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10 reasons to travel to Indonesia

1 – Travel to Indonesia and enjoy lots of activities with your family

What to do in Indonesia? Visit Bali and experience everything this destination has to offer. Bali is now the most visited island of the archipelago and this is most certainly because of the multiple activities available to families. Culture, sports, arts, whatever it is your family is looking for you will find it on the island of the gods. Walks in the paddy fields in Ubud, surf lessons at Kuta beach, visit of hindu temples, hikes on sacred volcanoes, cooking class, traditional dance show, quad ride… are as many opportunities to create unforgettable family memories in Indonesia.

2 – A warm welcome from locals

Let’s be honest, staying in Indonesia is also a way to escape from the gloomy weather and bad mood you can face in Europe. Traveling in the archipelago you will enjoy the sun and from Bali to Flores or Sumatra, Indonesians will win you over with their warm smiles. When meeting locals you can expect a few questions: where do you come from? Where do you go? Where do you live? Are you married? Do you have kids? Then you can ask questions yourself but careful, Indonesians are open-minded and tolerant however they are shy and personal questions might offend them. If you get along well, you might be invited to share a meal with them!

3 – Spontaneous invitation to traditional ceremonies

Indonesians are welcoming and they are also very generous. They will not hesitate to invite travelers to join a traditional ceremony even they just met them. A great opportunity for you to share a special moment with locals and discover the archipelago’s culture. A highlight of your holiday in Indonesia for sure! In order to fully enjoy the moment, open your eyes and forget about the camera.

In Bali, cremations are amongst the most joyful and lavish ceremonies. In the Toraja tribe, funeral ceremonies are of a different kind, just as lavish but very impressive. You will need to have a strong stomach when the time for buffalo sacrifice will come. With the Mentawai communities in Siberut island, be ready for magic and rituals, chanting and dancing to ward off spirits.

4 – Explore the underwater world from Menjangan to Raja Ampat

There are 17,000 islands in Indonesia, 6 million square meters of seabed. The water surrounding the archipelago is known for its incredible biodiversity, the most diverse in the world. It goes without saying, Indonesia is the perfect spot for divers both beginners and experienced. Among the most famous underwater sites are the emerald waters of Raja Ampat, Northern Sulawesi, Komodo island, Menjangan island… Diving in Indonesia you might encounter manta rays, whale sharks, dolphins, sea turtles. Unfortunately, marine life is endangered so we highly recommend you enjoy what you see but do not touch anything.

5 – Swim with manta rays

Did you know Indonesia is the most important sanctuary for manta rays? If you want to have a chance to observe them, meet your local guide and embark on a small fisherman boat early morning. In silence, he will scrutinize the surroundings, he might have to take you to different areas but eventually he will spot the majestic animal. Then it is time for you to jump on the water, with diving tanks or simple snorkel gear, and enjoy this unforgettable moment.

6 – Observe the most incredible endemic species in their natural environment

One of the perks of travelling to Indonesia is the opportunity you’ll have to encounter rare animals. Among the endemic species you might observe during your holiday on the archipelago are orangutans of Sumatra, Komodo dragon, elephants in Borneo. Underwater, you might spot dolphins in the wake of the boat or dive with thousands of tropical fish. This great yet endangered biodiversity can be observed in the various national parks and sanctuaries created across the country.

7 – Enjoy a nasi campur in a warung

Warungs are small traditional restaurants where you can taste a wide variety of Indonesian dishes. After a few days exploring the archipelago, creating your own nasi (rice) campur (mixed) will become your holiday routine. The basis of your meal is rice, always, usually white rice but you might find rellow or red rice in some warungs. Put the rice in the center of your plate, then you can add meat, fish, vegetables… If the first picks might be random you’ll soon have your own favorite Indonesia dish. A tip before you choose your meal: when a local tells you a dish is hot, expect it to be even hotter than what you imagine.

8 – A cruise on a prestigious boat

The most amazing cruises are available to you when traveling in Indonesia. Phinisi are boats built in wood following traditional technics. Explore the archipelago on one of those legendary vessels, cross the Komodo archipelago, the Moluccas, Raja Ampat… Discover Indonesia hidden gems in a unique way. Cruises are also a nice opportunity for you to enjoy colorful dives or off-the-beaten- track excursions. If you are looking for an even more exciting experience, plan a night aboard. Unforgettable memories guaranteed!

9 – Sip a coconut juice on Lombok or Gili pristine beaches

You’ve dreamt of a lazy day at the beach? Make your dream come true by including in your trip to Indonesia a stop at Lombok or Gili islands. On one side you see the emerald water of Lombok, on the other the turquoise sea surrounding the three Gili islands: Trawangan, Meno and Air. Whatever island you’ll choose you will admire breathtaking landscapes. To this relaxing setting add a freshly picked kelapa, coconut in Indonesian, brought to you and opened by a local merchant with a machete. Sit back, relax and enjoy!

10 – Be amazed by the beauty of the world from the top of a volcano

Looking for an adventure during your holidays in Indonesia? What about a night hike to the top of a volcano? There are about 150 volcanoes scattered on the archipelago so you have plenty of options when picking your next adventure. Wake up in the middle of the night, put on your hiking shoes and follow the guide. After a few hours walking you reach the top just before sunrise and discover a breathtaking view. This is a unique way to observe the entire archipelago under a blazing sky. After this one of a kind experience, share a traditional breakfast with other hikers and make your way back to your hotel.

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