Kalimantan
Go for: close wildlife encounters
A trip to Kalimantan, known as Indonesian Borneo, offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience for nature-loving adventurers. “It’s one of the only remaining places in the world where you can still see wild orangutans,” says McLean. “Their territory is shrinking by the day.” The main nature preserves where visitors can see the endemic primates in Kalimantan include Tanjung Puting National Park and Kutai National Park. The best way to get a unique, immersive experience that offers close encounters with wildlife is by booking a two-night, private klotok (houseboat) tour that takes you through the river, and into the heart of the rainforest.
Aside from close encounters with the orangutans and other rare species of flora and fauna, McLean says another highlight is the celestial spectacle. “At night, the boat will pull along the banks of the river where there is no light pollution and you can take in the stunning nighttime star show.” Of course, there are hotel and resort alternatives on land.
Where to stay in Kalamintan: One such land-based resort is the Shangri-La Rasa Ria, Kota Kinabalu, a gorgeous and well-appointed property with a 64-acre nature reserve, an 18-hole golf course, 6 restaurants, and 2 outdoor swimming pools—one of which is oceanside.
Raja Ampat
Go for: a haven that draws dive bums and nature lovers
When it comes to awe-inspiring, off-the-beaten path destinations in Indonesia, you’d be hard-pressed not to find Raja Ampat on the list. With its majestic limestone karsts, thriving mangrove forests, and unrivaled marine biodiversity (with 75% of the world’s coral species and over 1,500 fish species), the Indonesian archipelago is a truly singular destination. “It is not the easiest place to reach, but that is exactly why it feels so special,” says Norman. From either Jakarta or Makassar, visitors have to take a domestic flight to Sorong, then a two-hour ferry or private boat to Waisai—a small town that serves as the main gateway to the islands. Divers who want to maximize their time exploring the area’s marine wonders should consider liveaboard stays. Other options include luxury eco-resorts and cozy homestays.
Where to stay in Raja Ampat: Misool a private island resort and conservation center located in southern Raja Ampat, surrounded by some of the most diverse coral reefs in the world in its own own 300,000-acre Misool Marine Reserve, which the property established in 2005. As for a convenient stay in Southwest Papua located near the airport, spend a night at Aston Sorong Hotel.
