Indonesia: Beyond Bali
When you think of Indonesia, chances are the first thing that comes to mind is the island of Bali. Although Bali is a beautiful destination, there is so much more to see in Indonesia. That’s why on my most recent trip to Indonesia, I went “beyond Bali” to explore some of the other provinces, cities, and islands of Indonesia.
Even if you are already planning a trip to Bali, I would encourage you to add one of these other destinations to your itinerary. Here are my top suggestions for going “beyond Bali.”
Jakarta
Jakarta is the capital of Indonesia and the largest city. Located on the northwest side of the island of Java, Jakarta is a great place to begin your Indonesian itinerary. This city of ten million people is an eclectic mix of culture and cuisine reflects the unique history of the island. The city just opened a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system in 2019, making it easy to get around to different parts of the city. Here are my suggestions for your visit to Jakarta:
There are over 170 shopping malls in Jakarta. Shopping is practically a religion here, so you owe it to yourself to at least check out one of these mega-malls. From luxury retailers to flea markets, there is something for everyone at Jakarta’s shopping malls.
When in Jakarta, you must try Jamu, an Indonesian traditional herbal drink that’s said to have medicinal properties. I tried this drink at Suwe Ora Jamu, which just opened up in Jakarta’s Blok M square.
Blok M is a trendy new area in Jakarta. It was built between two MRT stations, with no parking in an effort to encourage the use of public transportation, given Jakarta’s infamous traffic. Inside, there are cafes, shops and even nightclubs. One of my favorite spots is the Dialogue Cafe, an art center/coffee shop with really interesting art installations.
Does anyone visit Southeast Asia without at least one spa day? I spent a day at the Taman Sari Royal Heritage Spa, where I received the “Royal Treatment.” This is a must-do when you visit Jakarta! It includes a body scrub, a milk bath, a hair steaming and some special surprises!
Bandung
Another great destination in Indonesia is the city of Bandung. It’s located about 100 miles inland from Jakarta and is known for its volcanoes and tea plantations. In Colonial times, it was considered the “Paris of Java.” It is possible to visit Bandung on a long day trip from Jakarta. It’s about 3 ½ hours by train, and the first-class train seats are super comfortable; it’s a great way to travel! Here are my suggestions for things to see in Bandung:
Visit Kawah Putih the White Crater. One of many volcanos in the area, Kawah Putih has white sand and bright turquoise water in the crater. Walking inside of a volcano is a pretty cool experience, and the colors are unbelievable!
Lots of the hotels, including Grand Mercure Bandung Setiabudi where I stayed, have amazing rooftops. Make sure you check a few out and enjoy the scenery!
See an Angklung performance! Angklung are traditional Javanese instruments made from bamboo. At Mang Udjo’s Angklung Performance, you are treated to a puppet show accompanied by the angklung music. It’s a really cool cultural experience to have in Java.
Take a stroll along Braga Street. This is the main area of downtown Bandung, where you can mix with locals and tourists, and see the more modern side of Java.
There’s even a castle just outside Bandung that you can visit. Although it isn’t ancient, (nor is it really an actual castle) it makes for some nice photos!
Trusted Travel Tip: Don’t forget the bug spray! It can be buggy if you are spending time outdoors!
Yogyakarta
One of my favorite places that I visited in Indonesia is Yogyakarta, located along the south-central coast of Java. There are some really cool things to see in Yogyakarta and some incredible experiences that I recommend.
Stay at the Phoenix Yogyakarta, a five-star hotel that used to be a palace.
Visit the Royal Palace of Yogyakarta, where the Sultan of Yogyakarta lives. Parts of the palace are open to tourists, and you can even join several workshops. I learned how batik is made by hand.
Visit Borobudur Temple. This is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and dates back to the 9th century. You really want to get up early to catch the sunrise here. Since it’s over an hour from Yogyakarta, I recommend staying at a hotel closer to the temple so you don’t have to get up as early. If you go to the backside of the area, you’ll have it all to yourself. Then stick around after sunrise, as most people leave and it will be relaxed and quiet.
After an early morning sunrise and photo session, grab breakfast at Mata Langit by Plataran. Plataran is a hotel at the top of a mountain. They will set up an amazing breakfast picnic overlooking the mountains. It’s one of the most scenic breakfasts I’ve ever had, and a great way to relax after a very early morning start.
Surabaya
Another Java destination is Surabaya, at the eastern end of the island. Like many cities in Indonesia, Surabaya is an interesting mix of old and new, with modern skyscrapers towering over canals from the Dutch colonial past. Although it’s a port city, we visited for a mountain excursion.
Mount Bromo is one of the main things to see near Surabaya. This volcano is a popular place for trekking and mountain excursions. Once again, we had a 3 am start for this Indonesian experience. We took a Jeep ride to the top for sunrise and even got to see a small eruption on a nearby volcano! Be prepared to rough it for this part of the trip. The homestays are a bit rugged, so you’ll want warm clothes and earplugs!
After your mountain excursion, it’s time for some pampering. I had a spa day at the Martha Tilaar Spa, which used to be a Mandarin Oriental. It was the perfect way to end my time in Surabaya.
Other Destinations Beyond Bali
There are a few other destinations in this part of the world that I would recommend if you have time.
Visit the nearby islands of Komodo and Padar. Komodo Island is a National Park and home to the rare Komodo Dragon monitor lizard. Padar Island is also part of Komodo National Park and is a great place for diving. These are usually visited as a day trip from the nearby island of East Nusa, or from Bali.
Another great diving destination in Indonesia is Wakatobi National Park. Located off the coast of Sulawesi Island, Wakatobi is actually made up of several different islands that are often touted as some of the best diving and snorkeling sites in the world.
One of my favorite travel experiences is the time I went trekking for orangutans in Borneo. There are few places in the world where orangutans live and flourish in the wild, and Borneo is one of them. It’s not an easy place to reach, and it’s not a luxury trip by any means, but it’s such a memorable, unique experience.