September’s beautiful blue skies and toasty temperatures make it an excellent time to visit Indonesia. With the summer crowds dwindling, you can enjoy the country’s awe-inspiring scenery (think active volcanoes and clear waters) and learn about its cultural heritage (we’re talking captivating temples and traditional dances). Need more convincing? Read on for our roundup of reasons to visit Indonesia in September…
- For the volcanic hikes
- For the diving adventures
- For the ornate temples
- For the traditional dances
- For the island-hopping
For the volcanic hikes
First up on our list reasons to visit Indonesia in September is the dry weather which makes for prime hiking conditions. Head to Java and you can take your pick from over 100 volcanoes for a scenic sunrise trek. The famous Mount Bromo is a great option if you’re after an adventurous ascent or there’s Mount Semeru if you fancy ticking off the highest peak in Java. For some serious kudos points, hike up Kawah Ijen, a volcano known for its blue acidic lava (gas mask and expert guide required!). Over on Bali, Mount Batur is a must, with sweeping views of Lake Batur from the summit.
For the diving adventures
Next up on our list of reasons to visit Indonesia in September is the excellent diving conditions. As part of the Coral Triangle (which contains 75% of the world’s coral diversity), Indonesia’s waters are brimming with magnificent marine life. Dive over the reefs of Cape Kri, in Raja Ampat, for sightings of diverse fish species from parrotfish to angelfish or plunge into Komodo National Park’s waters to spot manta rays and dolphins. While Bali is sometimes overlooked when it comes to underwater landscapes, the far east of the island around Tulamben offers exciting wreck diving.
Image by Salva Lopez
For the ornate temples
There’s never a bad time to learn about Indonesia’s architectural heritage and step inside one of the archipelago’s sacred temples. Often used for daily worship and religious ceremonies, these trapped-in-time temples are scattered far and wide. The Borobudur Temple in central Java – a UNESCO World Heritage site and the largest Buddhist temple in the world – is a must-visit, featuring intricate carvings and large statues. Over on Bali, don’t miss Besakih Temple, the largest and holiest Hindu temple complex on the island; Taman Saraswati, a serene spot in the heart of Ubud; and Tanah Lot (translating to ‘Land in the Sea’), a coastal temple set on a dramatic rocky outcrop.
For the traditional dances
September is the perfect time to catch a cultural dance performance in Indonesia. In Bali, witness the traditional Kecak dance concert at Uluwatu Temple’s amphitheatre or venture into the green hills of Ubud for a night of fire-kicking and acapella chanting. And don’t miss an afternoon viewing of the Barong dance at Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park – it’s a religious performance of the battle between good and evil. While you’re there, be sure to check out the immense statue of the Hindu god Vishnu (at almost 400ft tall, it’s hard to miss).
For the island-hopping
Island-hopping under sunny skies is one of our favourite reasons to visit Indonesia in September. As the summer crowds disperse, visit the surfing hotspot of Jimbaran in Bali for some crashing waves or head to the region’s vanilla sand beaches to sunbathe in peace. Afterwards, hop over to the Komodo Islands (the three main islands are Rinca, Padar and Komodo) for a run-in with the world’s largest lizards – Komodo dragons – or dig your feet into Padar Island’s famous pink sands. A boat trip to Lombok and the villages of Tetebatu is also a must (look out for dolphins on route), as is a trip to Flores and its dazzling crater lakes.
Written by Amy Larsen
