When you think about organizing a trip to Indonesia you immediately think of the beaches of Bali, and rightly so. But Indonesia, an insular state between the Indian and Pacific Ocean and made up of more than 17,000 islands, is much more than that.
If you are planning a tour of Indonesia, here are 10 locations outside of Bali with which this magical land is ready to surprise you.
- Medan
- Raja Ampat
- Yogyakarta
- Bandung
- Makassar
- Lombok
- Lake Toba
- Wakatobi
- Solo
- Wild nature at its best: Banyuwangi
Medan
Medan is the capital of northern Sumatra, and is an important economic and commercial center for the region, as well as being the largest city on the island of Sumatra. Its inhabitants belong to different ethnic groups, a diversity that has meant that the city was enriched with a very varied gastronomy. The sites of interest include the Maimoon palace, the local markets and the great mosque, symbol of the metropolis, while nearby, easily accessible from the city, visitors find lake Toba, Samosir island and Berastagi.
How to get here and around
You can reach the city of Medan by plane, landing at Kualanamu International Airport. Alternatively, you can also arrive by sea, from Penang to Malaysia or from Jakarta. The city of Medan is very busy and you can use buses, Sudakos (local buses, simple and cheap), taxi or becak to get around.
Raja Ampat
For those looking for an escape from the chaos of the Indonesian metropolis, here is Raja Ampat, archipelago and district of the province of West Papua. Dense jungles, transparent waters, unforgettable flora and fauna, these are the characteristics that the western traveler seeks (and invariably finds) in Raja Ampat.
The name Raja Ampat literally means "the four kings", it is in fact an archipelago composed of over 1500 islets, which are concentrated around the main islands of Waigeo, Batanta, Salawati and Misool. Those who love underwater adventures and snorkelling will find themselves at home here: Raja Ampat is home to 540 types of corals and 700 types of shellfish. Those immersed in its waters meet seahorses, manta rays, carpet sharks, tuna, snappers, dugongs and even turtles: a list of meetings that makes this archipelago a unique experience in your life.
And in addition to nature, we must not neglect the contact with the local Papuans, hospitable and friendly populations. You can even choose to stay a few nights in their homes and closely observe their daily activities, for example at the Arborek Tourism Village. When tourists arrive, usually the Papuans stage a welcome dance.
How to get here and around
To get to Raja Ampat you need to take a flight from Jakarta or Makassar to Sorong (Garuda companies Indonesia, Siriwijaya Air, Nam Air, Batik Air). From here there are small aircrafts by Wings Air or Susi Air that lead to Waisai, capital of the district of Raja Ampat, or you can take a ferry from the port of Sorong.
Yogyakarta
Yogyakarta is the most important city in terms of history and culture in Java. Here are the magnificent temples of Borobudur and Prambanan, dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries, located in the town of Magelang. In the city you can visit the Kraton or Sultan's Palace, the large Alun Alun square and the Kotagede district.
And then there are the beaches, including Parangtritis, Indrayanti, Pok Tunggal, Siung, Krakal, and Jogan, and the many culinary specialties, including the Gudeg, flat symbol of Yogyakarta, or the Bakpia, traditional snack. Then discover the wonders of craftsmanship, for example by buying Batik as a souvenir, a fabric made according to traditional methods in Java.
In Yogyakarta there are typical and particular batiks, with a characteristic design on a white background.
In the surroundings of Yogyakarta you can explore several traditional villages, including Nembi, Pentingsari and Nglanggeran, or national parks, including the Mount Merapi National Park, to try exciting jeep safaris or climb the slopes of Mount Nglanggeran on foot.
In short, those who visit this city are not likely to get bored.
How to get here and around
Several daily flights connect Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali to Yogyakarta International Airport. Alternatively, Yogyakarta is well served by trains and buses that connect it to other major cities. To move around the metropolis you can rely on safe means of transport. In addition to the common means of transport used in the West, you can also find becak, pedal carts with three wheels, or traditional horse-drawn carriages called Andong. For those thinking of stopping here more days it may be interesting to book a car with a driver, or even a motorbike or a bicycle.
