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An update from Evaneos

Best places to visit in Indonesia

A volcanic archipelago consisting of 13,466 islands, 6,000 of which are inhabited, the most populous Muslim country in the world offers the visitor a safe environment and a range of attractions and activities to suit all tastes. What can you expect from a trip to Indonesia? Temples inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage on the island of Java; vibrant, lively festivals and a Hindu ambiance and atmosphere on Bali; pristine beaches on Lombok; impressively majestic lakes on Sumatra; Komodo dragons on the island that shares their name; the deep, dense forests of Kalimantan on the islands of Borneo and Sulawesi, and, located at the very edge of the archipelago, Papua New Guinea.

Religion is much in evidence across the whole archipelago and plays an important role in everyday life. Be respectful towards local customs and take pleasure in accepting Muslim and Hindu hospitality and this will enable to get a better sense of the different religious strands that underpin life in this country. Visiting Indonesia therefore demands deliberate choices and proper organisation. There is no need to panic however: the reviews provided by Evaneos' travellers will guide you in this.

Let's head first to Java. Jakarta is basically nothing more than a sprawling capital city; so head instead to Yogyakarta, where you will have the opportunity to see a Wayang Kulit show, a form of Indonesian shadow puppetry, contemplate the Mount Merapi volcano or the magical Mount Bromo, or descend into the crater of Ijen in search of the damned of the earth, who are obliged to carry many pounds of sulphur on their backs. Visit the Buddhist temples of Borobudur and the Hindu temples of Prambanan, and, if you happen to find the equatorial temperatures suffocating, head to Malang, which is famous for its cool climate.

Or perhaps you would prefer a stay on the Island of the Gods, Bali, for the opportunity to visit Ubud, a primary centre of Hindu culture and the island's culinary capital. Or how about a trip to Sidemen, a village that sits surrounded by rice fields, or even a spot of scuba diving at Pemuteran?

Hop across by boat to Lombok, which is a new destination not yet affected by mass tourism. Climb up to the summit of Rinjani, the secret volcano, spend some time enjoying yourself on Gili Meno, or do a spot of surfing at Kuta Lombok, which is still just a fishing village.

To get even further off the beaten track, head off to Flores and explore the crater lakes of the Kelimutu volcano, or spend some time visiting the islands of Komodo and Rinca. And if you have the time, don't miss the opportunity to tour North Sumatra with an English-speaking guide, or take a flight tour over Kalimantan and its primeval forests.

Gaëtan MOLENE
Rantepao is the main centre of the north of Toraja country.
Rinca is a small island situated near Komodo island, where it is also possible to see Komodo Dragons in their natural habitat, as well as boars, buffaloes, etc.
The second highest peak in Indonesia, this magnificent volcano boasts treks that any hiking fan will love during a sporty holiday in Indonesia. 
Halfway between Vietnam and Australia, in the heart of Indonesia, lies Sebayur Island, an oasis of tranquility.
Situated at 500m south of Denpasar, Serangan Island is famous for its turtles and temple.
Solo (Indonesia)
Solo
4/5
Solo, or Surakarta by its real name, is an Indonesian city that is rich in history with its royal palace, museums and institute of Indonesian arts.
Tabanan is a region and a city in the centre of the island of Bali. The region stretches from the coast in the south to Lake Beratan in the north.
Tenganan, the island's oldest village with its customs nearly intact.
Tirta Empul is in the centre of the island of Bali. Older than 1000 years, it is home to natural springs considered as sacred.
A prized destination amongst divers, notably due to the famous wreck lying directly offshore from the beach. 
Uluwatu is on Bali's southern point and the main reason people go there is to visit the temple perched on the cliff.
Prambanan (Indonesia)
Prambanan
3.7/5
Prambanan is a complex of more than 2000 Shivaist temples dating from the 9th century and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site .
Malang (Indonesia)
Malang
3.5/5
Malang is the second biggest town in the east of Java, known for its cool temperatures and surrounding countryside.
Senggigi (Indonesia)
Senggigi
3.3/5
Senggigi is a village on the west of the island of Lombok, which runs alongside a beach.
Bandung is the capital of West Java.
More so than Katapang, Bali's ferry port, Banyuwangui is a stop-over town from which to prepare the climb up the Ijen volcano. It is also a Java province with dense forests and the fine G-Land, a famous surfing spot.
Batuan (Indonesia)
Batuan
3/5
Batuan is a village on the island of Bali that's known for its culture and artwork, notably paintings and dance. There are also temples close by.
Cemoro Lawang is a small village in the east of Java which has marvellous views of Mounts Bromo and Batok.
Pura Goa Lawah, near Padang Bai, is famous for its cave full of bats.
A still active volcano to the north of Bali, Mount Batur overlooks Lake Batur and is a preferred place of lovers of treks and hikes.
A paradise of white sand and crystal-clear water, hidden in the middle of Indonesia: that's my definition of the Togian Islands.
Indonesian capital, located on Java island.
Labuan Bajo, a fishing village located at the western tip of Flores island, is in the process of becoming an important Indonesian tourist town.
It is in western Sumatra that you will find this magic lake in which Indonesian tradition has remained intact.
Legian (Indonesia)
Legian
3/5
Bali - the party island! Legian is a few kilometres from the main town and is tending to gradually become an extension of Kuta.
Makassar is the capital of the southern province of Sulawesi.
Palopo (Indonesia)
Palopo
3/5
Palopo is the third largest town in the southern province of Sulawesi Island, in the heart of Toraja country.
Odd beach, slightly pinkish. An ideal setting, be it for families, couples or single travellers, for a moment of relaxation and submarine observation. 
Once a town in its own right, nowadays Seminyak is a trendy suburb of Kuta.
The Pura Tanah Lot is a Hindu temple built on an islet in Bali.

Best time to visit Indonesia

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