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Best things to do in Wakatobi

The name Wakatobi is a combination from the first two letters of every island. WA stands for Wangi – Wangi, KA stands for Kaledupa, TO stands for Tomia and BI stands for Binongo The Wakatobi islands are an undiscovered paradise for divers. The islands have more than 50 diving spots, one of the highest biodiversity in Indonesia and best of all; the spots have a low amount of visitors. Above the surface you will be impressed as well. The sea surrounding the island inhabits villages which are standing in the middle of the ocean. The island have quiet white beaches and boats are sailing over mangrove forests which is an impressive sight to see.

Visit the city on pillars
This village of Bajau is built on pillars and its location is 1 km offshore Ambeua pier. The pillars of the village are standing on coral under water. The locals of the village live in wooden stilt houses which are connected by small bamboo bridges. In the rivers under the bridges is enough space for boats to pass through. The citizens of the village are very friendly and welcoming to the people who want to visit the village. The women in the village do the household duties like cooking, cleaning, going to the mainland to buy groceries at the market, etc. The men in the village are fishermen. They catch fish for their village and for their family.

Discover Wangi – Wangi
Wangi – Wangi has a various underwater world. The reefs are colourful and there is a big variety of marine life under the surface. The ocean floor has various landscapes which you can explores during you stay in Wangi – Wangi. The landscapes vary from Flat plains, gentle slopes, steep walls, and deep caves which you explorer during your adventure at the bottom of the ocean. You can discover the island of Pulau Wangi – Wangi by bicycle. The island has good flat roads which are perfect to cycle. Along the road, there are more than enough beaches and caves to stop and they are all easy accessible.

Discover Kaledupa
Kaledupa was the island of the Ruling Kingdom before the arrival of the Butonese. The royals had a reason to settle on this island and you will see it right away when you enter the island yourself. This island is an beautiful paradise. The mangroves and coconut trees are greeting you when you arrive at shore and when you go into the inlands, you will impregnable landscape. This landscape is even more impregnable then the other Wakatobi islands.

Discover Tomia
Tomia has a beautiful ocean surrounding it which makes the island a perfect diving destination. With beautiful reefs and colourful corals, this destination attracts many visitors. But there is also more than enough to discover when you go to the island itself. Tomia has white beaches and cliffs which are waiting for you to be discovered. After a whole day of exploring the island, you have to go to the night market where you can eat traditional food. Tomia has also a good infrastructure due to its popularity among drivers.

Discover Binongko
This island is famous for its blacksmiths. That explains the nickname of the island which is Kepulauan Tukang Besi. This means blacksmiths archipelago. The island may be the last of the Wakatobi islands, but this island is more than worthy enough to visit with is untouched cliff landscapes, white beaches, turtle breeting grounds and hidden hot springs throughout the island.

Diving in Wakatobi national park
This national park is one of the top 10 diving spots of Indonesia. The diving spot has more than 25 coral reefs and over 900 marine species. The corals are still untouched by humans and the amazing biodiversity underwater makes the diving spot very attracting for scuba divers. The World Wildlife Fund has also helped out the park management to publicize the biodiversity of the park. The WWF even has made a movie over the area.

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Best things to do in Sumbawa

Sumbawa is known for its excellent waves for surfing and beautiful coral reefs, but the island is still not well-known under many tourists which turns this island into a quiet paradise for the adventurous tourists. Sumbawa has also a big amount of nice sandy beaches where you can spend the full day to relax. But the island is not only special because of its reefs, beaches and waves. The citizens of the island have also a traditional way of living which you have to see. The citizens remained their old rituals which makes the island authentic.

