Travel Indonesia

With over 17,000 islands, all with their own unique sights, sounds, and tastes, Indonesia was definitely on our list of places that we wanted to travel to. We have been to Bali years ago and were amazed by the people and the nature. So, it was an easy decision to continue our slow travel in Indonesia.

Royal Palace Ubud Bali Indonesia — Royal Palace Ubud

Sumatra

After a wet month of traveling around Taiwan, the first stop of our slow travel in Indonesia plan was Sumatra. Why Sumatra? That might be a good question. But for us, our goal was clear- we wanted to see orangutans in the wild! And Sumatra is one of the last places in the world where you can still see these magnificent gentle giants in the wild. So, we made a one-month plan to travel to Sumatra.

The capital city of Sumatra is Medan. We didn’t know much about the city but got lucky as we met some golfing ex-pats who took us under their wings to get some Quick Pars while in Medan. We spent some lazy days in Medan, exploring the city with the best 7 things it has to offer, James got a haircut, and – heavenly for me – we drank as much delicious coffee as we could!

From Medan, we went to the largest volcanic lake in the world, Lake Toba. While at Lake Toba, we met Franz, who we liked to call the Globetrotting Baker, and had a taste of home. We made the most of our time there as we got stranded at Lake Toba! And let us make one thing clear: Lake Toba is not only a weekend destination!

In all, we spent a month in Sumatra and wondered if we had stayed here too long.

Seeing an Orangutan in the Wild

Lazy Days in Medan – Welcome to Sumatra

7 Things you should do when you’re in Medan

The Hairdresser of your Confidence

Franz, the Globetrotting Baker

Stranded at Lake Toba

Lake Toba – Just a Weekend Destination?

Sumatra – A Reflection

Orangutan enjoying his coconut Sumatra — Orangutan enjoying his coconut

Bintan

Not everyone has a trip to Bintan, Indonesia on their travel bucket list. The reason why is, well, because not many people have heard of Bintan. After all, Bintan, isn’t that an Indonesian beer? No, not exactly. So, what is Bintan?

Bintan is a beautiful Indonesian island that is easily reachable from Singapore. Or from Johor, Malaysia. We were looking forward to this trip as we decided on a beach holiday, spoiling ourselves with a fabulous stay at the Banyan Tree Bintan!

A Trip to Bintan in Indonesia

View from our Resort in Bintan, Indonesia — View from our Resort in Bintan

Bali

For as long as I can remember, I have always wanted to travel to Bali. I guess I can’t really say why. It was just a feeling from the very beginning, and I am an emotional person who, perhaps, too often listens to my heart instead of my mind. For me, Bali embodies friendliness, mysticism, and nature. And when I heard the term “Bali Smile” for the first time, it was clear to me: I have to go there!

So, when we were in Indonesia, it was an easy decision for us to return to Bali. I must admit that it was a little more hustle and bustle than our first time, but when we escaped to the side streets, I felt the true Bali again- ah yes, there it is- Welcome back to Bali!

And we did find out that it is still possible to travel slowly in Ubud!