OK, I have a confession to make... I've travelled to most countries in SE Asia EXCEPT Indonesia So when I do end up there (I'm tentatively thinking about the second half of this year) where should I visit? This forum focuses on Bali and Lombok - are these the best islands for a first trip to Indonesia, or should I be considering going further afield? I hope to have 2 weeks there. Thanks in advance!

Hi Steve....my suggestion would be to just do Bali and Lombok. Two weeks will give you time to become familiar with both islands instead of a whirlwind overview of Indonesia as a whole.

As Bali is mainly Hindu and Lombok has more of an Islamic influence you will experience two views of Indonesia. It's many years now since I have been in Lombok so I imagine there have been some major developments and changes.

It would be good to spend a few days travelling around each island and then stay at one location allowing you to get a feel for the restaurants, shopping, etc. and to do a study of relaxation methods. Sitting by the pool, reading a book and ordering food and beverage is a 'must do' activity that should not be overlooked as critical to getting a feel for a new place.

Catherine

@ Catherine, nothing against tourist traps (there's a reason why they're popular afterall), but isn't Lombok more on the tourist radar?

Yes, it is on the tourist radar and no doubt more tourist geared since I last visited many years ago. I think it still has a lot to offer as far as visiting cultural sites, it's history and areas not touched by tourism and therefore still quite traditional. Getting off the "beaten track" should also be part of the experience otherwise the view of a place is skewed and unbalanced.

For a first time visit to Indonesia with limited time available I suppose you have to start somewhere and Bali and Lombok would be where I'd start to get an overall feel. Java and Sumartra are also possibilities of course and as there are over 1,000 islands in the archipelago, where do you start? The cultural sites in Java such as Borobodur and Prambanan are fascinating and wonderful and worth the visit.

It is still possible to enjoy a bit of both worlds - the old and the new - and Bali's ancient cultural sites and more remote areas are still very accessible and also well worth the experience.

What would be your choice?

I'm rather sleep deprived at the moment, so hope I'm expressing myself adequately.

Catherine

Understood (and agreed :)

If nothing else, the amount of islands alone is enough to overwhelm

If it were me (and time permitted) I'd want to start at one end of the country and work my way towards the other end. Given the dispersement and number of islands that may not be the most practical! So maybe take the same idea and shorten the footprint (Jakarta -> Lombok or vice verse).

Let us know how the planning goes!

The original posting was by Steve, Forum Admin, unless I've got myself scrambled, which is highly likely.

I'd be interested to know his thoughts on how he might plan his first visit to Indonesia with three weeks to do the trip.

I've never been to Jakarta and have only been as far as Jogja on two occasions. The first time by bus and second time in private car. After the first horrendous Puspasari bus trip to Jogja from Bali I flew back to Bali. Much happier - it took an hour to return instead of 14 hours of sheer terror. I had plenty of time on that bus to think of ways to torture the driver if we arrived in one piece but on arrival I was so wrung out I just fell off the bus and was tempted to kiss the ground.

I notice you are going to Thailand....I went last year for the first time in 25 years. It was fabulous and I've been in the process of writing a report on that forum. Can't wait to go back again.

Our beloved little dog died and I've been too upset to manage anything much so my reports have gone by the wayside as has nearly everything else.

Catherine