Indonesia
Where rice paddies trip down hills and a gateway to wellness is opened to all; the secrets of sacred peace are whispered throughout the land in Indonesia.
Where rice paddies trip down hills and a gateway to wellness is opened to all; the secrets of sacred peace are whispered throughout the land in Indonesia.
Those whispers speak of rich variations that have come together to form an experience unique to this 17,000 strong string of islands. Where sometimes differences can clash, here, they stand steadfast side by side.
It seems for every holistic healer taking it slow there’s an adventure nut diving the coral triangle between the Pacific and Indian oceans; for every paddy field reminiscent of rippled 60s flares there’s a dark and edgy volcano; and for every religious festival reveller in the throes of celebration there’s a shopper in the dilemma of which locally hand-crafted furniture piece to ship home.
In pursuit of…
… Bhinneka Tunggal Ika
Or, to translate, ‘unity in diversity’. An archipelago of so many islands is bound to have some contrasts, but thanks to the ancient Majapahit Kingdom leaving behind an indelible influence on the region – from pendopo pavilions to a rich culinary catalogue – there is a harmony that has formed between the country’s many guises. This national motto pays homage to the fusion of cultures, heritages, tribes and religions that have since formed the Indonesia we know today, resulting in a community of togetherness whose facets keep travellers on their curious toes.
Where sometimes differences can clash, here, they stand steadfast side by side.
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A sense of place
Get to know our favourite spots in Indonesia, from the ancient ways still present on the island of Sumba to the nuanced corners of Bali that you think you already know.
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![A horse being ridden on a beach while the sun sets in the distance]()
Sumba
Fondly bestowed the name the ‘forgotten island’, Sumba has sat contentedly in Bali’s shadow for a long time. Twice the size of the Land of the Gods, one of the oldest cultures in the area is deeply rooted here, still evident in the traditional peaked thatched houses of the villages and the adoration of the island’s sacred horses.
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![A temple building by the edge of a lake]()
Bali
The notorious Seminyak is the front cover of Bali, but as with most places, keep turning the pages and there’s a lesser-known world to discover; like the traditional crafts and dances of cultural capital, Ubud, the rice paddy medleys and volcanic peaks of Tabanan, and the island’s best surf spots of the south.
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![a landscape of mountains and water]()
Komodo
Famous for its dragons, Komodo is part of the East Nusa Tenggara island group (along with Sumba). A slow travel saviour, visitors are compelled to sit back and cruise between the islands at a leisurely pace. Diving the red coral reefs and lounging on pink sands one day and swimming between two oceans the next.
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![A temple with statues and trees in the background]()
Java
One for the culture vultures, Java’s landscapes gift more than just the beans for the world’s favourite beverage. Ancient temples, traditional villages and pretty pastures soften a volcanic visage, the nutrients of which enrich the soil to aid a thriving culinary scene.
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![A beach with small boats and a mountain in the background]()
Lombok
Not just a pretty beach, there’s a richness of heritage and natural sights in Lombok. Seemingly a world away from Bali despite being next door, it’s managed to hide away from the flocking tourists, delivering a more laid-back and reserved approach.
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It's esssence...
DIVERSEDIVERSE
DIVERSE
DIVERSEDIVERSECOMPLIMENTARYCOMPLIMENTARY
COMPLIMENTARY
COMPLIMENTARYCOMPLIMENTARYBOUNTIFULBOUNTIFUL
BOUNTIFUL
BOUNTIFULBOUNTIFULThe leading line-up
Indonesia
Destination essentials
SEASON
Flight
Time difference
Currency / Language
FROM THE READING ROOM
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