Once a year, go someplace you’ve never been before.

-Dalai Lama

 

Let me ask you something. Do you believe in signs? How about synchronicity? Those unexplainable yet obvious occurrences that happen (when you least expect it) yet they make you stop and make you wonder.

Well, I have been seeing signs and noticing them even more so in the past few days. The first one I saw was during The Amazing Race (yes, you know that show is for true adventurous souls, risk takers AND thrill seekers). This time the action took place in one of the places I’ve been dreaming of for the longest time, and of course it is included in my ever-growing Travel Bucket list (see no 75): the one and only Bali.

Now the following day I continued my spring cleaning and what did I find in a box? This.

Two real maps of an exotic land which has been calling my name, soul and spirit: the Republic of Indonesia.

Located in Southeast Asia, this incredible archipelago comprises over 17 000 islands and 34 provinces.

Among its most densely populated (and most visited) regions are:

Sumatra

Ocean view Photo Credit: Sorcel

Java

Borobudur Temple in Central Java Photo Credit: Joseph82

Bali

Temple in Ubud, Bali Photo Credit: MariaMichelle

West Nusa Tenggara

Komodo National Park Photo Credit: opickamikom

East Nusa Tenggara

Photo Credit: Giusti596

Kalimantan

Diving Photo Credit: Arhnue

Sulawesi

Beach in Wakatobi Photo Credit: MonicaVolpin

Maluku and Papua.

 

No trip to Indonesia is complete without a visit to its dynamic metropolis and capital of the Republic, Jakarta in West Java.

There is so much to see and do that time is what you’ll be missing. Did you know that there are 60 museums AND 130 malls? It sure is the cultural and fashion capital of Java for that reason and many more.

Retail therapy sure leaves you hungry and thirsty (and most likely with empty pockets). There is a simple and easy solution to that. You can refuel and gain back some energy at one of its many restaurants ranging from food stalls to posh restaurants.

If shopping or culinary tours leave you exhausted or if you need to get away from all the hustle and bustle of the city, Traveloka has a great suggestion for adventurous souls. Head south-east to Cinapas, most precisely to the regency of Cianjur where you can rest and recharge batteries at Puncak Pass Resort.

Located in the middle of peaceful surroundings and at the foot of Mount Gede-Pangrango National Park, this resort will allow you to reconnect with nature which in turn will revitalize and re-energize by breathing fresh air and spectacular mountain views.

Mountain and clouds Photo credit: Fajaraddana

There are also several attractions in the surrounding areas such as:

Pucak Tea Plantation

Cibodas Botanical Garden

Taman Safari

Lake Warna

Curug Kembar (Twin Waterfalls)

and even a Presidential Palace.

We did say that it was for adventurous souls right? 🙂

 

East of Java, is the island of Bali. Nicknamed the Island of The Thousand Temples among others, it is a renowned spiritual center where religion, tradition, century old customs, ceremonies are practiced on a daily basis and in complete harmony with the environment. It is simply a way of life.

Tanah Lot Photo credit: Wenni

Bali is known as one of the best spa destinations. It abounds with wellness centers which are a magnet for travelers who come from all over the world not looking to enjoy its many stunning beaches, resorts but also to receive natural treatments in breathtaking surroundings.

Why do I have to make it to Bali?

There are many reasons but mainly it can be summed up in one word: adventures. I want to cycle along a country road next to rice paddies

Photo Credit: MariaMichelle

go hiking and stand in awe before Mount Agung,

Photo Credit: Klaus_Schrodt

attend a religious ceremony, learn all about natural medicine, health treatments and also enjoy going to the beach every single day and why not go on day trip to another island close by.

Photo Credit: Keulefm

That would be the ideal holiday that will certainly be life changing and make me want to go back for more.

As mentioned above, Indonesia has so many islands that it would take a lifetime and more to visit them all!

I’m sure that several trips will be needed in order to cover other parts of the country that deserve more TLC and attention than they are getting at the moment right?

Now let me turn it over to you.

 

Have you been to Indonesia or would you love to go?

Where have you been or what places to you want to visit?

 

Tell us all about it in the comments and if you have any recommendations, let us know.

Until next time, selamat tingal!

All the best, semua yang terbaik.

K 🙂