archipelago that comprises more than 1,500 islands. Tucked in the heart of the Coral Triangle, Raja Ampat hides a world of unparalleled reefs and colourful marine species beneath its turquoise waters. Also fantastic for divers would be Komodo National Park, but what’s lesser-known about this destination is the possibility to also embark on a multi-day sailing excursion departing from Labuan Bajo. Touring around Komodo Island in search of the famous Komodo dragon would surely be a memorable adventure in Indonesia!
Toying with the idea of hiking in Indonesia? Hikers are usually hard-pressed to decide which mountains in Indonesia to scale. Mount Kelimutu in Flores will reward you with the mystical sight of tri-coloured lakes at the top, while Mount Ijen in East Java will dazzle you with blue flames that dance over the crater. Also in East Java is Mount Bromo which boasts magnificent sunrises and sunsets.
| Tip for flights: To get to Raja Ampat, fly to Sorong; to Komodo National Park, fly to Labuan Bajo; to Mount Kelimutu, fly to Maumere; to Mount Ijen, fly to Banyuwangi; and to Mount Bromo, fly to Surabaya. |
For those seeking nature in Indonesia
It’s difficult to separate nature and adventure, two themes that are often entwined. You’ll find that all the locations recommended for adventure seekers, such as Raja Ampat and Komodo Island, appeal to nature lovers as well. Well, suppose you’d like to marvel at the wonders of Mother Nature without breaking too much of a sweat, you’ll find more ideas below.
First of all, consider Bali’s lesser-known sister island, Lombok. With gorgeous waterfalls, hot springs and beaches (including an Instagram-worthy Pink Beach), Lombok’s just the kind of place you’d love to unwind. Extend your trip by hopping over to the gorgeous Gili Islands, easily accessible from Lombok by fast boats. If you’re up for lush greenery and a volcanic lake, Lake Toba is your answer! The biggest lake in Indonesia, Lake Toba is stunning from every angle. It also offers you the opportunity to get acquainted with the Batak culture and traditions.
To experience a more rugged kind of nature in Indonesia, look into Tanjung Puting National Park in Central Kalimantan. Here, you can cruise along the river on a traditional wooden boat, meeting gentle orangutans in the day and looking up at the starry skies at night.
| Tip for flights: Lombok is home to Lombok International Airport. To get to Lake Toba, fly to Medan and to get to Tanjung Puting National Park, fly to Pangkalan Bun. |
For those seeking a combination of wonders of Indonesia
Want to experience Indonesia with a large dose of adventurous and natural wonders, plus a sprinkle of modern, cultural and sensory wonders?
Your desire to immerse yourself in the best of Indonesia could take you to Bali, a destination that has captured the hearts of millions across the globe. After rafting along Ayung River, catching some waves on a surfboard in Kuta, and strolling along the rice terraces of Jatiluwih, you could wind down at the Yoga Barn, catch the sunset at Uluwatu Temple, or feast on seafood in Sanur. With endless things to do in Bali, it’s no wonder that travellers return again and again!
While Bali steals much of the limelight, let’s not forget the rising adventure capital of Indonesia, Yogyakarta. This is where you can rappel into the mysterious Jomblang Cave, go tubing through the Goa Pindul Caves, or set off to Mount Merapi on a jeep! Of course, you can’t leave Yogyakarta without exploring Borobudur, the world’s largest Buddhist temple compounds. Neither do you want to miss the chance to sample Masakan Padang, watch a Wayang Kulit theatre, and test your artistic skills at a Batik workshop!
| Tip for flights: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest flights to Bali and the best flight deals to Yogyakarta. |
How much are flights to Indonesia?
The price of flights to Indonesia varies depending on multiple factors such as your origin, the time of the year, and the specific dates. It can be as low as RM112. In general, flights to Indonesia tend to be cheaper if you’re flying from a major airline hub, such as Kuala Lumpur, as opposed to a smaller city. It’s also cheaper during the off-season months and on weekdays rather than weekends.
To save you the headache, simply use Skyscanner to compare flights offered by various carriers. If you don’t have specific dates in mind, click the “cheapest month” option to score the lowest prices. If you do have the dates set in stone, then you’ll want to set up a price alert to be notified automatically when there are movements in the flight prices. These little techniques can potentially save you plenty of dollars!
As you’re now well aware, there’s certainly no shortage of natural wonders and adventure activities in Indonesia. We hope that you already have your eyes and heart set on a destination. Now, get one step closer to your dream adventure in Indonesia by kick-starting your search for flights with Skyscanner!
