Last week, I took a break from retelling my dolphin watching experience to share why Indonesia topped my list of countries to visit solo for the first time. Let’s continue!
A Mermaid and Surfer’s Paradise in One
“I will travel to Indonesia for its waves”, I told myself one day after a seven-hour surf session in my home break here in Davao Oriental. Looking how the blue waters crashed onto the shore, I secretly made that wish. Hoping that one day, I’d get to see the legendary waves and ride them myself. I wouldn’t want to waste perfect waves once I got the chance to surf in Indonesia so I promised myself I would constantly challenge myself to improve, thinking of my dream which is to one day, surf in Indonesia.
Padang and Uluwatu are iconic and famous not only for their perfect barrels but for its picturesque entry cave. I could imagine myself paddling or walking through that cave on my way to the lineup, giddy with excitement. I’ll make sure to befriend some of the locals so I could nicely ask them to take photos of me along the iconic cliffs overlooking the coast.
Gili Trawangan, Lombok and the Rote Islands and Sumbawa Islands in Lesser Sunda are next on my list of places to surf in Indonesia. With both secret and not-so-secret spots that have lesser crowds than the more famous spots, these are places that I’d keep pushing myself to be a better surfer so I wouldn’t waste perfect waves.
In the event that the waves would be too big, I’d still be happy and content snorkeling around the reef in these magical places. After all, Indonesia is still a mermaid’s paradise with its fabled underwater gardens.
Finally, my number one spot that I would love to see is the Mentawai Islands in Sumatra. Known to have the most consistent breaks that really get one barreled, it’s a dream to swim in these waters. I don’t know yet if my skills would earn me a right there but I’d love to swim the many islets and flawless reef with sun blue waters.
Indonesia: where you can mingle one night and then be one with nature the next.
Every year nearly 10 million visitors attracted to the beauty that is Indonesia, for a first- timer, it might be hard to think of places where you can find peace amidst the tourist throngs. Good thing there are blissful places in Indonesia where one can escape the crowd, which is a good thing for me because it can get socially exhausting being on the road by yourself so a break communing with nature is a welcome respite.
Ubud – the nucleus of Bali’s thriving arts, culinary and yoga scenes, hailed by Lonely Planet writer Trent Holden, is a place not to be missed. Meeting fellow travelers who’ve been to this magical place swears by its irresistible charm of stunning green rice fields that immediately calm the senses.
Sideman, which is a 45-minute drive has Bali’s highest peak, Gunung Agung where its vista forms an immediately Instagrammable backdrop to any photo. Munduk, another town with chill vibes, offers solitude among nature and options to hiking up in mountains scented by spice plantations. With waterfalls as another big attraction, this can be the perfect place to relax your tired muscles with a swim.
Attracting a new breed of travelers looking for a chill island to discover, Nusa Penida is emerging as one of Bali’s new hot spots for diving and seeing sunfish and manta rays! Personally, this is a no-brainer for me. Who wouldn’t want to go see these marine creatures in their beautiful natural habitat? Also, the same writer gives us tips to explore the island on a motorbike, see its temples, isolated beaches, and waterfalls!
Writing this wish list down makes me realize that there’s still so much about Indonesia I haven’t written, and how a few days would not be enough to see everything that makes Indonesia easy to fall in love with. It’s beauty ranging from ridge to reef with its locals as diverse its natural attractions, Indonesia is a gem waiting to be discovered by those daring to step onto its shores.
For sun seekers, passionate surfers and adventure travelers, what better country to visit for the first time? Whether solo or with friends, Indonesia (without question) tops my list. How about you, when are you going?
