AFind out what you'll need from the guide, such as water.
AFor ambitious treks in places such as Papua, you may need to hire porters to help carry your food and water, in addition to a guide.
Climbing & Canyoning
While still an emerging scene, there are reputable operators offering climbing, canyoning, abseiling and spelunking. Gear is provided, but serious climbers will want to bring their own.
Bali
AUbud Based in Mas, outside of Ubud, Adventure & Spirit (%0853-3388 5598; www.adventureandspirit.com; from US$110) offers very popular canyoning day trips out to central Bali that combine abseiling, swimming, jumping, climbing and ziplining through scenic gorges and waterfalls.
Nusa Tenggara
AFlores Head to the Cunca Wulang Cascades around Labuanbajo for 7m jumps off waterfalls into swimming holes.
Sumatra
This is the most well-known place in Indonesia for rock climbers.
AHarau Valley The area is popular for rock climbing, in addition to hikes. Guides can be arranged here.
ABengkulu region Rock climbing at Bukit Kandis and Goa Kacamata is suitable for all levels.
Sulawesi
AMinahasa Outside Tomohon, this scenic area is gaining recognition for its adventure activities, including abseiling, canyoning and 60m drops from Tekaan Telu waterfall.
Wildlife-Watching
Indonesia's wildlife is as diverse as everything else about the archipelago. Great apes, tigers, elephants and monkeys – lots of monkeys – plus one mean lizard are just some of the more notable critters you may encounter.
Java
The national parks are home to a huge range of animals and birds – and usually guides ready to lead you.
AUjung Kulon National Park Extremely rare one-horned Javan rhinoceros and panthers live among the Unesco-listed rainforest.
AAlas Purwo National Park You may spot various deer, peacocks and even a leopard or two.
ABaluran National Park 4WD safaris head out to spot wild oxen and other large animals amid natural grasslands.
AMeru Betiri National Park Home to a vast range of wildlife, including leopards and the intriguing giant squirrel.
Bali
Other than its prevalence of macaque monkeys and the occasional monitor lizard, Bali has limited wildlife encounters.
ABali Barat National Park Excellent for birdwatching, and also has multiple species of deer, monkey, wild pig and buffalo.
Nusa Tenggara
This vast collection of islands has one real star.
AKomodo National Park First and foremost is the area’s namesake endemic species: the Komodo dragon. But there are also slow-screeching flocks of flying foxes roosting on mangrove islands in the park.
ASeventeen Islands Marine Park Near Riung you can find barking deer, wild water buffalo and rich birdlife.
Maluku
Maluku remains a relatively untapped birder paradise. It's worth the effort and cash to access the national parks of Seram and Halmahera.
AAketajawe-Lolobata National Park You can stalk Wallace’s standard-winged bird of paradise in this eastern Halmahera reserve.
Papua
Papua is fantastic birdwatching territory, including for birds of paradise. It's more difficult to find other Papuan wildlife, including exotic marsupials such as tree kangaroos, cuscus and sugar gliders, though some expert local guides can help.
ARaja Ampat Islands Birds of paradise and many other species cause birdwatchers to flock here.
APegunungan Arfak Thickly forested mountains hide all manner of birds.
AWasur National Park It's fairly easy to spot wallabies and deer here.
ADanau Habbema Cuscus, birds of paradise and sometimes tree kangaroos are found near this isolated lake.
Snorkelling near Pulau Misool, Raja Ampat IslandsJODY WATT / DESIGN PICS/GETTY IMAGES ©
Sumatra
Large mammals such as elephants, orangutans and the Sumatran tiger have homes amid the still untrodden tracts of wilderness here.
AGunung Leuser National Park Famous for orangutans but also home to monkeys, elephants and tigers.
AKerinci Seblat National Park Birds abound, and in the seldom-visited Ladeh Panjang region there's even a form of bear, as well as tigers.
AWay Kambas National Park Elephant-watching and birdwatching trips.
Kalimantan
Kalimantan is mostly about jungle river trips to experience wildlife such as orangutans and discover the myriad local cultures.
ATanjung Puting National Park The orangutan-spotting is superb and you'll also see all manner of birds and reptiles.
ASungai Kapuas Voyage from Pontianak to Sukadana by longboat.
Sulawesi
Tarsiers, a bizarre-looking nocturnal monkey with enormous eyes, are all the rage among Sulawesi wildlife-spotters.
ATangkoko-Batuangas Dua Saudara Nature Reserve Your best bet to see tarsiers is here with a guide.
ALore Lindu National Park Tarsiers, birds of paradise, monkeys and more are found in this protected area.
