Indonesia trip | Packaged trip Indonesia nature and culture

Borobudur is a Buddhist shrine 40 km northwest of Yogjakarta in Central Java province, near the city of Magelang. It is one of Central Java's tourist attractions alongside the Prambanan and the Kraton in Yogjakarta. Borobudur is located near Mount Merapi, Indonesia's most active volcano, and was built in the period 750 - 850. Its name possibly derives from the Sanskrit "Vihara Buddha Ur", which loosely translated means "Buddhist temple on the mountain". Borobudur is constructed as a large stupa. The stupa has nine floors; the lower six are square, the upper three round. The floors represent the Buddhist cosmos. On the upper floors are 72 small stupas, built around one large central stupa. Borobudur is part of UNESCO.

Menjangan Island is located just eight kilometres northwest of Bali, in the Indonesian archipelago. Also known as Deer Island, this uninhabited tropical paradise is part of the Bali Barat National Park and is known for its pristine coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life. Wall diving, scuba diving and snorkelling are the main activities on the island (which is most easily accessible from Singaraja harbour), although there are also opportunities for bird and wildlife watching. The island's native species of barking deer are often seen bathing in the sea - a unique and special sight. Keep in mind that there are no accommodations on the island, so it is advisable to plan several visits to explore all it has to offer.

Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali. Surrounded by green rice paddies and a diversity of temples, Ubud is packed with tourist attractions! Art galleries, cosy cafes, handicraft shops, luxury spas, there is plenty to do! Strolling through the streets is certainly also an experience, but you can also escape the hustle and bustle by taking beautiful bike rides in the area. A crowd-pleaser par excellence is the 'Monkey Forest', where hundreds of wild monkeys live amid three Hindi temples.

On the edge of Gunung Leuser National Park is the small village of Bukit Lawang. This village is the perfect base for trekking through the extraordinary national park, but you can also relax well. The National Park is one of the two habitats of the Orang Utan, so this is the main attraction for this village. The village is located on the Bohorok River with the dense rainforest directly on the other side of the river. You may well see different species of monkeys passing by here!

As the name suggests, North Sumatra is a province in the north of the island of Sumatra in Indonesia. The province is known for its lush pristine rainforest, spectacular waterfalls, volcanic lakes, pristine white sand beaches and the intriguing culture of the local Batak people. North Sumatra is one of Indonesia's most visited provinces, and for good reason. Here you can marvel at the towering volcanoes of Berastagi, visit the popular orang-utan sanctuary in the village of Bukit Lawang, swim in the volcanically heated waters of Lake Toba, surf the massive waves of the uninhabited Banyaks Islands and explore the underwater wonderland off the coast of Weh Island. The entire province is centred around the huge provincial capital Medan, which serves as an excellent gateway to the many natural wonders this exceptionally beautiful province has to offer.

Known for its rugged tropical terrain, remarkable wildlife and smouldering volcanoes, the Indonesian island of Sumatra is blessed with one of the world's richest ecosystems. This large island is home to almost a quarter of all Indonesians, as well as a stunning number of unique plant and animal species. The island truly has something for everyone - dense rainforests, mighty rivers, crater lakes, beautiful powder-sand beaches, towering volcanoes, limestone caves and an amazing variety of traditional ethnic groups occupying some of the world's most spectacular volcanic landscapes. Visitors can look forward to discovering world-class diving sites in Pulau Weh, watching orang-utans meander freely through the forest in Bukit Lawang, hiking to the top of Mount Kerinci, or simply relaxing on the shores of beautiful Lake Toba!

The bustling metropolis of Medan serves as the capital of the naturally scenic province of North Sumatra in Indonesia. Although the city is mostly used by tourists as a stepping stone to the many surrounding natural treasures, including the cool highlands of Lake Toba and the wild Sumatran jungle, those who linger will find a number of interesting sights. The city is centred around the impressive Maimun Palace and the octagonal Grand Mosque of Medan, which displays an intriguing combination of Islamic and European architectural styles. Other notable sights include the famous ethnic stalls of Jalan Selat Panjang street and Tjong A Fie Mansion, a historic Chinese merchant's house converted into a museum.

In the far northwest of Java lies the capital Jakarta; the economic, cultural and political centre of Indonesia. Even though this chaotic city is not known for its idyllic beaches, it is more than made up for by its fascinating colonial past and hospitable and helpful inhabitants. Very worthwhile is the area in the north of the city, Kota Tua or often simply called 'Kota'. This area contains most of the colonial buildings from the VOC era, as well as a number of interesting museums. A short visit to Jakarta is definitely recommended if you have more time, as a visit will contribute to getting to know Indonesia better.

