Indonesia - Cheap Holidays from Co-op Travel

Indonesia Travel Guide

Indonesia is the world's largest archipelago, comprising of five main islands and a multitude of smaller archipelagos, with about 17,000 islands strung across the equator.A rich history of kingdoms, conquests, colonialism, trade and natural disasters has bequeathed it with an exhilarating kaleidoscope of cultures and traditions, people, languages and religions, aspirations and problems, and the dramatic scenery of changing landscapes.Unfortunately it is this very diversity of ethnic groups and religions that has put a country of such exotic natural resources to the test. Racial divides and fierce religious hostility, government corruption, uprisings, economic negligence and, more recently, terrorist attacks have been frequent blights on the Indonesian fabric of society. But it is also these diverse cultures that have given the country a splendid heritage of traditions and art, and for centuries it has been a magnet, constantly drawing thousands of people to its shores despite its turbulent nature. Its position along the Pacific 'ring of fire' contributes to its uneasiness; the country is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.A holiday in Indonesia offers something for everyone. Sumatra has an untouched wilderness and a diversity of wildlife, highland tribes and unique architecture, wonderful resort-lined lakes and quaint hilltop towns. Java features steaming volcanoes, astonishing historical monuments, a sprawling capital city and traditional dance, music and art. The image of paradise is epitomised in Bali, an island of artistic people and elegant temples, stunning scenery, palm groves, beach resorts and diving. Further east, Komodo is the home to the world's largest lizard, the Komodo dragon.Indonesia is a land of vigorous colour, of tensions and upheaval, but also of festivals and dancing, golden sunsets and friendly white toothy smiles.

Indonesia Travel Guide

Need To Know

Money:

Rupiah (IDR) is the official currency and is divided into 100 sen. Foreign currency can easily be exchanged at banks, hotels and money changers in major tourist destinations; US dollars is the most accepted currency. Cash often yields a better exchange rate than travellers cheques, which are not always accepted. It is recommended that travellers cheques also be in US dollars. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and stores catering to the tourist trade. ATMs are available in main centres. Small change is often unavailable so keep small denomination notes and coins for items like bus fares, temple donations and cool drinks.

Time:

Indonesia spans three time zones. GMT +7 (West, including Java and Sumatra), GMT +8 (Central, including Bali, Sulawesi and Lombok), GMT +9 (East, including Irian Jaya).

Electricity:

Electrical current is 120/230 volts, 50 Hz. A variety of plugs are in use including the European two-pin and UK-style three-pin.

Language:

Bahasa Indonesia is the official language, but many dialects are spoken. English is widely understood in Jakarta and tourist resorts.

Health:

There are a number of health risks associated with travel to Indonesia and medical advice should be taken at least three weeks before departing. Malaria is a year round risk except in Jakarta, other large cities and the tourist resorts of Java and Bali. The dengue fever mosquito is found throughout Indonesia and visitors should be aware of a significant increase in reported cases of dengue fever throughout all the country's provinces during the rainy season. Outbreaks of chikungunya fever, also from mosquitoes, have occurred regularly in Indonesia in recent years. Visitors to Java and Sumatra are advised to ensure all polio inoculations are up to date before travel. Outbreaks of bird flu have also occurred and many people have died from the disease; Indonesia has the world's highest death toll from the virus. Travellers are not at risk but are advised to avoid close contact with caged, domestic and wild birds, and ensure that all eggs or poultry dishes are thoroughly cooked as a precaution. Outbreaks of Anthrax and leprosy occur. Travellers' diarrhoea is a major risk; visitors should only drink sealed bottled water and avoid dairy products, uncooked meat, salads and unpeeled fruit. Poor sanitation and eating contaminated food can increase the risk of cholera, typhoid and other diseases. The standard of local medical care is poor and very expensive. It is essential that you take out full medical and travel insurance covering all eventualities. A yellow fever certificate is required from those travelling from infected areas.

Tipping:

Major hotels add a 10% service charge to bills in Indonesia and, where it is not included, a tip of between 5% to 10% of the bill, would be appreciated. Airport porters usually receive around Rp 2,000 per small bag. Tipping taxi and rental car drivers is not mandatory, but if you do choose to tip, Rp 1,000 is sufficient for taxi drivers and a little more for rental car drivers.

