National Parks
With no fewer than 52 National Parks on offer, the Indonesian archipelago is awash with natural beauty and wildlife watching opportunities. Our favourite is Komodo National Park, home to the famed Komodo dragons. Krakatau Volcano National Park is home to Krakatoa Volcano, and is a thriving marine reserve.

Jakarta
Indonesia’s capital is a vibrant and buzzing city. One of the most populous cities in Southeast Asia, Jakarta offers diversity of experiences, cultures, shopping and cuisine.

Bali
Popular destination for travellers wanting warmer temperatures, a relaxing atmosphere and great beaches and temples to explore. For a more cultural experience head to Ubud or Seminyak where villa stays are a great option.

Borobudur
This 9th century Mahayana Temple is the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Located in Central Java, this magnificent monument was restored with UNESCO’s help in the 1970’s.

Raja Ampat This remote archipelago in West Papua is a tropical paradise with incredible scenic beauty, birdlife and maritime biodiversity. Best explored aboard a traditional Pilisi boat, time your visit to witness the impressive whale sharks. It’s no wonder Raja Ampat is often called “The last paradise on earth”.

July to August is the high season with sunny weather, but it can be busy. From March to June and September to November you avoid the crowds, enjoy good weather and wildlife sightings. The wet season is January/February.

If you’re travelling anywhere in Indonesia, make sure you end with a stay in Bali before returning home. Bali was the first place I ever travelled to – it really ignited the travel bug in me and continues to draw me back to this day! These days I’m more drawn to the relaxation and delicious food that Bali has to offer.

Starting with Ubud, nestled among lush green hills and picturesque landscapes in the central part of Bali. The town is surrounded by beautiful rice terraces, tropical forests and rivers, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Ubud is famous for wellness experiences including traditional Balinese massages, yoga classes and spa treatments. If you want to truly experience the local flavours of Bali you need to visit the traditional markets. Here, you can try local delicacies at the street food stalls. A fun experience is to join a cooking class. You get to visit a local market to source ingredients and then prepare a Balinese meal under the guidance of an experienced chef. The recipes are a great souvenir to return home with!

I’m also drawn to the island of Gilli Trawangan, which boasts beautiful white sandy beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. There are no motorized vehicles on the island, so bicycles and horse-drawn carriages are the main modes of transport. Personally, I love exploring on bicycle or on foot, as you see, smell and hear so much more, at a slower pace. It’s well worth visiting local shops and art markets and I can never resist a visit to the turtle sanctuary, where you learn about conservation efforts and even take part in releasing baby turtles into the sea. I also love swimming and snorkelling in the vibrant coral reefs just offshore. Staying in a private villa is the way to go for a truly relaxing experience, with your own pool and plenty of private space to indulge in a good book, a cool drink and some tropical sun. Heaven!

Jane Bittman, Travel Designer

Language: Indonesian (or locally referred to as Bahasa Indonesia) is the official language, with other more local languages including Javanese, Sundanese, Madurese and Minangkabau. English is spoken more commonly in the larger cities and tourist areas; less so in more remote regions.

Currency: Indonesian rupiah

Social customs & quirks Indonesia’s culture has been shaped by it’s diverse religions, a reflection of its location along ancient trade routes. Having more than 700 ethnic and racial groups, you’ll find fascinating cultural aspects wherever you go. Gamelan orchestras, batik and cuisine are the most visible cultural elements to explore.

Being a traditional culture, it is good etiquette to show respect to elders and people in a position of power, and when you shake hands on meeting, you can return your hand to your chest to demonstrate that your welcome is from the heart.

Festivals & Events: As Indonesia recognises six main religions, there are festivals galore, from Eid Al Fitr to Christmas and Chinese New Year. Bali’s colourful Nyepi festival is usually held in March. Many other local festivals are held around Indonesia’s Independence Day in August.