Indonesia Holidays

The majority of the holiday action in Indonesia takes place in Bali, where you’ll find lively nightlife, a wealth of adventure activities, great beaches and captivating culture. But Bali isn’t the only island to visit within the country. The volcanic island of Lombok to the east of Bali promises miles of verdant landscapes, pristine coves and tranquil hillsides. Just off the coast of Lombok, and easily visited on a day trip if you don’t fancy staying, the three Gili Islands offer fantastic snorkelling and diving spots, especially if you’re hoping to spot a turtle. Gili Trawangan, also known as Gili T, is the largest and liveliest of the three, packed with cool bars and good restaurants. Gili Air is the most off-the-beaten track, fringed by plenty of seafood cafés, while laid-back Gili Air, the smallest, is also the most peaceful and romantic. 

For a more off the beaten track experience, head for untouched spots like North Sumatra – home to the enormous crater Lake Toba – as well as the 9th-century Borobodur temple in Central Java and Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, where you can summit the mighty Mount Bromo. Blissfully secluded beaches can be found at Tanjung Kelayang and Tanjung Lesung (on Belitung Island and Java respectively), while water sports fanatics will love Mandalika for its surfing and Wakatobi and Morotai for their abundant diving opportunities.

Officially the world's largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur is utterly enchanting. The 1,200-year-old UNESCO World Heritage site is made up of 72 stupas and 432 Buddha statues and sits within a valley surrounded by gorgeous countryside and gently sloping mountains. The temple is best viewed at sunrise and sunset when the sun's rays disperse the morning mist, slowly unveiling the captivating temple. Make sure that you don't miss out on seeing this spine-tingling sight. 

Less well known than its neighbour to the west, Lombok is the perfect destination for some rest and relaxation away from the crowds that flock to Bali. Here you will get more of a flavour for the 'real' Indonesia, not to mention the opportunity to dive and snorkel some of the world's most pristine corals, surf some of the best waves on Earth, and climb the iconic Gunung Rinjani – an active volcanic peak to the north of the island.

The car-free Gili Islands are made up of a trio of golden sand-fringed isles, flung off the north-west corner of Lombok. Closest is stylish Gili Air, which offers tranquillity in abundance, as well as a friendly local community. In the middle sits the romantic Gili Meno. It's the smallest of the three islands, but packs a punch with some of the best beaches in the archipelago, which in turn makes it popular with honeymooners, sun worshippers and desert island fantasy seekers alike. Finally, hedonistic Gili Trawangan in the most popular and, with its hip bars, trendy guesthouses and abundant restaurants, is a haven for backpackers and party lovers. 

Situated on the island of Java, the heartland of cultural Indonesia, is Mount Bromo. This spectacular volcano rises emphatically from a wide black sand desert, creating an alienesque landscape that seems out of place in the tropical highlands of Indonesia. But that's what makes it so special. The peak is best experienced with a sunrise hike tour, so you can watch on as the ever-changing shadows dance across the ground below.

Selected as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature, Komodo National Park is renowned for its unrivalled rugged beauty and marine biodiversity, not to mention being home to the unique Komodo dragon. Indeed, this untouched corner of Indonesia boasts an abundance of wildlife – in addition to around 5,700 of the world's largest living lizard – such as whale sharks, manta rays, dolphins, sperm whales and even blue whales.