Holidays in Indonesia

Quick guide to Indonesia

Flights: You can fly direct to destinations such as Bali from London Heathrow Airport. Flights from other UK airports may required one of more stopovers along the way

Passport/visa requirements: Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of your departure from Indonesia. If you are travelling on a British passport, you do not need a visa to visit Indonesia for up to 30 days..

Packing essentials: Indonesia has a tropical climate. Therefore, you should pack light clothing, sunglasses and a sun hat. A light waterproof jacket is another essential, while if you are planning to visit any temples or sacred sites you should pack clothes that cover your legs and shoulders.

Indonesia Highlights

The island nation of Indonesia has so much to offer as a luxury holiday destination with an endless spectrum of sights and experiences awaiting travellers.

Indeed, incredible spectacles are the norm in this awe-inspiring country, with dramatic natural scenery, enchanting wildlife and enriching cultural attractions that are sure to take anyone’s breath away.

Add a sprinkle of action and adventure to the mix and you have a destination that has it all.

One of Indonesia’s main draws is its diverse landscape.

Beautiful beaches, lush rainforests and towering volcanos are among the stunning backdrops that can be found right across the archipelago.

You can find all three on the island Bali. Here resorts such as Nusa Dua, Sanur and Seminyak are great choices for stunning stretches of sandy shoreline, with options for relaxation, water sports and diving.

For an adventure in the rainforest, Ubud is the place to go, offering luxury retreats right in amongst the exotic scenery.

Visitors to Bali also have the chance to experience an active volcano, with the island being home to two, in Mount Agung and Mount Batur.

Amongst Indonesia’s spectacular scenery is a whole host of incredible wildlife. Plunge into the seas surrounding the islands and you will find a colourful variety of underwater flora and fauna. Indonesia is also home to Komodo dragons. The world’s largest lizard can be found in its natural habitat on the shores of Komodo in the Lesser Sunda Islands.

Another spectacular creature that lives in the wilds of Indonesia is the orangutan. If you’re lucky, these endangered animals can be spotted swinging in the trees in parts of Borneo and Sumatra.

As well as natural attractions, Indonesia also has much to offer in the way of culture and spirituality. Each island has its own traditions and customs, many of which are showcased in art, music and dancing.

Travellers will also find religious shrines located along the roadside in destinations such as Bali, while ornate temples are common place across the islands. Some of the most stunning can again be found on Bali, with sites such as the Uluwatu Temple, in South Kuta, Pura Ulun Danu Beratan, on the shores of Lake Bratan, and the Pura Besakih, on the slopes of Mount Agung, all well worth a visit.

All of this and more awaits in Indonesia. Experience this exceptional luxury holiday destination for yourself. Book your dream Indonesian escape today with Destination2.co.uk.

Cuisine

Dining out in Indonesia can be as much of an experience as the rest of your holiday, with plenty of delicious traditional delicacies to sample in whichever destination you choose to visit.

However, for a true taste of this wonderful nation’s culinary prowess there are a few popular national dishes that are not to be missed.

One such street food treat is nasri goreng, which consists of rice fried with various types of chopped vegetables or meat.

Another dish that can be picked up from a street vendor is gado-gado. Translated as ‘mix-mix’, it is made from boiled vegetables, a hard-boiled egg, potatoes and fried tofu, amongst other ingredients. All of this is then served up covered in peanut sauce.

Also on the street food menu is Satay, which involves pieces of skewered meat or fish being grilled over a fire, before being covered in spices and a sauce, usually containing soy and peanuts.

Meat eaters may also wish to sample the delights of rendang, a flavoursome dish which sees beef slow cooked in coconut milk, herbs, spices.

Those with less of an appetite could plump for soto, a traditional soup made with meat and vegetables.

Events and Festivals

Independence Day

Marking the day when Indonesia achieved independence from the Dutch and Japanese in 1945, Independence Day takes place annually on August 17. Communities celebrate the occasion with flag ceremonies, games and competitions.

Waisak

Observed by Buddhists throughout Indonesia, Waisak celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. Waisak takes place on different days each year depending on the lunar calendar and is marked by a public holiday.

Nyepi

Taking place on the island of Bali, Nyepi is a day of silence, fasting and self-reflection to mark the new year. Nyepi takes place on a different day each year depending on the Balinese calendar and sees offices and businesses closed, no traffic on the roads and everyone staying indoors. However, the day before Nyepi, celebrations take place with processions, rituals and ceremonies being held, and much noise and excitement.

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