North Sumatra’s capital city, is often overlooked thanks to its gridlocked streets and industrial feel. Long regarded as a stopover en route to more glamourous destinations in the province, a closer look yields some delightful treasures. Little India in Medan. ulturally, this is a diverse city with Batak people, Chinese and Tamils originally from India who

Water is often called the elixir of life. It also plays an essential role in religious practice, especially in Hinduism where  it is considered to have spiritual cleansing powers. Even today, sacred bathing spaces, such as Belahan and Jolotundo in East Java are used for purification ceremonies. About a one-hour drive from Jolotundo are the

Yogyakarta is a bustling town of some half a million people and the most popular tourist destination on Java, largely thanks to its proximity to the temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. The town is a hub of art and education, offers some good shopping and has a wide range of tourism spots. Prambanan or Rara Jonggrang is a 9th-century Hindu temple compound

Think of an end-of-the-world spot, think Pacitan! These rugged and remote beaches in the southwestern province in East Java are not only beautiful, they are truly magical. Around 7 beaches are stretching along the sparsely populated Pacitan coastal line. In total unity there is a Hindu Temple, a Kebatinan place of worship and a Mosque,

When things get hectic in the urban jungle of the capital, head to the hidden gem on the north coast of Jakarta – to the Thousand Islands. An archipelago that stretches 45 km on Java Sea, these islands are the perfect getaway. Tiger Island is the destination for honeymooners. The island offers sustainable tourism as the romantic huts are

On Samosir Island, Lake Toba lies the little village of Ambarita. Tales abound there of rough justice, and possibly even cannibalism. While these are from long ago, more benign old ways live on, for example in the village’s traditional architecture, and an ancient craft still practiced there. From grim stories of executions to a traditional

In late November 2018,  I led an Indonesia Heritage Society (IHS) Heritage Tour for a small group of textile lovers to Lake Toba. From watching weavers practice their craft to spectacular views, this was a wonderful excursion. The water is glistening during the dawn at Lake Toba, North Sumatra. Photo by David Yanes and Roy

The long trek to the village of Jungutan, East Bali, the site of the Karangasem World Cultural Village Festival is well worth it. Imet Miliwanga Wurrben, an Australian aboriginal elder and healer presented indigenous healing ritual at Karangasem World Cultural Village Festival. Photo by David metclaf/NOW!JAKARTA Imet Miliwanga Wurrben, an Australian aboriginal elder and healer, in a most

There’s little point coming to an island like Bali if you’re not spending some time outdoors. Whether it’s hiking a volcano to chase the sunrise or picking vegetables for a cooking class, there are so many ways to immerse yourself in the island’s natural surroundings. However, for nature lovers with a daring soul, there’s one

The Energizing Body treatment at Sakanti Spa will pamper your body and, at the same time, reawaken your senses. A 5-minute foot ritual will mark the beginning of the session, where your feet and lower legs are exfoliated using hot mitts. It is then followed by a gentle massage, targeting reflexology pressure points. The Frangipani

Unless you’re a chef, or maybe married to one, it isn’t often food alone that dictates your holiday destination. However, the rising gourmand culture around the world, especially in Indonesia, seriously begs the question, “but why not?”. From 14 to 16 October, The Ultimate Foodies Getaway (UFG) completed its debut experience in Bali, bringing two

Ayur Spa at The Kayana Seminyak is characterised by the modern-day classiness of its immaculate treatment suites. Designed especially for couples, each spa suite consists of a steam room, an open-air double shower, a private gazebo and a Jacuzzi. It also has exclusive cosy double treatment rooms with spa facilities, open terrace and lounge area