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There’s more to Indonesia than Bali

ByKathy

Jakarta

Made up of over 17,000 volcanic islands, Indonesia has something unique to offer everyone. Blessed with rich jungles, imposing volcanoes, and hundreds of kilometres of gorgeous beachfront there is plenty to do and see. But for most of us we have only heard of Bali as a holiday destination.

The largely volcanic nature of the islands has created towering mountains swathed in the green of rice terraces or rainforest, dropping to white sandy beaches and vivid blue seas, the backdrop for Southeast Asia’s biggest wilderness areas and wildlife sanctuaries.

Indonesia is home to a vast array of indigenous animals too (including the Orangutan and Komodo Dragon). With extremely inexpensive local food and reasonably-priced accommodation, it’s no wonder Indonesia is a popular destination with so many travellers.
Orangutans
For those looking for a change from Bali, Indonesia’s capital Jakarta is a large bustling city with a population of over 9 million with lots on offer. Located on the northern coast of Java, the province of Jakarta has rapidly expanded through the years, absorbing many villages or kampungs in the process.
Jakarta itself is built on a wide flat delta, intersected by no less than 13 rivers. Fronting the city in the Bay of Jakarta are a large number of tiny islands, known as the Thousand Islands or Pulau Seribu, a tourist resort for snorkelling and swimming. To its south are the majestic volcanoes of Gede and Pangrango, where there are refreshing mountain resorts like Bogor, Puncak, Sukabumi and Bandung.
Sepa Island - one of the Thousand Islands
Sepa Island – one of the Thousand Islands
Jakarta is actually filled with sightseeing and tourist attractions, lots of shopping malls and hidden back streets for nightlife, food and fun.

Top Ten Things to See and Do in Jakarta

  1. Grand Indonesia Mall
  2. Istiqlal Mosque
  3. Jakarta Cathedral
  4. National Museum
  5. Thousand Islands
  6. Ancol Dreamland
  7. Jakarta Old Town
  8. National Monument of Indonesia
  9. Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park
  10. Wayang Museum

One of the city’s main attractions are the shopping centres including the Grand Indonesia Shopping Town, Ciptura World 2, Kuningan City, Ambassador, ITC Kuningan, Plaza Indonesia, Plaza Senayan and Senayan City.

A great way to get around the city to see the various sites is to board the bright blue coloured, double-decker buses for a free tour from designated bus stops. The 11 km tour takes around 1.5 hours to complete the circle. Buses are equipped with video screens and tour guides provide information along the route.

Bogor Indonesia
Bogor, Java

For a day trip out of the busy city you can venture out to Jakarta Highlands where you can discover the Bogor botanical gardens, tea plantations and Taman safari park.

One thing you will find is that Jakarta has an endless selection of accommodation, from budget to 5 star hotels, local to international chain hotels.

Big Hotel Jakarta in Sawah Besar, is idyllically located to explore Ancol Dreamland and the National Monument, as well as everything the local area has to offer. Go to Traveloka to check this perfectly located hotel out.

So next time your are considering a holiday to South East Asia, don’t just look at Bali. Consider travelling to Jakarta and the island of Java for a new holiday experience.

 

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10 Comments

  1. Some fab tips on places to see in Java Kathy. You’re right there is so much more to Indonesia than Bali. Time too to discover places not yet overrun by tourists methinks. The Jackarta Highlands sounds like a place we’d love.

    1. Thanks Jo. I haven’t been to Java but I think after writing this article I would like to go. The Jakarta Highlands do look amazing and so do those Thousand Islands. I could just picture myself there right now! :)

    1. Yes Bali is a very popular holiday destination with Aussies, but now I have researched the rest of Indonesia I think I would like to go there. Gosh there are just too many places I want to see! :)

  3. Also Yogyakarta with its batik markets are worth a visit – As is the remarkable Borobudur – a 9th century Buddhist temple, which is the largest in the world! It has a fascinating history of being overgrown and essentially “lost” only to be rediscovered when Raffles was the appointed Governor, while Java was under British rule, who sent an expedition to seek it out in 1814 :)

    1. While I was doing my research on Indonesia these two places were mentioned as must sees. I never knew that Java had so much to offer the tourist. I will definitely be putting it on my bucket list. :)

    1. I agree totally. I love Bali too and I’m going there later on in the year, but I would love to see some of those vast rainforest areas and untouched beaches in Java. Plus I would love to see the Komodo Dragons and Orangutans. :)

  5. Great post Kathy. When I was at school I was fascinated learning about the thousands of islands in Indonesia. Unfortunately I’ve still only made it to one (no second guesses there :) ). I would love to explore some of the lesser known islands in Indonesia. I have a total fascination with the Kimodos, so think I’d start there.

    1. My son has been to a lot of the other Indonesian Islands and says they are beautiful, with some being virtually untouched. I would love to see some of them as well. Java does look like a very appealing place. :)

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