 

Explorer the island of Kenawa
Kenawa Island is a beautiful place which is well suited for people who want a day full of seeing beautiful sights and relaxation. The island is filled with green fields as far as the eyes can reach and there are many white sandy beaches. The island itself is really quiet. You can’t even hear the when you go a little bit more to the inlands. When you go to the beach, you can snorkel or lay at the beach to relax. When you go snorkelling, you shall be amazed by the underwater world. You can see seahorses, starfishes, crabs and a wealth of colourful life under water. There is also the option to do an organised which gives you the possibility to camp on the island. This will give you an adventurous feeling and makes your visit more special

Surf at one of the many surf spots of Sumbawa
Sumbawa is one of the best places in the word when it comes to surfing. There are many beaches where you can grab your board, run into the sea and catch a wave. The 3 best surf spots on the island which you have to visit are Lakey Peak, Lakey Pike and Cobblestones. Lakey Peak has waves which are waiting for you to surf on. You will be challenged by waves which are 2 to 4 meters high and they will give you an adrenaline boost which you will never forget. Lakey Pike is also a surf spot which provides you from high waves. Cobblestones is a surf spot for the beginning surfer. The waves are smaller which makes it ideal to learn how to surf.

Admire the traditions of Sumbawa
Sumbawa is an island full of traditions which, as a tourist, you have to see during your stay. One of those traditions is buffalo racing. This is something the people of Sumbawa do every time when new rice is planted. The reason why they do this is that it’s good for the new rice to grow. The people of Sumbawa also use boxing as one of their traditions. The boxing men are actually not well-trained and have a lack in technique. During the boxing match, there are no written rules and also no rounds. The men show off their boxing skills in front of the women who admire the boxing men. If you visit those traditions, your stay would even more memorable than it already is.

Visit the famous Mata Jitu Waterfall
Walk in a real fairy-tale world and visit Mata Jitu waterfall. This is one of the most famous waterfalls on the island. The waterfall is even so beautiful that even princes Diana paid a visit to the waterfall. The waterfall itself has many pool-shaped creeks. In these creeks you can swim and cool down. The water itself is crystal clear which helps you see the biodiversity in the creekes.

Taste the cuisine of Sumbawa
During your stay at Sumbawa, you have to taste Sepat. This dish is authentic to Sumbawa, so it would be a pity if you miss out this dish. Sepat is made of snapper or rabbitfish. They grill the fish after it is freshly caught. After the fish is prepared they make a delicious sauce from eggplant, young mango, aru leaves, leaf ketimus, starfruit, tomatoes, pecans and sour Sumbawa. After the sauce and the fish is prepared, they serve the dish with rice, tomato sauce and cucumber and the taste is delicious when it all comes together.

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Best things to do in Flores

Flores is one of the most beautiful islands in the Indonesian archipelago. There are a lot of things on the island which you can do and see. Begin your trip to Flores with visiting the komodo dragons, go diving in the wonderful underwater world of the island and interact with the hospitable citizens of the island. Already curious about the island of Flores? Read further and explorer the activities on the island of Flores.

See a real dragon
Visit the Komodo islands on the west of Flores and discover why this small island is famous along many tourists. This island is the only island in the whole world where you will find the Komodo dragons which is the reason why this island is famous. The Komodo dragons are the biggest lizards in the whole world and that also explains the nickname of the animal. These beasts have a highly aggressive nature, so do you dare to encounter with the famous lizards? These lizards are also highly protected by the Indonesian law and if you see them in real, you know why.

Diving to Komodo National Park
After your visit to the Komodo Dragons, you have to dive in Komodo National Park. The underwater world is known for its manta rays. Encountering with the manta rays will make your visit to Flores unforgettable. The waters are also filled with many schools of fish which are not afraid for you as a diver. Swim together with the fauna under water and you will never leave Flores.

Experience the famous Caci Dance
Encounter with the citizens of the west part of Flores. This tribe is called the Manggarai People and this trip has a big wealth of traditions. One of those traditions is the Caci Dance. Feel the excitement of the dance where you’ll see people fighting against each other with whips while they are dressed as animals. The dance is guided by drums which make the dance more serious, but don’t be afraid about the dancers themselves. The dancers know that the dance is meant to be a spectacular ceremonial happening and they won’t really hurt each other.

Make your way to Wae Rebo village
During your stay on Flores, you have to go to Wae Rebo village. This village is home to the Manggarai tribe. These people live in a special way which you have to see. The villagers live in primitive cottages which have an extraordinary appearance. The roofs of the cottages are shaped into tipi tents. The villagers will be more than happy to show you their way of living and this is unique to see as a tourist, cause you won’t see this in another part in Indonesia.

