First-timers' guide to a perfect vacation in Bali

Stunning beaches, beautiful temples, cultural landmarks, and shopping trips make Bali a true paradise for travellers. Located in the Indian Ocean, this is one of the most famous islands among the 1700 islands of Indonesia.

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However, individuals planning to visit Bali for the first time might not be aware of certain particulars like which places to visit, where to stay, etc. They should also consider securing their vacation by opting for travel insurance online. This policy covers expenses resulting from unfortunate events like baggage loss, personal belongings theft, etc.

Thus, first-time travellers must consider following the guide below for a perfect Bali trip.

Your ultimate beginner's guide to the perfect vacation in Bali

A travel enthusiast experiences many challenges while planning a complete vacation in Bali, especially when it comes to deciding the places to visit and travel routes to take.

Here is a complete guide for beginners planning a vacation in Bali.

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1. Choose the places you want to visit

First-time travellers will be interested to know that Southern Bali is the most touristy area on the island. It comprises the capital city Denpasar along with Ngurah Rai International Airport. Additionally, individuals looking to spend time in posh cafes, serene beaches, and fancy restaurants will find this area to be an ideal destination. Here are some of the best places to visit in South Bali:

● Uluwatu Temple
● Nusa Dua Beach
● Tanah Lot
● Nyangnyang Beach
● Cabina Bali
● Kuta Beach

2. Know the best time to visit Bali

Located to the South of the equator, Bali has a tropical climate throughout the year. So, there are predominantly two seasons here- the dry and the rainy season. From November to March, this area experiences rain making it less convenient for a vacation. Around July and August, Bali remains crowded due to the national school holidays in Indonesia. However, an ideal time to visit Bali is May, June, or September. The climate is pleasant during this period, and the beaches will be less crowded.

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4. Check reviews

Before planning a trip to Bali and deciding the places to visit, one should refer to the online reviews. First-hand experiences will give an idea of how to make a Bali vacation perfect. Furthermore, individuals might choose to do an activity that does not have good reviews and waste time and money. To avoid this, one should check out the reviews of these places and save expenses.

5. Plan a budget and itinerary

It is vital to fix a budget before planning a trip to Bali to avoid future hassles. Setting a budget will also help a traveller plan an itinerary. Besides including mandatory expenses while calculating a budget, keeping some additional cash available for any emergency is crucial.

6. Know the travel routes

As there are several places to visit in Bali, one should know the travel routes for a seamless vacation. An initial idea of travel routes will allow individuals to consider the conveyance fees in their budget checklist. One can opt for public as well as private transportation in Bali. However, public transportation is not very convenient as individuals would not be able to travel as per their timing and availability.

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7. Get travel insurance

First-time travellers must obtain a well-rounded insurance plan from a reputed provider to secure their Bali trip. There can be some mishaps during a vacation resulting in substantial cash outflow. Additionally, loss of baggage, visa, passport, etc., can also change a planned itinerary as travellers will need to spare time waiting for their belongings to arrive. To avoid inconvenience and reduce financial liability, one should purchase a travel insurance plan.

8. Plan your Visa

Tourists traveling to Bali for less than 30 days will not require a visa. It is applicable to only 170 countries, including India. However, if the travel duration is beyond 30 days, one needs to obtain a Bali visa for Indians on arrival at the airport. To apply for a Visa on Arrival (VoA), travellers must visit the immigration offices at least a week before the first 30 days are over and request an extension.

So, before planning a vacation in this postcard-perfect place for the first time, one should be aware of the points above. It will help them in making the trip successful and convenient.

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Cruising Indonesia - The Best Destinations to Visit

Our world is full of hidden gems that are yet to be discovered. Until then, we can all enjoy and visit the most beautiful countries that exist. Indonesia is one of them. It’s the biggest archipelago that counts over 17.000 islands, so while you’re visiting, you should be really picky, since you cannot visit them all. Being so vast and immensely beautiful, the country of scattered lands is best explored by water. So it comes as no surprise that the recommendation is always to choose from custom-tailored Indonesia cruise packages that will take you to magical remote places on the archipelago. A cruise will allow you to see and experience the rich culture and tradition of this amazing country.

