Where to Go
Java
Java has some healthy coral reefs that make for good low-key snorkelling spots.
AKarimunjawa Islands This archipelago has a number of islands fringed by colourful corals.
ABaluran National Park An offshore site features a drop with plenty of fish and corals.
Bali
Bali is ringed by good snorkelling sites that are easily reached.
APulau Menjangan A steady current takes you right along the edge of the beautiful 30m coral wall.
ATulamben A popular sunken WWII freighter is easily reached right offshore.
AAmed This coastline along east Bali has plenty of colourful coral and fish directly off the beach.
Nusa Tenggara
Nusa Tenggara has the best selection of snorkelling sites in the country. You can snorkel all of the Moyo and Alor dive sites and share a boat with the divers (Click here).
AGili Islands As well as masses of tropical fish, turtles are almost guaranteed from any of the many tour boats.
AKomodo The best snorkel sites are around Pulau Kanawa, Pulau Sebayur and off Pantai Merah.
Maluku
There are plenty of accessible coral gardens on the many islands here.
ABanda Islands Can be snorkelled, though you’ll need to free dive a bit to get the best views of the drop-offs. You might see turtles and sharks off Pulau Hatta.
ALease Islands These rarely visited islands with wonderful clear waters offer great snorkelling, including off uninhabited Pulau Molana.
Papua
Divers aren't the only ones having fun here.
ARaja Ampat Islands Many superb snorkelling sites are reachable just by walking off a beach or taking a boat. Dive resorts and homestays all offer snorkelling.
ANabire Snorkel with whale sharks.
Sumatra
The best snorkelling is around the little islands offshore. Rudimentary day trips are available, but travellers are advised to bring their own snorkelling gear.
APulau Bintan Pantai Trikora On the east coast and is good for snorkelling, especially at high tide.
APulau Weh This island off the tip of Sumatra has beautiful coral gardens full of marine life, including turtles.
Kalimantan
ADerawan Archipelago Features some of the country's best snorkelling; head to its outer islands, as reefs around Pulau Derawan are damaged.
Sulawesi
Sulawesi has a large number of great snorkelling sites.
APulau Bunaken Great for snorkelling for many of the same reasons that it's a good dive location.
ATogean Islands Given the challenges in reaching these idyllic little gems, it's nice that there's good underwater action once you get here.
Surfing
Indonesia lures surfers from around the globe, many with visions of empty palm-lined beaches, bamboo bungalows and perfect barrels peeling around a coral reef. The good news is that mostly the dreams come true, but just like anywhere else, Indonesia is subject to flat spells, onshore winds and crowding (particularly on Bali). A little research and preparation go a long way.
There are usually boards for rent (but don't expect great quality), and surf schools are located at the major surf sites.
Where to Go
Java
Java is still being explored by surfers, who find new breaks every year. Its popular breaks at G-Land, Cimaja, Batu Karas and Pacitan have surf schools and shops.
AG-Land One of the world's best left-handers, G-Land is a holy grail for expert surfers. With consistently perfect waves and long rides, it's worthy of all the hype.
ACimaja A popular surf spot at Pelabuhan Ratu. The fabled Ombak Tujuh break is off a pebble beach.
APulau Panaitan Home to some of Indo's biggest waves including the fast and powerful Apocalypse, and long left barrels at One Palm Point.
ABatu Karas One of several good breaks around Pangandaran, a popular surf spot off the southern coast of Central Java.
APacitan This town on a beautiful little horseshoe bay rewards surfers who make the trek.
Bali
Despite the crowds, Bali remains a surfer's paradise, with some of the best tubes in the world. Breaks are found right around the south side of the island, and there’s a large infrastructure of schools and board-rental places.
AKuta Beach Where surfing came to Asia. Generally a good place for beginners (unless it's pumping) with long, steady breaks.
ABukit Pensinsula From Bali's largest sets at Ulu Watu and Padang Padang, to world-class breaks at Balangan and Bingin, this is one of Indo's best surf spots.
AKeramas Right-hand break that's fast, powerful and hollow. The world pro comp is held here, and it also has the novelty of night surfing under lights.
AMedewi Famous point break with a ride right into a river mouth.
ANusa Lembongan The island is a mellow scene for surfers who come for the right-hand breaks known as Shipwrecks and Lacerations, and the less challenging leftie at Playgrounds.
Nusa Tenggara
You could spend years exploring – and discovering! – places to surf in Nusa Tenggara.
ALombok South Lombok is a surf paradise. There are numerous breaks from Ekas to Gerupuk to Kuta, all of which can be accessed from Kuta. Tanjung Desert (Desert Point) is more of a surf camp and it’s also legendary.
ASumbawa Jelenga (Scar Reef) and Maluk are among the greatest and most overlooked surf breaks in the world. Surfers regularly descend here to surf Supersuck, which offers one of the best barrels anywhere.
ARote T-Land is the legendary left, but there are hollow waves in Bo’a Bay, as well.
