With a multitude of flight options and some great fare deals available, an Indonesia holiday is an attractive vacation idea and not too far from Hong Kong. It helps that it’s home to some of the most beautiful places on the planet! Here’s a roundup of some resorts in Bali and beyond, along with experiences to follow up on when you’re planning your trip.
Visiting Southeast Sulawesi
If exploring under the sea is your thing, Wakatobi Resort in Southeast Sulawesi is among the planet’s premier diving destinations. And a stunning spot for snorkelling, too – with some of the finest coral you’ll find. Stay here and you’ll have access to a private marine preserve, which is home to thriving reefs and an incredible array of animal life.
Back on shore, Wakatobi’s private villas and bungalows are tucked into a beachside palm grove, where there is five-star service and gourmet dining to enjoy – all with what you might call a toes-in-the-sand charm. You can reach the resort via a direct charter flight from Bali.
+62 361 759669 | office@wakatobi.com | wakatobi.com
Villa in charming Canggu
This private villa is a hidden gem in the heart of Canggu. What makes Umbala House unique is that it feels like home, and yet is only a stone’s throw away from some of Bali’s best restaurants, shopping and family activities.
Umbala comprises five suites, including a bunk room accommodating up to seven children. The home’s open-plan design is perfect for gatherings of families and friends – the elegant sunken lounge area surrounded by the pool draws everyone into the tranquil outdoors.
Hospitality and service are a major focus here, taking the pressure off hosting dinner and entertaining kids. This Bali villa is staffed with a professional and dedicated team consisting of a villa manager, butlers, in-house chef and housekeeping.
A stay here also includes a range of relaxing thing to do in Bali, including Finns VIP passes, a dedicated toy room, pool floats, a jumping castle for little ones and tailored menus for vegans and children. Oh, and if you’re looking for where to stay in Bali offering some well-deserved spa-time, you’ll definitely find it here!
+65 9038 4203 | umbala-thehouse.com
Family-focused vacation villa in Bali
Designed to reflect Singapore’s historical black-and-white houses, Villa JOJU in Canggu takes its reputation as a “home away from home” seriously. However, inside it’s all fun and relaxation, with plenty of space for high-energy little ones too.
This is an ideal Bali villa for families; it’s equipped to sleep up to 14 people, or you can also book the adjoining Villa JOJU Alit to bring that number up to 22. It comes fully staffed with a private chef, housekeepers, butlers and nanny services.
Inside the kids’ bunk room is an array of toys and books, which they’ll enjoy after making the most of the pool, bouncy castle, pet bunnies, fish spa, and games and activities – including making slime! Exploring outside the villa is a treat, and each stay comes with complimentary access to the nearby VIP beach club and water park – you can watch the sunset on the beach or try surfing some waves.
Canggu itself has plenty of opportunities for retail therapy, tasty bites and pampering, or you can hire the villa driver to explore other areas of Bali.
+65 8737 2325 | michelle@villajoju.com
villajoju.com
An Indonesia holiday island resort
If you’re dreaming about travel to Indonesia’s soft sand beaches with emerald waters lapping at the shore, Telunas Private Island and Telunas Beach Resort offer tranquil escapes for couples, families and also groups.
On the private island resort, five Ridge Villas are set high up in the jungle for couples to enjoy some alone time with spectacular ocean vistas. There are also 15 family-friendly Overwater Villas where you can open the doors and let the sea breeze in. Activities here include kayaking, village tours and hikes to jungle waterfalls. Or for a more relaxed approach, lounge by the pool with a drink in hand and book a massage or treatment at the overwater spa.
Telunas Beach Resort, meanwhile, has spacious Overwater Bungalows perfect for families and large groups. Think sunset views, evening beach bonfires and adventurous activities. At both properties you’ll be entranced by the area’s natural beauty: starry nights, sunny days and island serenity! They can be reached via a short boat trip from Singapore.
+62 8117710951 | stay@telunasresorts.com
telunasresorts.com
Luxury beach resort in Bali
If you’ve been looking for a resort in Bali, you’l likely have come across this iconic property. Whether you book a beachfront sanctuary for two or a multi-bedroom suite for the family, you’ll start each day at The Legian Seminyak with an eyeful of unspoiled ocean views. For weddings and special events, the three-bedroom Beach House also has direct beach access and a private pool.
Your taste buds will be well looked after, too, with The Restaurant offering a menu of Asian, Western and local cooking techniques and influences. It also overlooks a three-tiered infinity pool! Alternatively, you can enjoy quick bites and cocktails throughout the day at the relaxed Pool Bar and Ocean Bar, with live sunset jazz sessions on weekends. Proof Creative, the creative cocktail team behind some of the Asia’s 50 Best Bars, is now curating elixirs for both bars.
For a more exclusive stay, near the resort’s main entrance is The Club by The Legian Seminyak. This estate has 13 villas surrounding a private 30-metre pool. Each comes with a personal butler, private chauffeured limousine, laundry services, daily afternoon tea, cocktails and canapés and more.
