Explore Indonesia

For some strange reason local travel is often overlooked as the pulls of far and exotic locations lure holiday-goers with flashy tourism campaigns and a promise of new experiences. On a recent, eye-opening road trip to central Java however, I discovered that actually, we don’t have to look too far to find beauty, adventure, culture

Often shadowed by its close neighbour Yogyakarta, Solo possesses the humble charm of indigenous Java since the early Hindu period. Only an hour away from Jogja, Solo has a complete package for those looking for historical and cultural excitements. In the city center, you can find Keraton Surakarta to learn about the sultanate family and

Still dominating the Indonesia’s tourism destinations map especially in Java, both Jogjakarta and Solo have hundreds of hotels to accommodate the travelers’ need for stay, including the top-rated ones: Jogjakarta’s Royal Ambarrukmo, Hyatt Regency and Santika Premiere, also Solo’s Alila. Royal Ambarrukmo Yogyakarta Situated in laidback Caturtunggal away from the noisy city center, the five-star Royal

Blessed with countless islands and relatively calm seas with the tropical sun shining all day, out of Indonesia’s many beaches, one should not skip the hidden gem, Belitung Island. Located on the east of Bangka Island, Belitung only covers 4,800 kilometers square, smaller than Bali. Its tourism destinations cannot be overlooked given its numerous powdery-sand

For fifteen years in a row, an extraordinary cultural festival has been taking place in the Menoreh highlands of Central Java, home to five volcanoes. Paying homage to the volcanoes as their source of living and protector, local villagers present their best to nature through offerings, performances and more. I was one of the lucky

Amid the burgeoning mid-market segmentation of the local hospitality industry, major names in the business are continuing to boldly expand their presence. Beginning in September 2016, Intiwhiz Hospitality Management is opening two new Whiz Prime hotels 3 star Hotels in Yogyakarta: Whiz Prime Hotel Kusumanegara and Whiz Prime Hotel Malioboro. These are in addition to

This experience is set to be one of the most sought after culinary adventures to ever grace the island of the gods. The Ultimate Foodies Getaway (#UFGBali2016) competition could have you and your best friend on an epic 4-day culinary journey in Bali. The competition and experience was created to expose some of the best

Bali has long been the choice holiday destination for Jakartans, an easy 1.5 hour flight takes us from bustling cityscape to the centre of paradise. We are in truth quite spoilt and take the island for granted, as millions of people from around the world can only dream of dipping their toes into the warm

From 24 – 30 of September, Bali will be inundated with lovers of the ‘big screen’ for the 10th anniversary of BALINALE, the Bali International Film Festival. This year the festival will feature over 300 movies from more than 24 different countries, including submissions from local filmmakers – an initiative by the festival to promote

1.050 participants from 16 countries including Indonesia enlivened the “Samosir Lake Toba Ultra 2016 Marathon” on September 17 in Samosir, North Sumatra. The event that featured a running competition as well as tourism activities aims to increase the number of both domestic and foreign visitors to Samosir Regency and turn it into one of Indonesia’s

Art-pop pioneer Grace Jones will headline an eclectic show at Katamama’s next door neighbour, Potato Head Beach Club, on the 8th of October 2016. A legendary show woman, Grace Jones regularly plays to tens of thousands of people at music festivals internationally, but will headline a more unique show at the Potato Head Beach Club,

The sound of the ancient gong called the two warriors to the stage. This was no ordinary stage; we were on a remote island in the Malukus, the birthplace of the original Cakalele dance. The children scrambled from wooden huts and humble dwellings and jostled for position on a huge piece of driftwood washed up