Safety:

Following the bombings in Bali in October 2005, there remains a high risk of terrorism directed against foreigners throughout the country and reports indicate that terrorists are planning further attacks on Westerners and western interests and are likely to be carried out at locations frequented by tourists. Extreme caution is advised in public places, including transport terminals, shopping malls and public buildings, and especially in restaurants, hotels and places of entertainment in tourist areas. The security situation remains unsettled in Sulawesi and foreigners are advised to avoid parts of Maluku, particularly Ambon, and Central Sulawesi. Visitors are also advised to be cautious if travelling to Aceh. Religious violence between Christians and Muslims and unstable politics has also made many parts of Indonesia unsafe for travellers; there is continued risk of harassment of Westerners by fundamentalists. Indonesia has a high crime rate and theft and petty crime is common in tourist areas and on public transport. Credit card fraud is on the increase. It is strongly recommended that visitors contact their foreign office for the latest travel advice before travelling to Indonesia. Flooding and landslides occur frequently during the rainy season between December and March. The safety of air travel in Indonesia has come under the spotlight following a series of fatal airline accidents; six of its airlines have failed to meet international safety standards, including the national carrier, Garuda, and in June 2007 the EU announced that all Indonesian airlines have been banned from entering the EU.

Customs:

Indonesian people are generally friendly and polite and while they understand that western culture is different to their own, it will be appreciated if their customs are respected. Religious customs should also be respected, particularly during the month of Ramadan when eating, drinking and smoking during daylight hours should be discreet as it is forbidden by the Muslim culture. Visitors should always be polite and avoid public displays of affection. It is considered impolite to use the left hand for passing or accepting things. Appropriate dress is important in places of worship and women should dress conservatively, covering the shoulders and legs, especially in Muslim areas. The concept of 'saving face' is very important and public displays of anger, and personal ridicule and blame are considered extremely vulgar and bad mannered. In Jakarta a new law bans people from giving money to beggars, buskers and unofficial traffic guides in an attempt to 'bring order' to the city. Offenders could face up to six months in jail and $5,000 fines. Gambling is illegal.

Business:

Due to the hot and tropical climate, when conducting business in Indonesia, formal business attire in a light, cool material is the best option. Indonesia is largely Muslim so dress should be conservative, especially for women. Business cards are often exchanged and it is customary to shake hands with a slight bow when greeting and leaving. Some Indonesian names can be long and hard to pronounce and making an effort to get it right when greeting someone will be appreciated. It is best to use formal titles such as Doctor, or 'Bapak' for Mr. and 'Ibu' for Madam. Business hours vary, government offices are usually open from 7am to 3pm and small businesses from 8am or 9am to 4pm or 5pm.

Duty Free:

Travellers to Indonesia over 18 years do not have to pay duty on 50 cigars or 200 cigarettes or 100g tobacco; alcohol up to 1 litre; perfume for personal use; and personal goods to the value of US$250 per passenger or US$1,000 per family. Travellers not entering on a tourist visa will have to pay duties for photo and film cameras unless these have been registered in their passport by Indonesian Customs. Electronic equipment may not be imported to the country. Prohibited items include Chinese medicines and prints, narcotics, firearms and ammunition, pornography, cordless telephones, fresh fruit or goods to be used for commercial gain.

Communications:

The international access code for Indonesia is +62. The outgoing code is 001 or 007 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 00144 for the United Kingdom). When using Voice Over Internet Protocol, the outgoing code is 017. It is not necessary to dial the first zero of the area code. City/area codes are in use, e.g. 36 for Bali and 21 for Jakarta. For operator-assisted international calls, phone 101. The local mobile phone operators use GSM networks and have roaming agreements with most international operators. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

Indonesia Travel Guide

Indonesia Attractions

Wayang Kulit (Shadow Puppets)

Description:

Shadow Puppet performances have become a part of Indonesia's cultural heritage. The puppets are lovingly handcrafted out of buffalo or goatskin with moveable limbs that are worked by a highly skilled puppeteer from behind a backlit screen, casting the shadows of the puppets into a spellbinding story. The puppeteer is usually the director, producer and main narrator of the shadow world. The stories have their origins in classic Hindu mythologies and Ramayana tales and are narrated in the local dialects.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Prambanan Temple Complex

Description:

Rivalling the Buddhist monument of Borobudur, this magnificent Hindu temple is the largest in Java and the most beautiful in Indonesia. Prambanan was built in the 9th century, possibly to compete with the splendour of Borobudur, or to celebrate the return to power of the Hindu dynasty in Java at the time. The complex is dominated by three main temples, Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu, each dedicated to their god, and the walls are decorated with exceptional relief carvings depicting scenes from the famous Hindu classic tale of Ramayana. The Shiva Temple is the largest of the three, soaring above the others at a height of 154ft (47m), containing the impressive statues of Shiva, his elephant-headed son Ganesh and the goddess Durga. From May to October the Ramayana Ballet, a traditional Indonesian dance based on the Ramayana story, is performed on an open-air stage at the complex during the full moon and is a spectacular sight involving hundreds of dancers, singers and musicians.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

www.borobudurpark.com

Borobudur

Description:

One of the greatest Buddhist monuments in South East Asia, Borobudur was built in the 8th century and stands on top of a hill surrounded by volcanoes and overlooking green fields. It is an immense multi-tiered structure with the Great Stupa (bell-shaped monument) at the top standing 128ft (40m) above the ground, surrounded by numerous smaller stupas, some still containing Buddha statues inside. It is part of a 2.5 mile long (4km) chain of smaller temples, with the Mendut Temple containing three exquisitely carved giant statues of Buddha and two disciples inside. The terraces of Borobudur are covered in sculpted reliefs, with narrative panels illustrating Buddhist beliefs and teachings, and covering an estimated length of 3.5 miles (6km). These masterpieces of individual artistic value have been acknowledged as the most complete and splendid collection of Buddhist reliefs in the world. Built out of millions of blocks of the local volcanic rock joined without the use of mortar, it is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the primary tourist attraction in Java. The temple lies 25 miles (41km) northwest of Yogyakarta.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Tanah Lot

Description:

Meaning 'Land in the middle of the sea' Tanah Lot is an exquisite sea temple built atop a rock formation off the island of Bali. A popular tourist spot and a great location for fantastic photographs, Tanah Lot is surrounded by poisonous sea snakes at the base of the rocky island, which are believed to guard the temple from evil spirits and intruders. The temple was built by one of the last priests to arrive in Bali from Java in the 16th century.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park

Description:

The national park is a spectacular volcanic landscape and one of the most impressive natural sights in Indonesia. The ancient Tengger crater in its midst stretches for six miles (10km) and within its sheer volcanic walls are three peaks, namely Batok, Kursi and the smoking Mt Bromo. Thousands of tourists make the journey up Mt Bromo for the unforgettable spectacle at sunrise (during the dry season) when the surrounding landscape takes on an otherworldly quality. The views from the top and into the smoking crater are unbelievable. To reach the foot of the volcano one must cross the vast Sea of Sand out of which Mt Bromo rises, either on horseback or by foot, and then climb a flight of stairs that leads to the crater rim where the unmistakeable smell of sulphur permeates the air. The small village of Cemora Lawang, perched at the edge of the crater, is the most popular place to stay and has the best views of the area.

Address:

Park office: Jl.R.Intan No 6, Malang, East Java

Postcode:

Telephone:

(0341) 41828 (Park office)

Email:

Website:

Ubud

Description:

Set in the hills north of Denpasar, Ubud is the cultural centre of Bali and the major attractions of the town and its surrounding villages are the art museums and galleries, notably the Neka Museum, containing a huge collection of traditional and modern Balinese paintings. An enormous variety of Balinese art and crafts line the streets and crowd the market place of Ubud, and frequent performances of traditional dance and music, and restaurants offering some of the best food on the island, compel visitors to stay much longer than intended. Ubud is also close to several sites of interest, including the 'Mother Temple' of Besakih, majestically situated high on the slopes of the Agung Volcano, and hiking in the scenic Batur region with its volcano and lake are popular excursions.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Ampenan

Description:

The vast metropolis of Ampenan, Mataram, Caimanegara and Swete, with a population of around 250,000, comprises four towns, the boundaries of which are all but indistinguishable to the casual visitor. While Sweta is the main transport hub and site of the island's biggest market, Ampenan, the town furthest west, is the main tourist area and the location of most shops, hotels and restaurants. Most visitors pass through the area fairly quickly but there are one or two sights worth seeing nearby, including the weaving factories in the capital Mataram, whose processes have remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years, and a weaving village to the south where traditionally dressed women work on wooden handlooms. There are a number of shrines and temples open to visitors, the best are centred around the Mayura Water Palace, dating from 1744 and used by the royal court during the Balinese rule of Lombok.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Bukit Lawang

