Maybe you are sat at a desk- quite possibly the same one you’ve been sitting at for the past few months and staring wistfully out of the window. Imagine replacing your same-old view with an unending panaroma of ocean. The only break in the blue of the sea and white of the sand- a cool drink in your peripheral vision. The Gili Islands offer endless beauty with a whole series of stunning beaches and islands. Snorkel your way across to different bays and breathe in the surroundings. There are 3 Gili islands and all their own distinct identiyy. For remote tranquility we’d recommend the gorgeous Gili Meno– ideal for seclusion, untouched beauty and getting back a feeling of utter zen. Gili Air has relaxed beaches, a fun social scene and some of the region’s best dining options. Our favourite is Gili Trawangan where we spend the last 3 nights of our backpacker tour. It’s got a bohemian feel, plenty of things to do and, as you’d expect, an array of beauty spots.
It’s not only natural beauty that you might feel you need to break the shackles of 2020 but perhaps a small dose of spirituality. We’ll visit some of Indonesia’s most important cultural spots relating to both Islam and Buddhism. The temples in Yogyakarta provide an insight into how previous generations have dealt with challenges. Sneak off and take a few moments to soak it all in and gain a bit of perspective.
Perhaps you’ve taken the opportunity to get fit during the various global lockdowns. If so- it’s a good chance to try the exercise routine in a more dramatic location. When you are jogging around the same old routes- think of type of places you can get stretch your legs in 2021 whilst in Indonesia. There’s nowhere more striking than hiking up to the edge of a volcanic crater and marvelling at the crater-side vistas. Even if you haven’t used lockdown as a reason to get fit- the prospect of a once in a lifetime view-point- should be enough to stir you into action and generate a few endorphins. You can also choose to explore the island of Gili Trangawan on a bike and burn off a few calories whilst admiring the views.
You can also try your hand at surfing in Canggu with a lesson from our local surfing instructor. This sport can be as intense or as chilled as you want to be but, at it’s best, it provides an alternative way to take in the natural splendour of one of Bali’s best beaches. Don’t be afraid to push yourself and who knows- you might end up with a skill for life!
It’s fair to say that 2020 probably hasn’t been a year of decadence, relaxation and spoiling ourselves. So- that’s all the more reason to make sure you give yourself a well deserved set of rewards on a 2021 Indonesia tour. Bali, Java and the Gili Islands will not disappoint hedonists or serenity-seekers with a whole array of rewarding activities on offer. You could wine and dine on the beach with succulent seafood and ocean views. You can find out more about the best of the food options or read our guide about being vegetarian or vegan in Indonesia. If it’s a big night out that you’ve been missing then there’s ample opportunities to party the night away on some of the Balinese beaches. Or if you just want to really unwind then why not treat yourself to a beach-side massage and simply soak away the pressures.
As a community of travellers, we are passionate about improving the world around and making a positive impact to the place we visit. Indonesia is a developing nation and draws much of its income from tourism. As with so many other destinations, this source of revenue has been decimated by the impact of the virus and travel bans. This is particularly devastating in many of the areas we visit where their natural beauty means they’re set up for visitors. Just by visiting the nation, spending money in restaurants and bars and contributing to the economy- you’ll be doing the country a favour and helping support the incomes of those who work in the industry. What better excuse to have an extra drink- you’ll be doing a good deed for the world! At The Dragon Trip, we take our role seriously and employ locally, pay suppliers directly and are proud to be contributing towards Indonesia’s tourism industry.
It’s not only human life that we are helping to support but also the pioneering work done by our friends at Cikanaga Wildlife Centre. This centre helps to rehabilitate wild animals who have been rescued from the illegal pet trade where their fortunes would not be good. They help to ensure that these creatures are nursed back to health after their rescue. The staff there are truly inspiring and offer incredible insights into how they treat these majestic creatures.
Ready to explore Indonesia? Take a look at our tour here, or browse our other adventure travel tours. Drop us a message in the chat box below or send us an email at trips@thedragontrip.com to find out more!
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