Enter the spider lair in Cancar
With spider lair, we don’t mean a real spider lair. In Cancar, you’ll see a pattern of a spider lair in the rice plantations. This is a beautiful sight to see and a pity to be missed during your stay on Flores. During your visit to the rice plantations, you have to encounter with the owners who are happy to welcome you. The farmers will explain you that the weightiness of the plantations will describe the wealth of the family. This is an interesting story to hear, but you have to visit the plantations for the full story.

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Best things to do in Labun Bajo

Labun Bajo is a small village on the island of Flores. This place is famous for its Komodo dragons, wonderful underwater world and friendly citizens. Many people fall in love with Labun Bajo because of its natural charm and friendly citizens. Are you already interested in this beautiful destination? Keep reading and be amazed by Labun Bajo.

Trek your way through Komodo Forest
Are you looking for an adventure? Then stop looking and go to Komodo Forest. During one of these tours, you will be guided by an ranger who will bring you to the Komodo Dragons. The Komodo dragon as the biggest lizard in the world and that’s also the reason why Labun Bajo is so famous. You will trek your way through the forest, where you will see the beauty of nature itself and during your trek, you’ll also see the fearless Komodo Dragon which can get a length of 4 to 5 meter.

Want to see 3 different beaches in 1 day
Go to Padar island where you’ll see 3 different beaches in just 1 day. The beaches are famous as a view point at Komodo Island. That’s because of its 3 different beaches which has al a different colour. One of the beaches is pink, one of them is white and one of them is black. This is a wonderful sight to see and you even get the chance to see the Komodo Dragons, but be aware that the dragons like to be in the shade and that you are not allowed to come near the Komodo Dragons. The best time to climb Padar island is in the early morning due to the temperature.

Dive everywhere you can
Komodo National park is a group of islands which is famous for its biodiversity underwater. Everywhere in Komodo National park is a good place to dive where you can see a lot of the underwater world. There is even the possibility to swim with manta rays at Komodo National park. Have you ever done that? At the same spot, you can also swim with sea turtles which is and extraordinary experience which you have to do during your stay in Labun Bajo.

Go to the fish market for freshly caught fish
Every morning, the fishermen of Labun Bajo fern the see to catch fish to sell at the fish market. The fish they sell is full of flavour and that’s why you have to taste this during your stay in Labun Bajo. The market is also a nice opportunity to meet different people due to the extraordinary mix of visitors of the market. The people who visit the market are expats, backpackers and locals. This is something you don’t see a lot of times happening and that’s why the market is a good place to visit.

Explorer the cave of Batu Cermin
Do you stay in Labun Bajo, but you don’t want to go too far away from the village? Then you should go to Bato Cermin cave. The name of the cave is “Batu Cermin” cave which means Mirror Cave in English. The reason why this cave is called the mirror cave is because, this cave is filled with crystals which shine bright in the morning sun, so you have to be in the cave between 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. The cave is located in a natural canyon which for you is a wonderful sight to see.

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Best things to do in Tana Toraja

This place has been opened for the rest of the world at the beginning of the last century. That’s because, Tana Toraja is protected by big mountains and rugged granite cliffs. Tana Toraja is located in the north of the province South Celebs. This is also the middle of the island of Sulawesi. Because this place is discovered early in this century, Tana Toraja has still a lot authentic traditions which makes it a special experience to visit this place. But Tana Toraja has also modernised in a short time. They even have embraced Christianity.

Visit the village above the clouds
Visit Lolai Village which is located on a cluster of mountains. The village exists on a height of 1400 meter above sea level and this is a wonderful sight to see. The houses of the village aslo look extraordinary, cause the roofs which have the shape of a boat. The village is surrounded by clouds which gives you the feeling that you’re in heaven. The citizens of the village are friendly and welcoming. They like to see tourist. The village is also easy to reach, due to the infrastructure which makes it possible for cars to reach. Do we see you in Lolai Village?

