Explore the world’s largest archipelago from some of the most beautiful beaches in the world to melting pot cities overflowing with diverse cultures. Snorkel above purple sea anemones and orange clown fish off gleaming white Bali beaches. Climb to enlightenment at Borobudur, the largest Buddhist temple in the world. Watch the modern-day dinosaurs of Komodo swagger through the undergrowth. From small-ship exclusives to must-see sights, we show you Indonesia at its most authentic.
 

Described as paradise, Bali’s spectacular beauty is difficult to describe in words.  The calm waters and beautiful white sand beaches of the small village of Benoa have made it the prime water sports area of Bali. Bali Volcano, also known as Mount Batur is a popular sightseeing destination with magnificent views from the Batur Caldera. Batik is still very popular in Bali and is considered one of the country’s most highly developed art forms.

Beautiful Lombok is a small, rarely visited port, offering a look at island life without large resorts. Dominating the island is Indonesia’s second largest volcano, Gunung  Rinjani, but this island is known for its lovely beaches and great surfing spots, deep turquoise-blue bays and massive headlands.  Other sites of interest include Suranadii Temple, Narmada Temple and Pringgasela village.

The home to about 5,700 of the unique Komodo dragons, this park works to protect its biodiversity,. It has been declared both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Man and Biosphere Reserve. In addition to Komodo dragons, there are other notable wildlife here such as the orange-footed scrub fowl and the Timor deer. Marine life here finds more than 1,000 species of fish, 260 species of coral, Dugong sharks, manta rays, over 14 species of whales, dolphins and sea turtle, plus 70 species of sponges.

This pretty port town is home to the ethnic minority Tengger people who have kept hold of their traditions and customs for many centuries.  The main tourist attraction here is Mount Bromo, one of Indonesia’s most spectacular volcanoes. Although the top has blown off the volcano, the 7,641-foot peak has a cone that is still active.

The small port of Pulau Bawean sits on the Java Sea and is dominated by an extinct volcano at its center that rises 2,149 feet above sea level.  This will be a perfect beach day with snorkeling opportunities and lots of privacy. Be on the lookout for Bawean deer endemic to the island.  Other interesting wildlife here includes the crab-eating macaque, Sunda porcupine, small Indian civet and the Asian palm civet.

This port is the gateway to take a day trip to Borobudur, the Buddhist temple and UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the 8^th century.  There’s also plenty to do in Semarang.  There is excellent Chinese food around town and important historical sites like Gedung Batu  – the city’s oldest Chinese temple complex, or  the Old Quarter featuring Dutch colonial architecture including Lawang Sewu, a massive building and Sam Poo Kong, a 15^th century temple in Chinatown.

Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will thrill at this remote location where only small ships and ferries go unless you charter a flight.  This lovely area boasts white-sand beaches, rainforest, coastal mangroves and a biodiverse reef system that welcomes snorkelers or divers with 35 types of corals and sponges on what will feel like your own private island.

The capital city and melting pot of Indonesia is a delightful mix of cultures – Chinese, Malay, Javanese, Indian, Arabian and European - more than 300 ethnic groups speaking 200 different languages.  And they can all be found in the architecture and the imaginative cuisine such as pempek kapal selam (submarine fishcakes with egg and vinegar sauce).  Jump on the Sky Lift and view the Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, a park with faux lakes in the shape of the Indonesian archipelago.

Say hello to Stamford Raffles’ engaging city, a modern metropolis which is blended with the traditional historic towns of the founders. These include Chinatown, Little India and the Malay community of Kampong Glam. The Singapore River meanders through the center of the island with vistas of skyscrapers and historic shop houses, often side-by-side. Singapore is a tropical garden city with flowers and greenery everywhere. Among the attractions are the domes at Gardens by the Bay located near Marina Bay and the UNESCO World Heritage Site Botanic Gardens. Orchard Road is the epicenter for shopping some of Asia’s leading retailers and includes both international brands and local shops.