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Seven fun adventure activities to try in Indonesia

Home to nearly 17500 islands clustered together of all shapes and sizes, Indonesia, the world’s largest archipelago is a treasure trove of fun-filled adventure activities.

In a country with more than 200 ethnic groups, each having their own dialect, culture and cuisine, it is but natural that unravelling the different attractions will enchant the discerning visitor.

Keeping this in mind, all you have to do is to decide which of these fun adventure activities you want to tick off your list first. You can try these adrenaline pumping adventures with experts over at Experience Travel Group. 

# 1 Climb the Volcanoes 

Indonesia has more volcanoes than any other country in the world with an estimate of 127 active and extinct peaks, many of which are open to visitors for climbing.

Bali should be on the itinerary of every adventure lover, so if you happen to be on this charming island you may want to hike to the top of Mt Batur, an iconic attraction for adventure seekers in Indonesia.

Standing tall at 1700 m, this extinct volcano has a stunning lake in the middle of the crater, which reflects the volcano in a surreal manner. Climb to the summit should begin around 4 am and it takes roughly two hours to get to the top in time for the gorgeous sun rising over the distant mountains.This sacred mountain is located in Batur village in Kintamani district.

Some truly astounding volcanic landscapes that make for excellent hiking are Tomohon in northern Sulawesi, the highlands surrounding Bandung in West Java and the peaks and craters of Halmahera in Maluku.

Another peak which offers incredible views all the way to the smouldering top of  Gunung Agung is Gunung Batukaru, the second highest peak in Bali, but unfortunately it finds few visitors.

NOTE: Is bali a country? Nope, it’s part of Indonesia,

# 2 Hiking and trekking 

The country’s location along the equator means Indonesia offers tremendous hiking opportunities, though a bit challenging, from multi-day hikes in Borneo to gentle strolls among the rice fields of Ubud.

As the climate is tropical, the best hiking to be enjoyed is in the highlands on the rolling hills of Tana Toraja in Sulawesi and Bukittinggi in the highlands of Sumatera.

Some other fabulous trekking regions are in the Flores mountains in North Sumatra, a place known for its traditional villages which add to the overall trekking experience.

Hikers, who wish to avoid the crowds of Ubud, can head to the secluded valleys of Sidemen Road, which is gradually gaining a reputation for its hiking.

# 3 Diving and snorkeling 

Indonesia’s waters are home to 75% of all coral species which means there is enough for divers to explore beneath the surface.

From the manta rays of Nusa Lembongan to the snorkeling haven of the Gilli islands, hundreds of enthusiasts flock here for an underwater adventure.

Moreover, the walls and reefs on Menjangan Island on the northwest tip of Bali are excellent spots to see pilot whales and whale sharks.

Beginners can snorkel in Komodo’s Manta Alley or Sangeang Volcano where you can swim under the warm underwater vents. Off late, the Raja Ampat region offers excellent world-class driving opportunities among as many as 1427 species of fish.

# 4 Rafting and Kayaking 

Indonesia has more than its fair share of tranquil waters, ideal for paddling. In fact, the entire north coast is an expanse of mangrove inlets and turquoise reefs, visited by turtles, dolphins and even whales.

Ayung River, near Ubud, is Indonesia’s most popular Grade II and Grade III rafting mecca, as is Telaga Waja River to the east.

Grade IV whitewater thrills can be enjoyed at the Sa’dan river on a multi-day rafting expedition.

Meanwhile, in Bukit Lawang you can combine tubing on the Bohorok River among wild orangutans or combine your stay with an overnight jungle trek.

# 5 Surfing 

Bukit Peninsula in Southern Bali, Seminyak, Canggu are the epicentres of Indonesia’s most recent surfing explosion. Names such as G-Land in Java, ‘The Point “ in Lagundri Bay and Uluwatu are a legend with surfing enthusiasts.

Other spots on the long country’s coastline are Mentawai Islands off Sumatra which has a long list of dedicated surfers along with other hotspots like this islands of Sumbawa, touted as “the new Bali” in West, Nusa Tenggara and Krui in South Sumatra.

Then there is the virtually unknown but excellent surfing on the north coast of West Papua which has got its name from the North Pacific Swell that normally hits Hawaii.

Rote, to the south of Timor, is also becoming an Indonesian hot surfing spot with places like T-Land and Boa. That said, surfers keep a ‘secret spot’ which they do not want to share with other surfers, so be prepared to look out for other locations as well.

# 6 Wildlife watching 

If you are a wildlife enthusiast, you will be spoilt for choices on an Indonesian travel adventure trip. This happens to be the only country in the world having two species of orangutans.

While the Borneo orangutan can be found in the Tanjung National Park in Kalimantan, it’s much rarer Sumatran cousin can be seen in Bukit Lawang.

Dragon lovers can have their fill at Komodo Island, which has become associated with adventurous Southeast Asian Safaris, but if you venture to neighboring Rinca you are in for a more exciting and unpredictable dragon watching experience.

The West Bali National Park is often overlooked by visitors, but it is the habitat of a number of monkey species, giant monitor lizards, wild pigs, flying foxes, not to forget some of the most incredible bird life to be found in the region.

Furthermore, the famous Walkce Line, east of Bali, is home to some Australasian species like bizzare tree kangaroos, marsupials etc. The  off-beat Huge Kerinci Seblat National Park offers sightings of elephants, clouded leopard and the world’s last surviving population of Sumatran tigers.

# 7 Cycling 

Depending on your fitness and motivation, the cycling trails in Indonesia can represent a challenge to any Tour de France participant. This delightful adrenaline filled free-wheeling activity can take you up to heights and back down to peaceful roads that cut along the ridges and paddies of the country.

Cycling can be best enjoyed in the car-free Gilli islands and other places like Nusa Lambongan, both by families and hardened cyclists.

If you are looking for the ultimate cycling challenge, the 666 km long Trans Flores Highway can exceed your wanderlust expectations.That said, this memorable road trip requires a lot of long-distance cycling experience.

For something moderate, try out the lesser crowd-free and flatter north coast road of Bali, where you can pedal past remote communities that few visitors can find on the tourist map.