Bali is located just south of the equator and will bombard you with beauty, beaches, parties and culture all at once. While many people come to Indonesia for the exceptional beaches, they find the lasting impressions are left from experiencing its rich culture.
While it may only be a small island, one of the smallest in the archipelago that makes up Indonesia, there is plenty for you to do that will keep you busy for weeks. One of the best places to stay in Jakarta is the Gran Melia Jakarta, which you can book on Traveloka.com. From your hotel you can do all of the things listed below while you are in Indonesia.
Things To Do in Jakarta and Indonesia This Summer
Bicycle around Ubud
While you may find culture everywhere on the island, Ubud is Indonesia’s cultural hub. One of the best ways to explore Ubud is to bicycle around and admire the town, the surrounding artistic villages and working rice paddies. Start your adventure at Monkey Forest and pay a visit to the residents, the crab eating macaques.
Your route from there will encompass places such as Goa Gajah, one of the holiest and unique places in Indonesia and other villages such as Petulu, which also has myths concerning it and is considered to be a sacred site. The Bicycle also has the added bonus of being extremely low on the petrol costs (though extremely high on the calorie costs, which is good!), helping you keep hold of your travel money.
Learn to Surf
The polar opposite of Ubud, Kuta is where you will find all of the western partying. Clubs here stay open all night long while during the day the beaches are filled with bikinis and water sports. However, Kuta does one thing as well as anything else and that is surfing. Due to the waves breaking over sand rather than coral, the conditions here are perfect for new comers to the sport.
The famous surf boarding equipment company Rip Curl operates their own surf school in Kuta and is highly recommended by many who use their lesson services.
Sun Set at Tanah Lot
The temple of Tanah Lot is impressive even during the day time, but come sun set you will be left amazed by just how beautiful it is. The temple sits in the ocean and as the waves crash into the base of the holy building with the sun setting behind it, you will be able to take some stunning photographs to help retain your memories of this special place.
Snorkelling
Some of the best snorkelling you can do is around the Menjangan Island which is located in the far west. The fact that the island is in such a remote place means that not many people make the journey out here, so everything is unspoilt by commercialisation. Hire a boatman to take you out to the coral reefs for the day and prepare to enjoy some snorkelling like nowhere else in the world!
Rafting
Rafting through the heart of Indonesia will allow you to admire the beautiful natural side of Indonesi while also being thrilled as you drop over rapids. The rivers will take you past rice paddies with working farmers and kids flying kites and playing in the water, giving you an experience you won’t forget.