When thinking of Indonesia, a lot of people automatically center in on Bali. But what many don’t
realize is that Indonesia is one of the largest archipelagos in the world with over 17,000 islands. This means that there is an almost infinite number of areas waiting to be explored and discovered. Not only that, but thinking outside the box also gives visitors a chance to get a break from the more touristy areas and some of the chaos of some of the most well-known spots. And, if you like the action, you should know that there are tons of other spots with a great nightlife besides Bali. Here are 5 hidden gems to explore in Indonesia that you should consider the next time you’re in Indonesia.
Speaking of great nightlives, the Gili islands are definitely somewhere you should check out if you like to party surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. And while Gili Trawangan, in particular, is known by many as party area, it is much calmer during the day and not as crowded as Bali, making it a perfect place if you feel like avoiding the crowds and relaxing.
There are many ferries and speed boat services that will take you from Bali to the Gili islands, and they’re worth every penny. Most will also offer a free shuttle service from the port to your hotel. If you want to see some of the most crystal clear waters in the world, we suggest you check out Gili Air. And if you’re here for the action, then Trawangan is the way to go.
The Kei Islands are another spot that you should consider. They have some of the best beaches not only in Indonesia but in the world. The most well known is Ngurbloat Beach, also known as “long beach”, with its 3.1 miles of white sand so soft and powdery you’d swear you were walking on flour. You can also go to Ngurtavur if you want to see the flocks of pelicans skimming the shorelines and patrolling the sky.
The islands are a bit difficult to access, however. If you want to go to Kei Ketjil, which is the Kei’s main hub, you can get there either by sea or air; though getting there by boat can be tricky. Instead, you can take transit in Ambon, then get a flight to Sadsuitubun Airport. There are three flights that leave Ambon for Kei Ketjil every day.
If you want to check out some of Indonesia’s unique fauna and flora, then look no further than Tanjung Puting National Park. The park is located deep in Indonesian Borneo and comprises over 400,000 square hectares of pristine land. You’ll get to see all sorts of primates in their natural habitats.
You’ll have the chance to see orangutans up close and learn about the conservation efforts to save the endangered species. As a matter of fact, Camp Leakey, which is located in the park, serves as a base for scientists and is also where Orangutan Foundation International is
headquartered.
If you want to take a trip back in time, then you should definitely check out Sumba, which is easily one of the most mysterious regions in the country. This is where a lot of Indonesia’s tribal groups live, and ancient rites and ceremonies are still being held there. However, the place is not for the faint of heart.
As a matter of fact, headhunting is still being practiced in parts of the region, and there are 39; even the chance that you come across the occasional “skull tree” here or there.
It’s also important to note that you should go with a guide if you want a clear understanding of the local rules and cultures. For instance, it’s customary for visitors to give the village elders gifts such as clove cigarettes and betel nuts, among other things.
If you want to make the most out of it, make sure that you plan at least a week to see everything there is there. There are also tons of almost untouched beaches in Sumba, such as Tarimbang, Bawana, and Walakiri. Sumba also has some of the most beautiful waterfalls you’ll see anywhere on the planet.
Solo is home to one of the two historical Indonesian sultanates. It has two beautiful royal palaces (Kasunanan and Pura Mangkunegaran) and also has a very vibrant cultural scene. This is also a great destination for foodies with Klewer Market, which is one of the biggest markets of its type in Java. Indonesia has a little bit of something for everyone, whether you want to party till the sun comes up or lounge on the beach. We hope we were able to inspire you; don’t hesitate to go off the beaten path if you want to experience something truly extraordinary!
If you want to take a trip back in time, then you should definitely check out these 5 Hidden Gems to Explore in Indonesia.
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