National Geographic Traveller (UK)
Travel Geeks
NEED ADVICE FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP? ARE YOU AFTER RECOMMENDATIONS, TIPS AND GUIDANCE? THE TRAVEL GEEKS HAVE THE ANSWERS…
The experts’ travel manual
Q // I’m planning a two-week trip to Indonesia next October. Where would you recommend at that time of year: North and South Sulawesi, Flores and Komodo or West Sumatra?
Essentially, it comes down to what you want to do most with the two weeks up your sleeve.
In theory, October marks the beginning of the wet season in the regions you mention, but Indonesia’s climate isn’t as predictable as it once was.
It’s worth noting the monsoon might not be all-day torrential rain, though that can happen. More often it’s a short, heavy fall, bookended by sunny, or at least not rainy, weather.
Without using domestic flights, two weeks won’t go far in North and South Sulawesi. Due to poor roads, travel can take longer than you might expect — more so after heavy rain. From Makassar, head south to Bira for a few days of beach and island time. Then drive to Tana Toraja for three or four nights. From there, push on to the Togean Islands, or return to Makassar to fly to Manado for
Bunaken. Both are excellent for diving and relaxing — regardless of the weather.
Flores and Komodo lend themselves better to a two-week trip, no matter what the weather. Fly into Maumere in eastern
Flores and spend a week working your way back west.
In West Sumatra, Bukittinggi is a decent place to base yourself. From there, make your way to the Harau Valley and take up residence in a homestay for a few days. With your second week, head to the Mentawais for a few days by the beach. For your last stop, how about a trek just over the border into South Sulawesi in the shadow of the majestic Mount Kerinci volcano? WildSumatra is a reputable eco walking tour company that can help. A two-day trek to Mount Kerinci starts from £184 per person. wildsumatra.com travelfish.org STUART MCDONALD