Bandung
Bandung is a city in the mountains just two and a half hours drive from Jakarta, very popular among the capital's inhabitants who come here for their weekend getaways. With the increase in tourism in recent years, new hotels and new services have sprung up for all budgets, in a predominantly rural area. At the beginning of the twentieth century, during the Dutch colonial period, Bandung was a holiday resort for owners of tea and coffee plantations and their families.
Named after its Dutch vacationers, the Paris of Java, in the center of Bandung you can still admire Art Deco buildings, including the Governor's office today Bidakara Homann Hotel, and the Gedung Merdeka, with the adjoining museum.
The surroundings of Bandung also offer interesting opportunities for those who love nature and photography: for example, you can go trekking on the scenic hills of Tebing Keraton, Moko Hill and Eurad Highland Lembang, to name a few. In Lembang you can also visit a picturesque hobbit village and some small towns with Victorian architecture.
How to get here and around
Bandung has an international airport connected to several major Indonesian cities and neighboring countries. From Kuala Lumpur to Malaysia and from Singapore there are direct flights with Air Asia. From Kuala Lumpur you can also fly to Bandung with Malindo Air and Kuala Lumpur with Silk Air.
You can reach Bandung also by car from Jakarta in about two and a half hours, renting a car or taking advantage of the buses that depart from various points of the city.
Makassar
Makassar is the capital of South Sulawesi province and the largest city in Indonesia, with excellent connections to the whole Indonesian archipelago and its main tourist destinations. The city is a cosmopolitan metropolis, where people belonging to different ethnic groups live together.
The main attractions of the city include Fort Rotterdam, while for those who want to enjoy a little sea Losari Beach is the ideal location, even for a drink at sunset. There is also the majestic mosque above the water, called Amirul Mukminin.
For those interested in getting to know the local populations, Makassar is the best starting point to explore East Indonesia, the Tana Toraja mountains, where to meet the Toraja populations. For those who want to immerse themselves in nature, from Makassar you can also easily reach the Rammang-rammang lake, characterized by interesting caves and rock formations with ancient rock drawings.
The islands around Makassar are great for relaxing ,snorkelling and diving.
How to get there and around
The Hasanuddin airport is an important international hub, where flights from Jakarta, Surabaya and Bali land. Among the companies operating on Makassar are Garuda Indonesia, Air Asia, Lion Air and Sriwijaya Air. You can also arrive by boat, starting from the port of Soekarno Hatta.
Lombok
The island of Lombok, in the western Nusa Tengara archipelago, not far from Bali, is an unspoiled island little touched by mass tourism ideal for those who dream of an escape away from everything. In Lombok there are magnificent beaches, the majestic Mount Rinjani, a rich underwater fauna, and volcanic slopes to explore on foot to the top. Here, you can lose yourself on a bike among lush rice fields or simply relax on the sand.
Mount Rinjani is located to the north, and is one of the highest volcanoes in Indonesia. At the top you will find the lake in the Segara Anak crater, a natural spectacle with few equals.
Off the coast of Lombok are the Gili islands ("gili" in the language of the local population, the Sasak, means "small islands"), including the magnificent Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, each with its own characteristics. Gili Trawangan is popular for its beaches and nightlife, diving and sunsets. Gili Meno boasts long white beaches, with luxurious accommodation to spend a fabulous honeymoon. Gili Air combines a party spirit with a more relaxed, natural atmosphere that is also suitable for families.
For those who want to stay in Lombok and enjoy the most beautiful beaches for a long time are Kuta Beach, Tanjung A'an, Mawun Beach and Selong Belanak Beach. On the west side of the island is the town of Senggigi, also characterized by interesting beaches, while along the south coast is the famous Tangsi Beach, or pink beach, full of corals that make it take on a particular color.