In the following, we will present to you the top Indonesian islands that are worth your time, because of the goods they offer. A whole new experience for you, and it’s right in front of you, so get it!

Plan before-hand

Indonesia is home to some of the most beautiful islands in the world, and we want you to experience them too! In the following, here is a short list of things you might want to do before considering visiting:

• Indonesia has over 17 thousand islands, so it's best if you narrow down your options.
• There are many different types of cruises available- from luxury beach getaways for couples or families up to adventurous excursions for more daring travelers.
• Find out which type of cruise will work best for you by thinking about how much time and money you have as well as what kind of activities interest you most.
• Once a destination is selected, find out where they offer cruises that fit what interests you.

Our top choice of Indonesian islands

Continue reading, so that you can discover some of the most beautiful islands and their hidden gems!

Bali

You’ve all heard of this beautiful island! It’s the most romantic honeymoon getaway and is an incredibly popular vacation spot for young people and couples who want to relax. The island itself is something completely out of this world! The beaches are sandy and soft, and the water is crystal clear. It’s great for sunbathing and swimming. You’ll get back home relaxed and you’ll fill up your batteries.

If you’re more into adventure, Bali has something to offer! You can always go diving and snorkeling. There are some pretty big waves in the ocean, so you can surf as well. There are amazing trails for hiking and once you finish the hike, you can see some great sports for relaxing and watching nature in front of you.

Lombok

Lombok is often referred to as Bali’s little sister. That is true because Lombok is incredibly similar to Bali. When you visit the island, you’re greeted with great people, and also great surroundings. You’re in the middle of a beach, with your book in one hand and sunscreen in the other. The perfect place for a getaway from the noisy city.

Lombok is far more intimate than Bali. People want to visit Bali, and they never consider other islands, and because of that, in the summer months, Bali can be a bit crowded. That’s rarely the case with Lombok. There are also some beautiful trails for you to hike, and perfect places to take a rest.

Gili islands



You’re probably not familiar with these three brothers-  Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air. The three of them are similar, yet unique. Gili Trawangan is the biggest one of the three and the most developed one as well. The nightlife out there cannot be compared to ours. That is something you have to experience for yourself. Gili Meno is the smaller one, and it’s perfectly quiet and intimate. Perfect for a romantic trip. Gili Air is for the adrenaline seekers out there! If you want to discover the underwater world, then it’s the right choice for you.

Even though they are different, people can visit them all in one go, since they are so close to each other. They offer different activities and you get to experience different things.

Komodo island



Komodo is a perfect place if you’re interested in a decent adventure. The Komodo National Park is the home of the Komodo dragon, and it offers you a one-time opportunity to come face-to-face with this magnificent creature.

There are other fun activities that you can do here. You can visit Komodo Beach, which has an amazing view. Snorkeling, fishing, diving, swimming, hiking, and of course- taking photos! Those are memories that will stay with you forever! Did we mention that Komodo Island has volcanoes? When have you seen one in real life?

Summary

Indonesia is a beautiful island country. It almost feels unreal, with all the sights and the atmosphere there. If you ever get the chance to visit at least a few of the Indonesian islands, don’t miss it for anything in the World! The memories you’ll make there, are something that you will really cherish one day!

Photo Courtesy: The photographs are courtesy of Creative Commons. The photographs have been linked to their host page on wikipedia.

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5 Tips to help keep you in good spirits when on a Liveaboard Tour in Labuan Bajo

The area around Indonesia’s Labuan Bajo offers opportunities for unforgettable adventures. Therefore, if you are looking for something fun to do, you should definitely consider immersing yourself in all the magical beauty that this place has to offer.



One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the area is to go on a Liveaboard tour. This is because it will provide you with an intense experience that is free of any of the tedious trips that people typically make to and from the land. And without the extra traveling that you would normally do, you will also get early access to sites way before other people. Furthermore, you also have better odds of exploring deeper away from the shore, something that will definitely give you a richer experience when compared to someone who has to always worry about going back to land.



