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11
Wednesday
January, 2017
AT 13:26

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....

Indonesia Photo Blog Research Trip 5
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.

Indonesia Photo Blog Research Trip 7
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.

Indonesia Photo Blog Research Trip 4
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.

Indonesia Photo Blog Research Trip 6
The absolutely stunning sunrise at Mount Bromo. An incredibly early start, but totally worth it for this sight!

Puri Ganesha 2
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.

Indonesia Photo Blog Research Trip 8
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.

Indonesia Photo Blog Research Trip 9
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

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Ampersand provided a bespoke and flexible holiday, tailored to my every whim. Their highly professional staff had only one goal which was to arrange an exceptional holiday and some unforgettable experiences in India. I have no hesitation in fully recommending them and they will be the first company I approach in the future - 10/10
- Anonymous, India

I thought the Ampersand team was outstanding. We couldn’t have hoped for anything more.
- Mr Geoffrey Johnson, India

We have just returned back from a wonderful trip. Thank you very much for organising everything. The transfer was excellent – for once they had perfect car seats. The villa was lovely, just what we needed and the hotel had helpfully put us as far away as possible from everyone else. The breakfast buffet was the best I have ever seen – and I am slightly obsessive over breakfast!! There was an incredible choice, something for everyone and so beautifully presented. A real highlight of the trip. Thank you again for sorting everything - and at such short notice!
- Redmayne family, Phuket

Ampersand’s preparation, attention to detail and interaction before and during our trip show exactly why good travel agents have a role in today’s internet booking age. They were a delight to deal with!
- Mr David Wallace, North India

Ballyfin was great - we loved it! Best things were the amount of space, it felt like you had the whole place to yourself, the history of the house, and the staff. We'd definitely recommend it. Thanks very much for all the help getting it booked!
- Mr Wyburd, Ireland

Everything you did for us whilst we were away was hugely appreciated, and Ampersand has been exemplary in every way. I'll always recommend you!
- Mr Richard Stoughton, Sri Lanka

So many highlights to choose from! The hotels were amazing but Maya Villa was a highlight… I loved just hanging out in the hammock reading my book and watching the peacocks chase the cows!
- Krista Weir, Sri Lanka

Difficult to choose the highlight of the trip, can’t choose between… 1) Taj Mahal & Oberoi Amarvilas. 2) Ranthambore. 3) Lake Palace. We have to say a particular thank you for selecting Parmod as our driver. He is a delightful and kind man who took our holiday and our enjoyment as his responsibility. Thank you for putting together such an amazing trip for us. The balance of city and rural destinations was perfect for us and the variety of rooms and hotel types brilliant. Our driver and guides also added so much to the trip with their knowledge of India’s history and culture and their willingness to discuss it both from a professional and personal angle.
- Carruthers family, North India

Difficult to articulate just how good the service from you and your team really was. We know you will continue to do well and hope we have the chance to seek your assistance again before long.
- Mr & Mrs Manson, North India

We really enjoyed the trip and were happy that we squeezed so much into a few short days. The Burmese people were lovely and the sites were fantastic. We really enjoyed the balloon ride and would highly suggest it to others in the future. The trip went super smoothly and a good time plus learning happened for all. Yangon was nice as the Strand was quite amazing and we of course loved the giant gold temple. Many thanks for all of your help and look forward to future travel with you.
- Wallace Family, Burma

We had a wonderful holiday - everything was perfect. Thank you for helping us to make a thoughtful plan to enjoy and make most out of our trip. The places we visited, the guides, the transportation and driver, the hotels selected... Everything was great!
- Jaime Benitez, South India

I barely know where to begin... though a sincere 'thank you' would be the best. You have organised this trip perfectly. May was an inspiring and delightful companion in Myanmar – thoroughly professional and friendly at the same time. My accommodation throughout has been superb, especially The Governor's Residence and The Mandarin Oriental. The view from the cottage at Inle Lake was beautiful and I loved every moment of being there. And here I am now on the last leg of this extended holiday at my favourite place. I could stay here for ever, the peace, silence and surroundings all amazing, plus the people and the whole aura of Vana. Thank you for much, and I look forward to speaking to you on my return.
- Ms Margulies, Burma, India & Thailand

I would recommend Ampersand without any hesitation!!! The best travel agent that I’ve ever had. Everything – from the individual care and attention in planning the trip, through to the efficiency of the agents on the ground in India – was handled brilliantly. An absolutely first-class service all round!
- Matthew Annable, Rajasthan, India

I had a very lovely time and was looked after splendidly. My first visit to India could not have been better, save for being longer! But I shall return at some point and I shall look to you to make the arrangements.
- Matthew Nicklin, North India

Without question, you put together the best trip I have ever taken. We were shown around like visiting dignitaries, the hotels were fantastic and the itinerary was just right. Everybody I know will hear about how amazing Ampersand is!
- Leslie Siben, India

Getting to Amanpulo from Manila was very simple and the beach was the most beautiful I’d ever been on; pristine white sand, not a single piece of rubbish in sight. You get your own solar powered golf buggy to drive around resort (and a butler at request). The views from the Hillside Casita were spectacular!
- Mr Wyburd, Philippines

Photoblog: Emily's Top 10 Highlights in Indonesia

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