Obviously a visit to Lombok cannot be complete without meeting the local populations, the Sasak, for example in the weavers villages of Sade and Rambitan, where you can also buy traditional fabrics of excellent quality.
How to get there and around
You can easily get to Lombok by plane from the airport of Denpasar to Bali, which connects to the capital Mataram. The airlines flying on Lombok are Garuda, Lion Air, Silk Air and Trans Nusa. Alternatively, you can arrive by ferry from Padangbai, Bali, landing at the port of Lembar with a crossing of about 5 hours and with the possibility to get on board with cars and motorcycles. Then there are local companies providing fast boat transfers from Bali to Lombok, both from Serangan port and Padangbai harbor. On the island of Lombok you can move by motorbike or rental car, with public buses and, often, local wagons carrying up to four people at a time.
Lake Toba
Lake Toba was formed by a crater and has an island inside it, located at an altitude of 1145 square kilometers. It is the largest lake in South East Asia and is also among the deepest in the world.
Its shores are the ideal place to enjoy a little relaxation surrounded by unspoiled nature and mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
How to get there and around
You can reach the lake comfortably from the nearby town of Parapat, by renting a car or a motorbike. Parapat is in turn approximately 176 km from Medan, and is connected to it by public buses. Once in Parapat you take the ferry to the island of Samosir, where you arrive at the traditional village of Tomok, or to Tuk Tuk where there are hotels and restaurants. On the island of Samosir you can get around by cars and motorbikes to hire, even if some roads are unpaved (but very scenic!). Alternatively, one of the best ways to explore the island is also on foot.
Wakatobi
Wakatobi National Park occupies the entire district of Wakatobi, with an area of 1.4 million hectares, some of which inhabited by corals of different species and colors. It is in fact the largest coral reef in Indonesia. In addition to corals, more than 900 different species of fish meet here, swimming together with dolphins, turtles and whales among many small atolls. A true paradise for those who love snorkelling and underwater activities.
How to get here and around
Wakatobi is reached by plane, flying from Jakarta, Bali and Surabaya to Bau-Bau with Garuda Indonesia, Lion Air and Sriwijaya Airline. From here you reach Wakatobi by boat.
Solo
The city of Solo is rich in architectural and historical evidence that tells the story of Indonesia. Always an important center of government of Central Java, it is also an important site of cultural interest. Batik, the Solonese dance, the Wayang puppets are just some of the artistic expressions of this region. Free of large buildings, but nevertheless densely inhabited, Solo remains a city on a human scale, where to get lost exploring.
How to get here and around
Solo has a large airport, Surakarta-Adi Sumarmo Wiryokusumo International Airport, connected by flights to all major cities of Indonesia, but also to Singapore and Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur) through the airlines AirAsia and SilkAir. You can also arrive by bus from Yogyakarta with a journey of about an hour, or by night bus. There are also trains that connect Yogyakarta to Solo but the journey takes about 12 hours. Once in Solo you can move comfortably in becak, taxi, rental car or bike, provided you are not afraid of dealing with traffic. You can also hire a horse-drawn cart, to experience the city as a true local person.
Wild nature at its best: Banyuwangi
Banyuwangi, which in the local language means "aromatic water" is located in Java and is the capital city of a regency that stretches over 5,800 square km and which includes Raung and Merapi mountains. The city is an excellent starting point to explore the surroundings, from Alas Purwo nature reserve to the savannahs of Baluran, from the beaches to Iljen crater with its extraordinary sulphurous scents.
How to get here and around
You can reach Banyuwangi by ferry from Bali, from the port of Gilmanuk, which arrives at the port of Ketapang. It can also be reached by car from Surabaya or from other eastern Java cities. Garuda Indonesia and Lion Air offer flights to Blimbingsari airport in Banyuwangi from Surabaya, but there are flights that connect to the city also from Bali. Finally, there are also trains connecting Banyuwangi to Surabaya.
The best way to get to nearby attractions is by renting a car, better if rather sturdy and durable to deal with unpaved roads.