However, given that some of these trips last for multiple weeks, they can sometimes prove to be mentally taxing, even for people who are total adventure addicts. The good news is that all you need to maintain a good state of mind is a few tips.

Go on group dives or activities



The best part of a liveaboard is the fact that you get to go on memorable adventures with people who have similar interests as you. Going on dives or snorkelling expeditions that have been organized for group participation is a great way to take the monotony out of the diving experience. Since interacting with new people is always great for mental health, this is something that will go a long way towards making the extended trip away from shore more bearable.

Don't miss out on the sunsets



The sunsets in Labuan Bajo are magical. They have a calming effect. Experiencing them in remote areas away from the noise and worries of the mainland just enhances the experience. Therefore, taking the time to bask in the calming and relaxing effect of these sunsets will really help to boost your spirits. You can watch the sunsets with other people on the boat, or you can even do it on your own. Whichever the case, never miss them.

Bring a book



Getting into a routine of eating, diving, and then sleeping can be a little overwhelming no matter how fun the activities are. Sometimes, taking your mind off settled routines can be enough to reset your mind and your mood. You can do this by reading a book. Doing so will recharge your emotional batteries and it can restore your hunger for adventure. Therefore, if you have space in your bag, carry one or two books. They may come in handy when you need a mental break.

Pack extra snacks



It is hard to enjoy yourself and to be in good spirits when you are drained. You tend to be easily irritated and impatient, and your curiosity wanes naturally. Given the amount of energy that one tends to burn when engaging in sea-related activities, it is always good to have a way to recharge your energy when it goes low. Chances are that the regular meals that you get may not be enough. Having a few extra bites on hand can therefore come in handy in helping you to maintain a healthy appetite for adventure.

Keep an open mind



When you are on such a trip, you are likely to run into people who are from different backgrounds. They will also have different personalities. Some of them may get on your nerves, while you will enjoy the company of other like-minded adventurers. If you keep this in mind before the trip, and if you have a reasonable expectation on what to expect, you will improve your odds of having a great time.



With these simple tips, you will be able to adjust smoothly to the demands of an extended off-shore tour. And since you will always have beautiful scenery, fun activities, and interesting marine life to wake up to on a daily basis, there is no reason why you shouldn't be able to enjoy your tour. And once you are done with your liveaboard tour, you can continue your Indonesia holiday by exploring these top 9 offbeat holiday destinations in Indonesia for a much more diversity packed trip.

Note: The photos in this article have been borrowed from wikipedia under the creative commons license. Each photo has been linked to its host page on wikipedia.

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Beans Around the World: 4 Countries to Visit if You're a Big Fan of Coffee

Coffee-drinkers are being pampered with thousands of options when it comes to drinking coffee, and more origins of coffee beans have been discovered. There are many roasters and baristas creating their own unique flavors. There are even coffee drinks that combine beans from multiple origins to create vibrant flavors that a lot of people enjoy.

If you are serious about coffee, visiting countries where coffee-drinking is a big culture can be very enlightening. You can choose to visit countries that produce the best coffee beans in the world or go to places where the coffee culture is incredibly strong. In this article, we are going to list countries from both spectrums and see the countries to visit if you are a big fan of coffee.

Indonesia



Indonesia is home to many great coffee beans. It is also the country with the highest variations of single-origin beans, each with unique flavors, different origin areas, and plenty of stories to uncover. In fact, Indonesian beans cover the entire spectrum of coffee flavors.

Sumatra Mandheling is a good example. Sumatra Mandheling beans are rich in flavor, but with complex layers waiting to be explored. It has a very earthy note without overpowering the true flavor. Sumatra Mandheling beans’ flavors are brought out when the beans are black roasted.

Blue Bali Moon, on the other hand, has a unique note of dark chocolate due to where the beans are planted. This too is a variant with rich flavor, but it is best when medium-roasted. Get it right, and you will also get hints of vanilla in its natural flavor.

Kopi Luwak is another must-try. It is coffee that has a peculiar flavor because it comes from the civet cat or Luwak. Coffee beans consumed by Luwak are then roasted to bring out the full flavor they offer. This is currently still the most expensive coffee bean in the world.

