Moyo Island
This island located in West Nusa Tenggara is often referred to as the secret getaway for celebrities such as Princess Diana, David Bowie and David Beckham. This charming island is home to sandy beaches like Tanjung Pasir Beach, and beautiful waterfalls like the Mata Jitu Waterfall and Senggalo Waterfall. Mata Jitu, in particular, is known as “Queen Waterfall” because the late Princess Diana once visited it.
Komodo Island
You’ve surely heard of this Unesco World Heritage site, which counts stars like Gwyneth Paltrow and MotoGP racer Valentino Rossi among its fans. The beautiful Komodo Island captivates with not just its wild beauty but also its wildlife. On this island – famed for its turquoise waters and beaches with different shades of sand, including the iconic pink beach – you can find wild komodo dragons wandering in the open. This ancient animal species is estimated to have existed for hundreds of years, and are a rare sight anywhere in the world. You can also try living on board a traditional phinisi ship in the clear blue waters around the island.
Gunung Leuseur National Park
Even Oscar-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio couldn’t resist the call of one of Southeast Asia’s richest tropical forests. The Unesco world heritage site is one of the region’s biggest protected areas for flora and fauna. It’s even dubbed “the last place on earth” because it’s the only place that still has some of the world’s most endangered animals. Home to more than 4,000 species of plants, 84 species of mammals and 380 birds, it’s sure to be a nature lover’s dream.
Mount Merapi
The majestic Mount Merapi that dominates the center of Java island has an allure few travellers to Yogyakarta can resist. Experience wonder and dread of exploring a still active volcano with a long history of destruction. Adventurers can witness its ferocious beauty up close through the Merapi Lava Tour, learning from tour guides about the eruption history of Mount Merapi – stories that will send shivers down even the most hardy thrill-seeker’s spine. In addition to touring the locations of former eruptions, tourists can also stop by the Mount Merapi Museum and Merapi Park, a recreational park and picnic ground.
Nusa Penida Island
Island hopping is a must-do in Bali, and Nusa Penida is one of the best islands to head to. Just 40 minutes from Bali’s mainland lies this stunning island with jagged natural beauty that looks like it was ripped straight from Jurassic Park. Drop by the Instagram-famous Kelingking Beach and the magical Angel’s Billabong, a natural infinity pool. The best way to get up close and personal with nature is snorkelling – if you’re in luck you can even swim with manta rays.