ASumba West Sumba has the best breaks, but it’s not set up for tourists. You’ll have to hire a car, drive into remote villages and paddle out on sight and feel.
Sumatra
Arguably Indonesia's hottest surf region; new areas such as Krui are attracting surfers in the know and further areas are opening up all the time.
AMentawai Islands Surfing is huge business in the Mentawais, where you'll find some of the world's best waves. Everything's here, from local fixers arranging speedboat transport, to simple losmens (basic accommodation) or seven- to 10-day all-inclusive trips on surf boats. Primo breaks include Macaronis and Lance's Right.
APulau Nias A low-key place for low-key surfers. The one place on Sumatra where you can rent a decent board cheaply. Good schools for beginners.
AKrui A largely undiscovered surf spot that has yet to attract mobs, not unlike other Sumatra secret spots Banyaks and Simelue.
ABono Hands down Indo's most bizarre wave, this freshwater tidal bore generates a perfect set rolling in along a brown river.
SURF INFO ONLINE
ABali Waves (www.baliwaves.com) Surf reports, including webcams of top spots.
AMagic Seaweed (www.magicseaweed.com) Popular and respected for reliable surf reports and forecasts.
ASurfAid International (www.surfaidinternational.org) Surfer-run aid organisation.
ASurf Travel Company (www.surftravel.com.au) Australian outfit with camps, yacht charters, destination information, surfer reviews and more.
AWannaSurf (www.wannasurf.com) Surf reports, current conditions and a message board.
Kitesurfing
Surfing isn't the only way to catch a wave in Indo these days; kitesurfing is fast catching on as a popular water sport.
Where to Go
Java
ABanyuwangi For those with their own gear, Pulau Tabuhan gets some good winds for kitesurfing. It hosts the Tabuhan Island Pro in August.
Bali
ASanur The best spot on Bali for kitesurfing. Rip Curl has set up shop, and offers kitesurfing lessons and equipment hire, as well as windsurfing and stand-up paddling (SUP).
Nusa Tenggara
APantai Lakey & Hu’u One of the world's top 10 kitesurfing destinations; the season runs from July to November.
AKuta Several operators offer lessons and rental.
Sum
atra
AAceh From May to September, Lampu’uk on Aceh's west coast is popular for kitesurfing. If you're a beginner, Aceh Kitecamp in Lhok Nga is the best place to head.
Rafting & Kayaking
Some of the rivers tumbling down Indonesia's volcanic slopes draw adventure operators and thrill-seeking tourists. For something more relaxing, jump in a sea kayak for a paddle around.
Where to Go
Java
Java probably has Indonesia's best white-water rafting.
ASungai Citarak Churns out Class II to IV rapids.
AGreen Valley Located near Pangandaran; you can skip a raft altogether and go 'body rafting' in a life jacket.
Bali
Two reputable operators are Bali Adventure Tours and Bio, which offer rafting, river boarding and tubing.
ASungai Ayung Features 33 Class II to III rapids, which are fun and suitable for all levels.
ASungai Telagawaja Rafting trips take on this scenic and wild stretch of river near Muncan in east Bali.
Nusa Tenggara
AKomodo National Park Glide through the park on a guided kayak tour from Labuanbajo.
AGili Air Hire a kayak to look down upon reefs through gin-clear waters.
Kalimantan
ALoksado The bamboo rafting here is more of a relaxing paddle than an adrenaline rush.
Papua
ARaja Ampat Islands Rent a kayak with or without a guide to explore pristine waters.
Sumatra
ABukit Lawang Finish off your sweaty jungle trek with an enjoyable wet 'n' wild river journey down fun rapids.
ABanyak Islands Jump in a sea kayak to explore dozens of tropical islands.
Sulawesi
ASungai Sa'dan Lures adventure junkies to tackle its 20-odd rapids (some up to Class IV).
ATana Toraja Rafting agents in Rantepao organise trips down its canyon.
AMinahasa Combine rafting rapids with wildlife-watching.
Hiking, Trekking & Climbing
Setting off on foot in Indonesia offers limitless opportunities for adventure and exploration, from volcanic peaks with jaw-dropping dawn views to remote jungle treks; you can leave civilisation behind.
Where to Go
Java
Java has some great walks. Guides are always available at national park offices, or via guesthouses. Tents and sleeping bags can be rented at Semeru. Organised hikes can be set up in Kalibaru (to Merapi) and Malang (to Semeru).
AGunung Bromo One of three volcanic cones (one active) that emerge from an otherworldly caldera. Highly recommended and popular.
AGede Pangrango National Park Waterfalls and the nearly 3000m-high Gunung Gede, an active volcano, are the highlights.
AGunung Lawu On the border of Central and East Java, this 3265m mountain is dotted with ancient Hindu temples.
AGunung Semeru It's a tough three-day trek to the top of Java's tallest peak, which is nearly always volcanically active.
AIjen Plateau Coffee plantations, misty jungle, volcanic cones and a spectacular crater lake are the allures here.
Bali
Bali is very walkable. No matter where you’re staying, ask for recommendations, and set off for discoveries and adventures.