Japan



From Indonesia, we go to Japan. Japan is not high on the list of coffee bean producers, but the coffee culture in Japan is simply too good to miss. This is the place where you can find beans from around the world being transformed into magnificent cups of coffee.

Japanese roasters are famous for their attention to detail. Dark roasted beans are never overcooked, there is plenty of new technology being used alongside traditional means, and the entire coffee scene is filled with stories to explore.

If you are looking for a destination where you can have different coffee every time, Japan is the place to go. This is where you can meet the best roasters and baristas too, plus the locals really appreciate a good cup of coffee.

Japan is littered with independent coffee shops that serve the best cups in the world. Forget about the larger chains when you are visiting Japan. The local coffee shop that is within walking distance from your hotel will definitely have a tastier cup to serve.

Brazil



We cannot talk about destinations with a strong coffee culture without talking about Brazil. Brazil has the best of both worlds; it is a producer of coffee beans and a destination with a vibrant coffee scene. However, Brazil takes a completely different approach than Indonesia when it comes to variants.

Rather than promoting single-origin coffee beans, the coffee culture in Brazil focuses more on a uniformed set of flavors that are only separated by regions in which the beans are grown. Areas like Sao Paulo and Bahia are famous for their coffee plantations.

Brazilian beans have a sweet and gentle flavor with a hint of spice and earthy notes. This flavor can be found consistently, which is why Brazilian beans are very popular among roasters who produce in larger capacities. That sweetness is also very popular among coffee drinkers.

Drinking coffee in Brazil is a clean experience. No matter where you go, you can expect a good cup of coffee being served. More importantly, you can count on that flavor consistency too. There will be no surprises while visiting Brazil.

Portugal



The last country on our list, Portugal, is famous for its love for traditional coffee brewing. This is the country to visit if you want your coffee experience to be charming and memorable. Unlike other places that take coffee seriously – we’re looking at you, Italy – the people of Portugal have fun with coffee.

You will certainly enjoy sampling the local brew. As mentioned before, coffee shops in Portugal take pride in the traditional methods they use to brew a cup of espresso. This is also the country that champions slow-roasting to bring the best flavors out of coffee beans.

Don’t expect latte art or sophisticated coffee-based drinks either. What you want to try while visiting Portugal is the espresso. A trip to this country will transform the way you see coffee entirely, including the little things that you can appreciate in coffee beans and coffee as a drink.

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Best Kayaking Destinations in Asia

Even if you choose to kayak through a portion of the river near your home that you have traveled through on regular ferries multiple times, it will feel like a whole new experience altogether. Unbelievable as it may seem to those who do not have much experience with kayaking, that’s exactly how it feels.

The difference between kayaking and being on a regular motorized boat or ferry is the distance between you and the water. To be so low and close to the water in a manual boat presents kayakers with a thrilling perspective that’s unique only to kayaking. If you truly want to enjoy that surreal perspective from the most adventurous and beautiful lakes or rivers across Asia, here’s the list you need to follow.

Raja Ampat, Indonesia



Raja Ampat is a conservation area for marine life and it’s a gorgeous one at that. Each time you visit Raja Ampat and decide to go on a kayaking tour with the local guides, you are helping the local population and the conservation efforts simultaneously, in addition to enjoying a grand kayaking experience.

The trips themselves can last for days, taking you through some amazing sceneries and backdrops which are hard to describe but are meant to be seen first hand. There’s the blue sky up above and blue-green water below, which is almost astonishingly clear. As you kayak along those clear waters on a bright day, you can see the marine wildlife clearly, swimming below and close to your kayak!

Inle Lake in Myanmar



If fishing is on your mind, then the Inle Lake in Myanmar should be at the top of your kayaking list. Those that do not know about the fishing or how beautiful the place looks, will skip a visit to Inle and head straight over to Bagan, but they have no idea how gorgeous and untouched the lake feels on a kayak.

A fishing kayak would be ideal for the trip since it will let you take advantage of the local fishing opportunities, which are among the best in Myanmar. Entire villages depend on fishing for their livelihoods near Lake Inle, so, if fishing while kayaking seems like an awesome idea to you, bring your own fishing kayak to the Inle Lake and you will have a blast.

