Here are the best trails that hiking in Indonesia has in store for you:
1. Kakaban Island, East KalimantanKakaban Island is known for being one of the only places in the world that is home to stingless jellyfish. It is also home to untouched forests and gorgeous reefs. The Kakaban Island hike is famous for its stunning views and crystal clear waters. You get to walk through a dense mangrove forest and to swim in the lake with the stingless jellyfish. Snorkelling can also be arranged on request, making this one of the most diverse experiences while hiking in Indonesia.
Duration of the hike: 2 hours
Distance covered: Difficulty Level: Beginner - 2/10
Location: Kakaban Island, Berau
Fee: IDR 10,000 per person per day
2. Mount Kelimutu
Mount Kelimetu is known for the tri-coloured lakes located at a height of 1639 m. Collectively called the Kelimutu Lake, these colour-changing, volcanic lakes are the crown jewels of Flores. The Mount Kelimutu hiking trail is convenient, yet demanding, owing to its elevation. It is recommended to start the hike in the early hours so that you can catch the sunrise.
Duration of the hike: 4-5 hours3. Mount Bromo and the Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park
Distance covered: 20 km
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Location: Moni, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara
Fee: IDR 150,000 per person
The Mount Bromo hike usually consists of two parts. It starts with sunrise at Mount Penanjakan that also offers a full view of Mount Bromo. It is then followed by a hike to the top of Mount Bromo to explore its crater. You can expect to witness constant views of smouldering volcanoes throughout the duration of this trek.
Duration of the hike: 1 - 2 hours4. Mount Rinjani
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Location: Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park, Jawa Timur
Fee: IDR 320,000
The Mount Rinjani trek is one of the most popular trails for hiking in Indonesia, famous for its seclusion and breathtaking views. Mount Rinjani is the second-highest volcano in Indonesia. The trail is considered to be challenging, even for experienced hikers. You get to hike through different kinds of ecosystems, during the trek.
Duration of the hike: 3 - 4 days5. Padar Island and Komodo National Park
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Location: Mount Rinjani, Sembalun Lawang, East Lombok Regency
Fee: IDR 150,000
Padar Island is a part of the expansive Komodo National Park. It is mostly uninhabited and makes for a serene and quiet trail. The beautiful, hilly landscape is still an unchartered territory, often attracting people to come and explore it. Since it’s an island, you can be sure to be surrounded by gorgeous views of the sea. In addition to the hike, you can also snorkel among the island’s reefs.
Duration of the hike: 3 - 4 hours6. Mount Ijen
Difficulty Level: Intermediate
Location: Padar Island, Komodo National Park, Nusa Tenggera Timur
Fee: IDR 15,000
The Ijen crater is regarded as one of the most stunning volcanoes in Indonesia. The blue lake billows out poisonous fumes, creating an ethereal scene. These fumes are a rare natural phenomenon and are popularly known as the “blue fire”. It is recommended to wear a sulphur mask for the duration of this hike, in order to protect yourself from the fumes.
Duration of the hike: 3 hours7. Baliem Valley, West Papua
Distance covered: 3 km
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Location: Mount Ijen, Tamansari, Licin, Banyuwangi Regency
Fee: IDR 150,000
Baliem Valley is one of the best destinations to experience authentic Papuan culture, housing the most isolated populations in the world, and is also home to some of the best trails for hiking in Indonesia. The Baliem Valley trek is guaranteed to offer breathtaking views of the abundant countryside. It also provides the trekkers with an opportunity to interact with the villagers in the area and learn about their ancient traditions.
Duration of the hike: 6 to 8 days (one way)8. Wae Rebo
Difficulty Level: Difficult
Location: Wamena, Kabupaten Jayawijaya, Papua
Fee: IDR 200,000
Wae Rebo is a village in East Nusa Tenggera, popular for its iconic traditional houses. It is a serene and secluded location that is set against a picturesque mountain view. The hikers usually get to spend a day or two in the Mbaru Niang houses and interact with the friendly locals. You can also buy local handwoven handicrafts before the descent.
Duration of the hike: 3 days9. Sipiso-Piso Waterfall, Northern Sumatra
Difficulty Level: Moderately Difficult
Location: Satar Lenda, Satar Mese Barat, Manggarai, Nusa Tenggera Timur
Fee: IDR 350,000
The 120 m tall Sipiso-Piso Waterfall is a treat for photographers and nature enthusiasts. Hikers have to climb down 600 steps to reach the waterfall’s pool. The entire trail of the hike is surrounded by irresistible views.
Duration of the hike: 1 - 2 hours10. Gunung Api, Banda Islands
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Location: Sidikalang, Sumbul Satu, North Sumatra
Fee: IDR 4,000
The Gunung Api trek is a tough climb that results in some of the most gorgeous sea views. Banda Islands is a deserted volcanic island that presently has two hiking trails. Both trails are made of small volcanic stones that add to the difficulty of the trek. However, the gorgeous views of the surrounding blue water will soon make you forget your hardships, making this one of the most rewarding hikes in Indonesia.
Duration of the hike: 3 hours
Distance covered: 666 m
Difficulty Level: Moderately Difficult
Location: Banda Api, Nusantara, Banda, Central Maluku Regency
