Erica and Matt Chua: Indonesia

Indonesia has a little something for everyone.  It is known for beaches, partying and diving, but there is so much more.  Heading east, the hard-partying ends in Lombok and the party gives way to nature’s best in Komodo, Flores and all the way to Papua.  Head north from Bali and Lombok and you’ll find much of the same in Kalimantan (Borneo) and Sulawesi.  In all of these places you’ll find one of the most diverse ecosystems anywhere.  This ecosystem extends to the sea, with some of the best diving in the world.  Culture buffs, don’t worry, there are thousand-year old temples and indigenous tribes that have had little outside contact.  If exploring and adventure isn’t what you’re looking for, don’t fret, there are thousands of miles of unspoiled beaches for you to enjoy.  Indonesia, a place with everything, to insure everyone leaves happy.

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DON’T MISS: The Gili Islands off Lombok, it is what secluded beach dreams are made of.  There is lodging for everyone, from $10 beach huts to $200 five-star hotels, all close to quiet, beautiful, beaches. MUST SEE: Prambanan (Yogyakarta, Java), Ubud (Bali), Gili Islands (Lombok) MUST TASTE: Soto Ayam, chicken soup with spice

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TRIP PLANNING: Indonesia is a vast archipelago.  A week is enough to enjoy the beaches and diversions of Bali and Lombok.  It takes at the very least two weeks to visit Komodo and Flores.  It takes at least a month to fully see Borneo, but two weeks in East Kalimantan will do for most. GETTING AROUND: Tourist buses and ferries are the easiest way to get around, including island-to-island.  Within cities only take the Blue Bird taxis as they are known to be the most honest taxis in Indonesia.

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OUR COST PER DAY (2 ppl): $58.44 COST OF A BEER: $3-4 KEY MONEY-SAVING TIP: The budget accommodations can be very nice.  If you arrive and start looking for $20/night rooms you may find a comfortable room, free breakfast, wifi, a pool and gorgeous surroundings.

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YOU NEED TO KNOW: Bali, especially the Kuta/Seminyak area is like Cancun for Americans or Ibiza for Europeans, there are loud, drunken parties.  However, there are plenty of places you can escape this, including northern Bali. IF WE KNEW WHAT WE KNOW NOW: We would have stayed for two months in order to travel east through Komodo and Flores, then up to Sulawesi.  Travel takes more time and effort than expected, making long-distance travel difficult. HELPFUL LINKS TO LEARN MORE: Travelfish, Wikitravel.  Please send us any sites you found useful and we’ll add them!

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WE WERE THERE FOR: 4 weeks OUR HIGHLIGHT: A friend’s Javanese wedding in Jakarta WHERE WE WENT: Java, Bali, Lombok, Kalimantan WE REGRET MISSING: Komodo and Flores…we’ll be back.

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FEATURED ARTICLES

• Indonesian Food: Don’t miss these tasty treats!
• Gili Islands: What tropical island travel dreams are made of
• Eat, Pray, Shop: the best shopping in Ubud
• Bali Romantics: Where to find the Bali of travel brochures
• Prambanan and Borobobudur: the cultural capitals of Indonesia for millennia

Click here to learn more about Indonesia

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Indonesia Highlights

Short on time? The highlight reel of our 4 week trip to Indonesia including ancient temples, a wedding, beautiful beaches, sunsets, dancing monkeys and more.  Tour Indonesia in 26 photos!

26 Photos

Ubud

Ubud is the cultural capital of Bali offering a more laid back and cooler locale than the beaches of South Bali. Around Ubud are temples, ancient sites and whole villages producing handicrafts.  The lush rice paddies and huge coconut trees lend a village feel, however the boutiques remind you that you’re in a tourist center.  In many ways Ubud offers the best of both worlds, culture and comfort.

25 Photos

Northern Bali

The Central Mountains of Bali are dominated by the mighty Gunung Batur.  The slopes of this and the other peaks in the central part of the island hold some of the most verdant rice fields, especially in Jatiluwh, and tropical vistas you can imagine. Along the northern coast Lovina offers attractive beaches. The best way to see the area is by your own transport, which allows you to enjoy the views at your own pace and get lost in the villages along the way.

17 Photos