Forget Bali and explore further afield... (Indonesia)

Member Name: Pablo_Sevilla

Product:	Indonesia
Date:	31/05/09 (13 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Mindblowing beaches, sucluded islands, world class divng/snorkeling, diverse landscape...

Disadvantages: Inadaquete 30 day visa, sometimes political unrest in areas, poor unreliable transport links

How to sum up a country as vast and diverse as Indonesia?

It is home to well over 15,000 islands and is a highly active volcanic region being part of the pacific ring of fire. This was the source of the devastating Boxing Day Tsunami that killed hundreds of thousands throughout Asia and even reach as far as Africa.

But although the region occasionally harnesses such a destructive power it also somewhat paradoxically hides some of the most beautiful white sand beaches and coral rich dive locations on Earth.

Although some parts of Indonesia are overdeveloped (Kuta-Bali) and well-trodden by backpackers (The Gili Islands and Lombok) it's still very easy to lose the crowds and feel like your on an adventure (West Papau).

Here is an overview of the different regions of Indonesia:

Bali - Famous for it's surfing beaches and nightlife.
Lombok/Gili Islands - Lombok is slightly less developed than Bali, with some hidden beaches that don't see nearly as many crowds if you rent a motorbike and explore yourself. The Gili Islands are pricing out backpackers these days and losing there tranquility as developers move in. Still there are decent opportunities for snorkelling and some okay diving, and the beaches are beautiful. Party's are lots of fun, magic mushrooms are sold openly on Gili Trawnagan in resturants and bars due to a lack of police prescence on the island. Be careful because they can be very strong! Marijuana also available. Both seem to be tolerated by the islanders.

Flores - Further east lies Flores, home to volcanic multi-coloured lakes created by the active Volcanos further inland to the west.
It also has some world-class diving spots around Luanbajo and completely secluded islands with empty beaches that you'll never hear mentioned about in any guide book. Just hire a fishing boat to drop you off and hire snorkelling gear.

West Timor- Off the beaten trail. You can hop over to East Timor for a visa run, but with the unstable political climate check first. Not really much to do when you get there though.

Sulawesi - Central Sulawesi has some awesome 'hill tribe' trekking potential. The North has the Togian Islands which are some of the best island/beaches in the world with crystal clear waters and all types of coral reef and marine life. The infrequent ferry can make getting there a pain though.

West Papua- Very remote, off the beaten-trail. Learn some Bahasa-Indonesi before going as English isn't so widely spoken. West Papua is home to remote native villages/hill tribes and untouched ancient rainforest. The Makua Islands to the West off the coast are home to more white sand beaches to die for, but getting there can be difficult. You have to take Indonesian domestic flights and boats to Ambon and work from there. Plan it meticulously and check the political situation.

Java - Overcrowded, but Mt Bromo is worth a look. Jakartha not a well liked city, very intimidating and lacks any sights. The train system is not so efficient.

Sumatra- Rainforest trekking is fantastic; Home to Orangutans and tigers. Infrastructure is poor as in many places across Indonesia. South sumatra has some mighty active volcanoes.

There are obviously loads more regions, but this covers the main bulk. It is a vast and diverse part of the planet and it's frustrating that you can only usually get a 30 day visa (on arrival). Longer visas are available but have to be got in advance and can be tricky due to having to fill in names of your employer to sponsor you and so forth (this was true as of early 2008, might've chnaged now so check). 30 days is nowhere near enough time so you have to really plan ahead and take into account the unreliable transportation. Concentrate on one or two (smaller) regions only.

General budget is around $25 a day, less off the beaten trail, more if you party hard in places like Bali or take loads of domestic flights.

Summary: Island hopping from one island paradise to the next never gets boring...