Top 5 adventures in Indonesia

From climbing volcanoes to dodging giant lizards, Indonesia simply has something for every adventurer out there!

Indonesia is one of the best countries in the world for adventure tourism. If you want to lay on a beach and have a relaxing fortnight’s holiday, then fine. But a lot of people come to this part of the world to take in the scenery, culture and wildlife – and they do not leave disappointed.

So I will now describe probably the top 5 adventures you can possibly experience in the Indonesian archipelago, counting up from 5-1:

Heading into Orang-utan country…

5. Trek through the dense Sumatran jungle to see the semi-wild orangutans at Bukit Lawang! Fly into Medan, and then take a 3 hour van journey deep into the protected rainforests and be amazed the scenery and wildlife on display. In particular, the chance to see the critically endangered orangutans foraging in their own habitat cannot be missed! You may even get the chance to feed them!

4. Climb an active volcano on Java at Mount Bromo! The Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park in Java is a true place of almost-lunar desolation, with one of Indonesia’s most famous active volcanoes – Mount Bromo – taking centre stage, which can be climbed [with a guide] even with no prior experience. From Surabaya, a 2 hour bus ride will get you to the park.

3. Learn to ride the ferocious waves on Bali’s southern coast! Bali’s beaches are synonymous with surfing and there’s no better place to take the plunge than on the southern tips of the island, especially at Uluwatu (40 minutes drive from Denpasar), where surfers come from all across Asia to catch the waves!

2. Experience sunrise at one of the most amazing Buddhist temples in the world! Located in Magelang Regency, a one hour drive from Yogyakarta, Candi Borobudur is known to be perhaps the finest example of Buddhist architecture in Indonesia. An early start for around 4am will enable you to watch the epic tropical sunrise alongside the stupas. Remember to bring your sarong!

1. Risk your life among man-eating ‘dragons’ at Komodo National Park! The islands of Komodo, Rinca and Flores (a 1 hour flight from Bali to Labuan Bajo) comprise the Komodo National Park, and this is the only place in the world where Komodo Dragons roam free. A guide will take you around the island to discover these dangerous giant lizards, but seeing as they only have sticks with which to protect you, I guess you had better be on your guard!

I have been lucky enough to experience all of these adventures myself and I cannot recommend them all enough to you! For more detailed information on each experience listed here – and more – please check through my Indonesia blogs.