Indonesian Odyssey

The Selective route

Each of our Destination Specialists has their own ultimate routes through Indonesia (which they’ll happily spend hours discussing if you ask!), with variations depending on the season, but if you insist on pinning us down to a fantastic all-round ‘Odyssey’, then the following delivers above and beyond.

After a day or so to catch your breath in Jakarta’s heady capital-city energy, explore the jungles of Kalimantan, taking a traditional klotok boat along its winding waterways, looking out for that iconic flash of russet fur along the banks that tells you orangutans are near. Take time to explore Java’s historic highlights, culturally-rich cities and volcanic landscapes, before heading to the less-visited parts of Bali, such as Sidemen, for a mid-trip unwind amid the rice terraces. Once refreshed, venture to less-visited Sulawesi for a complete cultural contrast, then on to the remote beauty of the Spice Islands and Raja Ampat to cruise, snorkel and swim in the region’s deep blue seas.

Of course, the outline of the route is just the beginning; it’s the local know-how, logistics, details and connections that make each trip extraordinary, and that’s what our specialists do best. Read on for more inspiration to help you start imagining your own ideal Indonesian Odyssey…

Wildlife wonders

Among Indonesia’s many wonders, its unique mix of wildlife definitely pulls focus, and there are hundreds of ways to encounter the myriad species that inhabit these diverse shores. From pygmy elephants and macaques to sunbears, flying foxes, and the infamous Komodo Dragons, alongside the archipelago’s skies which flutter with birdlife from hornbills to hawk-eagles, it’s a wildlife-spotter’s dream.

A relaxed exploration of Tanjung Puting National Park in Kalimantan is definitely one of our favourite ways to wildlife watch. Spend a leisurely few days navigating Kalimantan’s waterways on a traditional klotok boat, getting the low-down on current conservation from local guides, keeping your eyes on the shore for sightings of wildlife coming to drink at the riverbank, and disembarking to see rehabilitated orangutans feeding at dedicated stations.

From orangutans…

If trekking through the jungle in search of the orangutans is more up your street, and you don’t mind bedding down in fairly simple accommodation, Sumatra is well worth considering. Head out from the area around Bukit Lawang into the rainforest, with local wildlife guides steering you towards less-trodden trails.

… to Dragons.

The Komodo Dragon (the world’s largest lizard) holds something of a superstar species status. Though they’re only found on a few small islands within Komodo National Park, the dragons aren’t shy, and sightings on both Komodo and Rinca are very common. You might see them basking in the morning sun, foraging in the undergrowth, or sheltering from the heat in a shady spot, but don’t get too close - they are venomous, after all!

Layers of heritage

For historic sites in Indonesia, Java tends to tower (literally and metaphorically) above the others. Wander through the lace-like carving and distinctive domes of Borobudur and the majestic, curved stupas of Prambana. Follow an uphill path to the Losari’s mountaintop temples of Gedong Songo, with unbeatable views over the surrounding landscape on a clear day.

Java’s ever-changing cities go from the rushing metropolis of Jakarta, custodian of many layers of Indonesia’s story, to cosmopolitan Yogyakarta, which nurtures the country’s artistic side. Take time to see the Sultan’s Palace and the Taman Sari Water Palace, get hands-on with traditional crafts like batik and dance, and try plenty of street food.

More cultural contrasts…

Bali is brimming with atmospheric temples,from picture-perfect ‘floating’ Ulun Danu to the offshore oddity of Tanah Lot, but visiting them requires a bit of canny planning to avoid the crowds!), and the down-to-earth markets and local buzz of Sideman offer a refreshing alternative to the overloaded streets of Ubud.

…and unsung corners.

Keep the urban exploration going in some of Java’s smaller cities (such as Solo or Malang), or strike out to distant hubs like Maksassar in Sulawesi, once one of Indonesia’s busiest spice ports. Here, on the archipelago’s edges, you’ll find distinctive culture, enduring traditions and strong communities, from the traditional wooden, boat-shaped Tongkonan houses to elaborate funeral ceremonies, while the Molucca Islands offer an unfiltered experience of life in Indonesia’s remotest parts.

Discover Flores’ high island’s thatch-roof houses, ancient megalithic tomb structures and Ngada shrines, and take time in the quiet villages of the Manggarai region, discovering the unique spider-web-shaped ‘lingko’ rice fields used for ceremonies during planting and harvesting time.