Description:

The little village of Bukit Lawang is situated on the eastern banks of the pretty Bahorok River facing one of the grandest forest areas in South East Asia, the Mount Leuser National Park. With its restful and pleasant setting, it was once one of the most popular tourist destinations in Northern Sumatra, the town existing primarily to cater to the tourist trade, with guides, restaurants and a variety of delightful guesthouses strung along the river. Since November 2003, however, Bukit Lawang has struggled to recover from the massive flash flood that wiped out most of its infrastructure, taking a huge dip in tourism that once formed the backbone of its economy. The charm is still there though, and its major attraction, the Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre across the river welcomes visitors more enthusiastically than ever. The Rehabilitation Centre was set up to help orphaned orang-utans that had been displaced because of land clearing or rescued from captivity, and teaching them the necessary skills to be able to survive in the wild. Visitors have an opportunity to view the apes twice daily when they come swinging through the trees to collect the bananas and milk left on feeding platforms in the forest, providing visitors with one of the more memorable experiences in Indonesia. Jungle trekking and tubing down the river are other popular activities.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

bukitlawang.com

Bukittinggi

Description:

Meaning 'high place', Bukittinggi is situated on a hill and set among majestic mountains, green plantations and rice terraces. One of the friendliest and most easy-going towns in Sumatra, it is home to the Minangkabau people and the area is seeped in the Minang culture, which is Muslim and strongly matrilineal. It is the commercial, educational and administrative centre of the highlands. One of the features of the town is the characteristic architecture - wooden houses with curved roofs soaring to a point representative of buffalo horns and decorated with beautiful wooden carvings. The Jam Gadang (Great Clock) is a Maningkabau-style clock tower and the town's landmark, overlooking the bustling market place that is crammed with fruit, vegetables and clothing stalls, and rickety horsecarts whose drivers insist on squeezing them through the colourful chaos.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Jalan Jaksa

Description:

Most South East Asian capitals have a backpacker area, and Jakarta's Jalan Jaksan district is grubbier than most. Plopped in an unremarkable part of downtown, it is thick with travel agencies, laundromats, currency exchange offices and guesthouses. A few bars with live music cater to the travel crowd. The cheapest guesthouses are bare to say the least and it is worth extra money to rent a nicer room. It's a good place to stay if you want to spend as little as possible on accommodation in Jakarta, but don't expect to get much real local flavour.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Jayapura

Description:

This is often the first stop for travellers to Papua, and as testament to its remoteness many of the visiting westerners are thought to be either mine workers or missionaries. Although the wilds of Papua are a quick trail away this town has reasons to stay. Beautiful beaches and bays stretch below thick jungle hills. Some of these contain remnants of WWII landing crafts and it is said some of the caves retain Japanese skeletons. The nicest swimming beach is Base G with aqua water and a palmed shoreline. Nightly arrays of seafood tents are erected where eaters can pick their favourite fish to barbecue. The mix of Indonesian immigrants and Papuan locals get along well here despite being somewhat locked in conflict elsewhere in Papua. The city is deeply religious and a normal greeting often asks visitors to describe their faith. It also means there is a lack of nightlife although one pool hall serves expensive beer and free karaoke. There are a number of mid-range hotels and the posh Swiss-Belhotel for the high-class. Papua New Guinea is a gunshot away and visas and transport can be arranged in Jayapura.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Indonesia Miniature Park/Taman Mini

Description:

Contrary to its name, the Indonesia Miniature Park covers 100 hectares of land in cultural examples of all 27 provinces that make Indonesia. The best examples of these are the architectural structures that are true to their region's traditional designs. The park also regularly hosts food sampling and cultural performances from each province. For those preferring even more exhibit variety the park has a great orchid garden, fauna museum, and bird aviary which are again representative of the wildlife from around Indonesia. Attached to Taman Mini is the Museum Indonesia which exhibits both historic and contemporary art collections.

Address:

Taman Mini Indonesia Indah Complex

Postcode:

Telephone:

(021) 840 9214

Email:

info@tamanmini.com

Website:

www.tamanmini.com

National Monument of Indonesia

Description:

Visitors will inevitably be pulled to the National Monument to inspect the enormous phallic obelisk that can be seen from much of the city. The first president Sukarno began to build the structure as a symbol of nationalism complete with 35 kilograms of gold shaped into the tip's flames. For visitors it serves as a great landmark in an otherwise confusing city centre and it also offers elevator rides to the top for a bird's eye view of the city. The surrounding park and monument are open to the public which includes a museum and hall of mediation at the monument's base.

