Indonesia's 8 most amazing hikes: waterfalls, volcanoes, and jungles
Most visitors to Indonesia come for the sun, sand, world-class surf, and Instagram photos. But beyond the well-trodden tourist trail, this vast country offers so much more: volcanoes, carpets of deep green jungle, tropical islands with reality-defying views, and deceptively dangerous lakes, so beautiful they almost beg you to dive straight in.
Despite being home to more than 17,000 islands, Indonesia’s best hikes are relatively accessible. Hiking tours and leaders are available for the most popular treks, especially for routes near or on volcanoes, which can't even be attempted without a local guide. A number of other hikes require a nominal entry fee.
Just remember to come prepared, and be ready for the unique adventure that only trekking in Indonesia can offer. Here are the best hikes in Indonesia.
Mt Batur, Bali
Best sunrise hike
Despite being the general entry point for trekking in Indonesia, the hike up Mt Batur is truly amazing. Framed by the distant peaks of Mt Rinjani and Mt Agung, the sky burns with color if you summit in time for sunrise. You'll need to get up early to cherish the experience, though – most travelers leave their hotels at 3:30am – and you'll find yourself sharing the peak with plenty of other like-minded hikers and tourists.
The climb itself is generally easy, on a meandering, well-trodden trail. It suits most hikers with a base level of fitness, and there are several spots to rest along the way. Come prepared with water, a headlamp (if you have one), and a good jacket for that cold, crisp morning air on top of the volcano. Read More...