Indonesia Attractions
Bali’s volcanic mountains
According to topschoolsintheusa, the most active volcano in Bali is the 1717 m high Gunung Batur in the northeast, which from time to time spews smoke and ash. The residents on the crater slopes live from fruit and vegetable cultivation and the numerous tourists who climb the mountains. The neighboring volcano is Gunung Agung and is 3142 m high. In between is the picturesque Lake Batur. A highlight is the ascent of the high volcanic mountain at sunrise. During the guided tour from the village of Toya Bunkah, you have to climb 600 meters. After an hour or two of climbing, the effort is rewarded with a magnificent view over the crater and the lava fields.
Balinese
The popular and lively island of Bali lies off Java in the Indian Ocean. It offers unique diving and snorkelling spots on beautiful beaches as well as waterfalls, cultural sites and countless mysterious temples. An adventure trip is to explore Tanah Lot Temple. Located on a small island at the crag in the southwest, it is also accessible on foot at low tide. Beachside restaurants by the sea where you can enjoy local delicacies while enjoying a glorious sunset can be found in Jimbaran. You can enjoy an exclusive holiday on Nusa Dua, a resort that is laid out like a South Seas island. A meeting with Bali’s sacred animal, the monkey, is possible in one of the monkey forests in Ubud or in Alas Kedaton. However, one should refrain from buying food because the monkeys can get a little rough,
Bali’s water world
Bali has long since made a name for itself with water sports enthusiasts thanks to its beautiful beach and sea world. Lovina Beach in the south is known for dolphin-watching tours (although these are disturbed by the dolphin-watching tours). The east coast is interesting for wreck divers. The wreck of the USS Liberty lies off the coast of Tulamben. Nusa Menjangan is an island off the north-west of Bali. It is a top dive site with an underwater conservation park and beautiful coral species. A perfect diving and snorkeling spot for beginners is the areas of Gili Biaha and Lipha. There is an underground rock ditch with countless fish to explore.
Lombok
Bali’s tranquil sister island boasts miles of beautiful beaches like Senggigi to the south and Kuta to the west. Mountain forests, paddy fields and beautiful waterfalls invite you to explore. For active vacationers, the 2-day ascent to the 3726 m high Feuerberg should be a special experience. Organized by mountain guides, you have a magnificent view of Bali. Beautiful handicrafts can be seen in the small villages of the Sasak, and a souvenir from the indigenous people is a nice reminder of these experiences.
The cultural landscape of the province of Bali
With a total of 25 locations, the subaks (irrigation systems) were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape of the province of Bali in 2012. Subak primarily means the traditional irrigation system for the rice fields. These are based on the Tri Hita Karana philosophy, which strives for harmony between man and nature. The irrigation canals, aqueducts and tunnels date back to 1022 and ensure a bountiful rice crop. The world cultural heritage in Bali includes five huge rice terraces with their water temples, such as the royal temple Pura Taman Ayun. This impressive architectural feat literally means “floating garden”. The structure is surrounded by moats and has shrines and wood carvings inside.
Raja Ampat
The diving area Raja Ampat near West Papua is called the last paradise on earth. When you see the islands’ hundreds of coral species and stunning marine life alongside mangrove forests, you’ll see why. Such a variety can hardly be found anywhere else in the world. Small, green-covered islands that form lagoons complete the indescribable picture of Raja Ampat. So it’s hardly surprising that this archipelago is a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage status.
Java’s Prambanan Hindu Temple
The large Prambanan temple complex is located on Central Java, near Borobudur. The high, pointed shape of the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia is characteristic. The complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991 and is still being restored to this day. The 47 m high main building with the individual temples inside is dedicated to the deities. A beautifully designed museum displays pieces of pottery, ritual trays, art objects and statues.
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is located in the Lesser Sunda Islands, in southeastern Indonesia. The 600 km² national park is located on the so-called dragon island of Komodo and was founded to protect the Komodo dragons. Around the three islands there are hundreds of fish and coral species, sponges, whales, dolphins and sea turtles. In 1991 the national park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Many dive centers and operators offer tours to Komodo and the small neighboring island of Rinca. There, monkeys, buffalo and wild horses can be observed undisturbed.
Java’s Buddhist temple complex Borobudur
One of the largest temple complexes in Southeast Asia can be found on the island of Java: Borobudur is one of the largest Buddhist sanctuaries. The Borobudur temple complex was rediscovered under vegetation and volcanic ash in 1814 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1991. Besides a square base with step pyramids, one can see many niches with Buddha images and reliefs. On the upper terrace are 72 stupas, huge structures that have a bell-like appearance. They house other statues. From its top you have a beautiful view over the landscape.
Sumatra’s Gunung Leuser National Park
The largest Indonesian island, Sumatra, is criss-crossed by mountains and active volcanoes. On the border with the province of Aceh lies the Gunung Leuser National Park on the volcano of the same name. It is a highlight of every trip to Indonesia. Together with two other parks, the area forms the natural monument of the tropical rainforest and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2004. Rare large animals such as tigers, elephants, rhinos and orangutans live in the seclusion of the mountain and lowland rainforests. Next to Borneo, the national park is the last retreat of the great apes. A tour into the jungle, sometimes with an overnight stay, is an unforgettable adventure.