Plan Your Trip
Travel with Children
Want a great way to improve your Indonesia trip? Bring the kids! Parents say that they see more because children are so quickly whisked into everyday life across this child-loving archipelago. Natural barriers break right down as locals open their arms – and lives – to children.
Best Regions for Kids
Bali
The island at the heart of Indonesian tourism is ideal for kids. There are beautiful beaches, many with gentle surf, plus great spots for first-time snorkellers and surfers. Cool temples of Indiana Jones ilk dot the island and there are dozens of child-friendly hotels and resorts.
Java
Batu Karas is a wonderful and safe beach. The easy hiking around Gunung Bromo is a good choice for families. More remote, the beaches and offshore islands in Karimunjawa delight families while kids lap up the mysteries of Borobudur and Prambanan.
Nusa Tengarra
Lombok is a slightly more adventurous version of Bali but is still easy for families and has gorgeous beaches in the south. Of the Gilis (where no one ever got lost), Air combines a relaxed vibe with activities, hotels and restaurants that are great for kids. Flores offers amazing wildlife at Komodo National Park.
Indonesia for Kids
Travel outside cities requires patience, hardiness and experience – for both parents and kids. Most Indonesians adore children, especially ones touring their country; however, children may find the constant attention overwhelming. As one expat mum who has travelled with her family across Indonesia told us: 'It's actually easier with kids. People are more helpful than when you're alone as an adult. They want to make things easier for you.'
You will need to learn your child’s age and sex in Bahasa Indonesia – bulau (month), tahun (year), laki-laki (boy) and perempuan (girl). You should also make polite enquiries about the other person’s children, present or absent.
Children's Highlights
Outdoor Activities
ABali Good for surfing and snorkelling and has classes geared to kids.
APulau Bunaken Sulawesi Offers fabulous snorkelling where you can see dolphins, flying fish and more.
AKerinci Seblat National Park, Sumatra Gentle hikes are popular with families.
Animal-Spotting
ASacred Monkey Forest, Ubud The primates here never cease to delight.
ACamp Leakey, Kalimantan (Camp Leakey; hfeeding 2pm daily) Board a river trip to the province's best venue for families and the place to spot orangutans.
AKomodo National Park, Nusa Tenggara (www.komodo-park.com) It's easy to see the fearsome dragons safely at this popular park.
Cultural Exchange
ATemkessi, West Timor Children can make friends with their peers in the ancient villages of this area.
APutussibau, Kalimantan The communal living in the longhouses of the Kapuas Hulu region helps kids quickly make friends with th
eir Dayak counterparts.
AYogyakarta, Java A classic destination for Indonesian school kids and yours will enjoy its myriad cultural attractions as well.
Planning & Practicalities
Kid-friendly facilities are generally limited to Bali, which caters well to holidaying families. Elsewhere you will find Indonesia very hit or miss in terms of specifically catering to children, even as it warmly welcomes them.
What you bring from home and what you source in Indonesia largely depends on where you're going and what you'll need. As always, you can get most things you might need on Bali (or to a certain extent Lombok, Jakarta and Yogyakarta) but there is the trade-off of tracking down what you need and simply adding it to your luggage.
For very young children, the dilemma is to bring either a backpack carrier or a pram/stroller. If you can, bring both. Prams are tough going on uneven or nonexistent footpaths, but are worthwhile in south Bali and other developed areas.
Other considerations:
AChildren's seats for cars are rare or where they exist, may be of low quality.
ASunscreen and mosquito repellent are difficult to reliably find on Bali and non-existent other places.
ABaby wipes, disposable nappies (diapers) and baby formula are all readily available in cities and big towns but seldom elsewhere.
ABali has a ready supply of babysitters (and lots of nightlife to divert parents). Elsewhere you will be providing the childcare.
ANappy-changing facilities usually consist of the nearest discreet, flat surface.
ABreastfeeding in public is acceptable in areas such as Bali, Papua and Sumatra away from Aceh but virtually unseen in Maluku, Sulawesi and Kalimantan. In parts of west Java and the conservative islands of Nusa Tengarra it's inappropriate. Take your cue from local mothers.
AHotels and guesthouses often have triple and family rooms, plus extra beds can be supplied on demand. Baby beds and highchairs, however, are uncommon.
AHotel staff are usually very willing to help and improvise, so always ask if you need something for your children.
ALarger resorts often have special programs and facilities for kids that include lots of activities during the day and evening.
ABring binoculars so young explorers can zoom in on wildlife, rice terraces, temples, world-class surfers and so on.
AWith widespread 3G data and wi-fi, a smartphone or tablet is handy so children can tell those at home about everything they’re missing and have an easy escape from the trip itself.
