Indonesia: Asia's Wildest Ride Reopens
Bali reopened to vaccinated international visitors on March 7, without quarantine. Travelers wishing to visit other parts of Indonesia must spend three days in Bali and are then free to explore the remaining archipelago.
INDONESIA: ASIA'S WILDEST RIDE REOPENS
Straddling the equator from the Straits of Malacca in the west to Papua in the east, Indonesia is one of Asia’s wildest rides. Recently reopened to vaccinated travelers, the archipelago supplies a full range of visceral experiences. From pioneer river rides in the remote jungles of Kalimantan in Borneo and surfing towering breaks on Sumba to extreme pampering in a palatial Bali resort: the nation offers myriad rewards. Here are some of our top picks from around the country.
Bali reopened to vaccinated international visitors on March 7, without quarantine. Travelers wishing to visit other parts of Indonesia must spend three days in Bali and are then free to explore the remaining archipelago.
BALI
Bali is Indonesia’s most amenable enclave, with options for relaxation and spirituality that rival anywhere on the planet. Nowhere else has such a high concentration of world-class hotels — there are two Amans, Amankila and Amandari, on this beautiful tiny island. Much of the action is centered upon two areas. In sun-kissed south Bali, opulent resorts like Oberoi Bali, sleek beach clubs and trendsetting restaurants rule the roost. In the island’s lush jungle-clad interior Ubud is a hub for both traditional culture and wellness, and is home to sumptuous resorts such as the Bensley-designed Capella Ubud. Reopening on March 15, Bali is a top choice for a reenergizing break in an ultra-luxe retreat, in a distinctly Asian setting.
Recommended Itinerary: Rice Paddies and Culture in Bali
JAVA
Java is the economic motor that powers the rest of the nation. The capital, Jakarta, is a dynamic metropolis with a lively bar, restaurant and retail scene. Near Yogyakarta, the island’s second city, the temple complexes at Borobudur (Buddhist) and Prambanan (Hindu) are essential points on any itinerary. One of the island’s finest resorts, Amanjiwo, is located close by the complexes. The island is dotted with majestic (active) volcanoes. Many of these, including Gunung Bromo, Gunung Merapi and Gunung Merbabu offer stupendous trekking opportunities through the smoldering caldera.
Recommended Itinerary: Volcanoes of East Java
BORNEO
Kalimantan is one of the best places in Indonesia for taking a walk on the wild side. Indonesia’s portion of Borneo is a haven for all kinds of wildlife, with orangutan-filled jungles also sheltering comical-looking proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. Hiking through these rainforests is never less than exhilarating. Rip-roaring river expeditions are another highlight with many waterways offering scope for encounters with exotic wildlife and indigenous Dayak communities.
Recommended Itinerary: Borneo & Beyond
KOMODO
The seascapes of Komodo National Park are some of Indonesia’s most spectacular. There’s no better place on which to cruise these waters than on one of the private phinisi schooners that ply the azure ocean. Guests can kick back and relax or explore islands inhabited by Komodo Dragons and other colourful wildlife. Both the snorkeling and diving in the national park are mindblowing — the marine biodiversity is extraordinary — while this is one of the best places in the world for advanced divers to try drift diving.
Recommended Itinerary: Komodo: Cruising the Island of Hidden Treasures
SUMBA
Sumba embodies Indonesia less explored. With its distinctive topography of rugged savannah and limestone hills planted with corn and cassava, it is visually unlike anything else in the nation. Adding to the mystery are hilltop villages clustered around megalithic tombs. More familiar are the dazzling white sand beaches that encircle the island. Also characteristic are the towering waves that have made the island a magnet for surfers. NIHI Sumba, a small, exclusive hideaway, is the perfect base to strike out to this coastal manna. NIHI limits itself to 10 surfers at the break per day, making it one of the most exclusive surfing destinations in the world.
Recommended Itinerary: Discovering Mysterious Sumba
OPEN WITHOUT QUARANTINE
Vaccinated travelers can travel to any of these destinations right now. ArmeniaAzerbaijan
Bangladesh
Cambodia
Georgia
India
Indonesia
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
Malaysia
Maldives
Mongolia
Nepal Oman
Papua New Guinea
Philippines
Qatar
Siberia
Singapore
Sri Lanka
Tajikistan
Thailand
UAE (Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
Uzbekistan
Vietnam
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