Climb mount Sesean
The climb of mount Sesean is a tough one with a lot of muddy paths, but you will be rewarded with beautiful views after you climbed the mountain. Put on your sturdy shoes and begin early morning with the climb and don’t forget to bring warm clothes with you. After you reached the top, you will have a beautiful panorama view over the whole area of Tana Toraja.

Raft on the Sa’dan River
The Sa’dan river is a fun challenge for everyone who likes rafting. The river is 184km long with a lot of different rapids which makes this river a good rafting spot for everyone who likes rafting, even if they are a beginner. Along the way, you will be amazed by all the flora and fauna of the surrounding area. The river flows through a rainforest which is the reason for the beautiful flora and fauna of the area. The river itself can be really wild which gives you a lot of adrenaline during your rafting adventure.

Visit the extraordinary Londa cemetery
Go to Londa and see a cemetery like you have never seen before. This cemetery is made out of cliffs with tombs for the dead people of Tana Toraja. The dolls you see in the cliffs represents the dead who are buried in their tombs. This is something very important within the culture of Tana Toraja. The dolls are beautifully made to show their respect for the people who lost their live. Nowadays Londa is a tourist sight you have to see during your stay in Tana Toraja, cause if you haven’t seen this, you haven’t been in the “real” Tana Toraja.

Try the local cuisine
When you are in Tana Toraja, you have to try out some local dishes. One of them is Pa’Piong. This is dish which can be made from a various amount of fish or meat which will be mixed with spices and other ingredients like lemon grass ,grated coconut, scallions, pepper, garlic and leaves of Miana. All the ingredients will mixed and put in a shell of bamboo. The ingredients will be cooked barbeque style which gives the dish an amazing taste.

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Best thing to do in Padang

 

Padang is the port of West Sumatra. Padang is also the largest port of West Sumatra. Because of this, Padang is a real trading city. Mostly of the goods which are traded are cinnamon, rubber, coffee, tea, cement and coal. Padang has also a very popular beach which houses a legend. During you stay in Padang, you cannot skip  the local cuisine, cause it will be a pity to be missed.

Lake Maninjau

You have to visit lake Maninjau during your stay in Padang. The has a is a stunning sight to see and there are a lot of activities which you can do. Just try fishing and catch a big one, go for dinner with a romantically atmosphere due to the beautiful sunset or enjoy the view of the lake by just looking to it. The lake is just like a mirror which don’t make you feel bored due to the ever changing sky which will be reflected by the lake.

Travel to China in just one day

You are reading it right. You can get in one day a full-china-experience! Visit China town in Padang and be surrounded by a totally different atmosphere which you get from the Indonesian culture. During your visit, you must see the Chinese temple of China town. This is the landmark of China town itself, so you haven’t been there if you haven’t visited the temple. The surrounding area of China town doesn’t have many restaurants which means that you have to try the local food if you want to eat something, but that’s not a problem because the local food is delicious and really cheap.

Enjoy your day on Air Manis Beach

Have you ever heard of the legend of Manis Beach? The locals say that once upon a time there was a rebellious boy. Hey was always against his mother, even when the mother tried to be the best for his son. And then god decided to turn the boy into stone as punishment for his behaviour. Can you find the boy of stone on the beach? The beach is also perfect for relaxing and enjoying the sunset. The sunset which you see on the beach is also the second reason why this beach is so famous. Do we see you at Air Manis Beach?

Visit the Pagaruyung Palace

This Palace is one of the most famous historic object in West – Sumatra. The original palace is actual burned, but the palace have enough cultural value to rebuild it. Nowadays the palace has also a different location. The first palace was built on the peak of Pagaruyung’s Batu Patah hill. Nowadays, the palace is located to the south where the first temple stood. You have to visit the palace, cause it brings you back in time.

Try the local cuisine

During your stay in Padang, you cannot miss out the local cuisine. One thing you have to try is Rendang. Rendang is curry and beef. The chef cooks for you the curry and beef up to 8 hours to give its signature black colour. During the time the curry get prepared, the chef is also caramelizing some coconut milk to add to the dish. The dish has also different variations with chicken and vegetables, so everyone can eat it.