Address:

Lapangan Merdeka, Monas, Gambir

Postcode:

Telephone:

+62 21 384 0451

Email:

Website:

Indonesia Permai Orchid Garden

Description:

The Orchid Garden in Jakarta has collected hundreds of species from around Indonesia and began several impressive gardens. The Orchid Garden in Slipi Jakarta is one of the largest in South East Asia and draws orchid enthusiasts and the casually curious alike to see some of the exotic types of the elegant flower such as the black orchid. The Slipi Orchid Garden is a commercial enterprise but is open to public viewing. A small facility near the gardens can sometimes offer classes to visiting enthusiasts in orchid cultivation and breeding. There is an indescribable attraction of certain people to orchids and these gardens are a gathering spot of both the most exotic species from around Indonesia and their admirers from around the world.

Address:

Slipi suburb East Jakarta

Postcode:

Telephone:

(021) 560 9964

Email:

Website:

Kota

Description:

Kota, also called Old Batavia or Old Town Jakarta, is the surviving piece of Dutch colonial district from its heyday as the centre of Asia's trade with the west. Today the area's colonial buildings are falling into disrepair but the central cobble stone square Taman Fatahillah still lets visitors recall life in the 16th century. The area is free to roam about in although information and attractions are lacking. Yet it is a rare glimpse into the city's history which is mostly swallowed by new development elsewhere. The area is set pleasantly on the waterfront and gives a quiet and cooler reprieve from the bustle of Jakarta's inner city.

Address:

Kota Fatahillah Square

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Gunung Batur Volcano

Description:

The still-active Gunung Batur volcano, is known as Bali's second holiest mountain and symbolises the female element of the island, while the male element is symbolized in Gunung Agung, a neighbouring smaller volcano. A great place for hikers to stretch their legs, the walk up Mount Batur is not easy, but the views are spectacular and if you're lucky you might even spot a few monkeys along the way. There is a great lookout point for those who'd rather hire a car and drive to the old crater rim overlooking Lake Batur. The sunrise walks are recommended.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Pura Besakih

Description:

Locally known as the mother Temple of Bali, Pura Besakih is located on the slopes of Mount Agung and is the biggest and holiest of all Balinese temples. Dating back to the 14th century, the three main temples are dedicated to Shiva, Brahma and Wisnu, and another 18 separate sanctuaries belonging to different regencies and caste groups surround these.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Pura Kehen

Description:

One of the most valued temples in Bali, Pura Kehen is a garden temple located in the town of Bangli in East Bali and can be traced back to the 11th century. Founded by Sri Brahma Kemuti Ketu, Pura Kehen is the second largest temple on Bali and the most sacred in the region. Many visitors are mesmerized by the temple's grandeur and steep steps leading up to the gateway.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Batubulan

Description:

The small village of Batubulan is marked by stone figures of gods and demons on the side of the road. Known mostly for its stone carvings, Barubulan is popular with cultural tourism and travellers looking for a unique souvenir to take home with them. Visitors to the village can even enjoy visiting the workshop and watching the artists at work.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Waterbom Bali

Description:

With thrilling rides, a spa, pool bar and even a food hall, Waterbom Bali is the perfect place to take the family for a day of cooling off in the Balinese heat. Older kids will love rides such as the race track, the Superbowl, the Macaroni, Jungle Ride and even the Smashdown, while the younger ones will enjoy paddling round the Kiddy Park.

Address:

Tuban, Kuta

Postcode:

Telephone:

+62 361 755 676

Email:

Website:

www.waterbom.com

Bali Botanical Gardens

Description:

A great place for the kids to let off some steam, the Bali Botanical Garden features a range of micro-climates for kids of all ages to enjoy. There is something here for everyone, such as a lily pond, waterfalls, a mambo grove, a rainforest observation post and even a chocolate grove. There's also a children's play area for the little tots, while older children will love the maze - but be careful not to lose them!

