Which island to choose for trekking in Indonésie?
National parks, dozens of volcanoes, tropical jungle and wildlife… The Indonesian islands are a dream destination for travellers seeking adventure and freedom. From Java to Sumatra via
National parks, dozens of volcanoes, tropical jungle and wildlife… The Indonesian islands are a dream destination for travellers seeking adventure and freedom. From Java to Sumatra via Bali and Indonesian Papua, discover our favourite destinations for hiking adventures and enjoying an active journey in nature's embrace. Find out quickly which island to choose for trekking in Indonésie…
1. The island of Java for volcanic ascents
Explosions, pyroclastic flows, lava streams, acidic lakes or molten sulphur… There's no doubt about it, Java is a volcanologist's paradise. The island alone boasts 45 volcanoes! So if you're looking for trekking and adventure sites, Java is the place for you! Among the most spectacular ascents, we recommend the Mount Semeru at 3,676 metres altitude, making it Java's highest volcano. The most popular volcano for trekking in Java is Mount Bromo, standing at 2,329 metres and captivating visitors with its lunar landscapes. As for Merapi (2,900 metres altitude), it is Indonesia's most active volcano and one of the most prized sites for adventurers. Finally, don't miss Kawah Ijen and its turquoise waters. You'll see the famous sulphur porters who make this site a must-see on an Indonésie trip.
Want to head to Java to discover the most beautiful volcanoes? Explore our adventure circuits with treks and hikes perfect for tackling Java's volcanoes:
2. The island of Bali for combining volcanoes, rice fields, lakes and waterfalls
With its idyllic landscapes and extraordinary culture, it's hardly surprising that Bali is one of the most favoured destinations for travellers. On the Island of the Gods, you can indeed combine different types of trekking to vary your pleasures. For a start, you can climb the mounts Agung and Batur. The first volcano, at 3,142 metres altitude, is Bali's highest and most revered mountain, while the second, located in the Kintamani mountains, is renowned for offering one of Indonésie's most beautiful sunrises. Beyond the volcanoes, you can undertake hikes through tropical forests and terraced rice fields such as the renowned Jatiluwih trail. Not to mention the incredible waterfalls like those at Munduk and the volcanic lakes Tamblingan and Buyan which will also provide opportunities, through treks and hikes, to discover local agricultural and cultural life.
You too can enjoy a stay in Bali to experience splendid hikes in the great outdoors with our La Transbalinaise circuit.
3. The island of Sumatra for jungle trekking adventures
If you're seeking an island rich in wild flora and fauna, head to Sumatra! The world's fifth-largest island offers pristine and very wild nature! It's also one of the last places on earth where you can still observe orangutans in their natural habitat. To do this, visit the Gunung Leuser National Park and its rehabilitation centre at Bukit Lawang where you can undertake a multi-day trek through the jungle. Another Sumatra essential for hiking enthusiasts: the Kerinci volcano region. Often nicknamed « Sumatra's secret valley », it is home to Mount Kerinci, the highest volcano in Indonésie (3,805 metres altitude) and one of the most challenging to climb. In any case, the Kerinci-Seblat national park is the perfect place to hike away from tourist crowds while discovering its vast tea, cinnamon, coffee and orange plantations, lakes and waterfalls, and charming authentic villages…
Venture off the beaten path with our Sumatra: the secret valley circuit, you won't be disappointed!
4. Papua for meeting local peoples
We conclude with one of Southeast Asia's last frontiers for adventure: Indonesian Papua. Renowned for their difficult access, the mountain ranges that compose the island are populated by numerous highland ethnicities such as the Una, the Yali & the Dani. These peoples with tribal traditions have preserved an ancestral way of life that you can discover by meeting them during treks and hikes. One thing is certain, these experiences will mark you forever. The most daring adventurers can also embark on the Carstensz Pyramid expedition. Standing at 4,884 metres, it is Indonésie's and Oceania's highest peak, making it one of the « 7 mythical summits » that every mountaineer dreams of conquering at least once in their lifetime
Meet the unforgettable peoples of Papua with our Papua: immersion with the Una, Yali & Dani circuit or the Papua: Dani tribes of the Baliem valley circuit. For trekking enthusiasts, try our Papua: expedition to the mythical Carstensz Pyramid circuit.
Florine Dergelet