AGunung Agung Sunrises and isolated temples on Bali's most sacred mountain.
AGunung Batur This volcano's other-worldly scenery almost makes you forget about the hassles.
AMunduk Lush, spice-scented waterfall-riven landscape high in the hills.
ASidemen Road Rice terraces and lush hills; comfy lodgings for walkers.
ABali Barat National Park A range of hikes through alternating habitats of jungle, savannah and mangroves.
AUbud Beautiful walks between one hour and one day through rice, river-valley jungles and ancient monuments.
Nusa Tenggara
Lombok and Flores are both easily accessible and home to some top hikes.
AGunung Rinjani Indonesia’s second-tallest volcano is on Lombok. The standard trek is three to four days long; it begins near a sacred waterfall, skirts lakes and hot springs, and culminates with sunrise on one of two peaks.
AFlores Enjoy hikes to remote villages only accessible by trail, the most interesting of which is the trek to Wae Rebo in the Manggarai region. You can also climb Gunung Inerie in the Bajawa area, or hike to the remote Pauleni Village near Belaragi.
Gunung Rinjani base camp, Nusa TenggaraABDUL AZIS/GETTY IMAGES ©
Maluku
AGunung Api Head up this perfectly formed volcanic cone on a three-hour (quite arduous) self-guided trek.
Papua
Trekking is the reason for many people to visit Papua.
ABaliem Valley World-class trekking: great hiking in wonderful mountain scenery among friendly, traditional people. It's possible to sleep most nights in villages; some simpler routes don't require guides or porters.
AKorowai region Tough jungle trekking in an area populated by ex-headhunters who live in tree houses. You'll need a well-organised, expensive guided trip.
ACarstensz Pyramid & Gunung Trikora You'll need mountaineering skills to climb the two highest mountains in Oceania. Both involve high altitudes and camping in a cold climate. Organise through specialist agencies.
Sumatra
Unsurprisingly, this vast island offers a huge range of overland adventures.
AMentawai Islands There is still dense, untouched jungle here that you can penetrate by longboat on river journeys. Local guides will take you to their isolated abodes.
ABerastagi A cool retreat from steamy Medan. Easy treks include volcanoes.
ABukittinggi You can meander through tiny villages or head off into the jungle for the three-day trek to Danau Maninjau.
AKerinci Seblat National Park Dense rainforest, high mountains and rare animals such as rhinos are the highlights of treks through Sumatra's largest park.
Kalimantan
The jungles of Borneo remain seemingly impenetrable in vast areas, and that's all the more reason for intrepid trekkers to set out on a trail.
ACross-Borneo Trek This uber-choice of Kalimantan treks is best undertaken by contacting either De'gigant Tours in Samarinda or Kompakh in Putussibau and going from there. No one should try to organise it by themselves.
ALoksado A real-life adventure park with dozens of rope and bamboo bridges across streams amid thick jungle.
AGunung Besar The highest peak in the Meratus mountain range, Besar (1901m) is accessed via a week-long hike from Loksado.
Sulawesi
The region around Tana Toraja could occupy months of trekking.
ATana Toraja Beautiful valleys and fascinating Torajan architecture and culture are highlights. Good guides are readily available in Rantepao.
AMamasa West of Tana Toraja, this 59km trek linking Tana Toraja and Mamasa is a three-day treat.
ATomohon Hike up to Gunung Lokon's crater lake.
Safe Hiking
Before embarking on a trekking or hiking trip, consider the following points to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
APay any fees and obtain any permits required by local authorities.
ABe sure you are healthy and feel comfortable walking for a sustained period.
AObtain reliable information about physical and environmental conditions along your intended route.
ABe aware of local laws, regulations and etiquette about wildlife and the environment.
AWalk only in regions and on trails/tracks within your realm of experience.
ABe aware that weather conditions and terrain vary significantly from one region, or even from one trail or track, to another. Seasonal changes and sudden weather shifts can significantly alter any trail or track. These differences influence what to wear and what equipment to carry.
AAsk before you set out about the environmental characteristics that can affect your walk, and how experienced local walkers deal with these considerations.
AStrongly consider hiring a guide. Indonesia has many good guides
who have invaluable local knowledge.
Guides
A guide can make or break your trip. Some travellers report disappointing trips with cheap guides, but high fees alone don't guarantee satisfaction. Here are some tips for choosing a guide.
AMeet the guide before finalising any trip. (If you're dealing with a tour agency, insist on meeting the guide you'll travel with, not the head of the agency.)
AQuiz the guide about the itinerary. That can begin by email or telephone, and will also provide a sample of their ability in your language. (Be aware that guides using email may have a helper handling that correspondence.) Listen to their ideas, and see if they listen to yours.
AGuides usually offer package prices and should be able to roughly itemise trip costs. Be clear on what's included in the package, particularly regarding transport and food.
ASome guides offer the option of charging you only their fee (250,000Rp to 600,000Rp per day) while you pay other expenses directly.
Lonely Planet Indonesia Page 5