Special Offer: Find out the best things to do in Bali and must-try foods with the Seminyak Neighbourhood Guide. It’s available on arrival for guests.
+62 61730622 | legian@lhm-hotels.com
lhm-hotels.com/en/the-legianseminyak-bali
A hidden gem in west Bali
If you’re looking for a private and tranquil stay steps away from the beach, this contemporary boutique hotel will tick all your boxes.
Away from Bali’s major hotspots, The Kelapa Retreat and Spa is a hidden gem offering a peaceful and luxurious escape by the beach. Set within a lush tropical landscape in West Bali, all the retreats’ villas have a private terrace with beach, garden or ocean views and some also have their own private swimming pool.
The Kelapa Residence’ is the jewel of the accommodation offerings with two bedrooms, a generous living area, private pool and expansive gardens to enjoy. The property also has a restaurant, bar and spa on site, along with a space for guided yoga and meditation sessions overlooking the ocean.
Sailing a phinisi (traditional masted ship)
One memorable way to explore some of Indonesia’s hidden gems is on a phinisi, or traditional masted sailing ship. The team at Scott Dunn has access to the best of these boats, not to mention the best crews, for exploring the pristine beauty of this huge archipelago. On board Tiger Blue for instance, you can sail to Raja Ampat described as the “Last Paradise on Earth,” mountainous islands with forested coastlines, idyllic white-sand beaches and stunning marine life.
Visiting Borobudur
The Expat Living team has been lucky enough to visit Villa Borobudur Resort. And we can tell you now that it has a location to be envied! It’s positioned on the hillside of the Menoreh mountains in Central Java, overlooking a vast valley of lush vegetation and the renowned Merapi volcano. It’s also just 3km from the world’s largest Buddhist temple, Borobudur.
The seven uniquely designed villas on site all come with personal staff and private swimming pools, and an emphasis on privacy, while the colourful and flavourful food reflects authentic Indonesian culinary traditions.
Guests can expect around-the-clock personal service. And a full range of activities and services that explore Javanese nature, culture and arts. There are sunset yoga classes to take part in or sunrise meditation sessions in the temples surrounding the resort. Or, you can hike the region’s volcanoes, experience a memorable road-trip or cycling session, and even discover Javanese spirituality. Tailored programmes and offers are available too. So, if you have a particular holiday wish list you want to satisfy, do ask about it.
+62 851 0052 5520 | villaborobudurresort.com
An Indonesia travel guide
# The basics
Population: 277 million
Capital: Jakarta
Religion: Predominantly Muslim, but Hinduism is dominant in Bali
Emergency number: 112 (standard GSM number)
# Some trivia
- Indonesia is one of the largest producers of nutmeg in the world.
- There are over 700 indigenous languages across the country.
- Indonesia’s Komodo dragon is the largest living species of lizard, growing to three metres.
- The Indonesian flag has identical features to the flag of Monaco; it’s just a tiny bit wider.
# Indonesia’s travel hot spots
Popular destinations include Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Lombok, Aceh and Bintan, with Borobudur temple, Komodo National Park and Sumatra’s rainforests among the World Heritage Sites.
# Important questions
Do I need a visa?
Rules have changed in recent times, and most visitors are now required to apply for a visa on arrival, either online or at the airport.
What’s the money situation?
The official currency is the Indonesia rupiah (Rp) – currently, $1 million rupiah is worth approximately HK$500. There are ATMs throughout the country.
When’s the best time to travel Indonesia?
While it’s warm year round, rainfall is common from November to March. May to September is considered the driest time, but the north can also be wet throughout the year.
What’s the lingo?
The official language is Bahasa Indonesia (though English is widely spoken) – try “Selamat” for “hello” and “Terima kasih” for “thank you” for starters!
# Staying safe and healthy
- Malaria and dengue fever exist in parts of the country – use adequate protection and carry antimalarial medicine.
- Avoid swimming in freshwater streams and lakes as disease-causing organisms can be present.
- Unlabelled bottles of the locally distilled rice spirit called arak can have dangerous additives.
# Cultural things
What to read: This Earth of Mankind by Pramoedya Ananta Toer. This love story takes place at the end of the Dutch colonial period.
What to watch: Laskar Pelangi (“The Rainbow Troops”), telling the story of 10 school children and their two teachers on a Sumatran tin mining island
Notable quotes:
- “The firm tree does not fear the storm.” – Indonesian proverb
- “Because Indonesia is made up of thousands of islands, hundreds of languages and people from scores of regions and ethnic groups, my time here helped me appreciate the humanity of all people.” – Barack Obama
# Last but not least
What’s a must-try dish?
Gado gado – a salad of boiled vegetables served with a peanut sauce dressing. Also, on the Hindu island of Bali you mustn’t miss babi guling, or roast suckling pig.
What should I buy as a souvenir?
Puppets! Look for shadow puppets (wayang kulit) and also wooden doll puppets (wayang golek).
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