Home to over 18,000 islands, Indonesia peppers the Indian and Pacific Oceans. Island hop between smouldering volcanoes, haggle in Ubud’s markets with a personal shopper, sail east on a private liveaboard to discover world class diving with a marine biologist or relax on secret, rugged, untouched beaches.
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The world’s most extensive island collection sits right on top of the equator and the lush tropical landscape that results is nothing short of jewel-like. Dazzling green paddy fields lead down from dense rainforest to picture-perfect palm-fringed beaches, a gateway to world-class diving and ocean adventures. The islands are dotted liberally with dramatic volcanic peaks, ripe for adventure, and the fertile lands play host to an array of plant and animal life, including the prehistoric-looking Komodo Dragon.
But it’s not just nature that puts Indonesia on a travel pedestal: the country’s fascinatingly rich culture boasts a melting pot of religions and an array of diverse peoples, including remote ethnic tribes and some of the most hospitable locals you could wish to meet. All this against a backdrop of sophisticated city night spots, colourful markets, and awe-inspiring religious monuments, such as the majestic Borobudur.
Wix Squared has some exceptional guides to get you under the skin of the country including:
- A personal shopper in Ubud
- Cycling and trekking guides
- Weaving masters
- Hand-picked dive crews including exceptional chefs and masseuses
- A National Geographic photographer in Saigon
- Hindu priests to explain the intricacies of their religion and perform traditional water blessings
- Surfing instructors
- A Balinese cookery class with a local foodie
- Yogis to guide you through your sun salutations and meditation sessions
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Itinerary Starting Price
From £2,000 per person, for 7 days including accommodation, private guiding, entrance fees and private transfers (not including flights).
Random Fact
Indonesia has a great number of volcanoes in the world. There are 147 volcanoes, and 76 of them are active and spread along the islands of Sumatra, Java, Celebes, and Lesser Sunda.
Festival
Each spring, the islanders of Sumba celebrate Pasola, a re-enactment of ancient battles in which horsemen riding bareback charge at each other flinging blunt spears.
What to Eat
Once you’ve had your fill of the ubiquitous nasi goring, make sure you try crispy-skinned Babi Guling, a succulent Balinese pork dish, bathed in coconut water and then marinated in chilli, turmeric, ginger, and garlic.
What to Read
‘A House in Bali’ by Colin McPhee. This story transports the reader to a bygone era when the island’s rich and fascinating culture was unchanged by Western influences.
What to buy
Browse the archipelago’s many colourful markets for batik and ikat textiles, wickerwork bags and boxes or fabulous traditional masks.
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Private Charters
To explore the magical horizons of the Komodo Islands, Raja Ampat and further afield, our collection of floating palaces is what dreams are made of. The ultimate in luxury and exclusivity, our yachts range in size and style catering for all types of holidays. Why not choose Mischief for a family adventure or the stunning Alexa, for a unique honeymoon? We can arrange anything from a decadent sunset picnic to a guided expedition in search of the world’s most extraordinary creatures.
Luxurious Havens
When it comes to luxury accommodation, you’re spoilt for choice in Indonesia, which boasts four Aman properties alone. With the buzzing town of Ubud on your doorstep, immerse yourself in the calm of Amandari, Four Seasons Sayan, the Ritz-Carlton’s Mandapa or Capella Ubud in the heart of the rainforest. Further down the island is Belmond’s beautiful Jimbaran Puri and the Alila Uluwatu, whilst the opulent Amanjiwo takes the top spot on the island of Java.
Boutique Hotels
For something a little different with bundles of character and charm, why not consider one of our favourite boutique hotels. Puri Ganesha, in the secluded north-west corner of Bali, provides attention to detail and truly personalised service, as does Lombok Lodge with its nine whitewashed suites. On Java, there’s Mesastila, surrounded by volcanoes and coffee plantations and the quirky Tugu hotels, stuffed full of intriguing traditional art and artefacts.
Remote Islands
We know the importance of getting away from it all. We also know just where to send you for that ultimate escape. Bawah Reserve offers a Maldivian-style island paradise across six islands, three lagoons and 13 beaches. For something with a touch of the wild, step aboard your private plane to Moyo, for glamping as you’ve never experienced it at Amanwana. Or head down to Sumba for a taste of the tribal, not to mention the uncompromising luxury and unparalleled service at Nihi Sumba.
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Beach Time
For a beach break, look no further than Indonesia, whose numerous sun-baked islands ensure that there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a honeymoon couple seeking barefoot luxury in the form of palm-fringed stretches of sand, a family in search of the ideal sand-castle territory or you simply want to catch some world-class waves along wild, rugged coastlines. You’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Spa Sojourns
Bali is a world-famous hub for wellness, and we can plan a retreat that will send you home refreshed and rejuvenated. Cocoon yourself in one of our favourite peaceful sanctuaries, such as Como Shambhala, a one-time monastery, and enjoy private consultations, daily yoga sessions, a range of holistic Asian therapies and deliciously healthy menus. Leave de-stressed, detoxed, and ready to tackle every-day life.
