We Know Indonesia

When you heard about Indonesia, what usually come to mind? Some may have different answers, but surely many will say “archipelago”, or “Bali”. That’s true, we are an island nation, or archipelago, and we boast more than 20,000 of them, the most in the world, each has its uniqueness and specialty. Unfortunately these beautiful places are overshadowed by Bali, which already established its name as tourist hotspot all over the world. But do you know, beyond Bali, lies unspoiled beauties probably way more? Let’s take a look at some of the gorgeous alternative tourist places, sorted by its big islands they are in (Indonesia has 5 big islands: Papua, Borneo (Kalimantan), Sumatera, Celebes (Sulawesi) and Java). Most of these places are not developed like Bali so if you are adventurous, it is so worth it to give them a visit.

Sumatera: Bangka Belitung

Bangka Belitung is actually a province, previously a part of South Sumatera province. It consisted of two big islands: Bangka and Belitung and several smaller ones. With total area of just above 16,000 m2, it is actually pretty small. But this place is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches. Not just one, or two, but at least 10 of them, making it very popular for water sports like snorkeling and diving.

The diversity of the population in the area are also something special: comprised mostly of Malays, Chinese and Javanese.  The island gained popularity after a highly acclaimed Indonesian movie called “Laskar Pelangi” (Rainbow Troops) about 10 schoolboys and their teachers to fight against poverty in the area. What makes it unique is because most of the actors were from the area.

To get to Bangka Belitung, there are several flights by the national carrier, Garuda and several local flights flying directly to the island. With the growing tourism in the area, there are plenty of accommodations and restaurants.

Borneo: Dayak  Tribe Villages and Bamboo Rafting

Dayak tribe is the biggest tribe in Kalimantan. Their villages are spread around river lines, and depending their lives and survival through hunting and agriculture. Although most Dayak villages are open to tourists, many are still not. Living around the riverine, their houses are made of stilts to prevent flooding as well as wild animals.

To prevent getting lost and making sure you get the most of your trip meeting the locals, booking a trip through a local travel agency is recommended. Dayak tribe people use language other than the standardized Indonesian language.

While visiting a village, it is also possible to see how they live, and since their villages are located deep in the forest, you will get the chance to see unspoiled natural beauty of Borneo rain forest.

Another fun activity to be had while you are there is by trying on bamboo rafting. Although it looks somewhat unstable and scary at first, bamboo boat is strong enough to hold even several people on it even on strong currents so don’t worry about it getting upside down. River Laksado is famous as bamboo rafting trips. You will be more amazed that your guide won’t even wear any protective gear. Their only “weapon” is a long stick to row the boat. Now that’s adventure!

Celebes: Togian Islands

Islands within islands, is probably the correct term to describe this place. Comprised of 56 islands, like many other areas in Indonesia, is a divers’ paradise. A lake in Kadidiri Island is famous for its millions of harmless jellyfishes.

The water in the beaches is so clear it is like crystal. If you are also history buff, Kadidiri Island has a wreck of B24 bomber planes lying on the bottom of the ocean. If you are into local culture, the islands are inhabited by local sea tribe, famous for being brave sailors. The area is so rich in culture and nature that it is designated as a national park.

To get there, you can take flights to Luwuk in Central Celebes from Manado, in North Celebes. From Luwuk, travel to Ampana and catch a ferry to Togean Islands for about 4 hours. Although it is a national park, you don’t have to receive a permit to enter. Just make sure that you act responsibly with nature no matter how tempting it must be under the sea!

Java: Ujung Kulon National Park and Krakatoa Island

Indonesia, a country rich in culture and wildlife, but sadly most of them are endangered. While most people have known about the orangutans, Sumatera tigers and komodo dragons, few known about the Javan rhino. They are critically endangered that they are protected in probably the only national park designated for the animal, in the southwestern part tip of Java island.

The area is part of Banten province, which is very rich in culture and nature tourism. The national park where  is located lies on the peninsula reaching to the Indian Ocean. The area has been designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national park is where the Javan rhino can roam free, their number has significantly decreased due to irresponsible poachers. Although the number today is still few, around 50, they are growing, thanks to the protection of the species in this area. Not only the rhinos, the national park also protects a wide variety of flora and fauna. To get there, you can charter a boat from Carita Beach around 2-3 hours or by car for about 4 hours from Jakarta. Please note that to enter the national park, you should receive a permit from the park management, at :

Take note, however, that a trip to this national park does not guarantee you to spot any rhino. You will most likely spot other mammals. Don’t let this disappoint you. Simply enjoy your trip to the pristine forest. Few people have been here due to its isolated location.

The area, due to its close proximity with Krakatoa Island, was once buried in ash due to its massive volcanic eruption in the 1883 but now people can go there as well while they are at Ujung Kulon. The group of islands, formed from the active volcano, lies in between Sunda Strait of Sumatera and Java islands. It is also a national park. The eruption, being the loudest ever in history, produced an island called “Anak Krakatau” (the offspring of Krakatoa) as result of its caldera and also has very active volcanic activity. It is now probably more dangerous than its “parent”, throwing rocks and belching smokes. Please note that visit to the area is at your own risk. Do not attempt to get to close to the caldera as it is extremely dangerous. You will never know when this bad-tempered “child” will belch rocks at you. To get there, you can take a boat from Carita beach. To land on the island, you will also need a special permit that you can obtain from:

Papua: Raja Ampat

Secluded in the most eastern big island in Indonesia, lies beauty more than you can ever imagine. Raja Ampat, a group of island paradise, is like a holy grail for snorkelers and divers. I mean, just look at the pictures below. Aren’t they gorgeous? These places are like those you can find probably only in the south Pacific islands or storybooks.

Getting there is part of the adventure all by itself, as it is not easy to reach the main island of Papua, let alone Raja Ampat. To get there, you need to take a flight to Sorong, in West Papua. From there, take a speed boat to Waigeo, around one and a half hour. There are only 2 of them each day. Red squares marked on the map are diving spots. There are more on the island, just ask a local and they will recommend you one.

Be a Responsible Ecotourist!

An area benefits economically from tourism, but it is also at risk of environmental problems. Be a responsible tourist, do not take home corals, stones, or plants from the area. Do not litter and bring your own garbage bags or bring them home with you to throw. Animals tend to mistake them for food. Do not engage in activities involving exhibition of animals like riding an elephant, watching animals perform acrobatic or circus stunts, etc. And don’t ever ever buy any items made from endangered animals. As the saying goes, leave behind your footprints and take home photos as souvenirs.