Sulawesi Indonesia

Some of the world’s most beautiful underwater environments are located in Sulawesi, Indonesia. There’s the Bunaken Marine Reserve with white sandy beaches, a dense population of fish, coral and deep underwater gullies and valleys; Lembeh Straits and its WWI shipwrecks and unusual black sand bottoms; the Togean Islands which host all major reef formations (fringing, barrier, patch and atoll); Wakatobi in Tukang Besi Archipelago and its fascinating fossil reef formations and a myriad of marine species, such as sperm and pilot whales, spinner, bottle-nose dolphins and dugongs; the sea garden of Takabonerate National Park, southwest of Selayar Island, which is the third largest coral atoll in the world, as the Banggai Archipelago, the Makassar Straits, Kapoposang, Bira and Selayar islands… the list of amazing location is endless. The Lariang River, which runs for half its length of the Lore Lindu National Park, is a world-class venue for white-water rafting. Lore Lindu in Central Sulawesi is largest habitat for Sulawesi’s endemic mammals, such as the anoa, babirusa, deer, tarsius spectrum, cuscus, civets, squirrels, rats, and over 55 types of bats and more than 230 species of birds, including the maleo and red knobbed hornbill. See the ancient culture and ceremonies of Tana Toraja. Apart from the wonderful scenery of lush valleys and rice fields sheltered by rocky cliffs, Torajan villages are architectural masterpiece, consisting of the beautifully decorated Tongkonan houses. Coffins containing bones and skulls are kept in the cliffs and cave graves. These unique burial sites are a typical Torajan ritual. At Lemo, carved-out cliff balconies hold tau-taus, wooden effigies of the dead. A pre-historic cave at Miasa Te’ne (Leang Lompoa Cave) has finger painting depicting men and pigs. The cave was once inhabited by the Toalaean indigenous people some 5,000 years ago. In Bada Valley of Central Sulawesi, see mysterious megalithic statues. While the south which is home to the seafaring Buginese, see traditional boat-building techniques at Bantaeng and Bulukumba.150 species of rare butterflies are found at Bantimurung. Known as Turtle Island, Pasoso Island has a high population of green turtle. Between the months of September and October, the turtles lay their eggs in the island’s sandy beaches.

Papua Indonesia

The cool highlands and mountains of Papua invite trekkers to explore largely untouched territories. Visit Dani honays or huts that are built close together in a traditional village compound in the Baliem Valley. The two highest peaks in the Jayawijaya mountain range are the world’s few capped mountains located on the equator. Take a boat ride on Lake Sentani in Jayapura and enjoy some tranquil fishing. Papua is an exotic experience offering a rich variety of dives and amazing fish and marine species. See WWI fighter ships and planes in their watery graves in the shallow waters of Cendrawasih Bay and in the island off New Guinea’s western tip. Raja Ampat has a variety of diving sites; shallow bays, lagoon channels bordered by rain forest, rock islands and offshore reefs that contain some of the richest species of marine animals and corals in the world.
The bird park on Bosnik in Biak Island offers chance to see birds of paradise and other rare species. There is also an orchid park that grows as many as 72 types of orchids. Manokwari and the Arfak mountains are famous as the habitat of rare butterflies and insects.
Discover carvings and other treasures of the Asmat in the swamp regions of the south coast. East of Senatali, in the Waena suburb, the Museum Negeri displays Asmat bisj poles and decorated skulls, fine Baliem axe heads and interesting items such as mammoth shark’s teeth.Doyo Lama Village around 45 km from Jayapura has megalithic monuments that are engraved and believed to have supernatural powers. west of Biak, see fire-walking dances at the Adoki Village. The annual Baliem Festival held every August showcases traditional Dani dances and music. Mock tribal wars are also staged during the event. Taking months to prepare, the Sago Grub Feast is an important event that brings together different clans. The attending clans dance and feast on sago grubs.

Lombok & Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia

Looking for sun, sea and sand without the usual holiday crowd? Senggigi is Lombok’s most developed tourist region and many first-class resorts around the secluded bays and tranquil beaches. Tanjung Aan is probably Lombok’s finest beach. Northwest of the island are the emerald-like islands of Gili Air, Gili Meno and Gili Trawangan. Boasting powder white beaches, crystal-clear waters and an amazing underwater world, these islands are perfect for diving and snorkeling.

Sekotong and Bangko-Bangko in Lombok, and Lakey Beach in Sumbawa are the world famous Desert Point surf location. But Roti Island is where the best surfing is to be had in nusa Tenggara. Snorkeling on the coral reefs reveals fantastic coral informations and an amazing variety of fish. For such an experience, explore Moyo and Satonda Islands.

East Nusa Tenggara’s Flores is crowed with volcanoes and mountains, the most fantastic is Mount Kelimutu with its three colored crater lakes. Other natural wonders just waiting to be discovered is a red water lake at Mount Wawu Muda near Bejawa. At Lewoleba on the island of Lembata in the Solor Archipelago, follow pearl divers out to sea and watch them harvest pearls. Trek and climb Mount Rinjani (3726m), the third highest mountain in Indonesia. Its two crater lakes are popular camping sites before reaching the top.

The Komodo National Park on Komodo Island is home to the world’s only pre-historic “Dragon” or giant lizards which can measure more than 3 meters and weigh over 130 kg. At Liang Bua near Labuan Bajo, pre-historical remains provide an interesting insight into the past.

In Lombok, stop at several traditional Sasak Villages of Sade and Tansang-Angsang. At Batu Tering, a stone sarcophagus believed to be 2000 years old bears a foot imprint said to be made by the gods. The highland town of Bajawa is a good place to see the one of most traditional communities in Flores with traditional thatched and peaked huts raised on stilts as well as enormous megalithic tombs. Roti Island’s inhabitants are fond of dancing and music. One of their distinctive instruments is the “sasando”, a stringed instrument made of Palmyra leaves.