Bali is famous for its beautiful beaches, rolling hills dotted with rice terraces and volcanic mountains. Culture lovers feel at home in the island's vibrant cultural centre; Ubud. Visit several museums or browse the numerous craft shops. Luxury spas, tranquil yoga retreats, impressive temples, delicious local food; it is not hard to see why Bali has long been one of the world's most popular island destinations.

Bali's capital: Denpasar, is like the gateway to the island. The city is known for its world-famous spas and a number of fascinating historical and cultural attractions. The Museum Negeri Propinsi Bali is the island's most important museum and will give you insight into Balinese culture. The city's many restaurants offer plenty of tasty and authentic dishes.

Yogyakarta is particularly rich in culture, with Javanese cuisine, music, dance and theatre taking pride of place. Yogya is a busy city of around 1 million people, yet it manages to keep the right balance between its cultural heritage and modernity. The Ullen Sentulu and Affandi museums are definitely worth a visit, as is the sultan's palace, Kraton Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat(Kraton), still inhabited by the current Sultan of Yogyakarta, Sultan Hamengkoeboewono X, who is also governor of the area. The Borobudur and Prambanan temples are relatively close to the city.

The stark contrast between active volcanoes, vibrant green rice paddies and the white sandy beaches set against bustling metropolises sets the tone for Java, the island at the heart of Indonesia. Jakarta, the country's capital, is one of the most populous places in the world, and is the gateway to the island. Yogyakarta the cultural and culinary centre of the naturally iconic splendour of the Borobudur temple.

Sanur is one of Bali's most pleasant beach destinations. It has a fine ambience, with excellent eateries and family-friendly beaches. In the month of July, the International Kite Festival takes place here every year, a beautiful sight. A visit to the nearby mangrove forests and the Turtle Conservation Centre are fun excursions that can easily be done on your own.

If you are looking to party in Bali, Kuta should be your first stop. A popular holiday destination, the region attracts a lively crowd of travellers to its resorts, shops, surf spots and vibrant nightlife. A visit to Kuta is not complete without indulging in shopping therapy at the local markets or taking a surfing lesson. For a more cultural experience, stop by the Bali Bomb Memorial to pay tribute to the departed, or wake up early to watch locals make offerings in the sea.

Gianyar is the administrative capital of the region and offers plenty of temptations for visitors. The town of Ubud in particular is a highlight, known worldwide as a centre for art and culture. After admiring the impressive temples and enjoying traditional theatre, a perfect way to end the evening is by enjoying the delicious local dishes at the popular night market. The region is home to rich wildlife, and a visit to the Bali Bird Park, the Bali Safari and Marine Park or the Bali Zoo is an excellent way to spend a day. The region's local factories also make it an ideal place to stock up on traditional batik and ikat fabrics. For those who enjoy relaxation and outdoor activities, Gianyar offers the surreal beauty of volcanic black sand beaches, lush rice paddies, breathtaking waterfalls and the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Pemuteran is the westernmost beach resort along Bali's north coast. The beach consists partly of volcanic sand and, as in the other resorts in North Bali, has a somewhat greyish colour. Pemuteran is known for its good snorkelling and diving opportunities. Off the coast you will find Menjangan Island, which offers excellent diving and snorkelling. Just east of Pemuteran is Pura Pulaki, the idyllic sea temple located on a steep cliff. The Pura Pulaki is counted among Bali's six holiest temples.

Kalibaru is a small remote hill town on the south-eastern side of Java. This welcoming village is surrounded by some of the island's most beautiful plantations and spectacular mountainous terrain. It offers the opportunity to experience traditional Javanese village life. Wonderfully remote 'from the rest of the world', Kalibaru makes an excellent base for visiting the nearby plantations around Glenmore, to the east, or the smaller, easier-to-visit places with coffee north of the town's train station. Take a walk through the fields with a local guide, learn dozens of customs for drinking tea and get a sense of everyday life. Afterwards, relax in the beautiful gardens of one of the many charming local guesthouses.

East Java is a heady mix of rolling volcanic mountains, mysterious deserts, historic cities and vibrant festivals. Culture buffs are sure to get their money's worth here by visiting the ancient ruins of Penataran, the region's largest Hindu temple complex. But the area is especially perfect for nature lovers, with Bromo and Ijen volcano as highlights. You will also find authentic Java by visiting smaller villages like Kemiren and Kaliklatak.

