Maluku,Irian and Nusa Tenggara

Maluku

Formerly known as ‘the Moluccas’, these petite little morsels of paradise are a dream-come-true for seekers of superb snorkelling and picture-perfect white-sand beaches. Protected from mass tourism by distance and a (now outdated) reputation for civil unrest, this is one corner of the world where dreamy desert islands remain remarkably hospitable and inexpensive. In Maluku everything still moves delightfully slowly, except perhaps the lilting sound of Poco Poco, the home-grown answer to line dancing. With rustic but acceptable facilities and not another tourist for miles, this is somewhere to wind down a few gears, to learn Bahasa Indonesia and to revel in a tropical discovery that seems almost too good to be true.
Maluku also offers a thrill for history buffs. The Moluccas were the original ‘Spice Islands’. Indian, Chinese, Arab and, later, European adventurers all came here in search of cloves and nutmeg. Until the 16th century such spices were worth their weight in gold and grew nowhere else. Thus in Maluku money literally ‘grew on trees’. Today it’s incredible to reflect that the search for this wealth began the whole process of European colonialism.
Maluku is remote and timetables aren’t always convenient. Nonetheless, with regular flights into the region, and some flexibility and planning once here, it’s possible to snorkel thebrilliant Bandas, explore the beach strewn Kei Islands, survey North Maluku’s mesmerising volcano-islands and explore ruined Dutch fortresses

Irian

Papua’s mystique piques the imagination of the explorer, naturalist, anthropologist, politician and traveller in you. What about Papua (formerly known as Irian Jaya) would not intrigue? The diversity in lifestyle and culture of the indigenous people, who speak more than 250 languages, is matched only by Papua’s biodiversity and geography. The terrain covering half of New Guinea, the planet’s second-largest island, ranges from the misty peak of Puncak Jaya (5050m) – which features permanent snowfields and small glaciers – to the steamy island groups of Biak and Raja Ampat, just shy of the equator. Endemic wildlife gracing this vast expanse of jungle, mountain, swamp and sea include such weird and wonderful creatures as cassowaries, dugongs, showy cenderawasih (birds of paradise), egg-laying echidnas and tree-dwelling monitor lizards.

Though much of the region is covered by impenetrable jungle, most inhabitants live in and around coastal towns. Almost all visitors head to the Baliem Valley, home to some of the most remarkable traditional cultures on earth, while others are drawn to the art of the Asmat region, or the bird life and coral reefs of the northern coast and islands.

With its limited infrastructure, administrative sloth, political strife that continually keeps hot spots off-limits to foreigners, and an equatorial clime that puts siesta time in effect between 1pm and 5pm, Papua poses a few travel challenges. To those willing to accept, the rewards flow with a generosity as life-sustaining as Papua’s brown tributaries ribboning through its thick, enigmatic jungle canopy

Nusa Tenggara

Lombok and Sumbawa are the two largest islands in West Nusa Tenggara. Mataram, on Lombok, is the capital of the province. Scenery and surf are the best of what Sumbawa has to offer. Sumbawa’s rugged, scenic landscape is only enjoyed by the most hard core trekkers while surfers find their bliss at the surf camps in Sekongkang and Hu’u.

Of the roughly 550 islands in the province of East Nusa Tenggara, Flores, Sumba, Komodo, Rinca, and West Timor have the bulk of the population and receive the lion’s share of visitors.

Flores is a jewel of vibrantly beautiful scenery, culture, ample diving, snorkeling, and white sand beaches. The three colored lakes nestled in the crater at the summit of Kelimutu volcano are easily the highlight of Flores. Now days the three lakes colors are turquoise, green, and brown, but the colors have changed over the years due to minerals from the volcano dissolving into the water.

Sumba is the place to go to experience a tribal culture that is unmatched anywhere else in Nusa Tenggara. There are many traditional villages with traditional high roofed houses, beautifully carved megalithic stone tombs, and the finest Ikat weavings to be found anywhere. February and March bring the Pasola - horsemen armed with spears charging each other in a contest to spill human blood, thus ensuring a good harvest.

Komodo and Rinca are part of the World Heritage site, Komodo National Park – home the 100kg, three meter long, Komodo dragon. Known as Ora by the locals, the Komodo dragon was once a legend in the West until explorers confirmed their existence just over 100 years ago. 

Having no natural predators puts these giant lizards at the top of the food chain. They regularly dine on creatures such as water buffalo and wild pig.

West Timor shares its island with the independent nation of East Timor. The city of Kupang is the capital of East Nusa Tenggara, the center of business, and the busiest air hub in Nusa Tenggara, providing connections throughout Indonesia. West Timor has good trekking, snorkeling, and beach options, as well as traditional villages that readily welcome visitors. Lacking a well developed tourism infrastructure, it’s best suited to independent travelers who are used to making their own way.