What to do in Indonesia: the must-sees of an exceptional archipelago

Indonesia isn't limited to a single island, even if some concentrate a multitude of unforgettable experiences on their own. To plan your stay well, it's useful to know the specific strengths of each destination and to choose according to the type of activities that suit you best.

Bali captivates as much with its terraced rice fields carved into the hills as with its sacred temples nestled along the sea. The Tanah Lot temple, perched on its rock facing the Indian Ocean, offers one of the island's most breathtaking sunsets: a sight not to be missed under any circumstances. Inland, Ubud invites you to slow down with its art galleries, its traditional market and Tegallalang's rice terraces, true icons of the Balinese landscape.

To extend your stay, Nusa Lembongan and Nusa Penida deserve special attention. These two islands, accessible from Bali in less than an hour by boat, offer paradise beaches, spectacular cliffs and underwater life where you can swim with manta rays. Each detail of these island getaways contributes to making Bali and its surroundings an ideal destination, both for families and for couples seeking serenity.

Our advice: plan at least two days in Nusa Penida to explore its natural sites at your own pace, between swimming in isolated coves and snorkeling above the coral reefs.

Just a short ferry ride from Bali, Lombok offers a serene atmosphere and landscapes of raw beauty. The island is dominated by the Rinjani volcano, whose two- to three-day ascent rewards hikers with a panoramic view of the archipelago. The southern beaches, with white sand and crystal-clear waters, rival the region's most renowned paradise beaches.

To the west of Lombok, the Gili Islands form an essential trio. Gili Air charms with its tranquil atmosphere, ideal for families, while Gili Trawangan attracts those who want to combine diving, nightlife and lounging. Without cars or motorbikes, these islands live at their own pace, between white sand, sea turtles, and turquoise waters of absolute calm.

Contact us to organize your tailor-made trip to Indonesia, between Bali, Lombok and the Gili Islands.

The island of Java concentrates some of the most impressive sites in the entire archipelago. Less beach-focused than Bali or Lombok, Java stands out as a destination of choice for heritage enthusiasts, volcanic hiking and cultural richness.

Near Yogyakarta, the Buddhist temple of Borobudur is a unique experience in its own right. Built in the 9th century from millions of blocks of volcanic stone, this monumental structure is ideally visited at sunrise, when the mist still envelops the stupas and the surrounding volcanoes outline themselves on the horizon. A few kilometres further, the Hindu complex of Prambanan, also listed as a World Heritage site, unfurls its slender spires in an equally enchanting setting. These two sites bear witness to an architectural past of rare richness, and each deserves several hours of visiting to fully grasp their grandeur.

To the east of the island of Java, Kawah Ijen is one of the most fascinating volcanoes in the country. Its crater, rising to 2,400 metres above sea level, houses the world's largest acidic lake, in a striking blue-green color. To experience something rare, the nocturnal ascent of the volcano allows you to observe the blue flames escaping from the crater, a natural phenomenon due to the combustion of sulfur gas. Not far from there, the Semeru volcano, the island's highest point, attracts seasoned hikers in search of breathtaking volcanic landscapes. Climbing either of these summits in Indonesia is to grant yourself a rare moment, far from overly crowded trails.

Did you know? The blue flames of Kawah Ijen are visible only in the dark, which makes the nocturnal ascent a unique moment in any trip to Indonesia.

Book your Java trip now and let our Travel Planners craft the ideal itinerary according to your wishes.

The Indonesian archipelago hides confidential destinations, far from the bustle of classic itineraries. For those who wish to grant themselves a bit of serenity or experience authentic moments of sharing, certain places deserve to be known and integrated into your itinerary.

The islands of Raja Ampat, located at the northwest tip of West Papua, are considered one of the world's most precious marine sanctuaries. This archipelago of more than 1,500 islands houses extraordinary biodiversity: sharks, manta rays, schools of tropical fish and coral reefs of unparalleled variety. Whether you are a seasoned diver or simply curious, each immersion in these crystalline waters is a rare experience. Plan at least six days to fully enjoy this archipelago, accessible from Sorong.

For an even more intimate stay, a cruise between the islands allows you to reach exclusive spots, far from any tourist infrastructure, for a true feeling of being at the edge of the world.

In the Lesser Sunda Islands, between Flores and Sumbawa, Komodo National Park stands out as a must-visit. It is here that the Komodo dragons, the largest living lizards, roam freely across the arid hills. Padar Island offers a spectacular viewpoint over its three bays with contrasting colors, while the park's marine life is among the richest in Southeast Asia.

Here's what you shouldn't miss during a visit to the park:

• A dawn hike on Padar Island to admire the sunrise over the bays;
• A dive or snorkeling session over the coral reefs around Rinca Island;
• A guided encounter with the Komodo dragons alongside a local ranger.

Contact us for more information on the best times to travel to Indonesia and to tailor your stay with our experts.