Travel solo and uncover the gems of Indonesia
Veteran travellers claim that travelling solo is the best way to see the world. After all, it’s the ideal opportunity to try new things and test your limits, plus you don’t have to do or see anything you don’t want to!
Do more than eat, pray, love in Bali
Starting off with Bali, the island made famous by solo traveller extraordinaire, Elizabeth Gilbert of Eat, Pray, Love fame. There is so much to do and see in Bali that it would be impossible to cover it all in one trip. However, must-do sights include Tanah Lot, Uluwatu Temple, the rice terraces in Ubud, Monkey Forest, and a hike up the still active Mount Batur volcano. All of these are well-known to locals and tourists alike, and therefore easily accessible to a solo visitor. For a taste of something out of the ordinary, visit a Luwak Coffee Plantation for a cup of kopi luwak – civet coffee. There are great tours which will give you an insight into the world’s most expensive coffee, and if you can get over its slightly unappealing origins, then you’re in for a treat.
From the verdant green and peaceful rice paddies of Bali to the hustle and bustle of Jakarta, the contrast between these Indonesian locations could not be starker. But once you’ve adjusted to the pace of life in this hectic capital city you’ll start to notice and appreciate the fascinating mix of cultures that have come together in one (massive) place. Ojeks (moto-taxis) are a good way to get around in Jakarta’s notoriously heavy traffic, but if you’re nervous of jumping on the back of a stranger’s bike, then download the free Blue Bird taxi app to get around.
Another thing Jakarta is famous for is its nightlife. Tourists and locals alike flock to its many bars and nightclubs, and the city is full of places to go once the sun goes down. The hardest part will be choosing where to go! With something for every mood, your options include everything from chilling on the street with a beer to five-star hotels with upscale wine bars, amazing roof top bars, and world-renowned nightclubs. Start your night off with a cocktail at classy Skye Lounge, high on the 56th floor of the BCA tower, one of the tallest in the city; followed by dinner al-fresco and live music at Lucy in the Sky; and end the night at some of the wildest nightclubs in the world. Take your pick from the classy X2 Club to the breath-taking behemoth that is Colosseum Club.
Reflect on it all in Yogyakarta
If you’re travelling alone because you are looking for some quality ‘you’ time to reflect on the meaning of life, then Yogyakarta is a great place to check out. Life is laidback here, and alongside a wealth of cultural and historical landmarks, you’re also surrounded by some of Indonesia’s most important archaeological sites, the spectacular temples of Borobudur and Prambanan. Book a sunrise tour to Borobodur temple and a sunset one to Prambanan – you can’t help but be moved by the magical sight of the sun rising and setting over the world renowned stupas.
Snorkle heaven near Semarang
For many solo travellers, the charm of visiting a new destination lies in the fact that it is off the beaten track. Although Semarang is the provincial capital of Central Java, its attractions are still largely undiscovered by the hordes of tourists who descend on Indonesia every year. Fantastic flight connections mean this rapidly developing city won’t remain unknown for long, so visit now before the secret gets out!
One particularly unmissable spot in the surrounding area is national marine park Karimunjawa. This small chain of islands is still relatively undiscovered, and is the place to go if you want some peace and quiet, stunning white sandy beaches and beautiful coral reefs. During the day take a snorkelling tour of the uninhabited picture-perfect islands nearby, and at night don’t miss the fish market, where you can choose your own fresh fish and have it grilled on the spot!
Shop ‘til you drop in Bandung
Last but not least on our list is Bandung, otherwise known as the Paris of Java thanks to its tree-lined boulevards and elegant colonial buildings. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing solo getaway, and the surrounding area is just as attractive, with volcanoes, tea plantations and mountains aplenty. In fact, the city’s high elevation means you really feel like you’re in the mountains, and the cooler weather makes a nice break from the heat and humidity of Singapore.
If you’re a shopaholic, you couldn’t have picked a better place for a solo splurging session. There is not one, but three main shopping areas - Jalan Setiabudi, Jalan Riau and Dago – and they are handily all within walking distance of each other. Get your fill of branded goods, leather items and jeans - all very well priced. If you want something off the rack, there are plenty of good tailors around - suits, blazers, kebayas and kurungs can all be tailor-made and sent to your hotel the very next day.
Whether you choose to visit one of the locations above, or all of them, save time at the airport by using Air Asia’s Go-To-Gate to breeze through check-in, and be on your once-in-a-lifetime experience a little sooner. All you’ll need is your hand luggage, boarding pass and travel journal to enjoy your very own solo Indonesian adventure!
This article is presented by the Ministry of Tourism Republic of Indonesia and AirAsia.
