The Indonesian archipelago comprises more than 17,000 islands. The country is one of the favourite destinations for trekking enthusiasts and volcano climbing is highly prized by adventurers. But the Indonesian territory, as vast as Europe, also offers the opportunity to discover other preserved spots, allowing immersion alongside local populations in sumptuous nature. I therefore present to you my top 10 best treks in Indonesia, below.

10) The Highlands of Bali

Far from the mass tourism felt particularly in the south of the island, the highlands of Bali allow for example an extraordinary trek through the cultural and historical heart of the Island of the Gods. Here, traditional villages, temples, rice terraces and forests remain preserved and nature is still wild. In the midst lie two active volcanoes, the Mt Batur (1,717 m) and the Mt Agung (3,142 m), which can also be climbed.

If you wish to discover the highlands of Bali, we invite you to discover the Transbalinaise circuit

This genuine trek through magnificent landscapes and Balinese culture is a pretext for a great traverse of Bali from west to east, from village to village, from temple to temple, between volcanoes, terraced rice fields, volcanic lakes and tropical forests. The summits of the island's two active volcanoes, Mount Batur (1,717m) and Mount Agung (3,142m), are also included in the programme.

9) Mount Tambora

The eruption of Mount Tambora (2,850 m – Sumbawa), in 1815, remains considered one of the most violent and deadly in history. It was indeed the ash clouds from this eruption that caused the "Year Without a Summer" in 1816 across Europe. The volcano has since quieted down and it is understandable that it remains little frequented today, particularly due to the difficulty of access. Its ascent requires at least 2 days through thick and dense jungle, and only the experienced venture there. At the summit, the dimensions of the caldera, which formed after this famous eruption, are impressive nonetheless, and the most daring sometimes choose to descend into the crater.

8) Mount Kerinci

In the heart of the jungle of Sumatra, which shelters the last tigers, elephants and orangutans on the planet, lies the Mount Kerinci (3,805 m). Needless to say, the ascent, on muddy and slippery paths at all times, is not a walk in the park. Your "pain" fades at the summit, however, for you arrive quite simply at the "roof of the world", where a large part of Sumatra kneels at your feet!

7) Toraja Land

On the island of Sulawesi, formerly called Celebes, the Toraja people are renowned for their unique funeral rites and their boat-shaped architecture. In the Toraja mountains, landscapes are preserved, nature is dense and very green, and blends perfectly with local customs and traditions. Trekking through Toraja Land is therefore a genuine journey into another world, another time.

Discover Toraja Land during our stay Trek and Immersion in Toraja Land

6) Mount Merapi

Mount Merapi is one of the most active volcanoes in Indonesia. It is also one of the most monitored, as many Javanese live at its foot or on its slopes (where the soil is very fertile), despite regular eruptions. The most recent was in November 2010 and caused the death of more than 350 people, including the famous "keeper of the keys" of the volcano, Mbah Marijan.

The typical ascent begins from the village of Selo, on the northern slopes of the volcano, and is undertaken at night, in order to reach the summit (at 2,900 m) just before sunrise. The most adventurous sometimes choose to depart from Babadan (western slopes), notably to follow the lava flows from the 1998 eruption, and thus get a better view of volcanic activity.

Make the ascent of Mount Merapi with our circuit Volcanoes of East Java

5) The Tengger Caldera (Mt Bromo) & Mount Semeru

Very accessible, Mount Bromo is very frequented by tourists, both Indonesian and foreign. It remains nonetheless a must-see due to the "lunar" landscapes that the entire surrounding caldera offers. From the top of Mt Pananjakan (2,800 m), it is common for visitors to flock in 4x4s, just before sunrise, in order to admire Mount Bromo, smoking alongside Mt Batok, with the majestic Mt Semeru (the highest volcano on Java, rising to 3,675 m) in the background. A true postcard image.

The ascent of Mount Semeru is undertaken over a minimum of 2 days and requires excellent physical fitness, as its slopes are steep. At the summit (a wide promontory overlooking the crater, located at approximately 200 m), observation of frequent degassing is impressive, especially when the deafening noise mingles with the dark wisps escaping from the volcano's depths.

Azimuth invites you to climb the Bromo and Semeru volcanoes with the following circuit https://www.voyageindonesie.com/circuit/semeru-bromo

4) Kawah Ijen

Kawah Ijen, located at the far east of the island of Java, is famous for its sulphur carriers and its acid lake (the largest in the world). Hikers are indeed waking up increasingly early in order to reach the lake's edge before sunrise and thus be able to observe the gaseous and liquid sulphur, which, at night, sparkles with its phosphorescent blue colour. In the belly of the volcano, the work of these "sulphur slaves" reminds us of Zola's novels.

Most of our East Java circuits will take you to the top of Kawah Ijen. One of our most popular programmes is Smiles and Volcanoes, from Java to Bali

3) The Komodo Dragons

The Komodo archipelago, nestled between Sumbawa and Flores, is home to the famous Komodo "dragons", and trekking through its savanna and forests gives the impression of finding yourself in the middle of "Jurassic Park". These reptiles that one encounters are indeed from another time and their unpredictable nature (they remain dangerous animals) often sets adrenaline racing. A must, therefore, but do not go in high season, as this destination is increasingly frequented.

Many programmes will take you hiking in Komodo National Park. For a complete visit to Indonesia, why not be tempted by our circuit Java, Bali, Flores & Komodo: volcanoes, rites & dragons!

2) Mount Rinjani

At 3,626 m altitude, Mt Rinjani is the second highest volcano in Indonesia (after Mount Kerinci, at 3,805 m) and also requires at least 2 days for its ascent. The most courageous undertake it from the village of Senaru (on the southern slopes), and first traverse a dense and humid jungle before reaching the edge of the caldera, which offers a magnificent landscape, dominated by Lake Segara Anak, the Baru volcano ("New" in Indonesian) and the summit of Rinjani, in the distance.

The journey is equally as difficult as the ascent of Mount Semeru, and so one must prepare well, both physically and from a logistical point of view.

For the most daring, Azimuth invites you on an extraordinary adventure: Java, Bali & Lombok: mountains of fire

1) The Baliem Valley

Indonesian Papua remains probably one of the last great lands of adventure in the world. The mountain range that crosses the island through its middle is indeed one of the most difficult to access, and the populations living on its slopes seem to have stepped straight out of prehistory.

The Baliem Valley is considered the "base camp" for all explorations of this region, and the Dani people, with their ancestral agricultural techniques, know perfectly how to welcome and guide the most adventurous of travellers.

Trek in the Baliem Valley and discover the Dani ethnic minority with our circuit Papua: Dani tribes of the Baliem Valley

One of our travellers shares his experience in the Baliem Valley in this travel account.