Photoblog: Emily's Top 10 Highlights in Indonesia

Ampersand has been organising tailor-made holidays to Indonesia for the last thirteen years, yet after all this time, we are still discovering hidden gems and isolated edens on our yearly research trips. With over 17,500 islands, the world’s largest archipelago offers a greater variety of sights, sounds, culture and customs than possibly anywhere else on the planet, meaning that this splendid mixing pot has something to appeal to almost everyone. And now, Indonesia has never been so well equipped to show off the best of itself.

Our Indonesia specialist Emily, embarked on a particularly intense five-week recce of the country. Island hopping and leaving no stone unturned, she discovered new hotels, reviewed old favourites and rekindled valued friendships. Here are her top ten highlights from her exciting travels....


Ijen Resort & Villas is the only luxury hotel in East Java, but is the perfect place to explore the fabled Ijen Crater, one of the most beautiful in the world. The dramatic views of verdant rice terraces, and streams threading through beautiful forested alpine, makes for a very special place.


The beautiful and sustainable Bambu Indah captures the essence of Bali perfectly. Peaceful and refreshing, a stay here will have you immersed in the surrounding nature in complete luxury.


An Ampersand favourite, Alila Villas, Uluwatu is a sophisticated cutting edge luxury hotel with dramatic views over the ocean.


Borobudur is a 9th century Buddhist temple surrounded by a supremely beautiful landscape of impossibly green rice fields, and overlooked by soaring volcanic peaks. The area is known as the garden of Java.


Amanjiwo is a spiritual haven with views of the Buddhist sanctuary, Borobudur, on Java's Kedu Plain. With tall walls, dramatic domes and curved colonnades this luxury hotel is just as memorable as Borobudur itself.


The absolutely stunning sunrise at Mount Bromo. An incredibly early start, but totally worth it for this sight!


Puri Ganesha is a delightfully bohemian hotel, bursting with local artefacts, Indonesian crafts and colourful antiques. Run by Diana von Cranach and her husband Gusti, this charming hotel is both stylish and comforting.


The Komodo Islands are known for being home to the world's most mythical creatures. But they also offer some of the best snorkelling with plenty of marine flora and fauna to be spotted.


Plataran Komodo Resort & Spa; a stunning hotel, embraced by the secluded sun kissed Waecicu beach on the island of Flores, sets the standard for beach living. Arrive by boat, just ten minutes from Labuan Bajo, and you will feel miles away from any modern distraction.


The super moon over The Oberoi, Lombok at sunset.

Emily knows all there is to know about this fabulous and varied country, so for more information or to start planning your tailor-made holiday to Indonesia, please contact her:

emily@ampersandtravel.com // +44 (0) 207 819 9770