Phang Nga Bay in Thailand



Right in between Phuket Island and the Southern Thai mainland lies the stunning Phang Nga Bay. Kayaking feels quite different from what you might be acquainted with while visiting any of the many lakes in Southeast Asia, simply because it’s not a lake, but an actual part of the bay, nestled in natural cliffs of limestone. As one carefully paddles past the karst structures jutting out of the waters, they will inevitably come across the mighty karst and limestone island of Ko Khao Phing Kan, aka, the James Bond Island.

A major thrill and adventure await those that venture through the hongs, which are collapsed caves that allow entry inside the islands on the bay via cave openings which are still accessible to kayaks. It’s an indescribable experience to paddle through limestone caves that do not have a roof anymore, but the walls still stand. The kind of plants and small animals you will be seeing here are only seen in these hongs only, so respect their privacy and move on as silently as possible.

Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia



The Tonle Sap Lake is another place where bringing a fishing kayak would be ideal for fishing enthusiasts. Not only is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia a beautiful spot to row low and near the water’s surface, but the calm lake is also teeming with fish. The water isn’t clear here, but the reflections shimmer on the water with amazing perfection. The reflections of a starlit sky on a calm, full-moon night almost feel magical while paddling on the Tonle Sap Lake.

It’s important to note that although the lake is good for beginners due to the reliable calmness it is famous for, the mangrove forests and the sheer size of the freshwater lake can get you lost if you are not careful or don’t have a guide with you, especially during the night. Practice caution while kayaking in any place around the world, and don’t go out unguided into the night if you are a beginner.

There are plenty of other destinations in Asia of course, but this is a well-curated list that won’t let you down. Kayaking is also considered an extreme sport if you take on the rougher rivers and seas which are also present in Asia, but as long as you are just blissfully kayaking and doing a bit of fishing, each of the places mentioned here has a unique flavor to them for exactly that, making them stand out from each other in beautiful, calm contrast.

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Indonesia’s Borobudur: World’s largest Buddhist temple and a work of marvel

It ranks with Burma’s Bagan and Cambodia’s Angkor Wat as one of the greatest archaeological sites of South East Asia. It is Indonesia’s most visited tourist attraction. It is a UNESCO world heritage site. It is influenced by Mahayana Buddhism, indigenous Indonesia ancestor worship and Hinduism. It is the world’s largest Buddhist temple and a true work of marvel. I am talking about Indonesia’s famous Borobudur temple that is home to one of the largest and most complete ensembles of Buddhist reliefs in the world.



Built in the 9th century under the reign of the Sailendra dynasty, Borobudur is a giant of a temple. It consists of nine stacked platforms, six square and three circular, topped a central dome. It is decorated with 2,672 relief panels and 504 Buddha statues. Built using Javanese Buddhist temple architecture, this place for Buddhist pilgrimage is a treat to the eye and tells many stories.



The journey starts at the bottom of the massive temple and goes all the way to the top through stairways and corridors, each decorated with beautiful relief panels on its walls and balustrades. Out of the 9 floors, the bottom three represent desires, the middle three represent forms and the top three represent formlessness. And beyond these nine floors are the volcanoes of Merbabu and Merapi and the lush green cover in between. All making for a fantastic climb to the top of Borobudur.



This journey through the city of Buddhas tells you many stories – Buddha’s past lives, Buddha’s path to enlightenment, the birth of Buddha, the jatakas and avadanas, the law of Karma, the three realms of Buddhist cosmology, the 6 different postures of Buddha and more. These stories can be seen through the wall reliefs that adorn this nine floored temple. It is best to go in the company of a knowledgeable guide in case you wish to understand the wall reliefs completely.



Everything about Borobudur’s epic proportions scream awesomeness. It is built as a single large stupa, but when looked from the top, it looks like a giant tantric Buddhist mandala. The bell shaped stupas that adorn this monument at each of its floors are designed using ancient megalithic traditions incorporated with Mahayana Buddhist ideas and symbolism.