This national park in East Java takes its name from the Bromo and Semeru volcanoes (the two highest peaks) and the Tenggerese people indigenous to the area. These people can often be seen riding their horses in their traditional attire through the unique wilderness. Mount Bromo is one of the main attractions in the region- this volcanic crater spews sulphurous smoke and is surrounded by the 'Sea of Sand', a desert of ash that is home to the ancient Hindu temple Pura Luhur Poten. There are several beautiful hikes to do in this park, but beware of the activity of the unpredictable volcanoes.

The small, simple village of Munduk is an attractive mountain retreat deep in the highlands of Central Bali. Often overlooked by tourists, Munduk's cooler climate comes to many as a welcome respite from the heat on the coast. Key activities from Munduk include the countless treks that make their way through forested hills to hidden villages, secret waterfalls and endless coffee and cocoa plantations. Visitors can look out for the village's beautiful Dutch colonial buildings, many of which have been converted into charming guesthouses. Other popular sights include: Tanah Barak, Melanting and the Golden Valley waterfalls. The nearby Tamblingan Nature Recreation Park, with its beautiful Tamblingan Lake surrounded by lush green forests, is also a must-see!

Also known as Nusa Tenggara, the Lesser Sunda Islands are an island chain spread across the central southern part of Indonesia. The islands are, from west to east: Bali, Lombok, Gili Islands, Sumbawa, the Komodo Islands, Flores, Sumba, Timor, the Solor and Alor archipelago's, Barat Daya Islands and the Tanimbar Islands. This arch of volcanic islands makes an ideal destination for travellers seeking white sand beaches, relaxing geothermal springs, and remote traditional villages. While the northern islands are characterised by dense green jungles, the south is defined by arid savannah. In-between you will find warm, clear waters offering some of the world's best opportunities for diving, snorkelling or aquatic wildlife encounters. Whether you are eager to swim with whale sharks, manta rays and turtles; witness immense komodo dragons; or simply relax on idyllic pink-sand beaches, the Lesser Sunda Islands have something for every traveller.

Located at the northwestern tip of Bali, West Bali National Park is a protected area of more than 19000 hectares, including the Prapat Agung peninsula and surrounding coastal waters. The park's landscape is characterised by lush rainforest, open savannah, mountains, mangrove swamps, seaweed meadows and coral reefs, as well as a small island reserve called Menjangan Island, where the native barking deer can be found and dotted with ancient Hindu temples. . The park is inhabited by the incredibly rare Bali starling, endemic to the area, it is one of the world's rarest birds.

The small village of Petulu, located close to Ubud, is best known for its heron population. Every evening at dusk, visitors can look forward to witnessing the spectacle of thousands of birds nesting in the trees found throughout the small village. Visitors can also look forward to the scenic views of the beautiful landscape, including the Ceking rice fields in the nearby village of Tegalalang.Visitors can take a day trip to Petulu from Ubud or enjoy a scenic 30-minute bike ride to witness the enchanting heron spectacle .

Situated on the border between the Banyuwangi Regency and Bondowoso Regency of East Java, Indonesia, the Ijen area is known for its volcano complex, dramatic cliffs and its turquoise blue caldera lake. Visitors can enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful views From Mount Ijen soaring at 2800 metres, hike to the edge of the ljen Volcano crater, and soak up the otherworldly vistas. The ljen crate lake is renowned for its 'blue fire' phenomenon, consisting of azure sulphur water heated by the volcano. The rest of the ljen Plateau can also be explored as it is home to the Merapi and Raung volcanoes. The surrounding scenic landscapes are dotted with coffee plantations, traversed by flowing streams, as well as hot springs, alpine forest area, clove and rubber groves, and misty mountain passes.

Penebel is a beautiful, serene rural town nestled among bright green hills covered with terraced rice fields, at the centre of the island of Bali in Indonesia. Dramatic vistas of rugged mountain peaks in the background of this verdant destination, coupled with the surrounding forests and farmlands, make this a paradise for nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can look forward to natural hot springs, an array of wonderful luxurious spa centres and peaceful silent retreats, and a small, friendly community.

Licin is a small town located between the beautiful coastal town of Banyuwangi and the famous Ijen Crater, in Indonesia's East Java province. The rural and picturesque settlement offers enough amenities, restaurants and shops for a comfortable stay and is the perfect base to explore both nearby destinations. The breathtaking sight of the crater's clear turquoise water, clouds of sulphur smoke and, above all, the mesmerising electric blue fire and light make the challenging hike to the rim worthwhile. The city of Banyuwangi offers beautiful beaches, glorious volcanoes and an incredible array of amazing cultural festivals. Other nearby attractions include the Jagir waterfall Kendung Angin waterfall and numerous magnificent temples.