Indonesia: Beyond the Classic Route
Remote Lands’ Classic Indonesia journey, which you can see here, has been engineered as the perfect introduction to Asia’s most aesthetically appealing archipelago. It includes, among other things, the world’s greatest Buddhist temple of Borobudur in central Java, yachting in Komodo National park – home to the eponymous dragons – and that magical little island most feted by the gods, Bali. Indonesia, however, has over 17,000 islands and is boundless in size and diversity. For return visitors or visitors wishing to go wider and deeper on their journey, there are nearly endless possibilities. Here, we examine five of the best opportunities to travel further afield.
INDONESIA: BEYOND THE CLASSIC ROUTE
Remote Lands’ Classic Indonesia journey, which you can see here, has been engineered as the perfect introduction to Asia’s most aesthetically appealing archipelago. It includes, among other things, the world’s greatest Buddhist temple of Borobudur in central Java, yachting in Komodo National park – home to the eponymous dragons – and that magical little island most feted by the gods, Bali. Indonesia, however, has over 17,000 islands and is boundless in size and diversity. For return visitors or visitors wishing to go wider and deeper on their journey, there are nearly endless possibilities. Here, we examine five of the best opportunities to travel further afield.
RAJA AMPAT & BEYOND
Island hopping
The eastern fringes of the Indonesian archipelago are among the country’s most beautiful, with the seascapes around West Papua and the Malaku (the historically important and famous Spice Islands) ideal for exploring by yacht. Among the many alluring destinations, a few have gained global acclaim in recent years including the spectacular Raja Ampat. Comprising over 1,500 picture-perfect, jungle-covered karst rock outcrops, this remote paradise off the coast of Papua is an adventurer's dream. These islands, surrounded by turquoise waters, boast fine white-sand beaches, hidden lagoons, and vast caves. Renowned for its abundant wildlife, Raja Ampat's marine ecosystem is a scuba diver's utopia, home to an extraordinary diversity of marine life and vibrant coral reefs. Guests can begin their adventure by setting sail from Komodo National Park, choosing either a custom-outfitted traditional Indonesian phinisi schooner or the modern Aqua Blu 15-cabin luxury cruise ship.
SUMBA
NIHI Samba
Stunning Sumba perfectly balances untouched rugged tropical beauty, a lack of crowds, and world-class resorts. The island is a legendary surfing destination, adorned with a breathtaking coastline of pristine white sand beaches and dramatic cliffs. Its distinctive topography, characterized by rolling savannahs and limestone hills, sets it apart from its neighbors. NIHI Sumba, a luxurious hideaway and one of the world’s finest resort for surfers, provides discerning travelers with a secluded retreat from which to explore the fascinating culture of the island. Notably, NIHI Sumba stands out for its dedication to the local Sumbanese community. Around 90 percent of the staff are local, and the resort actively supports the island’s economy and quality of life through employment and local sourcing. Recent years have seen several new resorts open their doors. The rustic-chic Cap Karoso, on Sumba’s remote western tip, is among the most ambitious additions, while also wowing guests is Alamayah, which strikes a harmony between modern luxury and its beachside jungle location.
TORAJALAND
Tau-Tau's, Guardians of the Dead
Intrepid travelers will find the verdant island of Sulawesi well worth exploring. While Sulawesi’s diving possibilities are rightly famous, its unique inland attractions are equally compelling, offering distinctive customs and rituals found nowhere else in Indonesia or indeed the world. In the Tana Toraja Regency of South Sulawesi, the Toraja people practice one of the world’s most unique and bizarre funeral rites. The Torajans believe that when people die, they remain to look after those left behind. They remain — preserved in formaldehyde and local herbs — ‘sleeping’ in the back of the houses for up to a year. The mummified bodies of family members are finally laid to rest in lofty cliffside perches overlooking the village, where they keep watch in eternal vigilance. Elaborate and intricate ceremonies, which can extend for several days, feature grand feasts and grisly animal sacrifices. A glimpse of which can be seen in the video here (graphic content). Toraja villages are also remarkable for the boat-shaped architecture of their tongkonan traditional homes.
BAWAH ISLAND
Bawah Reserve
At the other end of the spectrum, Bawah Island, home to the ultra-luxe private island resort of Bawah Reserve, is a sparkling gem in Indonesia’s Anambas Archipelago. This eco-luxury resort with overwater bungalows and beachfront pool villas offers a remote and idyllic escape blend of tranquility, unrivaled comfort, and pristine nature. Accessible only by seaplane, Bawah Reserve is a haven for nature lovers and adventure seekers, blessed with perfect beaches, crystal-clear lagoons, and lush tropical forests. Guests can spend their days snorkeling and diving among coral reefs in a preserved area of The Anambas, kayaking through mangroves, and hiking island trails through jungles and tropical sub-biomes flourishing with butterflies and wild orchids. The resort’s commitment to conservation is evident in its sustainable development guidelines, prohibition of pesticides and fishing, and utilizing locally-grown ingredients. Bawah Reserve is perfect for guests looking for a secluded and luxurious retreat without any ostentation. As a private island, it can be booked out entirely for a special celebration or milestone for a family or group of friends.
BORNEO
Orangutan, Kalimantan
Often overshadowed by neighboring Malaysian Borneo, Kalimantan is nonetheless one of the best places in Indonesia for taking a walk on the wild side. The Indonesian part of Borneo is a superlative wildlife sanctuary teeming with diverse species, from the iconic orangutans to the comical-looking proboscis monkeys and the publicity-shy pygmy elephants. Rainforest hiking under a triple jungle canopy is always an exhilarating experience. The many meandering waterways are prime for exploring on an exciting river expedition aboard a retrofitted traditional Indonesian boat, known as a klotok. Other highlights include visiting the indigenous Dayak communities, famed for their longhouse dwellings, and the world-class diving offshore in the Celebes Sea. Be sure to include a visit to Camp Leakey founded back in 1971 as a scientific research center for primatologists to observe and study the orangutans, proboscis monkeys, gibbons and other monkeys.
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