Unique experiences to enjoy in Indonesia

While Bali typically enjoys being the centre of attention in the world of travel; standing proud as a veritable paradise of materialised postcard pictures, the country of Indonesia itself is abounding with treasures.

It may come as some surprise (or perhaps not to those well-seasoned travellers) that Bali is one of over 17,000 islands that constitute the Indonesian archipelago, making Indonesia the fourth most populous nation in the world with almost 280 million people!

The great thing about a nation of this size? There’s a hell of a lot to see! And if you’ve visited Bali you’ve only just scratched the surface. While hardly limited to just eight, the following is a specifically cultivated list of unique experiences to enjoy if you ever get a chance to visit…

Try delectable Indonesian cuisine!

A prominent facet of Indonesian culture that should not go overlooked, the cuisine of this diverse nation is marked by a unique and distinct flavour: from the fiery and aromatic dishes of Padang in Sumatra, featuring the iconic rendang curry, to the fragrant rice-based creations like nasi goreng and gado-gado in Java…

The bustling street food market is a staple of the culture and perfectly embodies the character of the nation – lined with stalls offering a delectable array of snacks, you can find satay skewers, bakso (meatball soup), martabak (stuffed pancake) and whatever else tickles your fancy… If you’d like to learn more, you can always check out our blog detailing the traditional cuisine of Bali!

Explore the enchanting Gili Islands

Comprised of three idyllic islands – Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air – together they constitute a vision of true paradise, offering natural qualities that are far from an eyesore: serene turquoise waters, coconut palms and luxurious fine sands.

Gili Trawangan, the largest of the three islands, combines relaxation and entertainment with a diverse nightlife, a plethora of dining options and numerous water-based activities. In contrast, Gili Meno offers a tranquil escape; perfect for honeymooners and those wanting to absorb the natural splendour.

Gili Air tends to strike a balance between the two, appealing to every kind of traveller – fusing local culture, entertainment and blissful relaxation. (add small conc)

Swim in a lake of jellyfish

While on the surface (no pun intended), this may seem like an unwise decision, the jellyfish of Kakaban Lake possess a unique quality: they’re entirely ‘stingless’, meaning it’s completely safe to swim alongside them!

Unlike the species in the ocean that developed their sting as a defence mechanism against threats, the jellyfish of Kakaban Lake have no natural predators so there was no selective pressure to adapt, meaning visitors can immerse themselves in an otherworldly experience, watching these translucent beings elegantly glide around them.

Hike the ‘volcano safari’

Located in what is known as the ‘Pacific rim of fire’, Indonesia exists within one of the most active volcanic areas of the planet – in fact, it houses almost a third of the world’s volcanoes! For those who seek adventure, this means abundant opportunities for exploration…

Perhaps the most popular climb is the mighty Mt. Bromo, elevated a neck-aching 7641ft tall. There’s no sweeter sight than arriving at sunset and looking beyond to the sun-drenched scenery below. There’s also the famously dramatic Krakatau and the 9183ft tall Gunung Ijen that oozes spectral rivers of blue fire (caused by burning sulphur). For those who would prefer something slightly less daunting, the Tangkuban Perahu volcanic crater 6837ft is accessible by vehicle from Bandung city.

Encounter boisterous orangutans

A vital ingredient to any traveller’s bucket list, few can resist an intimate rendezvous with one of the world’s most famous human-like primates: the charismatic orangutan. These glorious creatures can only be found in the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra and offer a distinctly unique experience.

The Tanjung Puting National Park is the world’s largest wildlife sanctuary for orangutans with an estimated population of 30,000 to 40,000 orangutans and is the best place to come face-to-face with these endangered yet beautiful mammals.

Immerse yourself in the ancient allure of Ubud

World-renowned for its ancient architecture, tropical beauty and opportunity for adventure, Ubud is an enchanting town in the heart of Indonesia that bustles with life: be it local dance performances, traditional ceremonies, and artisan workshops, as well as a serene picture-perfect ambience cultivated by its lush rice terraces, verdant forests, and meandering rivers.

Go rafting down the rapids of the Ayung River, climb the mythical route to Lempuyang Temple, snorkel in search of sea turtles or trek through monkey-filled forests to Mount Rinjani… Ubud is an adventurer’s dream just waiting to be explored!

Discover the world’s largest Buddhist temple

Dating back over 1,200 years and formerly inducted into the seven wonders of the world, the Borobudur Temple in Central Java is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and possesses an ethereal magnificence found nowhere else on Earth.

One of Indonesia’s many UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the temple reflects the fusion of two distinct cultural influences—Buddhist and Javanese. The intricate stone carvings and unique architecture represent the teachings of Buddhism while conveying the stylistic finesse of the Javanese people.

The location offers a stunning insight into the past; revealing the complexity and beauty of the civilisations that preceded us and showcasing a culture whose tendrils lie deep with mystery and allure.

If the majesty of Indonesia appeals to you, visit our destination page to view a range of itineraries and packages. Alternatively, you can email us at enquiries@odyssey-world.co.uk or call us directly (+44 117 313 7070) to begin planning a personalised itinerary!