Although the wily jungles of
are slightly tamer than the days of the
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
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
of , 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, .
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
and options come in all price ranges, from a quick dip off the coast of
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
off the coast of . 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
, 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 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
and
in Kalimantan (formerly ). 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 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 may not be easy for some, but the treasures of
the other Indonesian islands are not to be missed.
Alex Smith maintains and manages the Cheap Thailand Travel website at http://www.cheapthaitravel.com |