The entire monument was laid without mortar and it stands tall today due to its knobs, indentations and dovetail joints. It enjoys excellent drainage through its beautifully designed channels and gargoyle spouts. And it has been designed with precise mathematical calculations.



And then there are the bas reliefs that were carved onto the temple once the entire structure was ready. Everything about it – its design, its size, its location, its ideals and philosophy and its stories make it a dream for anyone who loves civilizations, history, art, design and architecture.



Borobudur is a marvel that has to be feasted with ones own eyes. Photographs and videos hardly do any justice to its grandeur. One has to climb its steep flight of stairs, admire the bas reliefs while catching their breath, soak in the views in the yonder and keep repeating the process till they are one with the temple, the sky and the surrounding landscape.



Borobudur is a place that one has to see in their lifetime and a must visit if you are planning a holiday to Indonesia. It is a beautiful mix of spirituality, architecture, nature, history and the rich principles of Buddhism. I love this temple wonder and would return to it in a heart beat.



Best season to visit:

Borobudur is accessible all year round. Days can get warm, but nothing worth worrying about.

Rains can add a new dimension to the overall temple experience and they also bring with them vibrant sunrises and sunsets.

Do watch out for any eruption from Gunung Merapi as that can disturb the environment in and around Borobudur temple.



How to reach there:

The nearest airport  and railway station would be Yogyakarta. Yogyakarta has daily flights from South East Asia, Jakarta and Bali. And it is well connected by the trains that ply the island of Java. Basically lots of options to reach here from Jakarta, Bali, Kuala Lumpur or Singapore.

From Yogyakarta, Borobudur temple is about 40 kms or 75 minutes away. You can either rent a motorcycle or car, hire a taxi or take the public bus from Yogyakarta to Borobudur.



Timings and entry formalities:

Borobudur is open from 6 AM through 5 PM. The tickets can be purchased at the counter either at Borobudur or Prambanan. If you only want ticket to Borobudur temple, it costs USD 22 per foreign national. If you are planning to visit both Prambanan temple and Borobudur temple, it is best to opt for the joint ticket that costs USD 40 per foreign national and that is valid for two days.

One is required to wear a sarong over their clothes. Such sarongs are given free of cost along with the purchase of a entrance ticket and needs to be returned while exiting.



Where to stay:

The best option with the widest range of accommodation would be Yogyakarta city, about 75 minutes away. Hotels, hostels, homestays and more can be found here thus catering to travelers with all kinds of budget.

If you wish to catch sunrise at Borobudur or if you wish to reach early to avoid the crowds, then may be, you can stay at the homestays and hotels located near Borobudur campus.



Where to eat:

There are food stalls just outside Borobudur campus for a quick bite. The nearest restaurants would be near the bus station and the best choice of restaurants would be in Yogyakarta city. It would be best to carry a snack and some water with you when you visit Borobudur.



Other nearby tourist attractions:

1) Prambanan: The capital of Hinduism in Indonesia

2) Gunung Merapi: One of the deadliest volcanoes in the world



3) The cultural city of Yogyakarta

4) The black sandy beaches of Parangtritis

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Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park: Once in a Lifetime Spectacle

There is something about volcanoes that pulls me to it. Even right now, I cannot stop myself from following the activity of Hawaii’s Kilauea volcano that has been erupting and spewing lava, smoke, ash and gases for over 2 weeks now. I find this raw, violent side of earth to be massively thrilling and to see it in real is immensely galvanizing for my soul. May be, that is why I absolutely love climbing and exploring the volcanoes of Indonesia.



In case you did not know already, Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago, lies on the famous ring of fire and thus is home to a stunning array of volcanoes. Some blow like clock work every few years, some keep bellowing smoke all 365 days of the year and there are some that are quiet from the outside, but there is a rumble or two in their insides from time to time. Whatever the kind of volcano and on whichever island it is located in, there is never a paucity of thrilling active volcano phenomenon when you visit them.



And that is precisely why I adore climbing the volcanoes of Indonesia. Add to it the spectacular panoramic sunrises and vistas, the experience of negating the sea of sand, the sight of that lava river flowing down below and that of the volcano mountain smoking all day long like a hippie and you have a once in lifetime kind of spectacle.    
    


