Where to Go in Indonesia: 10 Exotic Routes for Adventure

Indonesia is a country of a thousand islands, each with its own unique nature, culture, and traditions. From the picturesque beaches of Bali to the mystical jungles of Sumatra, there is a route here for every adventure seeker. We present 10 of the most exotic routes that will let you see Indonesia from a new side.

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1. Raja Ampat Islands

This remote and beautiful archipelago is considered one of the best diving destinations in the world. Coral reefs, rare fish species, and crystal-clear water make the journey unforgettable. Raja Ampat consists of four main islands — Misool, Salawati, Batanta, and Waigeo, which are located on the equator in the province of Southwest Papua, off the northwestern tip of New Guinea.

These pristine islands offer a chance to dive into the original beauty of nature. Among the main activities, of course, are diving and snorkeling. There are countless dive sites with the rich underwater world of tropical waters.

Because of their remote location, Raja Ampat does not have endless tourist traffic or industrial facilities, so the island and marine ecosystems here remain in their pristine condition.

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2. Komodo National Park

Home of the famous Komodo dragons, unique wildlife, and stunning beaches. Here you can see rare animals, go trekking, and enjoy the underwater world. Komodo National Park is the main place in the world where tourists can see Komodo dragons in their natural environment. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park was created to protect wildlife. Strict nature conservation rules apply in the area: hunting is prohibited, and fishing is regulated by zones. Labuan Bajo, once a small fishing town, is the gateway to the park. These places are known for their remoteness, ruggedness, and beauty.

One of the easiest ways to reach Komodo is to take a one-hour flight from Bali. A permit is required to visit the park. It is easy to get as part of an excursion. Many different tours are available by boat.

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3. Climbing Mount Rinjani, Lombok

This route for adventure lovers offers an exciting ascent to the summit of Mount Rinjani, which opens panoramic views of the island of Lombok. The panoramas are truly worth the effort. The trekking route is designed for three days and is suitable only for adventurous tourists in good physical shape.

Rinjani is the second-highest active volcano in Indonesia, and its height reaches 3,726 meters. This is not just a climb, but a hike with overnight stays in tents, picnics, and atmospheric dinners by the fire. The nature of this part of Lombok is simply magnificent.

It is worth considering that the routes on Rinjani are seasonal: during the rainy season and during periods of increased danger, the trails may be closed.

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4. Lake Toba, Sumatra

The largest volcanic lake in the world with crystal-clear water and the island of Samosir in the center, which is the cultural center of the Batak people. An "island on an island" and one of the most important bodies of water in Sumatra, it was formed during the largest eruption about 75 thousand years ago. It was this event that became the precursor of the last Ice Age.

Lake Toba and Samosir are for an authentic active holiday with immersion in local ancient culture. Travel around the lake and island begins from the town of Tuk-Tuk, where there is all the necessary tourist infrastructure, including hotels and hostels. You can get there by ferry from Parapat.

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5. Borobudur and Prambanan, Java

The largest temple complexes, which impress with their architecture and atmosphere of antiquity. Both temples are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and are the most iconic tourist destinations on the island of Java.

• Borobudur. The jewel of Central Java, the largest Buddhist temple in the world, which was built in the 8th–9th century. The unusual architecture of the temple reflects the philosophy of enlightenment. Watching the sunrise at Borobudur is a kind of ritual of renewal. Excursions here are very popular.
• Prambanan. The cultural capital of Java, the city of Yogyakarta, offers a visit to the iconic Hindu temple of Prambanan, which is located in its surroundings. After Borobudur, this is the second "must see" site on Java. The ancient temple complex, whose history begins in the 9th century, tells tourists its incredible story in unique stone carvings. Be sure to take a guide.

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6. Wakatobi Islands

Remote coral islands with an incredibly rich underwater world, ideal for snorkeling and diving. Wakatobi is a group of 150 islands in the southeastern province of Sulawesi. The four largest islands are Wangi-Wangi, Kaledupa, Tomia, and Binongko. These places include the territories of Wakatobi National Park, which was created to preserve unique marine biodiversity.

The reefs of Wakatobi attract underwater enthusiasts from all over the world, because this is the second-largest barrier reef on the planet. Jacques-Yves Cousteau called Wakatobi an "underwater nirvana." Besides exclusive marine nature, Wakatobi has many other features for vivid impressions. Here you can get to know the culture of the ancient Bajau people, visit the authentic island of Hoga, see the beauty of ancient caves and pristine beaches, climb the picturesque heights of the national park and discover other natural locations.

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7. Gunung Leuser National Park, Sumatra

A place where you can meet Sumatran orangutans in their natural environment, walk through the jungle, and enjoy natural beauty. Gunung Leuser National Park is one of the five oldest national parks in Indonesia and is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The national park is located on the border of two western Indonesian provinces: North Sumatra and Aceh.

An incredible diversity of tropical flora and fauna, and also home to Sumatran orangutans, rhinos, tigers, and elephants. Several wildlife rehabilitation centers operate throughout the territory. The park is crossed by numerous rivers, streams, and waterfalls. This unique reserve gathers thousands of tourists. The main gateway to the park, with the most developed infrastructure, is Bukit Lawang.

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8. Tegalalang Rice Terraces, Bali

One of the most picturesque attractions of the island of Bali, where you can immerse yourself in a rural atmosphere and learn more about traditional rice growing. Tegalalang is a popular tourist site located about 20 minutes from the town of Ubud. Cut into the hillsides like whimsical cascading stairways, these lush terraces create a scenic landscape and also demonstrate the skill and labor of many generations of Balinese people. These cascading plantations have long become a place of pilgrimage for absolutely all guests of the island. The incredible natural beauty of the evergreen terraces, created according to the ancient "subak" irrigation system, the history and culture of the region, and amazing locations for photography.

A small fee is charged for visiting Tegalalang, and for it you get the maximum impressions. For an additional fee, you can ride panoramic swings, a sky bike, or a zipline here.

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9. Baliem Valley, Papua

A remote region where the most ancient peoples live. This place offers a unique cultural experience and the opportunity to see the traditional way of life of local residents. The highland Baliem Valley, or Great Valley, is located in the Indonesian province of Papua Pegunungan, with its main center in the town of Wamena.

For many thousands of years, the valley remained inaccessible to the rest of the world. This place is known for the traditional culture of the Dani, Lani, and Yali peoples, highland villages, festivals, and trekking routes. Deservedly, these lands are considered some of the most exotic on the planet. A journey to Baliem is a real expedition.

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10. Ijen Volcano, Java

Among the natural wonders of Indonesia, the Ijen crater holds an important place. It is one of the most visited attractions in East Java. Ijen is a group of volcanic objects where many hiking routes of different levels of difficulty are scattered. The central place here is occupied by Lake Kawah Ijen — the largest highly acidic crater lake in the world. Its depth reaches about 200 meters.

Usually the hike begins from the village of Paltuding. The route includes a 3-kilometer ascent along a steep rocky path, which takes about 2 hours. A descent to the crater may be organized, lasting about 45 minutes. The reward for this not-so-easy path will be a stunning view of the turquoise crater lake at sunrise and the surrounding volcanic landscape.

Indonesia is full of adventures and incredible routes. No matter whether you are looking for solitude, extreme travel, or cultural immersion, this country will offer you unforgettable impressions.

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