Although the wily jungles of Indonesia are
slightly tamer than the days of the Borneo
headhunters, there are still many options for
the modern day thrill seeker. Whether trekking
in the jungles and mountains of the vast
archipelago, diving in some of the most
biologically diverse waters in the world, or
visiting with some of the few remaining tribal
groups in the world, Indonesia can still live up
to its unfettered past.
From the snow capped peaks of Papua to the
smoking volcanoes of Java, Indonesia presents
any trekker with a wide array of choices,
regardless of skill level. The further a field
you plan to go, the more valuable you will find
using a tour agency to arrange your trip. Tour
agencies often get better deals on national
airline tickets and can arrange for
transportation and accommodation in areas where
such amenities are scarce. Papua, the
easternmost province of Indonesia, is
unfortunately experiencing periods of civil
unrest, so be sure to get updated information if
you plan to set off there. The snow covered
Carstensz Pyramid, locally known as Puncak Jaya,
is the highest mountain in Papua. Please note -
the trek up Carstensz Pyramid is for the
experienced climber. For those looking for
something challenging, but without the need for
carabineers, try the third highest peak in
Papua, Trikora Mountain. Indonesia requires all
trekkers in Papua to obtain a climbing permit,
usually arranged by your tour company. Trekking
can be combined with a visit to one of the few
remaining tribal groups on the island to
experience first hand the wonder of what it
means to live off the land.
If you like diving, the blue waters of
Indonesia, teeming with marine life of all
shapes and colors, are not to be missed. Some of
the best diving in the world is found in
Indonesia and options come in all price ranges,
from a quick dip off the coast of Bali to a two
week liveaboard that will take you to areas
otherwise inaccessible. Among the most popular
dive spots for those wanting easy access, as
well as beach resorts, is Bunaken Island off the
coast of North Sulawesi. Bunaken has suffered
some damage to its coral reefs from blast
fishing, but much is still alive or recovering
through the efforts of local conservation
groups. If you prefer a liveaboard, there are
many operators to the Komodo Islands, Sulawesi’s
Wakatobi and Lembeh Strait, Flores, and Alor, to
name a few. Shop around for the best price and
definitely check up on the company or you might
find your accommodations less than desirable.
Once you get in the water though, expect to be
awed by teeming barracudas, colorful cuttlefish,
and mantas.
For the eco-tourist, the options are endless.
From orangutan spotting and jungle trekking in
Kalimantan to Komodo Dragon watching on the
shores of Komodo, options vary by budget and
time frame. The orangutan population continues
to dwindle every year and some of the money
garnered from eco-tourism goes to support
foundations and local groups that work to save
them. Although the number of visitors is limited
each year, tour companies can arrange a visit to
the famous rainforest study area of Tanjing
Putting National Park and Camp Leakey in
Kalimantan (formerly Borneo). A visit to the
Ministry of Forestry’s feed station might earn
you the chance to interact with the orangutans
directly. Accommodation and transportation are
best arranged beforehand as flights can vary
throughout the year. Another popular ecotourism
destination is Komodo National Park which
includes the three large islands of Komodo,
Rinca, and Padar as well as several smaller
islands. A visit to this area can be combined
with a dive trip as the waters in the reserve
are home to an estimated 900-1,000 marine
species. The Komodo Dragons themselves, giant
monitor lizards, are relatively easy to spot,
but you’re guaranteed to find them safely with
the help of a guide. Accommodation in the
National Park is rustic, but the staff is
friendly and the food is decent. Foregoing the
beaches of Bali may not be easy for some, but
the treasures of the other Indonesian islands
are not to be missed.
About the Author
Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap
Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com |