Indonesia
Not long ago, Indonesia travel was one of Southeast Asia's business hot spots and a growing destination. Bali, especially, was (and still is) an easy and enjoyable place to visit, full of stunning sights, interesting culture, friendly people and comfortable amenities.
If Indonesia's social and political troubles weren't enough, the country has suffered a number of devastating natural disasters in recent years. A 6.3-magnitude earthquake, a mud volcano eruption and two tsunamis have rocked the nation, killing and injuring thousands, and recovery is a slow process.
With an estimated 240 million people, Indonesia is the fourth most populous country in the world, and there are 350 cultures and many languages scattered across its widespread 17000 islands. All that diversity strains the government's ability to meet the needs of the populace. All the same Indonesia travel presents a lot of rewards for visitors with its diversity - a lot of its territory largely unexplored.
Jakarta
Normally Jakarta travel is either part of a business trip or a pit stop on the way to more popular tourist destinations such as Bali and Yogyakarta. A large, crowded capital city on the island of Java, Jakarta evokes few beautiful or memorable images. One exception is the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, the city's art building.
To appreciate this city, visitors need to seek out Jakarta's sights that invoke the historical heritage as a meeting place for East and West. These include the remnants of the Dutch colonial era and the old schooner harbour, Sunda Kelapa, still hard at work and looking much as it did in previous centuries.
Don't be surprised, though, if modern Jakarta begins to grow on you: its jarring mix of trendy nightspots, teeming streets and occasional political demonstrations reflects a place where the present is unfolding in an exciting, if not always orderly, manner. The city's image is slowly changing, however, and Jakarta has many fine hotels, shopping malls and golf courses in and around the metropolitan area to entice visitors to stay a little longer.
WHEN TO TRAVEL to Jakarta
The best time to visit is between June and September because during this period, the rainfall is less and the chances of flooding are less. Jakarta is located on a relatively higher elevation and thus is known to be the wettest region of Indonesia because it experiences rainfall throughout the year. Temperatures remain consistent throughout the year.
Bali
Located 965 km east of Jakarta, the island of Bali is among the most popular stops in Indonesia, and it's no wonder why—the island's friendly people, Hindu and animist culture, rhythmic dances, volcanoes, sculptured rice paddies, spectacular beaches, and beautiful jungle and mountain scenery—combined with a wide array of accommodation packages—make it one of the most fascinating places in the world. Bali is all-around magical, despite the ever-expanding, crowded and commercialized tourist spots on the southern coast.
Bali may be small in size – you can drive around the entire coast in one long day – but its prominence as a destination is huge, and rightfully so. Small doesn’t mean limited. The manic whirl of Kuta segues into the luxury of Legian Beach and Seminyak. The artistic character of Ubud is a counterpoint to misty treks amid the volcanoes.
Mellow beach can be found right round the coast and just offshore is the laid-back idyll of Nusa Lembongan.
Concierge Traveller offers a wide range of Bali Packages in all the different regions of the island.
WHEN TO TRAVEL to Bali
Bali has a tropical climate appropriate to its proximity to the equator. Year round temperatures average 31C. High humidity can be expected during the wet season between the months of October and April. The rain mostly occurs as heavy afternoon thunderstorms. The dry season occurs between the months of May and September have also the lowest humidity.
Lombok
Much less developed than neighbouring Bali, Lombok, is also drier and without Bali's tropical beauty or cultural charm. This island can be reached by hydrofoil from Benoa, ferry from Padangbai and plane from Denpasar, Surabaya or Singapore. Mataram, the island's capital and home to its only airport, is noted for its beautiful weaving, rattan baskets and Hindu temples.
Buy local handicrafts at the market in Cakranegara or go directly to weaving villages such as Sukarara, 25 km south of Mataram. Handicrafts in general are a particularly good value on Lombok as the prices are almost always lower than what you will find on Bali.
Senggigi Beach is Lombok's main tourist retreat and a good base for those who want to explore the island. In the centre of Lombok is Gunung Rinjani, a hot springs and an active volcano popular with mountain climbers. Bangko-Bangko off southwest Lombok is a legendary surf spot.
For travellers who want to get away from it all, the Gili Islands, three tiny islands off Lombok's northwest coast, provide a great escape: no roads or cars, but just fabulous coral reefs, deserted beaches, and plenty of peace and quiet.
WHEN TO TRAVEL to Lombok
The climate of Lombok is tropical. Winters are cool and pleasant and summers are tempered by refreshing rainfalls. The days are almost 12 hours long and the average daytime temperature varies from 27 C to 32 C. the dry season lasts from May to September while the wet season extends from October through April.