Action-Packed Adventure
The countryside, forests and coasts that make up the sprawling archipelago provide a wealth of opportunities for the active and adventurous. Mountain biking down volcanoes, horseback-riding through paddy fields, rafting down rapids, ziplining over the jungle canopy, hot air ballooning in Ubud, surfing the waves and tubing along canyons are snippets of the plethora of activities we can offer.
Smouldering Volcanoes
It’s hard to visit Indonesia without coming across a volcano. We can take you to see Mt Bromo’s peak soaring above the clouds, to climb down into Ijen’s sulphur-filled crater to see the fabled ‘blue flame’ or to take a midnight trek to summit Mt Rinjani in time for sunrise. Further east is Kelimutu, on Flores, with its three distinctly coloured crater lakes … these marvels of nature cannot fail to amaze even the most experienced of travellers.
Arts & Culture
Bali’s Ubud is full to bursting with craftsmen of all types. Learn how to capture the terraced hillsides with a local painter, take a traditional Balinese dance class or visit a master weaver’s workshop. Whilst often overshadowed by its lively neighbour, Java’s cultural offerings are hard to beat. Discover the masterful details and ancient history of Borobudur, followed by a private exploration of Yogyakarta’s temples and floating palaces.
Underwater Experiences
Widely considered to be the best destination for sea life on the planet, Indonesia’s marine diversity is nothing less than extraordinary. 20% of the world’s coral reefs, over 3000 species of fish and varied underwater terrain including deep trenches and volcanic seamounts present a mecca for divers. Wix Squared can create a dream diving trip for both beginners and the more experienced alike, on one of our fantastic liveaboards.
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Journey through the cultural intricacies and colourful sites of Indonesia before heading to the open skies and wilderness of ‘Down Under’. It’s the ultimate ‘bush and beach’ experience with direct flights from Bali to Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne.
After a relaxing fortnight nestled amongst the lush, terraced landscapes and sandy beaches of Indonesia, why not return home via Kuala Lumpur for a few days of urban adventure to ease you back into reality?
Just a short, three-hour flight away, Singapore combines nicely with an Indonesian holiday. Start off with the bright city lights and sophistication of Singapore before continuing south to explore Indonesia’s magical culture and landscapes.
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For that special occasion, Indonesia has plenty to offer in terms of the ‘wow factor’. Let us arrange a sunrise yoga session at the temple of Borobudur, an exquisite, candlelit dinner cooked by 5* chefs and served in a charming local house among Java’s rice terraces or private access behind the scenes at a festival.
We can point you in the direction of exclusive private villas, one-of-a-kind boutique hotels to take exclusively for a weekend or longer and luxury yachts to charter with a range of staff (from chefs to dive-masters) to cater for your every need.
Find out more about Events by Wix Squared
Weather
Temperatures remain around 28-30°C year-round.
Java, Bali, and Nusa Tenggara (Lombok, Komodo, Sumba and Flores) are best visited May-October.
Raja Ampat, Papua and Moluccas are best visited November-March.
- Being a tropical destination, expect rain across most of the country in January. For keen divers, head to Raja Ampat aboard a private yacht where the weather is more guaranteed.
- This is one of the best times to be in eastern Indonesia to swim amongst incredible marine life. Northern Sumatra experiences less rain at this time of year with the chance to see orangutans in Bukit Luwang.
- Raja Ampat, Papua and Moluccas have the best weather at this time of year, and we work with several private boats sailing through these waters.
- Go in search of orangutang in Kalimantan or bag a deal on one of the boats relocating between eastern and western Indonesia.
- This is a lovely time to explore Java, Bali and Nusa Tenggara with warm sunny days and less tourists around – perfect for a romantic honeymoon.
- A wonderful destination for the school summer holidays, island hopping between Java, Bali, and Lombok, climbing volcanoes, and going in search of the Komodo Dragon, are just some of the activities we can arrange.
- Coincide your visit with the Bali Arts festival and stay in one of the boutique hotels in Ubud before relaxing on a beach away from the crowds on Lombok.
- August is a popular time of year to travel to Indonesia with dry and sunny days, particularly on Bali where we can arrange freewheeling down the side of a volcano or surf lessons in Seminyak.
- The schools have gone back but the sunshine stays in Indonesia, making this a popular location for honeymoons and romantic getaways. However, you may see a sprinkling of rain towards the end of the month.
- There is a small chance of rain in October, so it is still a great time to travel with some good deals to be had. The Komodo dragons continue to bask in the sun and the island of Sumba has a phenomenal surf.
- This is one of the wettest months in Bali and its neighbouring islands, so head further east where the sun is still shining in the waters of Raja Ampat.
- Follow the sunshine to Raja Ampat aboard a luxury liveaboard and swim with both reef and oceanic manta rays.
