Top 10 Indonesian destinations
Indonesia is a large country both in population and size, with an impressive geological and cultural diversity. Indonesia has 18,110 islands, of which 6,000 are inhabited, being the largest archipelago in the world. The country has a population of about 240 million people, derived from 300 ethnic groups who speak 250 different languages. Although Bali is the most popular holiday destination, Indonesia has many other fascinating attractions.
Lake Toba
Lake Toba is situated on Sumatra island. Is is huge and volcanic lake with a length of 100 km and a width of 30 km. Lake Toba was formed after a volcanic eruption that occurred 7000 years ago, the studies saying that only a few hundred people survived the disaster. In the middle of Lake Toba the Pulau Samosir Island lies, being the largest island in an island, and has two lakes. Besides visiting the island and admiring the beautiful landscapes, tourists come here to relax and swim in the warm waters of the volcano.
Tanjung Putin National Park
Tanjung Putin National Park is on the island of Borneo, in the Indonesian province of Central Kalimantan. The park is a popular ecotourism destination where many travel agencies offer trips to see the wildlife and animals that live here: pythons, bears, leopards and orangutans. Unfortunately, the park is threatened by illegal exploitation.
Baliem Valley
Bailem Valley is located in western New Guinea and gives an idea of what life was like in the stone age. The valley became known only in 1938, when a reconnaissance flight discovered a population of farmers. Wamena is the starting point of hiking through beautiful mountains, rivers flowing and tribes.
Bromo Mountain
Gunung Bromo is an active volcano part of the Tengger massif, located in the eastern part of Java. At 2,329 m, Gunung Bruno its not the highest peak, but is the best known one. The area is one of the most visited regions in Indonesia due to its unreal beautiful landscapes, mountains and the mists that surrounds the tip that continuously eliminates white smoke.
Bunaken
Located in the northern part of the island of Sulawesi, Bunaken is the most famous and beautiful area for scuba diving and snorkeling. The island is part of Bunaken marine park, where visitors can enjoy more than 70% of all species of fish that inhabit the Pacific Ocean. The best time for diving is between the months of April to November.
Torajaland
Torajaland (Tana Toraja) is located in the southern region of Sulawesi. The location is famous for its spectacular roof houses and burial rituals abhorrent, but impressive. When a person dies, the body is kept for many years, followed by funeral services, which can take several days. Only after the body is buried in a cave or in a hollow tree.
Gili Islands
Lombok is a popular tourist destination and the Gilli Islands is an archipelago of three islands: Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air. The atmosphere is very relaxed there, with bars cafes built on the beach, where reggae music plays. The islands are known for the lack of cars and motorcycles, commuting to bikes, walking and boats.
Komodo National Park
Komodo National Park is placed on the Lesser Sunda Islands and includes three major islands (Komodo, Padar and Rincah) and another 26 smaller ones. The park is named after the Komodo dragon, the largest reptile in the world, that can grow up to 3 meters in length and can weigh over 70 kg. Although Komodo eats the remains of dead animals they are formidable predators and hunt birds and mammals. Attacks on humans are very rare.
Borobudur
Borobudur is located 40 km north of Yogyakarta (Java) and is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in the world. Borobudur was built between the VIII - IX centuries and its construction lasted 75 years, beeing used over 2 million stone blocks. Borobudur Temple was abandoned in the fourteenth century, the reasons being still unknown, and was hidden in the jungle, under thick layers of volcanic ash. Today, Borobudur temple is one of the most visited, among other popular tourist attractions in Indonesia.
Bali
Bali is one of the most popular and beautiful holiday destinations in the world and consistently wins many travel awards. Varied and beautiful panoramas, irregularly shaped coastline, tropical beaches, rice terraces and volcanic hills crops form a picturesque backdrop with spiritual influences and unique Hindu culture. The combination of friendly people, magnificent culture combined with beautiful beaches, ideal for surfing and scuba diving, turn Bali in the number one attraction in Indonesia.