STAYING SAFE
The sorts of facilities, safeguards and services that Western parents regard as basic may not be present. Places with great views likely have nothing to stop your kids falling over the edge, that gorgeous beach may have perilous surf, swimming pools are never fenced etc. Health standards are low in Indonesia compared to the developed world, but with proper precautions, children can travel safely.
AA major danger to kids – and adults for that matter – is traffic and bad pavement and footpaths in busy areas.
ACheck conditions carefully for any activity. Just because that rafting company sells tickets to families doesn’t mean it accommodates the safety needs of children.
AConsider the health situation carefully, especially with regards to malaria and dengue fever.
ARabies is a major problem, especially on Bali. Keep children away from stray animals, including cats, dogs and monkeys.
AAs with adults, contaminated food and water present the most risks; children are more at risk from sunstroke and dehydration.
APharmaceutical supplies can usually be purchased in larger cities.
Regions at a Glance
Indonesia's 17,000-odd islands are dominated by a few large ones. Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi are diverse places that have swathes of untouched lands. Kalimantan and Papua are part of even larger islands and offer plenty of opportunity for serious adventure and exploration. Java remains the heart of the country historically, culturally and economically. Nusa Tenggara and Maluku comprise hundreds of islands, from ever-more-popular Lombok to the relative isolation of the Banda Islands. Although small in size, Bali figures large for visitors, drawing half of Indonesia's tourists. As always, your biggest consideration will be managing the time on your visa.
Regions at a Glance
Java
Javanese culture fuses animist, Buddhist and Hindu influences with both mystic traditions and orthodox Islamic practices. Monuments, mosques and temples that reflect this spiritual complexity exist alongside a spectacular tropical landscape spiked with smoking volcanoes.
Regions at a Glance
Bali
The rich culture of Bali is matched by its myriad attractions for visitors: excellent dining and nightlife, hundreds of good places to stay, famous beaches, epic surfing, alluring shopping and a gracious welcome.
Regions at a Glance
Nusa Tenggara
Whether you’re here for waves, or to dive deep underwater or into ancient cultures, Nusa Tenggara offers gifts unmatched. From Lombok to Timor via Flores you will be tempted, blessed, satiated and leave hungry for more.
Regions at a Glance
Maluku
Empires rose and fell to control the precious spices of these diverse, beautiful islands. Push past their present-day isolation to discover brilliant coral gardens, jungle-swaddled volcanoes, mouldering colonial mansions and a history as rich as it is troubled.
Regions at a Glance
Papua
Remote Papua is an adventurer's fantasy. From high-mountain valleys and snaking jungle rivers to translucent coastal waters teeming with life, it offers superb trekking and world-class diving among proud indigenous peoples whose traditions stand strong.
Regions at a Glance
Sumatra
Sumatra is one big, steamy, jungle-covered adventure where you can go from surfing some of the world’s best waves and snorkelling amid pristine reefs to trekking through dense rainforest in search of orangutans or ascending active volcanoes.
Regions at a Glance
Kalimantan
Cut by countless rivers, Borneo's legendary rainforest attracts wildlife enthusiasts and hardened trekkers. Dayak longhouses preserve the rich communal culture of a forgotten era, while the underwater paradise of the Derawan Archipelago draws in-the-know divers.
Regions at a Glance
Sulawesi
Wind your way through this crazy-shaped island of elaborate funeral ceremonies, trails through terraced rice fields and tarsier-filled jungles to coasts of abundant corals, thriving underwater fauna and cultures that revolve around the sea.
Java
Java Highlights
Jakarta
Thousand Islands
Pulau Bidadari
Pulau Macan
West Java
Banten
Merak
Carita
Labuan
Gunung Krakatau
Ujung Kulon National Park
Bogor
Around Bogor
Cimaja
Around Cimaja
Cibodas
Gede Pangrango National Park
Cianjur
Bandung
North of Bandung
South of Bandung
Bandung to Pangandaran
Pangandaran
Around Pangandaran
Central Java
Wonosobo
Dieng Plateau
Borobudur
Yogyakarta
Imogiri
Gunung Merapi
Kaliurang & Kaliadem
Selo
Prambanan
Solo (Surakarta)
Sangiran
Gunung Lawu
Tawangmangu
North Coast
Semarang
Ambarawa
Demak
Jepara
Around Jepara
Karimunjawa Islands
East Java
Surabaya
Trowulan
Pulau Madura
Malang
Around Malang
Blitar
Panataran
Gunung Kelud
Pacitan
Around Pacitan
Probolinggo
Gunung Bromo & Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park
Bondowoso
Ijen Plateau
Jember
Kalibaru
Meru Betiri National Park
Alas Purwo National Park
Lonely Planet Indonesia Page 6
