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:: Sulawesi :: Allow a lot of contingency time if you venture
into Sulawesi, where travel is dominated by less than reliable boats and
private, hard-to-find car-hire (e.g. someone’s uncle’s
brother’s cousin has a car that can take you to your destination).
The reward is stunning islands offering some of the best diving in the
world (Bunaken Island National Park and the Togean Islands), active
volcanoes that can be climbed, bustling markets with fruit-bats, rats,
cats and dogs on the menu, and elaborate cultures with blood-spattered
funeral-ceremonies and odd-looking architecture.
:: BALI ::
Extraordinary
Hindu-culture in a Muslim-dominated archipelago
 
 
 
 
 
// Bali
// Idyllic white sand and black sand beaches, a
surfing Mecca, lush green tropical forests, steep green rice paddies,
elaborate dances, diving in crystal-clear waters, vibrant local art, cool
lakes in the Central Mountans, ancient Hindu monuments, and 3142m high
Gunung Agung.
:: LOMBOK & the GILI ISLANDS ::
Deep-diving and
surreal mountaineering
 
 
 
 
 
// Lombok
& Gili Islands // The islands of Nusa Tenggara are quite distinct,
and Lombok, perhaps, is the most popular, mainly due to its proximity to
Bali and many natural attractions.
The three Gili Islands offer clear, azure-blue waters, excellent
deep-diving, and a relaxed atmosphere. Mighty Gunung Rinjani (3736m) is
the third largest peak in Indonesia and the trek there is mind-blowing!
Views towards the black summit (north), a surreal outlook towards a
miniature volcano inside the Rinjani volcano (east), views towards the
vast crater rim (south), and distant volcanoes on Bali (west). I.e.
possibly the best trek in all of Indonesia.
:: JAVA ::
The heartland of
Indonesia
 
 
 
 ,
 
// Java
// With an area s little over half of the size of
UK and a population of more than 120 million, Java is the political,
geographical, and economic powerhouse of Indonesia. It bursts majestic
open country with coffee plantations and looming volcanoes, crowded
filthy cities, quiet rural scenes and ancient ruins Also, despite what
many other travelers imply, Jakarta is a great city of surprises. Beneath
the veneer of shabby slums, Jakarta is a melting-pot of cultural
diversity, good cuisines and oversized monuments.
Future places to go in Indonesia
All the remaining
provinces:
- Sumatra
- Kalimantan
- North Maluku
- South Maluku
- Papua
Also, we want to
explore more of Java, Sulawesi and Nusa Tenggara.
Fast facts and hints
Daily budget: On the cheap: 5-10 US$;
more activities: 15-20 US$ (exclusive of diving)
Pros:
Cheap, diverse, like visiting 10 different countries,
Cons: Slow travel in
remote places and extreme nature forces (volcanoes, tsunamis,
earthquakes)...
In a nutshell: Largest Muslim
country; Takes a lifetime to explore; TravelTwins’ all-time
favourite country...
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