Explore Indonesia

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

I witnessed my first cockfight in Bali, in a small village just outside Ubud. I stumbled upon it by chance when I was running, with a local sports club, on a Saturday afternoon. Our route took us through a temple complex in the middle of the jungle, where we came across a cockfight. Only men

The Quest San Hotel Denpasar will host the Fifth Archipelago Culinary Festive on November 4. One of the seven core brands of Archipelago International, Indonesia’s largest operator of hotels, condotels, resorts, serviced suites and branded residences, the Quest San Hotel Denpasar welcomes all participants – consisting of chefs, bartenders and servers from 18 different hotels of

NOW! Bali once again put the island’s food and beverage industry to the test through a campaign known as the NOW! Bali Best Restaurant, Bar and Café Awards (BRBCA). The  2016 campaign had grown with new developments and innovations to really push the levels of recognition good dining establishments in Bali deserve, as well as creating

Metis Bali has expanded their signature Balinese garden, Le Jardin, creating a space unrivaled for unwinding in style. Surrounded by tropical foliage, a taste of Bali’s nature, along with the elegant design Metis is known for, Le Jardin is simply a treat in the afternoons. Think wide-open greenery, quietly trickling water features and an open