🏝️ Island-Hopping Highlights
1. Bali
Surf in Kuta or Uluwatu
Visit temples: Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, Besakih Temple
Ubud: Rice terraces, Monkey Forest, art markets, yoga retreats
Mount Batur Sunrise Trek
Beach clubs in Seminyak & Canggu
Balinese spa treatments & massages
2. Java
Borobudur Temple (Yogyakarta) – World’s largest Buddhist temple
Prambanan Temple – Majestic Hindu temple complex
Mount Bromo – Sunrise trek to an active volcano
Jakarta – Indonesia’s capital; museums, nightlife, malls
Yogyakarta – Cultural capital; batik, shadow puppets, street food
3. Lombok & Gili Islands
Trek Mount Rinjani – Indonesia’s second-highest volcano
Snorkel or dive in Gili Trawangan, Gili Air, or Gili Meno
Relax on white-sand beaches away from Bali’s crowd
4. Komodo National Park (Flores)
See Komodo dragons in the wild on Rinca and Komodo Islands
Dive or snorkel in some of the world’s clearest waters (Manta Point!)
Padar Island – Stunning 360° viewpoint
5. Sumatra
Lake Toba – World’s largest volcanic lake; stay on Samosir Island
Orangutan trekking in Bukit Lawang
Weh Island – Off-the-beaten-path diving paradise
6. Kalimantan (Borneo)
River safaris in Tanjung Puting to see wild orangutans
Dayak tribe culture and longhouses
7. Sulawesi
Tana Toraja – Fascinating funeral rituals and cliff-side graves
Bunaken Marine Park – Incredible diving biodiversity
Wakatobi Islands – Remote luxury diving spots
8. Papua (West Papua)
Raja Ampat – World-class diving/snorkeling in untouched marine landscapes
Baliem Valley – Tribal culture and highland treks
🧘♀️ Spiritual & Cultural Experiences
Take a Balinese cooking class in Ubud or Seminyak
Attend a traditional gamelan performance or Kecak dance
Temple purification ceremonies in Bali (e.g., Tirta Empul)
Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet shows) in Yogyakarta
🌋 Adventure Activities
Volcano trekking: Bromo, Ijen (with its blue flame), Rinjani, Batur
Scuba diving: Komodo, Raja Ampat, Tulamben (Bali), Bunaken, Wakatobi
Surfing: Bali, Mentawai Islands, Sumbawa
Paragliding in Batu (Java) or Timbis (Bali)
Caving & tubing in Goa Pindul (Yogyakarta)
🍜 Must-Try Indonesian Foods
Nasi Goreng (fried rice)
Rendang (beef in coconut curry)
Sate (Satay) – Skewered grilled meat with peanut sauce
Gado-Gado – Mixed vegetables with peanut dressing
Soto Ayam – Spiced chicken soup
Es Cendol – Sweet iced dessert with coconut milk
🌿 Nature & Wildlife
See orangutans in Borneo & Sumatra
Swim with manta rays in Komodo
Chase waterfalls in Bali (Gitgit, Sekumpul, Tegenungan)
Explore mangroves and coral reefs in Nusa Lembongan