Out of all the volcanoes of Indonesia, the one that oozes special appeal are Mount Semeru, Mount Bromo and many others from the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park in Eastern Java. Just watching the volcanoes appear from the cloud mist during the early hours of the morning is surreal enough. To climb them is an altogether out of the world experience.



Mount Semeru, locally referred to as Mahameru or the great mountain is my favorite in this national park. Standing at 3, 676 metres tall, this mountain is the tallest on Java island and is one of Indonesia’s most volcanoes. If you stand at any of the view points for a long while, you will notice that this Mount Semeru blows up smoke every 20 or 30 minutes. From far away, it looks like someone is exhaling smoke, but when you get closer to the mountain, you can hear the rumble and can feel the stones being thrown in the air along with the acrid smoke.



Mount Bromo on the other hand, offers a much superior panorama courtesy its blown up top. One can either climb up its sea of fine volcanic sand or pay to be carried on top of horses and ponies to reach the mountain top and enjoy the view of the crater that constantly belches white sulphurous smoke and that commands a stunning view of the green-brown-black tones of this national park spectacle.



This national park is named after these two active volcanoes and the Tengger people who inhabit this area. One of the few significant Hindu communities living on the island of Java, these people consider the Mahameru to be the abode of the lord. As visitors, you will come across the Tenggerese people if you stay in their village homestays and/or when you are visiting the tourist circuit of Bromo where you will see these sunburned individuals wrapped in poncho-like blankets standing next to their ponies and horses and asking you if you wish to avail their tourist guide or pony services.



There are about three established routes to enter this national park: Probolinggo –> Ngadisari route that takes you via the Cemoro Lawang village where you can stay in a rural homestay, the Pasuran –> Tosari route and the Malang-> Tumpang route. While the Probolinggo –> Ngadisari route is the most common and the most popular, I personally prefer the offbeat route from Malang, especially if you have a 4x4 jeep. Not only does this route allow you to indulge in some off-roading, but it takes you into remote corners of this national park and gives you unique perspectives of this stunning landscape. Just remember to carry a handkerchief, scarf or bandana to protect yourself from the fine black sand that will find its way into your nostrils.



The Bromo sunrise is possibly the most famous thing to experience here and could be the most iconic image to photograph in the entire country of Indonesia. So if you are a photographer, do not miss out on this iconic spectacle.  Climbing Mount Semeru is possibly the most enriching experience, but this requires a strenuous trek, a lot of planning and many permits to be taken along with availing the services of a knowledgeable local guide who understands the volcano behavior well. And good solid gear as well to protect you from the volcanic elements (masks, cold weather jacket, boots, etc.).



The Mount Semeru trek is the way to go if you have a lot of time at hand. For those who wish to experience this national park on a limited timeframe, I would recommend the Bromo viewpoint, Bromo crater climb and the Poten Hindu temple, Mount Penanjakan viewpoint, Madakaripura waterfall, Mount Batok and a stay at Cemoro Lawang for a true local experience.



For those who wish for a luxurious stay, but don’t mind the bumpy commute, Malang and Surabaya are two different options. My personal favorite is the cultural gem of Malang that is known for its cool weather, delicious food and laidback lifestyle. And plus, it allows you go on a 4x4 off-road adventure.



View of smoking volcanoes, the acrid smell of sulphur, the periodic rumble you feel when you walk, hospitable locals, a remote landscape that has a myriad shades of green, brown and grey, the joy of continuously slipping in the sea of sand and stunning panoramas, the volcanoes of Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park are bound to stupefy and thrill you to the core. Such places are rare and hence offer you once in a lifetime kinda experience. Don’t miss it on your next holiday to Bali or Indonesia.



Note of Caution: This thrilling place is full of dangers, especially during explosions. Hence, do ensure that you look up the volcano explosion activity or other possible dangers before you plan a trip here. And carry with you a mask or some kind of protection for your nose and mouth in case you are prone to any breathing difficulties. And remember to carry proper winter clothing as temperatures usually drop below zero here especially in the night and the pre sunrise hours. For photographers, wear hunter gloves to help you press the shutter in the freezing temperature.

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