Vivid landscapes

Indonesia’s islands are filled with volcanic plains, swathes of rainforest, unspoilt coastline and lush hills. Each of Indonesia’s island landscapes has its own character, and there’s no way to compare the merits of Sulawesi’s terrain over Flores or Java - it simply depends on the kind of place you want to explore. Consider whether you want open space, adventurous activities, hiking in the fresh air, stillness and tranquillity or coastal calm, and our specialists will find the right fit.

Pause in Bali to discover hillsides covered with coffee plantations and low-land sculpted into rice terraces. As an alternative to the UNESCO-listed fields at Jatiluwih, spend time in Munduk to immerse yourself in a working rural landscape without the crowds.

Volcanic smoulder…

Much of Indonesia’s dramatic scenery has been shaped by its volcanoes - around 130 of them! - and you’re never likely to be far from a cone-shaped peak. Watch the sunrise over Java’s Mt Bromo, and walk towards the crater rim to see the popping and crackling of nature at its rawest. Head south to Ijen, where demanding trails lead to active sulfur mines and the ethereal sweep of the famed blue lake.

Bali and Lombok have their fair share of volcanoes, too, from the better-known Mt Batur to Lombok’s Rinjani, where the climb requires three days of strenuous hiking. In northern Sulawesi, explore Mt Lokon and the colour-shifting waters of Lake Linow from the small highland city of Tomohon, or delve into the stunning scenery and crater lakes of Flores’ Mount Kelimutu.

…to rainforests, beaches & rolling hills

Cruise by river between forested banks in Kalimantan and Sumatra; gaze upon vast seascapes in Komodo National Park, the Gilis and Raja Ampat; discover undisturbed stretches of sand miles from any city; and savour moments of calm in the open savannah of Sumba.

The deepest blue

Indonesia’s waters are the stuff of legend, whether cruising into one of the archipelago’s breathtaking sunsets or plunging beneath its waves to find many of its most iconic creatures. Dive over pods of manta rays, lone turtles and imposing reef sharks, and snorkel among thousands of glittering fish flitting between colourful coral.

Sailing away…

Charter a boat through remote Raja Ampat, home to the greatest diversity of marine life recorded anywhere on earth, to share the seas with some of Indonesia’s most famous species, such as whale sharks and manta rays, and some of its tiniest, such as the pygmy seahorse and blue-ringed octopus.

…to underwater worlds.

Snorkel and dive over reefs, and further out to sea, around Komodo and Raja Ampat, to discover a wealth of marine life. From phinisi-style stay-aboard boats or over-water stilted lodges, watch for manta rays, turtles, sharks, clams and cuttlefish, amongst many others. Further north, Bunaken Marine Park in northern Sulawesi is home to one of the world's most spectacular reefs, with elaborate corals, schools of barracudas, turtles and reef sharks.

Set the pace

Whether you’re looking to turn the adrenaline up to 11 or find a gentle way to wind down during your Indonesia trip, there’s a route to suit!

Adventure…

Indonesia’s wilder landscapes lend themselves to hikes and treks, and exploring on foot is a great way of getting to less-visited parts. Follow the Muntigunung Trek in Bali to explore the island’s mountainous terrain, choose a path to match your energy level in Losari, or take on early-bird sunrise climb around Bromo or Ijen (remember to wrap up warm!). More serious trekkers could consider the climb of Mt Rinjani, Lombok, or the stunning, remote Baliem Valley in West Papua.

Get on two wheels with a leisurely descent of Java’s Mt Merapi, or head out onto winding waterways for gentle thrills from kayaking to white-water rafting! Cruise along Bali’s less-visited rivers around Sidemen, down Sumatra’s Sei Bingei River, or through Sulawesi’s remotest waters, seeing the landscape from water level.

…and relaxation

We’d always suggest breaking up any longer trip around Indonesia with pauses to relax and regroup. Depending on your preferences, that might mean a high-end hotel city break, a rural retreat, or - most temptingly - time out on a few quiet beaches. Take a longer stay on Lombok, wander along the white sands of the Gilis, unplug on an island resort near Komodo National Park, or venture to the exquisite Nihi Sumba on far-flung shores - a luxurious base from which to explore the largely untouched Sumba coast.