Address:

Kutuh Kaja, Ubud

Postcode:

Telephone:

+62 361 970 951

Email:

info@botanicgardenbali.com

Website:

www.botanicgardenbali.com

Elephant Cave

Description:

Built in the 9th century, Goa Gajah, or Elephant Cave, is located near Ubud and originally served as a sanctuary and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With a wonderfully carved elephant entrance featuring menacing creatures and demons, children will find a visit to this historic cave an unforgettable experience. The main figure was once thought to be an elephant, hence the name and in the 1950s, a bathing place was excavated, thought to have been built to ward off evil spirits. Children will love the history and mystery surrounding the cave.

Address:

Peliatan, Ubud

Postcode:

Telephone:

+62 361 943 401

Email:

Website:

Bali Bird Park

Description:

Featuring the largest and most spectacular collection of birds, the Bali Bird park boasts over 1,000 birds of 250 different species. Kids will love spotting their favourite bird and learning about the species. Birds such as Macaws, peacocks, parrots, white herons and many more can be seen. The bird park also features a restaurant, café and gift shop for visitors to take home a souvenir.

Address:

Jl. Serma Cok Ngurah Gambir, Singapadu, Batubulan

Postcode:

Telephone:

+62 361 299614

Email:

sales@bali-bird-park.com

Website:

www.bali-bird-park.com

Sacred Monkey Forest of Padangtegal

Description:

Featuring over 115 species of trees, many of which are considered holy and used in various Balinese spiritual practices, the Monkey Forest in Ubud is a fantastic place for kids to spend the day exploring. Children can see the Balinese long-tailed Macaques up close as they scramble through the forest and banyan trees and lush tropical vegetation. There are also a few temples to explore while visiting the forest.

Address:

Jalan Monkey Forest, Padangtegal, Ubud

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

info@monkeyforestubud.com

Website:

www.monkeyforestubud.com

Nias Island

Description:

Famed for its right-hand reef breaks, Nias is a key surfing destination for many travelling through the area, with the best known surf spots being Sorake Bay and Lagundri Bay. But this fascinating island also boasts a rich cultural history with prehistoric remains which are thought to have been built in the megalithic Stone Age. Tourists visiting Nias Island can enjoy the war dances performed by locals, while the beauty of the island can be enjoyed by all who visit its shores. Popular activities other than surfing include scuba diving and snorkelling around the clear waters brimming with fantastic marine life.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Lake Maninjau

Description:

Lake Maninjau is set like a burning sapphire stone in the crater of the mountain and is a spectacularly beautiful place to relax and unwind. This caldera lake located in west Sumatra and is thought to have been formed by a volcanic eruption around 52,000 years ago and set at some 1545 feet (471m) above sea level, the average temperature of the water in the lake is around 86°F (30°C). Visitors can enjoy cycling the 37-mile (60km) circumference of the lake, or plodding through the neighbouring rice paddies while others can swim, canoe, hike the surrounding mountains or explore the local villages.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Padang

Description:

The capital of Sumatra, Padang offers a compact and enjoyable cross-section of Sumatran life and its various cultures. Many surfers stop here on their way to the Batu or Mentawi Islands, but the town itself boasts a few noteworthy attractions such as the Adityawarman Museum which features a collection of antiques, or the cultural centre where locals perform traditional dances on Sundays or even pencak silat(martial arts) performances. Many people come here for the markets, for which Padang is famed, but Padang beach is also popular for its spectacular sunsets and hundreds of colourful food stalls.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Berastagi

Description:

A great place to stop off for travellers en route to the holiday resort of Lake Toba, the town of Berestagi is famed not only for its passion fruit, but also for the two active volcanoes; Gunung Sibayak and Gunung Sinabung. Gunung Sibayak boasts fantastic hot springs where visitors can relax and unwind in the warm waters which are believed to have therapeutic properties. More active travellers can climb this mountain instead, where breathtaking views over the island of Sumatra can be enjoyed from atop.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Sidemen Valley

Description:

A typical Balinese village tucked away in a lush green valley, Sidemen is a popular excursion on Bali for tourists looking for peace and quiet. Terraced rice paddies lie under the shadow of a volcano, which offers good opportunities for hiking. Other active pursuits in the valley include bicycling and white water rafting. The village of Sidemen is known for its skilful weavers, who make the intricate silver-and-gold-woven songketfabric used in traditional weddings. The Pelangi Workshop allows visitors to watch the weaving process, and there are several shops in town to buy songket fabric along with other souvenirs.

Address:

Postcode:

Telephone:

Email:

Website:

Indonesia Travel Guide

Need To Know

Indonesia Attractions

Holiday Types

Services